Studio 88 Policy 2024-2025

The following policies are in accordance with those recommended by the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). More information can be found at www.mtna.org.

Weekly lessons are offered for 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes (depending on the student’s level). During this time, we will review and improve upon assigned pieces, as well as practice sight-reading, scales, music theory, and ear training. After each lesson, the student will receive his assignments and practice instructions for the next week.

Tuition

Tuition is due in advance on a monthly basis (unless paying quarterly) by the 7^th of each month. An invoice will be emailed after the 15^th of each month for the next month’s tuition. An annual (non-refundable) registration fee of $30 per student (or $50 per family) is charged each year during the month of September.

The yearly tuition for August-May is divided equally among 10 payments. A family could also choose to pay the monthly tuition rate for August plus three quarterly installments due in September, December, and March.

Book purchases will be added to the monthly or quarterly invoice statement. Checks should be payable to Studio 88. Returned checks will be assessed a fee of $35.

Families should expect a yearly increase in tuition appropriate to cost of living increases and services offered. Notice: If tuition is not received by the 15^th of the month, it is assumed that the student has chosen to discontinue lessons.

Please contact Studio 88 for lesson fees.

Semesters

Lessons begin on August 5, 2024. See the Schedule of Events page in your student’s binder for a complete list of important dates.

Summer Semester

Lessons in this studio are a year-round commitment.  During June-July students should take 6 lessons which may be weekly, two days a week, or double length lessons. Tuition for the summer is calculated into one payment due by June 1, 2025. Anyone choosing not to study in the summer cannot be guaranteed a reserved space for the fall.

Punctuality

Each lesson will commence as scheduled. No extensions will be given beyond the allocated time for students who are late to class. There will be no make-up lessons offered except for unavailability of the teacher. If public schools are closed due to inclement weather, students will have the option to attend in-person or via FaceTime/Zoom. Families may also choose to participate in a lesson swap list. No refunds are granted for classes not attended. Please do not ask for exceptions.

Materials

New books and materials are assigned at lessons as needed. Each student will receive a 3-ring binder at the beginning of the school year. It is important for students to bring this binder to each lesson. All students are required to reference the weekly assignment sheet in this binder AND keep a practice log. It is very hard to teach out of a book that has not been brought to the lesson, so no music is to be left at home until it is pronounced Fini. Book bags are very helpful.

Practice

A teacher can provide information, but it is up to the student to learn. In order to be a pianist, whether beginner or advanced, much practice is needed. This studio aims to provide the best education possible for the serious piano student; therefore, it is assumed that the student intends to do their part by practicing in a responsible and enthusiastic manner. The length of practice time will be discussed in individual lessons. If a student is not dedicated enough to sustain this practice requirement, lessons will be discontinued. Young students may wish to divide the practice time into two separate sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Parent’s Presence

A parent needs to attend one lesson a month, preferably the first. Whether you actually come in the studio during the entire lesson or come in for the last 5-10 minutes, this will keep the lines of communication open. This also shows the student your willingness to get involved, which increases his/her success.

Performance Opportunities

Recitals will be held two times a year. Students are expected to participate (unless, of course, there are extenuating circumstances). Experience is the best source of confidence! Students are encouraged to participate in the annual East Cobb NFMC festival. Additional competitions and performances are also available for the serious student.

Miscellaneous

Parents may park on the teacher’s driveway or on the curb, but please don’t block a mailbox or a neighbor’s driveway. Consider the angle/direction a neighbor will need to exit his/her driveway and park accordingly.

Parents should accompany young children to the bathroom to ensure excellent hygiene, both for the child and for the sake of students needing to use the bathroom after the child.

Siblings are welcome to play with other piano students inside or outside provided there is adult supervision.

Termination

If the student wishes to discontinue lessons and the parent does not, please talk to the teacher. Many times simple communication can solve problems.

At least two weeks advance notice is required when the parent terminates lessons. This gives the teacher an opportunity to bring to a close the subjects being taught and to end on a happy note.

The teacher reserves the right to terminate lessons for any reason, including, but not limited to when a student displays disruptive behavior or is repeatedly unprepared for lessons.