Studio Policy
(As of Jan 2025)
Thank you for choosing me as your child’s piano teacher! To make sure everyone is on the same page, and that the studio runs as effectively & efficiently as possible, the following policies have been established. Note that case-by-case exceptions can be considered, and I will do my best to accommodate you, and your child’s ability to continue their musical education through private lessons.
My teaching objective is to help instill a love, understanding, and appreciation of music in students of all ages. Learning piano builds skills such as dedication, focus, confidence, creativity, attention to detail, and so much more! Piano is the ideal foundation instrument for opening the musical door to other instruments and opportunities.
Attendance
If a student misses a lesson, they will miss the benefit of that lesson. See below sections for video & time swapping information.
Requests to reschedule lessons require 24 hours notice.
A lesson missed without 24 hours notice will be charged.
Canceling 2 lessons within 8 weeks will be subject for removal from the studio.
A student will be expected to attend a video lesson at the scheduled time if swapping with another student cannot be arranged in advance. If neither can happen for any reason without 24 hours notice, we can fill the time with a call about your child’s progress. In the case of more serious illness, Ashley will work with you to make up the missed lesson when the student is well.
I have students at many different schools. School delays and cancelations do not apply to lessons. Please see “Weather” for related policy.
Commitment
Consistently practicing is necessary to be able to become a better musician.
A minimum of 20 minutes of practice, 5 days a week is required.
In addition to practice time, any theory homework that has been assigned must be completed for the following lesson. Assignments are always marked with a circle in books.
Students must arrive with clean hands, trimmed fingernails, and all current books/music.
We only get 30 minutes together each week. Please use the bathroom before coming to the studio as it will interrupt your lesson, or another student’s lesson.
A digital piano/keyboard will never replace an acoustic piano, but I understand space restrictions etc. You must have an acoustic piano or weighted digital keyboard at home to practice. I am happy to help you find a quality instrument. Parents, please not buy a digital keyboard without consulting me. Acoustic pianos require maintenance and tuning. I can provide you with contact information for local technicians.
Communication
I am always happy to discuss your child’s progress, or any questions you may have! Text is preferred, but calling, emailing & messaging on Facebook are also options to get in touch. Do not hesitate to contact me at any time, although keep in mind lesson hours are M-Th 3:30-8pm. Only contact during those hours if it is urgent as I am with other students at that time.
Ending Lessons
If for any reason you must stop lessons, two weeks’ notice is required. Payment is required by the final lesson date.
Regrettably, I will have to dismiss a student if any of these circumstances occur:
• Multiple failures to pay tuition on time
• Persistent absences
• Uncooperative attitude
• Lack of progress due to insufficient practice or unfulfilled requirements
Location
Lessons take place at my studio, 826 N. Main St. You may park on Main or Howard streets, or behind the studio in the gravel/grass lot. Please enter through the back door (the one on the left of the 2 white doors). Please wait until your scheduled time to enter. ***LEAVE SPACE*** for doors to open without hitting other cars. There is plenty of room in the lot to spread out.
Swapping Times
A list of lesson times & parent phone numbers will be made available for you to contact when a swap is needed. If no students are available to swap, Ashley can try to fit in make-up lessons on Thursdays or weekends.
Tuition & Fees
2024/25 School Year Tuition is as follows:
SPRING 2025: January 6 - May 22 5 sessions across 19 weeks, $475.
Payment of $100 due at lesson week of Jan 6, Feb 3, Mar 3, Apr 7 & $75 on May 5
*NO LESSONS WEEK OF MARCH 24th*
**Ribbon Festival will be held at Trinity Lutheran in March, 15th, times will be assigned**
SUMMER LESSONS: FCS Students can start summer lesson times Memorial Day week. June 9th onwards for all other students.
Week-to-week, $25/lesson, Monday & Tuesday only
**NO LESSONS WEEK OF JUNE 2nd**
FALL 2025: 15 weeks $375 (17 if you come Thanksgiving & Christmas week $425)
BEGINNING FALL 2025 there will be a $25 per family registration fee for the school year
August 18 - September 10
** NO LESSONS Ashley will be out of the country September 11-28**
September 29 - October 20
October 27 - November 17
THANKSGIVING WEEK lessons are available, discuss with Ashley
December 1 - 15 (3 lessons) lessons available 12/22 & 12/23, discuss with Ashley
Tuition can be paid up front for the entire semester, or at lessons on dates listed above. A late fee of $20 per week will be applied to payments not made within 24 hours of lessons. Books & recital music are not included in tuition fees. There are additional performance opportunities throughout the year, some of which have participation costs that are not included in tuition.
NEW: rather than lending from my library, students participating in the Ribbon Festival are highly encouraged to purchase their own music (I can order - parents, let me know). This way, you have it for the future, and can start building your own music library.
Video Lessons
Video lessons are not a permanent replacement for in-person lessons. However, they can be held at the scheduled lesson time when the student cannot make it to the studio, or has a minor illness. FaceTime, WhatsApp, Zoom, or Messenger.
Weather
LEVEL 1: Lessons continue as scheduled
LEVEL 2: If you are concerned about road conditions, we can have a video lesson at the scheduled time. Let Ashley know at your earliest convenience.
LEVEL 3/TORNADO WARNING: In-person lessons are canceled. If possible, we can hold video lessons.
