Registration and Fees

• New students will receive an introductory meeting/assessment before joining the studio.
• Students are committed to taking weekly lessons throughout the school year (September-June). There are 32-34 lessons, depending on which day of the week your lessons are scheduled.
• Lessons may be offered in the summer for those wishing to further their progress – this is subject to the teachers’ availability.
• Private lessons are scheduled on a regularly recurring day/time mutually agreed upon with the teacher.
• Information on current tuition fees is available upon request. Tuition is updated at the end of each school year.
• All fees must be prepaid in order to secure your lesson day/time. There are two payment options:
  Option 1: Three Installments – First installment is due at time of registration along with two post- dated cheques for January 1 and April 1 of the current school year.
  Option 2: Monthly Installments – Payment is due by the first lesson of each month. You will receive a payment schedule for your reference.
  Note: Semi-private and small group theory classes will require payment in full at the start of classes.
• Payments can be made by cheque or email transfer. A service charge of $15 will be applied to any NSF cheques.
• Books and other studying material will be purchased separately and is not included in the lesson fee.
• One month’s written notice must be given prior to termination of lessons.
• The studio reserves the right to remove any student from the teaching schedule who does not meet the requirements of the studio policy.

Missed Lessons

• Private students are permitted two make-up lessons per school year, provided that the student/parent gives the teacher at least 24 hours advance notice. Make-up lessons will be scheduled at the end of the school year (June).
• Missed lessons due to emergency matters (e.g. sickness) with less than 24 hours notice may count toward the two make-up lessons. This also includes cancellation due to inclement weather. It is strongly advised that online lessons be arranged in these situations to minimize disruptions on student progress.
• Last-minute cancellations and no-shows will be forfeited and cannot be made up or refunded.
• Lack of practice or a forgotten lesson is not considered sufficient reason to miss or reschedule a lesson.
• In the event of a teacher’s absence, lessons will be rescheduled or credited.

Assignments and Practice Time

• Students are expected to practice regularly and be prepared for lessons as assigned. The length of practice time will vary depending on the age of the student and the goals set each week, however, daily practice is essential for progress.
• Students should always bring their piano books and other studying materials to each lesson, along with a notebook, pencil and eraser (writing instruments can no longer be shared).
• Parents should help the student arrange a regular practice time free from interruptions and distractions. Piano study involves the art of developing self-discipline as well as developing the skills for performance.

Piano for Home Practice

Students must have a piano for home practice. This should be an acoustic piano and should be tuned and maintained regularly. If this is not possible at the start of lessons, an electronic keyboard can be used as a short-term solution for beginner students. You will need to make the investment in an acoustic piano within a year of starting lessons. For intermediate and advanced students, and/or students seeking to take the Royal Conservatory exams, you are required to have an acoustic piano for home practice.

Siblings and Non-Students

Siblings and/or friends not registered in lessons are not allowed in the studio during lessons. Parents are welcome to observe their child(ren)’s lesson(s).