Studio Policy

LESSONS

Students will have weekly private lesson times of 30 minutes. Lesson times will be selected through your studio account. Please consider your lesson time carefully to ensure regular attendance. Returning students may request 45-minute lesson times if available. Private lessons focus on technique, repertoire, musicianship, and creativity. 

Group lessons may be offered twice in each semester in place of private lessons. Students will meet with peers for a time of performance, learning, and fun. Schedules for group lessons will be sent out by email and reflected on the studio calendar. 

Several different options are available for summer lessons. Students are encouraged to continue lessons for at least a portion of the summer to maintain skills developed during the school year. Students who enroll in summer lessons are given first priority when scheduling for the fall. 


PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS

Regular home practice is essential for student success. Assignments will be recorded each lesson, and the assignment book must be used to aid in practice. Students are responsible for practicing their full assignments and are expected to practice the amount of time determined by the teacher and student. Practice times should be recorded daily in the student's assignment book. Students will need a well-maintained, tuned piano (acoustic or digital with weighted keys) placed in an area that will allow for uninterrupted practice. A quality instrument plays a vital role in the success of the student. 

Guidelines to Facilitate Effective Practicing: 

  • Set aside a scheduled practice time at least 5 days a week. The most important time for a student to practice is immediately following the weekly lesson. This will help students remember what they have just learned and will help make daily practice more beneficial. 
  • 1 or 2 short daily practice sessions are more effective than "cramming" right before the lesson
  • When practicing, avoid distractions such as television, pets, visitors, phones, or interruptions for chores. 
  • Regularly review all items listed in the assignment book, which serves as a guide to weekly practice and learning. 

Successful and rewarding piano study depends on consistent, daily practice. The study of music is rewarding and enjoyable, but it is also a commitment! Parental involvement is crucial to success. Parents should assist students in developing a practice routine and help motivate and support students in order to make music study a productive experience. Parents of younger elementary-age students should plan to sit in on practice sessions on a regular basis. 


ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to attend each scheduled lesson. Once the lesson schedule is set at the beginning of each teaching year, the studio schedule is full, and make-ups for missed lessons are not guaranteed. If a student is unable to attend a lesson, when possible, give at least 24 hours' notice. Log into your account to cancel your lesson for the week. If available, an alternate time may be selected on the studio calendar. Please note that lesson times may only be rescheduled 3 times throughout the year. Refunds or credits will not be given for lessons or classes missed or canceled by the student. 

Students who are ill should not attend lessons. When a student is mildly ill, arrangements can be made for online lessons via Facetime or Zoom and/or email assignment updates if desired. If local schools close for inclement weather, in-person lessons are at the discretion of the parent/student. Online lessons will be offered. 

If the instructor is unable to give lessons due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, you will be notified as soon as possible. Lessons will be rescheduled or a credit will be given. 


TUITION & FEES

Tuition is based on the number of weeks of lessons and divided into equal semester or monthly payments. Therefore, tuition payments are the same each month regardless of the number of weeks/lessons in the month. Semester payments are due the first month of each semester. Monthly payments are due the first week of lessons of each month. Invoices will be sent out by email prior to the first lesson each month as a reminder of monthly tuition and any additional material or event fees. Tuition may be paid by check (payable to Kara Bailey), cash, or online. A late-payment fee of $10 will be added to the monthly payment for all tuition not received by the 10th of the month. Tuition will be adjusted annually.

All students must pay a non-refundable $50 studio fee at the beginning of each year. This fee assists with studio expenses such as technology, materials for lessons, and producing assignment books for students as well as providing recitals and group lessons. 

Additional fees may be required for festivals, competitions, or other events that the student chooses to participate in throughout the year. Students may need to purchase method books and other music over the course of the year. Books may be ordered through the studio at a slightly discounted rate. Any additional fees will be added to monthly invoices. 


MATERIALS

Students will be required to purchase lesson books, theory books, technique books, and any other books or sheet music as needed or desired (to be charged to account). Students are also able to borrow music from the lending library. This allows students to play from a variety of books without having to purchase each book. Books borrowed from the music library should be returned in the same condition in which they were loaned. Students/parents will be required to purchase books returned in poor condition. Each year students will be provided with a studio assignment book. Students are encouraged to keep all materials in a special bag used only for piano. 

Students should also have a metronome at home to aid in practicing. Metronomes can be purchased at the local music store or online. There are also many metronome apps for phones and tablets which may also be used. 


STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Complete daily practice assignments and record practice times in assignment books
  • Be prepared for weekly lessons or group lessons by bringing all materials and completing practice, theory, and any additional projects. 
  • At the lesson time, students should enter quietly to avoid disturbing a lesson. All students must use hand sanitizer prior to lessons to help keep the studio germ-free. Wipe feet and leave wet or muddy shoes at the door. 
  • Long fingernails hinder the development of proper hand position and good piano technique. Keep your nails trimmed short. 


PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES

  • The adult's most important role is to listen to the student with encouragement and enthusiasm. I recommend that parents or guardians sit down with the student several times a week to see that all assignments are practiced and to officer support. 
  • Provide a well-tuned piano (tuned at least once a year), a metronome, and a quiet place to practice. 
  • Ensure that students arrive at their assigned lesson times. Lessons cannot be extended for students who arrive late.
  • Encourage students by sitting in on lessons periodically. You are welcome to provide feedback and suggestions to me that will increase the effectiveness of each lesson. You know your student best! 
  • Listen to music at home and attend a variety of musical events together throughout the year. 
  • Call, email, or text me if there are any concerns or questions. It is my goal to give each student a positive learning experience in a supportive and musical environment.


PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

There will be one recital each semester. The fall recital will be an informal, themed ensemble and solo recital, and the spring recital will be a formal solo recital. Students should plan to participate in both recitals. Students are encouraged to participate in local festivals, recitals, and events. These events may require additional fees. Students are also encouraged to play for friends, family, church, and school when possible. 


COMMUNICATION

  • Open communication among teacher, student, and parents/guardians help optimize learning and enjoyment of music. Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions, concerns, or suggestions. Emails, phone calls, or texts are always welcome from both students and parents with questions regarding assignments or other matters. 
  • Studio newsletters will be sent out by email on a regular basis. Newsletters will include important information about studio events and happenings as well as helpful information for students and parents. Please take time to read the newsletters and make note of dates and deadlines. 
  • Visit the studio website and your studio account often for current policies and a calendar of events. Each family will receive a user name and password to view billing information, lesson schedules, and additional resources. 
  • Follow the studio on Facebook for important reminders and helpful information. 

WITHDRAWAL 

Students should plan to commit to lessons for the full school year. If unforeseen circumstances require a student to terminate lessons mid-year, one month's paid notice is required to end lessons. 


MEDIA RELEASE

Photos, videos, and audio recordings of students may be posted on the studio website and social media sites and/or used for promotional and workshop materials. Students will never be identified by full names. Parents who would like to exempt students from published medial may do so by providing a written request.