Studio Info > Policies & Procedures
2011-2012 Policies & Procedures
Each academic year, the student/parent sign and agree to the studio Policies and Procedures.
General Information | Weekly private lessons are offered in 30, 45, or 60-minute sessions, depending on the student’s age/level. Weekly Piano Readiness Classes are also offered to young beginners (ages 4-6) in 50-minute sessions.
At The Studio | Students are expected to arrive for lessons in a timely manner, with all required materials and music. Parents and siblings may quietly peruse the waiting area in the living room, wait in their vehicle in the driveway, or run errands so long as they return to pick up their student in a timely fashion. To discuss student progress, parents are welcome to talk with the teacher during the first few minutes of the student's lesson -- but not afterwards, in order to respect the next student's time slot.
Practice and Instrument | Private students are expected to practice daily on a well-maintained acoustic piano. The piano should be located in a quiet area away from distractions. Acoustic pianos should be tuned twice a year.
Materials | Students are recommended to use a canvas tote bag to carry books to and from lessons. The student will be given an assignment notebook at their first lesson, which will be used to keep track of assigned pieces and practice suggestions/goals for each week. The teacher will obtain all needed books and materials for the student. The annual $60 non-refundable registration fee is usually enough to cover the cost of books and materials for the whole year for most students; however, if it is not enough the student/parent is expected to cover the additional costs.
Calendar and Schedule | The annual tuition rate covers 44 weekly private lessons as well as approximately 9 monthly Studio Classes, occasional studio outings, recital expenses, and more. The teacher does not teach during the week of Thanksgiving, the week of Christmas, the week prior to Christmas, and two weeks in August (13-24). The other unpaid 3 weeks of the year are reserved for the teacher to take off from lessons as needed for extreme illness, teacher conference attendance, or teacher vacations (with advanced notice). If the teacher chooses not to use all 3, the student benefits by receiving those lessons free.
Tuition and Payment | Students have the option of paying tuition in one of the two following methods. Please contact the teacher for the current tuition rates.
Tuition may be paid via cash/check, automatic deposit using bank routing number (ask Joy for information on setting this up with your bank account), or online via credit card, debit card, or Paypal (click here and be prepared to enter the studio password).
Summer Months | During the summer months (June 4th through about August 10), private students are still required to practice and take lessons; however, they will be provided with two options:
Makeup Lessons | Due to the teacher's limited availability, makeup lessons cannot be guaranteed. However, if an absence arises due to unforeseen situations such as an accident or family emergency and the student indicates a desire for a makeup lesson, the teacher will make an effort to accommodate a makeup. Please be courteous to the teacher and fellow students by notifying the teacher at least 24 hours in advance regarding any known upcoming absences. If the roads are impassible due to weather or a student is contagiously ill but feels well enough to play, having a lesson via Skype is a viable option for that week.
Discontinuing Lessons | Every student stops taking lesson at some point. Ideally, this decision is made thoughtfully with plenty of discussion between the teacher, parent, and student so that lessons can cease with a positive sense of closure. For this reason, the teacher asks for one month's notice in writing prior to discontinuing lessons. However, the teacher respects the student's right to end lessons at any time. Note: At the discretion of the teacher, students may be asked to discontinue lessons at any time if they have unpaid tuition, an excess amount of absences/unprepared lessons, or if they show a lack of interest.
Parent Participation | Parents are encouraged to be supportive and active participants in practice at home. Parents are also encouraged to attend and quietly observe lessons approximately once a month.
Studio Events | Each year, the studio schedules a number of exciting events for private students and their parents. All of these events are provided at no extra cost, with the exception of the optional theory/performance evaluations.
Communication | There are many great ways to stay informed regarding studio news and events!
At The Studio | Students are expected to arrive for lessons in a timely manner, with all required materials and music. Parents and siblings may quietly peruse the waiting area in the living room, wait in their vehicle in the driveway, or run errands so long as they return to pick up their student in a timely fashion. To discuss student progress, parents are welcome to talk with the teacher during the first few minutes of the student's lesson -- but not afterwards, in order to respect the next student's time slot.
Practice and Instrument | Private students are expected to practice daily on a well-maintained acoustic piano. The piano should be located in a quiet area away from distractions. Acoustic pianos should be tuned twice a year.
Materials | Students are recommended to use a canvas tote bag to carry books to and from lessons. The student will be given an assignment notebook at their first lesson, which will be used to keep track of assigned pieces and practice suggestions/goals for each week. The teacher will obtain all needed books and materials for the student. The annual $60 non-refundable registration fee is usually enough to cover the cost of books and materials for the whole year for most students; however, if it is not enough the student/parent is expected to cover the additional costs.
