Foreword

Payment Policy:
1. For the interest of simplicity and convenience there are no refunds however lessons may be credited to the follwing month.
2. Payments are received via Zelle, check, or cash before lessons begin – usually on the first
week of each month before the first lesson of each month.
3. Payments will encompass lesson fees, travel fees, studio fees, recital fees,
festival/competition fees, and books/materials in the month they are incurred.
4. Lesson fees cover a full month’s worth of lessons and vary based on the number of weeks
in each month. (To the exclusion of specified holidays.)
5. If for any reason a student needs to miss most or all lessons in a month, there is a holding
fee worth two lessons for that month not counting specific holidays (mentioned in part 2
of Holiday Policy), spring, and winter breaks. This holding fee also applies to summer
breaks.
 

Sickness, Rescheduling, and Holiday/Break Lesson Policy:
1. If lessons are missed for any reason on a student’s part, it can be rescheduled if time
allows or will be missed entirely without refund.
2. If lessons are missed due to the teacher, then it can be rescheduled if time allows or will
be credited to the following month’s payment.
3. Lessons will be rescheduled or omitted without charge on New Years Eve, the 4th of July,
Christmas Eve and Day, and Thanksgiving Day. Winter and spring breaks lessons as well as all other
holidays not mentioned prior, including Labor Day, are optional. (charged if taken and
omitted without charge if not). Summer break lessons are suggested for continuity but
weeks the students are gone during summer break are not charged though the holding fee
is charged. Religious and cultural holiday accommodations can also be made.
4. If a student falls ill, it is required that the lesson is rescheduled or missed without
refund.

Travel/Buffer Times and Late Arrival Policy:
1. Due to traffic uncertainty and other related conditions, the teacher reserves an approximate
arrival time of 10 minutes before and 15 minutes after the scheduled time. If the
teacher is more than 15 minutes late the student/parent will be notified with a chance
of rescheduling or crediting the lesson to next month if necessary.
2. If a student is late by more than 15 minutes to their lesson the lesson may be rescheduled
or considered missed. For travel lessons this results in rescheduling or a shortened lesson
(same rate charged).
3. The teacher includes 15 minutes after the lesson to discuss weekly assignments and
other necessary information. The buffer time is included on top of the lesson time and is
paid for as part of the travel fee.

Practice and Performance Policy:
1. Performance opportunities include online studio classes (usually held monthly on the
penultimate Saturday of each month), in person studio classes, music
festivals/competitions through the Oregon Music Teacher’s Association and the National
Federation of Music Clubs, and annual recitals (at least one held in December or January
with a secondary recital in June). Adult students are not required to perform in any
performance but all students aged 7-22 MUST perform in studio classes and annual
recitals.
2. Dress codes and other info are sent in advance of all performance opportunities. Fees
for all performances are charged on top of normal lesson fees and materials.
3. Instrument requirements: piano bench or seat of appropriate height (varies per person),
stable stand or piano legs, 88 keys, weighted or ideally graded action, dynamic sensitivity
(volume can change softer or louder depending on how hard a key is pressed), and a pedal
or electronic equivalent. If any or a few requirements are missing, it’s possible to begin
lessons especially for young kids however an upgrade is imperative once a certain level is
reached and technique will largely suffer. If several are missing, then lessons may not be
possible!
4. Practice/playing is an essential daily requirement for all students taking lessons with
varying lengths depending on age. It is critical for all students to construct an accessible routine.