Studio policies.

  • Scheduling private lessons:

Lessons are scheduled on a weekly basis and each student has a fixed time slot that is reserved for them each week. Please ensure punctuality as arriving late will necessitate a shorter lesson. In the case that you cannot attend your regularly scheduled lesson that week, a make-up lesson will be offered based on my availability. The make-up lesson must be scheduled with me no less than 48 hours in advance of the regularly scheduled lesson.

Regular lesson will take place within the studio calendar dates. Please refer to the studio calendar for beginning and end of semesters and for summer dates, as well as for observed holidays. The calendar takes into account all regular calendar holidays. If your lesson happens to fall on a calendar holiday, we will schedule an alternative for that week, to be decided before the month of lessons in which the holiday falls. The schedule for summer months will be between June 1 and August 15th. Lessons can be scheduled based on my availability on a per-lesson basis during this time, especially for students who are considering taking summer RCM exams.

  • Tuition and payment:

Lesson are offered as either 30, 45, or 60 minutes in length based on the level of the student or individual need. Tuition is to be payed in advance for a minimum of 4 lessons every month. Extra lessons can be added based on my own availability and for extra preparation as needed for exams or auditions. Extra lessons are payed for individually as needed. Payment methods accepted include card, Zelle, or cash.

  • Cancellations and absences:

A minimum of 48 hours in advance is required for lesson cancellations if you want to request a make-up lesson. A make-up lesson will be scheduled as possible according to availability. If no make-up is possible, you will be refunded half of the lesson fee. In the case of illness, please notify as soon as possible for a make-up lesson. If a make-up lesson cannot be accommodated, the lesson fee will carry over to the following month. If I must cancel a lesson due to my own performance schedule, a make-up will be offered. If a make-up lesson cannot be accommodated, the lesson fee will carry over to the following month. A maximum of one lesson can be carried over to the next month.

  • Practice expectations:

Students are responsible for practicing everything outlined in their take-home homework practice notebook and filling in their practice logs (if applicable depending on their level requirements). All students are expected to dedicate significant time to preparing the lesson materials during the week, and should come to their lesson confident in their ability to execute the week’s work with technical prowess and musical expression.

  • Monthly recitals:

All students are expected and encouraged to participate in monthly recitals where they will be given the opportunity to perform repertoire they have been working on to a receptive and encouraging audience of family, friends and peers. Memorization of solo repertoire is required to perform in recitals. At recitals, students are expected to arrive early, dress appropriately, and support their fellow performers by listening respectfully. Celebrating each other’s progress and effort is a vital part of our studio community. Please refer to recital policies here.

  • Studio etiquette:

The expectation is that students will arrive at their lesson on time, with all required materials and have their instrument ready to play. Required materials for lessons include anything that was assigned in the previous week, practice notebook, and a pencil.

  • RCM exams:

Students preparing for exams receive personalized guidance and pacing to ensure they are ready to succeed. This includes:

  • A tailored timeline for learning and polishing required material

  • Mock exams and performance coaching

  • Support in registering and preparing for theory requirements

  • Encouragement to participate in monthly studio recitals for performance readiness

RCM exams are encouraged for committed students who are willing to take responsibility for their daily practice and meet deadlines with consistency and focus. I will advise students and parents when I believe a student is ready to begin exam preparation.