Artisan Music Studio

Studio Policy

All students are offered weekly 60-minute one-on-one individual lessons weekly. In addition, 90-minute group lessons, comprising 2-4 students per group, are offered to all students several times per semester. Private lessons are focused on repertoire study of varying levels and styles, technical work including scales, chords, arpeggios and études, as well as ear training, and sight-playing. Group lessons provide a focus on these skills as well as music theory, music history, music listening and appreciation, ensemble playing, and performance and examination preparation.

Tuition

Tuition each Fall, and Spring semester includes:

  • At least 14 60-minute individual lessons per semester

  • At least 3 group lessons per semester (90 minutes each)

  • Opportunities to prepare for RCM practical and theory exams – Includes additional exam preparation and gratis practice exams outside of lesson time

  • Opportunities to participate in various recitals each semester, as well as annual CAPMT recitals and competition – Recital and competition preparation includes additional gratis play-throughs, as well as feedback on audio and video recordings outside of individual lesson time.

Semester Periods:

  • Fall Semester – September through December

  • Spring Semester – January through May

  • Summer – June through August provided upon request, on a per lesson basis and dependent on availability

Payment

  • Tuition can be paid in full for the entire semester, or in two equal installments

  • Payment is due by the first scheduled lesson of each period

  • Payment is accepted in the various forms including cash, check, Paypal and Zelle

Attendance

  • Please try to notify me in advance as far as is possible if a lesson must be changed or cancelled; a rescheduled lesson, online (Zoom) lesson, or prorated lesson fee may be offered at my discretion

  • If I have to cancel a lesson for any reason, a rescheduled lesson time will be offered

  • Students should strive to be punctual and ready to begin lessons on time

  • Lessons might run a few minutes late so please take this into account when scheduling your lesson time

Responsibilities and Expectations

As the Teacher, my responsibilities are to provide:


  • A joyful environment and positive learning experience in every lesson or group class

  • A personalized approach to piano study with the aim of developing the unique talents and musical interests of every individual student

  • A comprehensive approach to learning music with the goal of providing greater understanding of music as a whole and the interconnectedness between its various components

  • Clearly articulated expectations, including short and long-term goals

  • Strategies and tools for practicing productively

  • Regular feedback on progress, as well as the opportunity for parents and students to ask questions or voice concerns

  • And ultimately, a greater love of and appreciation for music

Parental Responsibilities include:

  • Being supportive, and encouraging of your child’s musical progress while helping them to take responsibility for practicing regularly and productively. Parents are encouraged to remind their children about the importance of daily practice and to help them practice when necessary. This might entail assisting with and/or monitoring your child’s practice time as needed. Parents should also help their children schedule practice time so that it becomes part of a daily routine  

  • Making sure that your children attend lessons and student performances with consistency

  • Providing access to an appropriate and well-maintained practice instrument, together with a practice environment that is free from interruptions and distractions

  • Supplying your children with the necessary materials needed (including sheet music, etc.)

  • Being financially responsible and paying tuition on time

  • Communicating effectively with me about any questions or concerns you may have regarding your child(ren), sheet music, practice, recitals, or lesson content etc.

Please note that Parent-teacher conferences will be held regularly

Student Responsibilities include:

  • Arriving promptly at your lesson time, and being ready to play when your lesson begins

  • Bringing a notebook, pencil, metronome (or metronome app) and all materials to every lesson

  • Keeping fingernails neatly trimmed and hands clean

  • Wearing thin-soled shoes/socks that facilitate effective pedaling at the piano

  • Staying home if ill: an online or make-up lesson may be offered instead

  • Completing all assignments assigned by me between lessons, being careful to review all suggestions and instructions given during lessons

  • Regular and thoughtful practice, administered with full attention, and intention using the practice planning sheets provided to design and undertake productive practice sessions

Please note that Questions are encouraged!

Be sure to ask questions during lessons and don’t hesitate to reach out between lessons