Payments and Schedule
I see a monthly cost, but how much is it per lesson?
- In the school year session, my studio is open for 31 weeks of the 39-week session. If you came to every single lesson, you would be paying a rate of about $51/ 45-min lesson. (Take the cost of 9 months of whatever length lesson and divide it by 31.) Each lesson length is within 25 cents per hour of the others, but I've used whole numbers for simplified payment amounts.
- Your first month will be prorated, then for the remainder of the school session it will be the same as the chart above.
- Yes. But to keep my income and budget steady, I run my studio with monthly charges. Some months you get more than you pay for, some months you get less. It all evens out over the school session (and that’s why I prorate anyone who starts in the middle of the year—to make sure it evens out).
- Electronic payment is due by the 7th of each month, regardless of if you have had a lesson in the month yet or not. Include a $10 late fee if it is after the 7th. I don't have to receive the payment, but at least see a notification that you have made the payment.
- I accept ApplePay, Zelle payments, Popmoney payments, or direct transfers. I can give you details when you start lessons. If you wish to pay by check or cash, please add $10 to your total. Click here for more details about payment if you are a current student. Use the current password.
What weeks are “off” in the school session?
- a fall break (mid-October usually)
- Thanksgiving week
- 2 weeks at Christmas
- 1 week somewhere in February
- 2 weeks at Easter (or one week Easter, one week somewhere else depending on timing of festivals)
- I take the standard holidays off that most teachers do. However, I also include some points in the semester where I need to plan or have extra time. Festivals and recitals take a lot of planning in regard to each student's level, repertoire choices, and even registration forms. I evaluate and plan and make notes for myself for each student; I also try to attend conventions and workshops for my own professional development. Additionally, I do music at my church, which ebbs and flows according to the season. If I taught all possible weeks, I wouldn’t have time to do these things. I believe it makes me a better teacher and allows student progress to flourish. In addition, since I require steady progression through the summer, it is helpful to have occasional school-year breaks for parent and student (and teacher) rejuvenation!
- If the day in question is not listed under the “weeks off,” then I am teaching and your lesson is scheduled. If you choose not to come, that’s fine, but you don’t get credit. If you don’t want to have lessons on all those Monday holidays, chose a different day for your lesson. (I often give other availability for holidays that come up, but I can't always guarantee it.)
How does the summer session work?
“Summer session” generally runs from the first full week of June to the last full week of August (about 14 weeks). “Equivalent” means that you can do fewer or more lessons than 6, as long as it adds up to the same amount of time. This gives you the freedom to work with your vacation schedule. **For the last two summers we have done only six lessons because parents and students are worn out from the pandemic. We are treating summers more like triage--not necessarily moving forward at school-year pace, but staying steady with a refreshed spirit for the fall. Even my most studious students have opted for the six, and not more, which says a lot of everyone's current state.**
What if I am leaving for much of the summer?
- Each student will take (or pay for) the equivalent of 6 lessons during the summer to guarantee a fall slot. There are two reasons for this: One, school-year lessons demand that I have your slot in my schedule every week. It wouldn't be fair to ask me to hold that spot, but forfeit income from teaching for three months. Two, it is a terrible idea for student progress to take off the entire summer from practicing and lessons. That said, I absolutely believe children need time off from structure so I've done my best to keep the best of all worlds!
“Summer session” generally runs from the first full week of June to the last full week of August (about 14 weeks). “Equivalent” means that you can do fewer or more lessons than 6, as long as it adds up to the same amount of time. This gives you the freedom to work with your vacation schedule. **For the last two summers we have done only six lessons because parents and students are worn out from the pandemic. We are treating summers more like triage--not necessarily moving forward at school-year pace, but staying steady with a refreshed spirit for the fall. Even my most studious students have opted for the six, and not more, which says a lot of everyone's current state.**
- 30-min lessons will take 3 hrs' worth in the summer, preferably as six 30-min lessons for this level (but not required)
- 45-min lessons will take 4.5 hrs' worth in the summer (newer 45-minute students would do well to do six 45-min lessons, but mid-intermediate+ will do fine if you want to make several longer and have fewer)
- 60-min lessons may take only 5 hours’ worth as an exception and acknowledgement of advanced-level ability to keep up practicing independently, but it is recommended to keep with six.
- You may also sign up for additional lessons charged at the same hourly rate, but this is optional. Rates above.
- You may not schedule more than one lesson per week unless we have arranged it prior. So don’t leave your scheduling to the end of the summer or you forfeit lessons you can’t fit in.
- Payment is due by June 7th, regardless of the date of your first summer lesson. You may divide your summer amount into two payments, the second due July 20th. Payments are electronic only. Add $10 if it gets to my account later than those dates. Please understand that if I haven't received payment by a week late, I will give your slot to another student. Sadly, I've spent weeks and weeks waiting for people who said they were going to sign-up, only to have them decide not to. So I don't wait anymore.
- Students may change their summer lessons whenever they want for whatever reason with 24+ hours’ notice. Sickness and emergencies remain the same and can be rescheduled without 24 hours’ notice. More logistics of rescheduling with the summer letter.
What if I am leaving for much of the summer?
- Let’s work together to figure something out. Please email or talk with me about your circumstances by the first day of Summer Session. We can sometimes make lessons longer and specialized to fit your needs. Often I teach improv and composition in the summer (to intermediate+ students). So, coming back from a trip without having practiced and doing a lesson wouldn’t be wasteful. If my weeks off and your weeks off don’t match up, then we’ll try to get as many in as we can, and I can teach on other days to make up the others. We’ll work it out. If I haven’t heard from you from the first week of summer, I assume you find the times listed as adequate and if you do not sign up that you are okay with that.
Do you charge book or studio fees?
- I do not. Everything is included into the monthly charge. I loan out music at no additional charge.
- I require 2 weeks’ notice (or payment) for termination of lessons. This gives me time to fill your slot. If you become unemployed or have a special circumstance, please let me know! (New students in the first trial month are not subject to this rule.) If you are physically injured and cannot continue piano, you can give your two weeks’ notice, go on my wait list, and we will use the last 2 weeks for theory and ear-training. If it is a short-term injury, you might consider continuing to take lessons so you can hold your slot. Again, we can work for many weeks on theory/ear-training/sight-reading without even needing to play on the piano. There are also books specifically for students who only have the use of one hand.
- Also, I reserve the right to dismiss a student for behavioral problems or delinquency in payments. Dismissal does not constitute a fee reimbursement for the remainder of the month.