Studio Policy

Welcome

Congratulations on your decision to take piano lessons! Please review the following policy before registering for lessons. Take the time to read and understand what I expect from my students and their families. If you have any questions, please refer to the Contact tab above. I look forward to working with you on your musical journey!

Evaluation

I will evaluate each student by a trial lesson before committing to adding them to my weekly teaching schedule. These trial lessons will be half an hour each and will cost $30.

Parental Responsibilities

A piano in best possible condition must be provided for the student to practice.
Provide a 3 ring binder with sheet covers for essential repertoire as well as plenty of notebook paper for me to write down weekly assignments and progress notes.
Please check this binder weekly so that you may be involved in the student's weekly assignments.
Encourage the student to practice as often as possible in order to develop self-discipline and good practice habits!
You are responsible for purchasing the lesson/method books that I will assign your student.
Communicate any questions or concerns you may have regarding your student's progress.

Student Responsibilities

Students are required to arrive at each lessons well-prepared and with all necessary materials.
Practice - In order to progress at a satisfactory pace, daily quality practice is necessary and strictly required. The amount of practice time may vary based on age, and that may be discussed with me. Learning the necessary skills to become proficient in piano will NOT occur by simply going to piano lessons. It takes committed practice on a weekly basis to develop these skills. Students with four consecutive weeks of incomplete practice will be on notice and may be replaced.
Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the yearly recitals that I will be hosting. These recitals help to strengthen their performance abilities as well as expose them to a variety of musical repertoire. This helps to encourage further practice and commitment to continue learning.

Attendance/Cancellations

Weekly lessons are a requirement and not an option. I do NOT offer "every other week" lessons. Regular attendance is the responsibility of both the parent and student. If you are consistent in canceling lessons regularly each month, you will be on notice and may be replaced.
Teaching music is my livelihood and must therefore be a consideration to those who wish to employ my services. I will not assume financial responsibility for the student's continual/habitual absence(s) (including, but not limited to, sports schedules, etc.). I will, however, assume financial responsibility if I (Emilie Filipek) become ill, must leave town, or cancel for any reason. The month's regular fee will then be reduced by that particular amount.
If your child is sick and/or missed school due to illness, please do not send them to lessons.
Please notify me as soon as possible if you need to cancel a lesson. 24 hours in advance is greatly appreciated.
If I arrive at your home for the weekly planned lesson and you are not there due to any reason so that the lesson cannot take place, you will be charged the regular lesson amount and a makeup lesson will not be available to you.

SUMMER MONTHS - Piano lessons will continue as usual during the summer. Because I am a private studio teacher, I don't follow any type of academic school year. If you will be out of town any time during the summer, I require at least one week notice so that I may adjust my schedule accordingly.

Payments

I accept payment in cash, check, or Venmo.

I will only accept weekly payments or monthly payments. Please be aware that weekly payments are preferred and that monthly payments are nonrefundable. If you choose to pay monthly, and a lesson is missed for any reason, the payment will NOT be moved ahead to the next month. A makeup lesson that same week will be provided for you.

Behavior

Students and parents are expected to behave in an appropriate, respectful manner towards me. If any of the following behaviors are exhibited, I reserve the right to terminate the lessons immediately:

Inappropriate behavior during the lesson time, which includes, but is not limited to: speaking in a disrespectful manner, swearing, violent physical actions, unacceptable advances, or any other such actions that fall outside the realm of common respect and decency.
All of the above strictly applies to the parent(s) as well. The parent(s) will be required to speak to me respectfully as a professional equal. I will not be told how to teach the student, nor will I be spoken to disrespectfully in front of the student. This is undermining my position as a teacher and will not be tolerated.
Failure to pay lessons in a timely fashion. Lesson payments are due within one to three days after the lesson has taken place. Continual failure to pay for lessons on time will result in termination of the lessons permanently.