Tuckers Music Studio

Piano Studio Policy Statement 2016-2017

Teaching Philosophy
I believe dedication, hard work, and passion are necessities for succeeding in life.
Piano is a way to learn and develop those skills. My goals in teaching piano are
creating a love of music through learning how to play musically and giving the students
a sense of accomplishment through hard work. Depending on how much work and time
students put into practicing, the students will come out with at least a basic
knowledge of piano, including theory, scales, techniques, and application as well as a
basic knowledge of music history. Piano can also be a great tool for learning social
skills and professionalism. This is accomplished through not only communicating ideas
during the lesson, but also through performance. Students have to learn how to convey
the music so that the audience has an understanding of the meaning behind the music.
Lessons
15-minute, 30-minute, 45-minute, and 60-minute lessons are offered. While
parents will have the final say, I will recommend a length of time based on age and
developmental stage of student as well as the repertoire the student plays. For
example, students who are younger than 7 years old will most likely have a 15-minute
lesson unless they have the attention span for and the desire to have a 30-minute
lesson.
17 Lessons will be given during the Fall Term
17 Lessons will be given during the Spring Term
Tuition
Pricing is individually based, please refer to the Tuition Agreement for tuition
pricing and payment schedule.
Tuition price includes necessary books and materials for lessons
Other Fees

events

Payment Information

Extras such as but not limited to: Master Classes and MTNA

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At the time of registration and on the last lesson of each term, a nonrefundable fee equivalent to the first months payment of the following term is
required to reserve the students spot for the following term and will be applied as a
credit towards the total tuition cost of that term.
You have the option to pay in full at the start of the term or go on a monthly
payment plan. Other arrangements can be made if necessary, but must be approved in
a written agreement prior to the new arrangement starting.
If tuition is paid in full before the start of the term, deduct $20 off 60-minute
lessons, $15 dollars off 45-minute lessons, $10 dollars off 30-minute lessons, and $5
dollars off 15-minute lessons.
If you choose to pay by month, payments are due on the 1st of every month for
that month. If paid before the 1st of the month, deduct $2 from the amount owed.
Monthly payments are divided equally by the cost of tuition and
the number of months in each individual term. Fall tuition will be paid
September through January based on Fall tuition cost only. Spring tuition will
be paid February through May based on Spring tuition only.
For those who choose the monthly payment or owe any money, I will mail or
hand out monthly invoices on the 15th of every month (or at the closest lesson to the
15th) for the following month as a reminder of payment owed for tuition as well as
other fees.
At the time of payment, I will give you a receipt. It is upon you to make sure
you receive a receipt. If there is a payment dispute and no record of payment, the
dispute will end in my favor.
Recital and Performance Opportunities
There are at least 2 public studio recitals: one during the Fall Term and one
during the Spring Term. Students are encouraged to participate in all recitals.
There will be Student Seminars once per month with the exception of January
and May. These are informal recitals where everyday clothes are allowed and music
can be a work in progress rather than performance ready. We will also have
refreshments and a time of group instruction if time allows. These are for students
only, no family members or friends allowed unless arrangements are made in advance.
Students and parents will be made aware of other performance opportunities
as they arise.

