Complete Studio Policies
2007-2008 PRIVATE LESSON POLICIES
• In all cases, it is necessary to have a practice instrument in the home! A “real” piano is preferable to an electronic instrument; however, an
electronic keyboard with 61 (or more) full size keys will be sufficient for the first few months of study. All students and parents must be willing
to upgrade their practice instrument when I believe it becomes necessary. Acoustic pianos should be tuned and serviced about once a year.
• Students are expected to demonstrate an interest in learning to play which is reflected both in their demeanor at lessons and their at-home
preparation. Classical music is the foundation of my teaching; my students can and do play jazz, ragtime, and popular music as well. Lessons
are, in part, a give-and-take between teacher and student; I try hard to adapt to the interests and abilities of my students, and I expect students to
be similarly flexible in adapting to my expectations. I will not continue to teach students who are under-prepared or poorly behaved.
• The importance of regular practice cannot be overstated and is essential to any serious music study. Practice time must be sufficient to make
clear and observable progress on a weekly basis at lessons. Students of all ages are expected to practice 6 days a week, keep a written log of
their practicing, and to meet individualized practice time goals without significant exception. Many students need active assistance and
supervision to make their time at the piano productive; parents must be willing to provide this as needed.
• Family members are welcome and encouraged to observe lessons; parents of younger children (8 and under) should observe lessons for at least
the first six months. All parents must observe the first 4 lessons.
• Learning to play the piano must not be a solitary endeavor! All students must be willing and able to participate in occasional recitals, classes and
other events. There may be an additional charge for some outside events. Small group classes may meet up to 12 times per year. There is no
additional charge for these classes; however, some classes may be scheduled in place of private lessons. When classes are available, attendance
is compulsory.
• Please keep in mind that in addition to my business, the studio is also my home. Those engaging in rambunctious and disruptive behavior will be
asked to leave; parents are solely responsible for anything that may be damaged, stained, or broken by anyone in their care for any reason. Do
not eat, drink, or use markers on the couch or carpet. If you bring snacks, feel free to eat them at the kitchen table.
• Students must be willing to keep their fingernails reasonably short.
• The base fee for lessons is $23.75 per half hour. From September 4 through June 21, 30 minutes lessons are $88 per month; 45 minute lessons
are $132 per month; 60 minute lessons are $176 per month; 75 minute lessons are $176 per month. The amount of tuition due does not change
from month to month, regardless of the number of lessons. Holidays and breaks listed in the schedule below are included in the monthly rate and
will not be credited or refunded. Tuition for the entire month is due at the first lesson of each month. A late fee of $15 per student will be
added if payment is made after the 10th of the month, even if I don’t remind you that payment is due. If you fail to include the late fee
with your payment, I will deduct it from the materials deposit (see below). There will be a $30 fee for any returned checks. Please note that
because monthly tuition reserves a place in my weekly schedule and does not buy time, my studio does have a “no make-up policy.” When a
student misses a lesson for any reason (including inclement weather, illness, vacation, sports conflicts, etc.), I am not obligated to offer make-up
lessons and I will not give credits or refunds. Of course, in the infrequent cases when I must cancel a lesson (other than those days listed on the
schedule below), it will always be made up or credited; credits will be made to the materials deposit (see below), not to future tuition. From June
22 to September 1, lessons will be paid and scheduled according to a separate summer policy sheet.
• At the option of the student, tuition may be pre-paid by semester. Semester tuition is due by September 10 or February 10 and is five times the
monthly rate less a 5% discount.
• A pre-paid materials deposit of $50 is due at the first lesson of each semester (for adult students, at the beginning of the school year only). An
$11 general materials fee will be deducted from this, as will the actual cost of any events, books, and materials. The deposit must be replenished
on request. Any remaining balance will be applied to the following semester’s deposit.
• Lessons may be discontinued by the student at any time for any reason; however, tuition will still be due for the entire month, regardless
of the number of lessons actually attended; there will be no refunds. To avoid tuition liability, written notice must be given before the
first day of the month. The materials deposit will be forfeited. I also may elect to discontinue any student’s lessons at any time for any
reason, but if I do, I will refund the unused portion of the materials deposit and the remainder of that month’s lessons except in the following
cases: 1) when the student has missed 3 consecutive lessons or 4 or more lessons in any 2 month period (except July and August); 2) when
tuition is past due.
• Lessons will not be cancelled for inclement weather. In the event that weather prevents students from attending lessons, I will try to be flexible
in offering make-ups, but I will not issue credits.
• Your first and continuing tuition payments indicate your acceptance of all the items on this policy sheet and to annual revisions (made each
September).
FALL 2007 SEMESTER SCHEDULE
- Tuesday, September 4: Fall Semester Begins
- Wednesday, October 31: Halloween—no lessons
- Wednesday, November 21 through Sunday, November 25: Thanksgiving Break—no lessons
- Friday, December 21 through Wednesday, January 2: Winter Break—no lessons
SPRING 2008 SEMESTER SCHEDULE
- Monday, February 4: Spring Semester Begins
- Sunday, March 16 through Sunday, March 23: Spring Break—no lessons
- Summer Recital TBA
- Saturday, June 21: Last day of Spring Semester
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Piano Studio of Andrew Horowitz