Eligibility

Registration is open to students aged 5 and up. Students must be able to travel to the studio for their weekly lesson and have regular access to a piano or a full-size (88-key) weighted keyboard.

Scheduling

Lessons are given weekly at a consistent day and time throughout the school year, beginning the Monday after Labor Day in September and running until the last full week of June.

School Breaks and Holidays

There are four recesses during the school year during which the studio will be closed: Thanksgiving Break, Winter Holiday Break (2 weeks), February Break (the week of Presidents' Day), and Spring Break (near Easter). Studio breaks always last the entire week, which ensures all students can receive the same number of lessons regardless of which day of the week their lesson is scheduled for. The studio will not close for short holidays such as MLK Jr. Day or Memorial Day. Dates for all recesses and other important events are posted on the student portal calendar prior to the start of the school year.

Recesses for the 2026-27 School Year will be as follows:

• Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 23–27

• Winter Holiday Recess: Dec. 21–Jan. 1

• February Break: Feb. 15–19

• Spring Break: Mar. 29–Apr. 2

Virtual Lessons

The studio offers lessons in-person and remotely via Microsoft Teams. In-person lessons are strongly recommended. Virtual lessons are not appropriate for all students and therefore must be pre-approved by the teacher. Students may request a virtual lesson as needed due to illness or transportation issues; however, the teacher requests at least two hours' advance notice of such changes.

Student Portal

All students, parents, and caretakers registered on the student’s account will be granted access to the student portal following the initial lesson. Children may use the portal if they have an email address; however, the portal will not allow them to access invoices, payment records, or other financial information.

Instrument Requirements

All students should have daily access to an acoustic piano or an 88-key weighted-action keyboard with a sustain pedal and an appropriate seat.

Materials

Students are responsible for purchasing their own books and materials. Students should remember to bring all relevant practice materials to each lesson including method books, scores, practice sheets, and other materials required for study.

Tuition

Tuition is billed at a fixed monthly rate regardless of the number of lessons attended. Absences, teacher illness, holidays, and scheduled studio breaks do not affect the tuition rate. Tuition is not billed during the studio's summer break in July and August.

Make-up Lessons

In the event of an absence, students may request a make-up lesson at no additional cost. Please note that make-up lessons are subject to the teacher's availability and therefore cannot be guaranteed.

Payment

Invoices will be emailed monthly to the primary recipient on the student's account, with payment due by the end of the month. Payment may be made via auto-pay, PayPal using the "Pay Now" button on your invoice, check, or cash. Please note, online payments, including auto-pay, will include a 3% surcharge to cover processing fees.

Regular and Discounted Tuition Rates

All students will be billed at the regular tuition rate. Students who remain current on tuition payments for nine consecutive months, from September through May, will qualify for the School Year Discount (SYD). If this condition is met, the tuition fee for the tenth month (June) will be automatically waived.

Tuition rates for the 2026–27 school year are as follows:

• 30-minute lessons | $120 per month ($108* per month with SYD)

• 45-minute lessons | $155 per month ($139.50* per month with SYD)

• 60-minute lessons | $195 per month ($175.50* per month with SYD)

*The discounted rates shown above reflect the effective monthly cost of lessons for the entire school year (10 months) when qualified for the School Year Discount.

Expectations

The studio is not only a place of business, but also a family home with nearby neighbors. The teacher thusly reserves the right to refuse any student or visitor who does not conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to this setting. Students and their guests are expected to be on their best behavior while visiting the premises.

Respect for Teacher Privacy

Visitors are asked to stay within the bounds of the studio space, adjoining restroom, and ground floor of the foyer. All other areas of the house are considered family-only.

Using the Grand Piano

The teacher cannot run her business without a working piano, therefore all guests are expected to treat the piano and piano bench with the highest degree of care. The following behaviors are not allowed: Pushing, kicking, or standing on the foot pedals and pedal lyre; Lifting up or prying on the keys or dampers; Picking at the finish or making indentations with fingernails or other utensils; Handling the piano with excessive force; Standing or kneeling on the piano bench; Dragging or sliding the piano bench.

Parental Supervision

While children are always welcome at the studio, those left unattended present a liability for the teacher’s home and business. The teacher thusly reserves the right to cancel or postpone lessons for any minor until a parent or legal guardian can remain present for the duration of the visit.