Susan Lipnick Piano Studio

Policies for Students Who are Children

Schedule

Lessons will take place on a consistent day and time as much as possible.  Prior to the beginning of the month, we will consult on how many lessons both the student and I are available for lessons.  Payment is due at the beginning of the month for the number of anticipated lessons.  (E.g., if a student plans to take three half-hour lessons for the month, payment of $81 is due.)

Holidays: I do not teach on Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and December 24 through January 1.

Assigned Lesson Time

The assigned lesson time is a standing appointment.  Students must be dropped off and picked up on time, as I rarely can extend the lesson time when students arrive late.  I cannot supervise students before or after the lesson.  Students must remember to bring all currently assigned music books, including the assignment book.  Fingernails should be short enough not to click on the piano keys.

Lessons usually will take place if school is cancelled because of inclement weather but it is safe to drive to lessons.  Let me know if road conditions make it unsafe for you to bring your child to lessons.  If the student has a contagious illness, please do not come to lessons that day.  Let me know if we can hold the lesson via videoconferencing.

Cancellations/Rescheduling/Absences

 If a student must stay at home because of unsafe road conditions or a contagious illness but can still manage the regularly scheduled lesson, we will try to have the lesson online through videoconferencing during the regular lesson time.  If videoconferencing is not possible, I will try to reschedule within the week of that lesson only.  Alternatively, sometimes it is possible to extend other lessons that month to make up some or all of the cancelled lesson lime.  We can also try a lesson via speakerphone or videoconferencing during the normal lesson time.  If I must cancel a lesson, I will provide alternative dates and times to reschedule

If rescheduling or extending lessons is not possible, the cancelled lesson will simply be missed.  Payment for cancelled lessons will not be credited or prorated.

If absences become a regular occurrence, let’s try to find a better day and time for lessons.

Payment

Full monthly payment is due on the first day of the month. I accept checks or exact cash and payment through PayPal or Zelle.  Please make checks payable to Susan Lipnick.  Tuition is not refundable, transferable, or used for subsequent months.

I may offer payment alternatives for family emergencies (e.g., long-term health issue or death of a relative) but will make this determination on a case-by-case basis.

Fee Amount

30-minute lessons:  $27/lesson (private lesson)  (young beginners only)

45-minute lessons:  $40/lesson (private lesson)   (most students)

Additional Fees

Books, Supplies, Events Fees:  Families usually purchase required music.  Otherwise, fees for music books, supplies, and lesson-related events and activities should be paid upon receipt of the bill.

Insufficient Funds Fee: Families who pay from an account with insufficient funds will have to pay me in cash the amount originally due plus applicable bank fees and penalties I incurred.  Lessons will temporarily cease from the day my bank notifies me of insufficient fees until the matter is resolved and all outstanding lesson and additional fees have been paid in cash.

Practicing at Home

Lessons cannot be successful or enjoyable without at-home playing and preparation.  I encourage students to play piano and practice daily.  Students will learn at their lessons how to practice effectively.

Parental Involvement

The ability of a child to learn music depends in large part on the mutual involvement of the child, the music teacher, and the parent.  Parents, please note that you do not have to know how to play piano or have a musical background to provide necessary supervision and support.  You will need to remind your child to practice the assigned lesson daily and provide encouragement when your child struggles to master a new skill.  You may also need to review the weekly assignment with your child if your child has difficulty understanding independently the weekly assignment.  You will also need to arrange for your child to be brought to lessons and picked up on time if you do not stay at the lessons.

Communication is essential.  I will stay in touch with you regarding your child’s progress and/or concerns I may have.  If you notice your child struggling with piano at home, please contact me or have your child contact me.  You can also share your concerns or observations tactfully at the lesson.

I also have a blog dedicated to practicing issues and parental involvement on my website: https://susanlipnickpianostudio.com/blog-for-piano-parents-of-school-aged-children/ .

WOULD YOU LIKE MORE INFORMATION?  CONTACT ME:

Contact Information: Susan Lipnick, NCTM

Phone/Text: 815-908-0483    Email: lipnick.piano@gmail.com