Peden Piano Studio Policies 2024-2025
Please read carefully for updated information.
Annual Registration Fee:
The annual registration fee is $65 per student, renewing in August each year. This fee covers all books, supplies, prizes, etc. If you start lessons during the second semester, the fee will be prorated to $40.
Instrument Requirements:
All students must have regular access to a piano (acoustic or digital) for regular practice. The quality of your student’s home instrument plays a significant role in their potential for success.
Digital Pianos or Keyboards must have a full-size keyboard (88 keys) that is touch-sensitive, a sustain pedal, and a music rack. It also must come with a stand and bench for proper positioning. These features are critical for the student to gain essential piano-playing skills. An exception can be made for first-year students, who want to try lessons out on a shorter keyboard. However, after the first year, a full-size instrument that meets the requirements must be acquired in order to learn the skills necessary for playing the piano well.
Acoustic pianos must be tuned at least once a year and kept in good working order. This is particularly important for online lessons so that the notes on the student’s piano sound like the teacher’s piano.
Procedures for Lessons at the Studio:
- Students should wait on the porch, outside with their parents, or in the car until the teacher comes to the door to let them in. (Please do not ring the doorbell or knock unless it is past the time for the lesson to start.)
- Please remove wet boots and shoes upon entering the studio.
- For siblings or parents waiting, my preference is that they wait outside, at the playground, or in the car, but there is a waiting area inside if needed, as long as they can be very quiet. Young students must have adult supervision.
- Hand sanitation is recommended before lessons begin. Sanitizer will be provided.
Absence Policy:
Forgotten lessons: If a student forgets to attend an in-person lesson or the teacher is not notified in advance of an absence, the lesson is forfeited with no makeup.
Illness: If your student is showing any symptoms of illness before a lesson, out of consideration for the teacher and other students, do not send your child to the lesson. Makeup credits will be given for illnesses. Please text the teacher before the lesson to cancel.
Cancellations: All advance cancellations (such as for school events or appointments) should be done at the studio website: pedenpiano.mymusicstaff.com. Select Calendar from the menu on the left. Then select the lesson you want to cancel and follow the instructions. If you cancel a lesson 24 hours or more in advance, then you will automatically receive a makeup credit which can be used towards another lesson. After you receive the makeup credit, you may register for a makeup slot on the website.
For last-minute or same-day cancellations, please text the teacher directly. Makeups will be at the discretion of the teacher for cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice.
Scheduling Makeups: Makeup credits expire after 90 days. You may go to the student portal page to schedule them in the calendar section. Makeup lessons must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. If you cannot find a time available that will work for you, contact the teacher.
Extended absences: Occasionally a parent requests an extended absence for a student involved in a musical or sporting activity. If a student will be absent for more than 3 consecutive weeks, their time slot will no longer be reserved for them and they will be moved to the waiting list. When they wish to return to lessons, they may choose from the slots that are still available. If you wish to reserve your original time slot during the absence, you must continue paying the tuition.
Terminating lessons: If you wish to withdraw your student from piano lessons mid-year, 30 days advance notice is appreciated. Tuition paid for at the beginning of each month is not refundable.
Studio Closings:
Holidays and school breaks: In general, the studio will be closed on all school holidays and breaks. However, makeup lessons may be offered during some school breaks, and summer lessons are offered during summer break. Please see the studio calendar in the student portal for specific dates.
Teacher absences: If the teacher must cancel lessons, she will contact you by phone, text, or email. Lessons canceled by the teacher will be rescheduled or given cash credit if rescheduling is not possible.
Inclement Weather Days: If in-person lessons have been scheduled and the weather makes travel difficult, the parent may request shifting to a remote lesson if sufficient notice is given to the teacher.