Practice Expectations
I understand that students are involved in many activities and finding time to practice
is difficult. However, the student will only progress if he or she makes time to
practice. I recommend a minimum of 20 minutes a day in two 10 minute practice
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sessions, six days a week of practice for students under the age of 7 and 30 minutes a
day, six days a week of practice for students 7 and older. This is not a requirement.
However, if the student does not practice, little to no progress will be made.
Parental Involvement
Parents are welcome to observe lessons anytime. However, I reserve the right
to ask anyone to leave if the lesson is disturbed for any reason.
Parents and siblings may sit quietly in the waiting area during their childs
lesson. However, I reserve the right to ask anyone to leave if the lesson or other
activities held in Laramie Dance and Arts Center are disturbed for any reason.
Parents are encouraged to monitor their child(ren)s practice time.
Parents are encouraged to attend every public studio recital and event their
child(ren) are involved in with the exception of the Student Seminars.
If at any time parents have a question or concern, they are asked to voice that
question or concern respectfully via e-mail or phone call.
Contacting the Teacher
Please call or text only between 08:00 (8:00 A.M.) and 20:00 (8:00 P.M.). When
you leave a message, please leave your name, number, and the purpose for calling. Emails may be sent anytime.
Unless I tell you otherwise, I will respond to messages and e-mails within 24
hours.
If you do not hear from me within 24 hours, please call, text, or resend your email.
My phone number is (319)371-1697, my email is tucker122912@gmail.com, my
website is tuckersmusicstudio.weebly.com, and my Facebook page is
www.facebook.com/theresatuckersmusicstudio.com
Proper Grooming for Lessons
Students nails should be kept short. If nails are too long, improper technique
can be developed. I will have nail clippers for students to use if they show up with too
long of nails.
Hands should be washed with soap and water before playing the piano.

Make-up Policy

Refunds will not be given if the student fails to show up for his or her lesson.

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If the student or parent knows the student will miss a lesson, first try using the
swap-list and switch lesson times for that week with another person. If a switch is
agreed upon, both parties should contact me so I know whom to expect when. If no
one is available to switch lesson times, contact me immediately. I will be as flexible as
I can, but make-up lessons are not guaranteed when you miss a lesson.
Missing 3 or more lessons per term is grounds for dismissal.
Make-up lessons will be given if I have to miss a lesson. If no makeup lesson can
be arranged, I will refund the cost of the lesson.
Other Rules
Cursing will not be tolerated either by the student or anyone associated with
the student. I understand that people slip up and say a curse word here and there
without realizing it. However, cursing is not tolerated in a professional job setting and
so will not be tolerated during any studio activity including but not limited to lessons,
interviews, seminars, and recitals. If cursing becomes a problem, I have the right to
refuse letting the student participate in any studio activity including but not limited to
lessons, interviews, seminars, and recitals. (Reminder: missing 3 lessons is grounds for
dismissal. If I refuse 3 lessons due to cursing, I have the right to dismiss the student
because of those missed lessons.)
Please be courteous of others using the Laramie Dance and Arts Center.
Important Dates (Subject to change)

Fall Term begins the Thursday following Labor Day (September 8, 2016)
Fall Term Student Seminars time and location to be determined
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Saturday, December 17, 2016
No Lessons will be given Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 24, 2016) or
the Friday after Thanksgiving Day (Friday, November 25, 2016)
No Lessons will be given from Monday, December 19, 2016- Sunday, January 1,
2017
Fall Recital is the third Saturday in January (January 21, 2017)
Fall Term ends the fourth Friday in January (January 27, 2017)
Spring Term begins the first Monday in February (February 6, 2017)
No Lessons will be given Wednesday, April 12, 2017-Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Spring Term Student Seminars time and location TBA
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Saturday, April 29, 2017
The Spring Recital is Saturday, June 3, 2017
No Lessons will be given Memorial Day (Monday, May 29, 2017)
Spring Term ends the second Monday in June (Monday, June 12, 2017)
Parent/Guardian Signature
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PIano Studio Policy Statement 2015-16

I,____________________________________, have read and agree to the terms of this

studio policy. By signing, I agree to follow the terms and conditions set in this studio policy,
will have my child(ren) follow the terms and conditions, and understand that if I or my
child(ren) fail to follow the terms and conditions, my child(ren) will not be part of this studio.
In the case that my child(ren) are dismissed from the studio, I agree to pay for the remainder
of the term. In the case that I terminate lessons, I agree to pay for the remainder of the
term.
Student Signature
I, __________________________________, have read and agree to the terms of this studio
policy. By signing, I agree to follow the terms and conditions set in this studio policy. If I fail
to follow the terms and conditions, I understand that I will be dismissed from the studio.