Piano Policies and Courtesy Information
Lesson Schedule: We have reserved space for your student(s) with the understanding that we will have a lesson each week at that time. If a permanent conflict arises with this lesson time, please feel free to contact us to discuss alternate arrangements. We are happy to work with you to ensure a weekly lesson time that complements both of our schedules.
Security/Location: At LUMC, the doors remain locked at all times. A door code will be assigned each September. Piano lessons are held in rooms 127 and 129. If you arrive early, you may wait in room 125. At our home studios, please wait to enter/knock until your lesson time, to avoid disrupting the lesson or preparation occurring before your lesson.
Payment: Tuition is $108.50 per month. We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express). You will be automatically billed on the first calendar day of each month. Any credit card issues must be resolved by the 5th of the month. Otherwise, a $25 late fee applies. After the 10th of the month, student attendance will be suspended until all fees are paid.
A Word About Tuition: What you pay is tuition. It is not calculated as an hourly fee for services rendered because teaching is more than the time we spend with your student. Tuition covers time spent with students, preparation time, teacher training and experience, recital costs and preparations, professional organization memberships, professional journals, studio expenses, property taxes, self-employment taxes, insurance, business licenses, retirement, continuing education, and certification costs.
Cancellations/Makeup Classes: If your child is sick and/or missed school due to illness or not feeling well, do not send them to lessons. You may attend via Zoom or request an online recording of your group lesson. In the event of a student absence, group lesson assignments will be updated in the Better Practice App within 24 hours. Private makeup lessons may be scheduled at a rate of $30 per 30-minute session and are subject to teacher availability. No credits or refunds will be issued for missed lessons.
We teach 42 lessons per year. This schedule allows us to account for holidays, snow days, occasional teacher cancellations, and vacation time. Schedules will be published each August for the school year and each May for the summer.
For weather-related cancellations, we follow the Shawnee Mission School District’s decision on school closings. Check e-mail and our Facebook page for updates. We will either cancel lessons for that day or schedule online lessons.
Making the Most of Lessons: As with any learning process, information acquired during piano lessons is best retained by reinforcing such information through at-home practice. Simply Music lessons require a parent’s attendance and participation at every weekly lesson. Siblings may attend lessons only if they bring a quiet activity to work independently on. If siblings cannot play or sit quietly, it is your responsibility to schedule alternate arrangements for them.
See the Expectations Sheet in your student binder for details on our expectations for our students and their parent coaches, as well as expectations for us as your educators.
Our lessons are taught in a group environment. We reserve the right to adjust group size, day, and time to create the best learning experience for each of our students. Lessons are most effective in a shared lesson environment. However, private lessons can be arranged to accommodate special circumstances. Weekly private lesson rates are significantly higher than shared lesson rates. Please inquire if you feel this is necessary.
On occasion, a private coaching session may be requested or recommended. You’re welcome to schedule/request this directly with your teacher at a rate of $30 per 30-minute session.
Books and Materials: Students are required to purchase instructional materials to use at home. Professionally prepared to the highest standards, these video, audio and print aids allow students to review easily and effectively some of the material presented in their lessons. Regardless of the student’s age or experience, the Student Home Materials dramatically increase their results and playing satisfaction. Materials are available to purchase in digital format. We recommend printing them after purchase.
Leave of Absence/Discontinuance: If you must miss lessons for more than one month but wish to continue as a student, you may choose from these options:
- Discontinue, then re-enroll upon your return. If you choose this option, re-enrollment is subject to availability. Your preferred time/day will not be reserved for you.
- Reserve your class time by continuing to pay monthly tuition and committing to staying on track with group assignments. Online lessons during the absence may be available to assist you.
If the need arises to discontinue piano lessons, we request 15-day written notice.
Updated August 2022