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Studio Policy

The policies below are designed to support consistent progress, clear communication, and a productive learning environment. Families receive a complete studio agreement at enrollment.

Lessons & Scheduling

  • Private lessons are individually tailored to each student’s age, experience, interests, goals, and skill level.
  • Lesson length and frequency are determined during the initial consultation.
  • Lessons are held in Eelyn’s home studio.
  • Families are encouraged to consider other extracurricular commitments when selecting a lesson time, as schedule changes during the semester may be limited by availability.

Tuition & Materials

  • A non-refundable $40 deposit is required to reserve an initial lesson. If the student enrolls, the full deposit is credited toward tuition.
  • Tuition is billed monthly based on the number of scheduled lessons that month.
  • Books and other materials are purchased separately. Families may purchase them from any preferred retailer.
  • Recital, festival, examination, and competition fees are billed separately when applicable.

Practice & Instrument

  • A suitable instrument at home is essential for consistent progress.
  • A quality acoustic piano is strongly recommended. An 88-key weighted digital piano may be used during the first two years of study; as students advance, an acoustic piano becomes increasingly important for developing technique and tone.
  • Students are encouraged to establish a consistent practice routine. Regular, focused practice is more effective than longer, infrequent sessions.
  • Young students benefit greatly from parental support in establishing and maintaining a practice routine.

Attendance & Make-Up Lessons

  • Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice whenever possible if a student will miss a lesson.
  • Lessons canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice are not eligible for a make-up lesson.
  • Each student is eligible for up to two make-up lessons per semester. Make-up lessons may be held online when appropriate.
  • No refunds or tuition credits are issued for student absences.
  • Students who miss a lesson are encouraged to submit a video of their assigned repertoire within 48 hours for feedback and practice guidance.
  • If Eelyn must cancel a lesson, a make-up lesson will be arranged at a mutually convenient time.
  • Missed or canceled make-up lessons cannot be rescheduled.

Performance Opportunities

  • Students are encouraged to participate in recitals, festivals, examinations, and competitions when appropriate to their level and goals.
  • Eelyn will provide information about suitable opportunities throughout the year.
  • Registration and participation fees are billed separately when applicable.

At the Studio

  • Students should arrive on time with all required music, books, and materials.
  • Parents are welcome to observe lessons and may record portions of lessons for practice purposes.
  • To protect the student’s lesson time, questions or discussions about progress are best saved for the final few minutes of the lesson.
  • Food and beverages are not permitted in the studio. Water bottles are welcome but should be kept away from the piano.
  • Fingernails should be kept neatly trimmed to support healthy playing technique.
  • Students coming directly from sports or other physical activities should arrive clean and ready for their lesson.

Holidays & Summer

  • No regular lessons are held during Thanksgiving week, Winter Break, Spring Break, or on Memorial Day.
  • Six lessons are offered during the summer session.
  • Continued summer enrollment reserves the student’s regular lesson time for the upcoming academic year.
  • Families who do not enroll for summer lessons may reserve their Fall lesson time with a non-refundable deposit, which is applied toward Fall tuition.
  • Additional summer lessons may be available upon request.

Discontinuing Lessons

  • One month’s written notice is required when discontinuing lessons.
  • Tuition remains due during the notice period.
  • The studio reserves the right to discontinue lessons in cases of unpaid tuition, excessive absences, or ongoing lack of preparation.

Communication

  • Email and text messaging are the preferred methods of communication.
  • Families are welcome to reach out between lessons with questions about practice, repertoire, scheduling, or other lesson-related matters.
  • Phone calls are welcome but may go to voicemail while lessons are in progress.

Have a Question?

Have a question about lessons, scheduling, or studio policies? I’m happy to help.

Contact Eelyn