Empowered Music Studio

STUDENT & FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Students agree to arrive at each lesson punctually, well-prepared, and with their assignment books, music, and instrument. A piano will be provided in the studio for piano lessons. To make good progress, daily quality practice is necessary. Please ask questions about home assignments so that the student and parents can completely understand the assignments and goals.
  • All students are encouraged to play at the studio recitals and take auditions for local festivals and competitions. If an opportunity arises, please bring information to the next lesson so that I can help your student prepare. 
  • Students must have their own instrument to practice at home. If you have questions or would like input on the purchase of an instrument please let me know. I am happy to help and make specific recommendations. 
  • The studio also offers incentive programs for students to encourage better practice and greater involvement in music during the year.  Please ask for more information.
  • Parental involvement promotes success and progress in student’s music studies. Open communication between parents and teachers is strongly encouraged. Please talk to me about any concerns or questions that you may have in regards to you or your child’s progress. I am open to any suggestions and ideas that may help you or your child.  Parents: If something is happening at home or school that is affecting your child please let me know. The more information I have, the more I can be sensitive to the needs of your child.
  • Regular and punctual attendance is required to make maximum progress in piano studies. All students are expected to practice at least 5 days per week. The emphasis will be put on the quality versus quantity of practice time. I recommend the following practice schedule:
    • Beginners – 15 ~ 20 minutes, 5-6 times/week
    • Elementary level – 25 ~ 35 minutes, 5-6 times/week
    • Intermediate level – 40 ~ 60 minutes, 5-6 times/week
    • Early Advance – Advance -1~2 hours, 5-6 times/week


LESSON PROGRAMS

The studio calendar is operates on 3 terms (in accordance to the public school calendar): Fall Semester (Sept through December), Spring Semester (January through May), and Summer (June through August).

Comprehensive Piano Programs:

  • Elementary Level: Required for all beginning/transfer students at the elementary level (up to level 3).  Basic musicianship skills are covered in areas such as reading, rhythm, ear training, and technique through level 3 of most method books.  The length of lesson is 30~45 minutes for level 1~3.  Students in this course are expected to participate in all studio events and recitals.  Participation in the annual Certificate of Merit test and local festival events may be recommended.
  • Intermediate/Advance Level: This is the course of study for students beyond level 3 of most method books.  The length of lesson is 45 minutes for students (level 3 – 5), and 1 hour for students (level 6 and higher).  The course covers comprehensive technique, repertoire, theory and musicianship.  Students in this course are expected to participate in all studio events and recitals.  Participating in the annual Certificate of Merit test is expected, and local events participation is recommended.

Honors Program: 

  • Enrollment in this course is only based on my recommendation for students beyond level 3.  The student must be willing to commit to the more rigorous demands from this course.  This course covers everything in the Comprehensive Intermediate Course but focuses more on finer elements of artistic performance and musicianship skills. The length of the lessons is at least 1 hour or more, and may subject to more frequent but shorter lessons 3 weeks prior to a competition or an event.  The student will be expected to participate in Certificate of Merit test, local festival events, and other competitions.

Recreational Adult / High School Students Program 

  • This course is for adult and busy high school students who want to study and play recreationally at an elementary, intermediate, or advance level. A curriculum will be individually designed to meet the needs and goals of the student. Participation in studio classes and events is optional.


MUSIC, MATERIALS, EVENT FEES

  • Each student is responsible for purchasing the required music and materials for lessons. Materials will be assigned by me and the student will be expected to have the materials no later than two weeks after the materials have been assigned. Advanced notice will be provided whenever possible.
  • Event Fees for Group Lessons, Recitals, and Competitions will be included in the monthly invoice


PHOTOGRAPH, VIDEO, MEDIA

  • There may be opportunities for the students to be photographed or filmed. These images may be used for publicity within the music studio (newsletter, website, presentations, social media, flyers and information handouts).   By agreeing to the studio policy, you give permission for images of your child/children to be used for publicity by the studio.  If you do not want your child's images to be used, please let me know.   In general, the students love to see their pictures and videos on my website or around the studio. They find it motivating and exciting to think that others want to know what they are learning. The students are identified only by first name.

PAYMENTS

  •  A monthly invoice will be sent out by 27th of the month prior for all enrolled students, which will include the following month’s tuition, any music or supplies that have been purchased, traveling reimbursement, and any applicable event fees.  It reflects on number of lessons the studio schedules that following month, studio schedule, and will not be altered. Planned vacations or other conflicts communicated in advance receive a make-up lesson credit for that month

  • Monthly tuition is due by the 10th of each month. A $15 late fee is charged for payments received after the 15th of each month

  • Preferred methods of payment are cash or check.

MISSED LESSONS

  • A minimum of twenty-four hours advance notice is required for cancellation of a lesson. It is unacceptable to cancel a few hours before the scheduled lesson time.

  • Only TWO makeup lessons are allowed per semester.
  • Lessons missed within a semester will be rescheduled within the week. Lessons that conflict with studio breaks or missed due to illness or family emergencies will have priority on the rescheduling days over lessons missed due to social or sporting events. Missed lessons will NOT be credited or made up in the next quarter.  Missed lesson can be made up in one of the following ways: Online Lesson (Zoom/Facetime), Video Lessons, during Make-up Week (usually in the last week of each semester that is set aside for make-up lessons as needed). 

  • Make-up lessons will not be available for last-minute cancellations (less than 24-hours notice) such as sporting events, parties or other social events, forgetting a lesson, “I didn’t practice,” and transportation problems.

  • Time lost due to lateness on the part of the student cannot be made up, nor will a credit be issued.

  • Make-ups can also be given in 15-30 minute increments added on to lessons until the time is made up.

  • Make-up lessons will be given if the teacher makes the cancellation. If no make-up lesson is given, I will credit it to the student’s account.

LESSON TERMINATION

I will dismiss a student if any of these circumstances occur:

  • Uncooperative attitude

  • Failure to pay tuition on time

  • Lack of progress due to insufficient practice and interests

In the event that the student has decided to discontinue lessons, I required a notice at least 2 weeks ahead.  No refund will be given, thus the student must finish the remainder of the month or forego any unused lessons.