MICHAEL HARREN PIANO STUDIO POLICY

2023-2024

Teacher's Responsibilities

My responsibility to the student is to provide an atmosphere for learning and a well-balanced musical education. Each student will have the personal attention and respect necessary to develop their individual talents. I will guide each student toward musical independence through a balanced program of theory, technique, and repertoire.  

Parent’s Responsibility

Parents are encouraged to support and facilitate regular practice on a suitable instrument. For the first year, a student may practice on a 61-key keyboard. After the first year, I strongly suggest an acoustic piano or a full sized keyboard with 88 weighted keys, pedal, and a bench of the correct height. Additionally, parents are responsible for purchasing new books, sheet music, and other materials for the student as needed.

Student’s Responsibility

Students are expected to practice daily, keep track of assignments, and maintain a respectful attitude. I recommend that fingernails be kept short to allow correct finger movement and comfortable playing. Lesson notes will be added to My Music Staff and emailed to the student. 

Recitals

There will be one recital at the end of each semester, one in January and one in June. Students are strongly encouraged to perform in the recitals and there will be a $25 fee per student to help cover the cost of rental for the venue. The dates will be announced later in the school year.

My Music Staff

Scheduling, billing, and student assignments are all handled through My Music Staff which features a student portal granting access to view scheduled lessons, attendance, payments, lesson reminders, and more. You will receive a separate email with instructions to create an account and log in to the portal.

Calendar and Tuition

Monthly tuition is the cost of 33 lessons per year divided by 10 for equal monthly payments from September to June. Two extra free lessons have been added to the calendar in lieu of make-ups for missed lessons.

Tuition amounts are as follows:

• thirty-five 30 minute lessons: $195.00  monthly 
• thirty-five 45 minute lessons: $274.00  monthly
• thirty-five 60 minute lessons: $356.00  monthly

Tuition is accepted only through My Music Staff via a button on your monthly invoice. I offer a $10 discount per month if you sign up for auto pay. Payment is due by the 1st of each month.

Cancellations

My teaching schedule is very busy so making up lessons are not possible.  In lieu of make-ups or credits, tuition for the year includes two free lessons. Zoom lessons are always a possibility if a lesson can not be given in person.

Termination of Lessons

Parents must give 30 days advance notice to terminate lessons. Students who fail to notify the teacher 30 days in advance will be billed for an additional month. No refunds will be given for payments already made.

Summer

Students are encouraged to continue lessons through the summer which are offered a la carte and billed at the beginning of each summer month.