Learning to play piano is an exciting and enriching activity. It's also one that requires a serious commitment to practice and lessons. I'm sure you'll agree with my philosophy that discipline and persistence are necessary in order to acheive any goal worth achieving. It is with this philosophy in mind, that I ask you recognize my only studio requirement:

Cancellation Policy: If a student needs to cancel a lesson for any reason, (this does happen) he or she must notify me 24 hours before the lesson. This gives me sufficient time to schedule another student during his or her time slot. Otherwise, the student is required to pay for the lesson.

When it is possible, I will make up the lesson in one of three ways.

1. We can reschedule for another time during the day of the original lesson.
2. We can make time on another day during the same week.
3. I can make myself available for an hour long lesson in a subsequent week.

-- Ellen McKenna

This policy was submitted by a piano teacher from Tennessee. She recommends that by asking students to commit to an entire year they will be less likely to miss lessons. Like all teachers, she makes an occasional exception and is always available to students who need or want extra help.

The course of piano study consists of 32 weekly lessons during the school year. However, tuition is based on 30 lessons and the student receives 2 "free" lessons during the year. No makeup or rearranged lessons will be given under any circumstances, including illness, school or personal events, weather, etc. Any lessons over one missed by the teacher will be made up. If a student finds that he is missing lessons because of a scheduling conflict, he should try to permanently rearrange his lesson time, if another time slot is available.

Tuition is based on the entire 32-week course of study and is due in full whether or not the student attends all lessons. A 10% non-refundable deposit will secure a student's place on the schedule. The 90% balance of tuition is then due in three installment payments. Tuition is non-refundable and due in its entirety as scheduled. A $20 late fee will be added to tuition payments over 10 days past due. If tuition is over 30 days past due, lessons will be suspended until all payments due have been made. However, tuition is still due in full and no adjustments are made for the suspended lessons. Payments may be made by check, cash, or Visa/MasterCard. Students who register for lessons during the year will be charge a pro-rated tuition.

Carol