Policies and Expectations
Lessons: Students are expected to arrive for lessons on time with all their materials and music. A practice card will be provided for them to take home with the week's recommended practice assignments, which they have to bring back for every lesson. Parents and siblings may quietly peruse the waiting area, wait in their vehicle in the driveway, or run errands so long as they return to pick up their student in a timely fashion. To discuss student progress, parents are welcome to talk with the me during the first five minutes of the student's lesson – but not afterwards, in order to respect the next student's time slot.
Practice: Private students are expected to practice daily on a well-maintained acoustic piano.
Calendar and Schedule: Lessons are on a weekly basis, in 30, 45, 60 or 90 minute sessions, according to the needs of each student. For the time of January to June 2017, lessons fees will be paid up front before or on the 1st of each month, either by cheque, online banking e-transfer, or credit card via PayPal. There will be no lessons during the weeks of Christmas, New Years', Spring Break, and Holy Week/Easter. Makeup lessons may be scheduled during March Break, as the need arises.
Makeup Lessons: Please provide at least 24 hours advance notice regarding any known upcoming absences. If an absence arises due to unforeseen situations such as illness, accident or family emergency and if the student indicates a desire for a makeup lesson, the teacher will make an effort to accommodate a makeup. If the roads are impassible due to weather or a student is contagiously ill but feels well enough to play, having a lesson via Skype or Google Hangouts is a possible option. No-shows will be charged for the full amount, with no make up provided.
Discontinuing Lessons: Every student stops taking lessons at some point. Ideally, this decision is made thoughtfully with plenty of discussion between the teacher, parent, and student so that lessons can cease with a positive sense of closure. For this reason, the teacher asks for one month’s notice prior to discontinuing lessons. However, the teacher respects the student’s right to end lessons at any time. Note: At the discretion of the teacher, students may be dismissed at any time if they have unpaid tuition, an excess amount of absences/unprepared lessons, or if they show a lack of interest.
Parent Participation: Parents are encouraged to be supportive and active participants in practice at home. Parents are also encouraged to attend and quietly observe lessons once a month or more.
Communication: The best way to contact me is via email, which will be promptly returned with an email reply or phone call. I always welcome emails or messages on the Student Portal from students during the week if they have questions regarding their assignments or other matters.
Practice: Private students are expected to practice daily on a well-maintained acoustic piano.
Calendar and Schedule: Lessons are on a weekly basis, in 30, 45, 60 or 90 minute sessions, according to the needs of each student. For the time of January to June 2017, lessons fees will be paid up front before or on the 1st of each month, either by cheque, online banking e-transfer, or credit card via PayPal. There will be no lessons during the weeks of Christmas, New Years', Spring Break, and Holy Week/Easter. Makeup lessons may be scheduled during March Break, as the need arises.
Makeup Lessons: Please provide at least 24 hours advance notice regarding any known upcoming absences. If an absence arises due to unforeseen situations such as illness, accident or family emergency and if the student indicates a desire for a makeup lesson, the teacher will make an effort to accommodate a makeup. If the roads are impassible due to weather or a student is contagiously ill but feels well enough to play, having a lesson via Skype or Google Hangouts is a possible option. No-shows will be charged for the full amount, with no make up provided.
Discontinuing Lessons: Every student stops taking lessons at some point. Ideally, this decision is made thoughtfully with plenty of discussion between the teacher, parent, and student so that lessons can cease with a positive sense of closure. For this reason, the teacher asks for one month’s notice prior to discontinuing lessons. However, the teacher respects the student’s right to end lessons at any time. Note: At the discretion of the teacher, students may be dismissed at any time if they have unpaid tuition, an excess amount of absences/unprepared lessons, or if they show a lack of interest.
Parent Participation: Parents are encouraged to be supportive and active participants in practice at home. Parents are also encouraged to attend and quietly observe lessons once a month or more.
Communication: The best way to contact me is via email, which will be promptly returned with an email reply or phone call. I always welcome emails or messages on the Student Portal from students during the week if they have questions regarding their assignments or other matters.