Studio Policy

The following lists the policies by which I offer private lessons in my studio from 2019 onwards. Please read them carefully and let me know if you have any questions.

Leslie's Responsibilities

To give you or your child the most comprehensive music education available. Students will be exposed to a whole range of music, technology, styles and creative endeavors. All lessons are created to suit the individual goals, desires and loves of each student. I encourage my students to be curious and creative. I show students how music is constructed and how they can make up their own. I help students learn music that they want to learn. I develop their reading and technique. Students will learn a large amount of repertoire and enjoy a wholistic education that suits their level and goals for the future.

Student/Parent Responsibilities

Students are responsible for arriving at lessons on-time, with correct books and having completed their practice. Students should practice to achieve goals, not to fill time and it is expected that all instructions are followed week-to-week. Late arrival times will not be made up as I often have other students or commitments immediately around lesson times. Students need to practice on a decent instrument. If playing an acoustic piano, please ensure it is less than 50 years old and is regularly tuned. If using a digital piano, please ensure it has a solid wooden stand (not a cross brace), three pedals, adjustable padded bench and a fully weighted action. Let me know if you need help choosing an instrument.

Studio Calendar

Lessons are conducted during school term time according to the Unit 4 School District.  Lessons are only conducted on weekdays. Lessons will not be conducted on School Holidays, Public Holidays or Long Weekends. Students will receive 35 lessons each school year and this is what is included in the monthly tuition fee (see below).

Payment

Tuition covers not only the actual lesson time spent with the student, but time preparing for each student as well and my ongoing business costs, including:

• An individualized plan for each student's course of study
• My training and experience
• Professional organization memberships
• My music lending library
• Printing, scanning, copying

Tuition is spread equally over the course of a year and charged each month in advance. This monthly payment guarantees the student's place in my studio and covers the costs of lessons and enrollment. The monthly payment amount is divided evenly between the 10 months from January - May and August - December. This means that whether there are 5 or 2 lessons in that month, the tuition fee is exactly the same. Weekly students are allocated 35 lessons per year. All tuition payments are non refundable. A late $15 late fee will be added for payments made after the 15th of the month.

There is a $62 annual registration fee to cover new books and materials throughout the year of study. This is to be payed when registering for lessons on our before your first lesson.

Missed Lessons

Missed lessons due to forgetfulness, illness or holidays are not refundable. If I am sick or otherwise unable to attend a lesson, and this drops the students lesson number for the year below their minimum threshold, I'll refund the lesson fees or endeavor to make them up.

Performances

I offer a variety of performance opportunities. My main recital is held at the end of each school year between May and June. I also host a Christmas recital at a local nursing home as well as extra performances at the same nursing home in which we develop lasting relationships with the elders while growing in our performance skills.

Terminating Lessons

If you wish to finish lessons, please provide notice by email. Students will continue to receive the lessons they've paid for until the end of the monthly cycle when the termination will take effect. Refunds will not be issued.

Contacting Me

Parents and adult students are welcome to call me during daytime hours to discuss any matters associated with their education (you will be provided with my number when you sign up). Please avoiding calling or texting after 6pm. You may also email anytime.

Media Release

From time to time I use photos and short videos of my students on facebook and instagram  which I also post on YouTube for each student as an ongoing playlist. If you do not want your child's image(s) to be used, please let me know by email or in person. In general, students love to see their pictures and videos on my website or teaching page. They find it motivating and exciting to think that others want to know what they are learning. Students are identified only by first name. The commencement of lessons is deemed acceptance of these terms.