Calendar and Schedule | The annual tuition rate covers 44 weekly private lessons as well as approximately 9 monthly Studio Classes, occasional studio outings, recital expenses, and more. The teacher does not teach during the week of Thanksgiving, the week of Christmas, the week prior to Christmas, and two weeks in August (13-24). The other unpaid 3 weeks of the year are reserved for the teacher to take off from lessons as needed for extreme illness, teacher conference attendance, or teacher vacations (with advanced notice). If the teacher chooses not to use all 3, the student benefits by receiving those lessons free.
Tuition and Payment | Students have the option of paying tuition in one of the two following methods. Please contact the teacher for the current tuition rates.
- In equal monthly installments. Payments are due on the 1st of each month. No invoice will be provided.
- In two equal installments. Payments are due August 1st and April 1st.
Tuition may be paid via cash/check, automatic deposit using bank routing number (ask Joy for information on setting this up with your bank account), or online via credit card, debit card, or Paypal (click here and be prepared to enter the studio password).
Summer Months | During the summer months (June 4th through about August 10), private students are still required to practice and take lessons; however, they will be provided with two options:
- Students may participate in monthly summer camps while taking 5 lessons scheduled approximately every other week around the student's family vacations. Themes for the summer camps vary each year. Possible themes may include a Music Theory Boot Camp, Musical Olympics, Composition Workshop, and Music History Blast From The Past. Each monthly camp is comprised of 2-hour sessions over 3-5 days. Class sizes are generally 3-6 students.
- Or, students may continue weekly lessons (10 in total) as normal. Students who choose this option may certainly also participate in summer camps for a nominal fee.
Makeup Lessons | Due to the teacher's limited availability, makeup lessons cannot be guaranteed. However, if an absence arises due to unforeseen situations such as an accident or family emergency and the student indicates a desire for a makeup lesson, the teacher will make an effort to accommodate a makeup. Please be courteous to the teacher and fellow students by notifying the teacher at least 24 hours in advance regarding any known upcoming absences. If the roads are impassible due to weather or a student is contagiously ill but feels well enough to play, having a lesson via Skype is a viable option for that week.
Discontinuing Lessons | Every student stops taking lesson at some point. Ideally, this decision is made thoughtfully with plenty of discussion between the teacher, parent, and student so that lessons can cease with a positive sense of closure. For this reason, the teacher asks for one month's notice in writing prior to discontinuing lessons. However, the teacher respects the student's right to end lessons at any time. Note: At the discretion of the teacher, students may be asked to discontinue lessons at any time if they have unpaid tuition, an excess amount of absences/unprepared lessons, or if they show a lack of interest.
Parent Participation | Parents are encouraged to be supportive and active participants in practice at home. Parents are also encouraged to attend and quietly observe lessons approximately once a month.
Studio Events | Each year, the studio schedules a number of exciting events for private students and their parents. All of these events are provided at no extra cost, with the exception of the optional theory/performance evaluations.
- Studio Classes: Monthly Studio Classes are provided for private students of similar ages/levels to promote student camaraderie and to reinforce concepts taught during private lessons. Most Studio Classes include a theory segment, history segment, and a performance segment. With young private students, music & movement activities are also frequently included. With adult private students, there is a focus on piano literature, music history, and repertoire performance in a relaxed environment.
- Studio Recitals: Performing in a formal recital setting is an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their hard work and improvement over the year in the presence of their family and friends. The recital is held during the spring (usually in March or April) each year.
- Studio Outings: Throughout the year, studio outings are organized including trips to hear public solo piano performances, orchestra concerts, and other performances. These outings are provided at no additional cost to the student. Parents are encouraged to accompany as drivers/chaperones and enjoy the music.
- Examinations: Students are welcome to participate in theory examinations and/or performance evaluations through the Ohio MTA's program of choice, "The Achievement Program" sponsored by the Royal Conservatory and Carnegie Hall. These opportunities require additional entry fees.
- Summer Music Camps | During the summer months, 5-day camps are offered each month with a variety of topics/themes to choose from. Participation is not limited to Joy's private students, so invite your friends - no matter which instrument they play!
Communication | There are many great ways to stay informed regarding studio news and events!
- Monthly Studio Newsletters: Please watch for monthly studio newsletters and other occasional emails which will arrive in your email inbox. Newsletters feature practice tips, recognize student achievements, and announce the dates of upcoming studio events.
- Studio Website: Visit pianostudio.joymorin.com to find teacher contact information, current studio policies and procedures, the studio calendar, archives of previous monthly studio newsletters, and much more.
- Facebook Page: Students and parents are welcome to join the studio's facebook page. "Liking" this page allows students to interact with the teacher and other students while maintaining the privacy of each student's facebook profile.
- YouTube Channel: Visit www.youtube.com/user/jmpianoful to view videos of student performances. Student videos are posted only with written student/parental permission. These YouTube videos are often shared on the facebook page and featured on the studio website.
Piano Lessons in Bowling Green, OH | Joy Morin, pianist & teacher | Contact
