PAYMENT

Lessons will be billed on a monthly basis and due at the beginning of each month at the first lesson. Payment will include the lessons for each month, any books or supplies purchased through Ms. Tjon, and any special fees.

If the tuition is received after the 10th of the month, a $15 late fee will be incurred and lessons will be suspended until tuition is paid. There is a $20.00 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

The student has reserved time each week, and commitment to regular attendance is expected. Both of our time is valuable and an investment.

In the event of a student’s absence, there are no scheduled make-up lessons and the student assumes financial responsibility. Please note that if the student arrives late, the lesson cannot be extended. If you think you will be delayed or will miss a lesson in advance, please notify me as soon as possible.

Thanks to technology,  should the student need to miss their lesson we can use a live video platform (Zoom, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime, etc.) during their regularly scheduled lesson time. Please contact Ms. Tjon prior to the lesson for this option.

In the case of inclement weather or an emergency, parents will be contacted immediately. A live video lesson will be utilised for students of studio and travel lessons. If the live video option is unavailable or circumstances prevent the lesson, a make-up lesson will be offered on a designated day.

Should the teacher need to miss a lesson, the studio will offer a make-up lesson, reimbursement, or schedule a substitute piano teacher.

There will be learning opportunities with group lessons, special events, and recitals throughout the school year to replenish any missed private instruction.

FEES

There is a $35 semester supply fee per student (N/A to adult students). 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. & Jan.).

Optional Fees: CFMTA events, NCMTA festival contests, Federation Festival, or master classes are optional and have a separate fee. This will be collected prior to the event if the student chooses to participate.

SUPPLIES

Each student should bring 4 items to their lesson: their piano music, a notebook, a two-pocket folder, 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 – additional 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 4:00 p.m.; Group 3 (ages 13+) from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.

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 TIME

Making beautiful music takes commitment and practice. In order for the student to grow musically, a daily, non-interrupted time to practice is essential. Commitment to practicing consistently will allow the pianist to improve and better enjoy his or her musical experience.

Practice length will vary according to the student’s level, but all students should aim to practice five times per week. The goal is to practice the length of one’s lesson time each day. While practice can include all aspects of music–playing the instrument, theory, writing composition, improvising, practicing rhythm, “reading” music, and so forth–there is no substitute for exercising one’s fingers on the piano keys.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Parental support is so important in the success of each student. The assignment notebook is our means of weekly communication about expectations, assignments, scheduling reminders, and progress. Parents and students have my contact information and are free to reach me with any questions, concerns, or thoughts throughout the week.

Encouragement and support for regular practice are foundational in the musician’s development. Commitment to regular practice will see the greatest results and give the student a profound sense of accomplishment.

All parents or guardians are welcome at any time to observe the lesson, so long as it does not become a distraction for the student or teacher. Please notify me in advance if someone other than an immediate family member would like to observe a lesson.

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.