Michelle Mark Music | michelle@michellemarkmusic.com

Welcome to my piano studio!  Please take a moment to review this sheet.  I thank you in advance for being considerate of my policies and I look forward to working with you.

Payments: 

Monthly payments are due before the first lesson of every month. I divide the total amount of semester lessons into equal payments so that the cost will be the same each moth, regardless of whether 3, 4 or 5 lessons occur that month.  Semesterly payments are due before the first lesson of the semester.  Those paying semesterly receive a 5% discount.  Michelle Mark Music accepts cash, checks (made out to Michelle Mark) or Zelle.  PayPal invoices can also be sent out (3% tax applies).  Late payments will incur a 5% late fee. 

• A Non-Refundable $75.00 Studio Fee per student is required for whenever you begin piano lessons. The Studio Fee enables me to provide students with music, incentives and rewards throughout the year, manipulatives and defrays substantial costs for recitals. In addition, theory games, lab materials and upkeep, supplemental resources, student subscriptions, music library materials, as well as the initial cost of lesson materials (theory, technique and repertoire books, etc.) are included in this fee.

Studio Fees - Individual Lessons:

MOnthly

SEMESTERLy

Studio Fees - Buddy Lessons:

Buddy lessons are reserved for siblings close in age and ability level. In these lessons, siblings will get the benefit of private lessons, as well as “overlapping” time with each other. During this “buddy” time, we work on technique building, duets, play theory games, and/or do ensemble improvisation.  I currently offer one lesson length for these piano lessons: 

MOnthly

SEMESTERLy

Tuition reserves your weekly time slot and studio membership. Tuition covers not only the actual lesson time spent with the student, but time preparing a weekly individualized lesson plan for each student, as well as my ongoing business costs.  

LESSONS:

LESSON GUIDELINES FOR COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Missed lessons: If you’re unable to attend a lesson, there are still options that you can use in place of a regularly scheduled lesson that week.

1. Zoom: This is the best option if your child is still available at the scheduled time but cannot make it into the studio for an in-person lesson (for example if your child is sick but is feeling well enough for a lesson). 

2. SWAP list: This is the best option if you are free during the week but cannot make your scheduled time. Families are welcome to switch their times with another family during the week.  Swaps are unlimited during the semester.  

3. Teacher Availability: This is the best option if you cannot find a suitable swap time from the SWAP list.  If I have another available time to do the lesson that week, I will offer it.  Since this will be in addition to my set teaching schedule, the times/days that I will be available with vary weekly.  Please note that missed lessons cannot be carried over into subsequent weeks unless scheduled well in advance.

4. Video Feedback Lesson: This is the best option if you cannot make your lesson time and cannot find a suitable swap time for the week. For this option, I will make a video recording for your child with some feedback and ideas to work on.  It’s a great choice to still allow your child to continue to move forward and not stagnate their practice for the upcoming week!

If for any reason I have to cancel a lesson myself, I will provide a make-up lesson at a different time, or if a suitable time cannot be arranged, I will refund the cost.

Snow/weather emergencies: In case of weather emergencies (i.e. school cancellation or similar) and travel is dangerous, lessons will be done online via Zoom. 

Punctuality: If a student is late this simply takes time out of the lesson, i.e., the lesson will start when the student arrives and finish at the previously agreed upon time.

Studio Breaks:  I give breaks for Thanksgiving week, the DPS Winter/Holiday break and the DPS Spring break.  Exact dates for other holiday/school closures will be given prior to those times (if any).  Please note that the studio will also close during the DPS summer break. I am happy to provide activities and guidance so that your child maintains his or her skills over the break.

Lesson Procedures and Practice:  Students are expected to bring all materials (repertoire and theory books, and otherwise) to every lesson.  If your child is under ten years of age, please arrive 5 minutes before the completion of the lesson.  This will allow me to show you how to best support him or her at home during the week.  Parental support is an extremely important factor in musical training and will help your child show continued growth and progression with piano.

Terminating Lessons:  I understand that circumstances sometimes change.  If you wish to discontinue lessons, please provide as much notice as possible. Students will continue to receive the lessons they’ve paid for until the end of the monthly or semesterly cycle when the termination will take effect. Refunds will not be issued.

Additionally, I reserve the right to stop lessons should a family not be upholding my policies (regarding continual missed or late tuition, attendance, lack of practice, etc.)

Contacting Me:  Parents are welcome to call or text me during daytime hours to discuss any matters associated with their child’s lessons.  You may email me anytime.