| THE PIANO STUDIO, Hamilton, ON.
piano lessons to ENCOURAGE... |
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What might you expect of piano lessons with a Professional Piano Teacher in Hamilton, regarding business policies, lesson goals, etc.?
1. Most professional piano teachers begin by arranging an interview before piano lessons begin, in order to learn the goals of parents and pupils, to inform you of the services offered, business policies, etc., and to help customize a program for the individual piano student.
2. Most teachers conduct their practice from their own private piano studios, whether within their homes (a separate area, free from household interruptions) or away from their homes.
3. Most piano teachers prefer tuition fees to be paid monthly, per term, or annually. However, if you choose to discontinue lessons in mid-term, you should not be required to pay for any lessons beyond the time of notification to the teacher, and you should expect any prepayment for lessons beyond such notification to be fully refunded.
4. Attendance Policies vary from teacher to teacher. Here are some of the most common:
(a) Tuition fees are consistent, regardless of the pupil's lesson attendance (the same as enrolment in hockey, art classes, or whatever...payments are not adjusted according to your attendance). However, in cases of statutory holidays and lessons cancelled by the piano teacher, either a rescheduling of the missed lesson or an adjustment in tuition fees is the most common practice.
(b) The Tuition Agreement permits a limited number of cancellations by the client, usually a maximum of 3 per Academic Year. REASONS for cancellation of a piano lesson, and the extent of ADVANCED NOTIFICATION are usually factors considered in applying such credits. Should the teacher accept the reason for cancellation and the extent of notification, either a rescheduling of the missed lesson or an adjustment in tuition fees is provided.
(c) The decision of whether to permit an allowance (rescheduling of the missed lesson or adjustment of Tuition Fees) is left to the discretion of the teacher.
(d) The teacher may offer several options, to meet varying needs.
5. Late payments and/or "bounced" cheques may be subject to a surcharge.
6. An official Registration and/or Tuition Agreement is usually presented before lessons begin, and requires the signatures of both Parent (Sponsor) and Teacher. This makes clear the rights and responsibilities of all concerned parties. (Such Agreements can usually be terminated at any time, through appropriate notification.)
7. Pupils should bring ALL materials currently under study (piano scores, theory books, etc.) to EVERY lesson. New materials requested by the piano teacher should be obtained promptly.
8. A notebook is an integral part of the piano lesson. The teacher may use it to specify week-to-week assignments, particular musical problems to be addressed, practice methods, or to indicate suitable daily practice guidelines. It is intended as a guide to the pupil's practice and progress, and should be used regularly. Doing so will help ensure MAXIMUM progress within a MINIMAL time-frame. Parents should also read the notebook regularly, as part of their ongoing interest in their child's musical endeavours.
9. Arrive ON TIME for you lessons. If you arrive late, the lesson must still conclude at the scheduled time, to avoid inconveniencing other pupils.
10. Trust your teacher's judgement! It is based on years of training and experience, and always has your long-term musical interests at heart!
