PAYMENT
Lessons are invoiced on a monthly basis and due at the beginning of each month by the first lesson. Payment will include the lessons for each month, any books or supplies purchased through Ms. Tjon, and any special fees.
Tuition is due by the first of the month, but no later than the student’s first lesson of the month. If payment is received after the student’s first lesson of the month, a $25 late fee will be assessed. Lessons will be paused until tuition is paid. There is a $25.00 fee for all returned checks.
Cash, check, Zelle, NFCU member-to-member, and Apple Pay are accepted. Please make checks payable to SHERYL TJON.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Your weekly lesson time is exclusively reserved for you! Consistent attendance is key to progress, and our time together is a wonderful investment in your musical journey. Because a dedicated time slot is set aside for every student, I ask that we honor this commitment together.
Student Absences & Lateness
- Reserved Time Slots: To maintain a consistent schedule for everyone, the studio cannot offer make-up lessons, refunds, or financial credits for student absences.
- Making the Most of Your Time: If you are running late, please let me know. We will use whatever time remains in your scheduled slot, though we cannot extend past the normal end time.
- Advance Notice: If you know in advance that you will be delayed or need to miss a lesson, please notify me as soon as possible.
If you cannot make it to the studio but are still feeling well enough to learn, there are wonderful backup options so you never miss a week of progress:
- Live Virtual Lessons: We can have an online lesson during your normal lesson time using Zoom, FaceTime, or Facebook Messenger.
- Video Exchanges (Asynchronous): If a live call doesn’t work, we can utilize recorded video exchanges where you send clips of your progress and receive tailored video feedback.
- Getting Set Up: Just reach out to Ms. Tjon before your lesson time begins so we can set up the best option for you.
Inclement Weather & Emergencies
Safety is always the top priority. In the case of severe weather or a sudden emergency, parents will be contacted immediately.
- Shifting to Virtual: To keep everyone safe at home, the entire studio will pivot to live virtual lessons for the day.
- Backup Video Plan: If a live connection isn’t possible due to the circumstances, we will smoothly transition to asynchronous video instruction so the student can still learn at their own pace.
When Ms. Tjon Misses a Lesson
Your investment is always protected. If I ever need to miss a lesson due to illness or an emergency, I will make it right by providing one of the following:
- A mutually convenient rescheduled lesson
- A full financial reimbursement for that lesson
- A wonderful substitute piano teacher to keep you on track
Year-Round Community & Enrichment
Music is meant to be shared! Throughout the school year, my studio hosts group lessons, special events, and recitals. These interactive experiences are a joyful way to build community, try new skills, and beautifully round out your private instruction.
FEES
There is a $50 semester supply fee per student. This fee covers costs for group lessons, recital fees (except the Christmas Parade float), music copies, lesson & music lab supplies. The supply fee is due at the beginning of each semester (Sept 1 for fall/January payment).
Separate Fees: CFMTA events, NCMTA festival contests, MCP, or master classes are optional and billed separately. Payment will be collected prior to the event.
SUPPLIES
Each student should bring 4 items to their lesson: their piano music, a notebook, a two-pocket folder or black 3 ring binder, and a pencil.
All students must have a piano on which to practice regularly. An acoustic piano is the preference. If a digital piano is chosen, one with weighted keys, a full keyboard (88 keys), and two pedals should be selected. Please ask Ms. Tjon for suggestions on where to buy a piano locally and advice on which piano would be most suitable for your family.
The student is responsible to purchase their piano books selected by the teacher. If the teacher has the music book, the cost will be added to the monthly invoice. Any supplemental books or supplies (flashcards, metronome, music) are the responsibility of the student. If more music is needed, the parent will be notified before any music is ordered.
Additional supplies: a metronome (either an app or a free-standing metronome).
GROUP LESSONS – supplemental benefit of SPS lessons
Group Lessons are an additional benefit of private lessons with SPS. The group lessons are optional, but participation is strongly encouraged! Students meet in my studio once a month–on the first Sunday of every month except September & January. Students will be divided into three groups: Group 1 (K-2/3) from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.; Group 2 (grades 3-5/6) from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.: ONLINE: Group 3 & Virtual students (high school) from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. (EST)
Group lessons include music-themed games, learning about a composer and their music, and students playing current pieces (polished or in progress) for their peers. This social interaction and educational benefits are invaluable for the growth and development of each student.
Parents can drop off their child and do not need to stay for this event.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
In addition to the regular lesson, the studio will offer group activities for all SPS students. These activities are optional. See SPECIAL EVENTS page.
PRACTICE & COMMITMENT POLICY
Making beautiful music takes heart, dedication, and regular practice. In order for students to grow and flourish, establishing a daily, uninterrupted practice routine at home is essential. A consistent commitment to practice allows the pianist to build confidence, experience continuous progress, and ultimately find much greater joy in their musical journey.
Practice Frequency & Length
- Finding a Routine: While practice needs naturally vary by level, all students should aim to practice at least five times per week.
- Setting the Time Goal: A fantastic benchmark is to practice for the same length as your weekly lesson each day (e.g., a 30-minute lesson equals 30 minutes of daily practice).
What Counts as Practice?
Music education is beautifully well-rounded, and practice can be highly creative. A successful practice session can include any combination of the following elements:
- Polishing and playing assigned repertoire
- Completing music theory pages or games
- Writing original compositions or improvising melodies
- Practicing rhythm exercises and clap-alongs
- Sight-reading and “reading” new music
THE PARENT-TEACHER PARTNERSHIP
Parental support is the heartbeat of a student’s success! Your encouragement, enthusiasm, and active involvement make a world of difference in your child’s musical development. When we work together as a team, we give our young pianists the ultimate foundation to thrive, build confidence, and feel a profound sense of accomplishment.
Staying Connected
- The Assignment Notebook: This notebook is our primary gateway for weekly communication. It is where you will find clear expectations, weekly assignments, scheduling reminders, and updates on your child’s wonderful progress. Please take a look at it with your student after each lesson.
- Open Lines of Communication: I am always here to support your family. Please feel free to reach out to me throughout the week with any questions, insights, or concerns—big or small!
Lesson Observations
- An Open-Door Welcome: You are always welcome to sit in and observe your child’s lesson. Seeing their growth firsthand is a joy, and I love sharing those moments.
- Keeping Focus: To help your student get the absolute most out of their time, I ask that observations remain quiet and free of distractions for both the student and the teacher.
- Special Guests: If an extended family member, friend, or someone outside the immediate family would like to sit in on a lesson, please just give me advance notice.
CANCELLATION OF LESSONS
If a student must discontinue lessons, a written, two-week notice is requested. This allows SPS to fill the student’s lesson time. Payment is due through the end of the two-week notice.