Policy

Studio Policy

Effective August 28, 2023

Sadie Eaton Piano Studio provides an exceptional standard of teaching. To ensure students receive maximum benefit, the following policy is in place:

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Students enrolled in this studio are expected to participate by:

  • Committing to a regular practice schedule
    • Practicing four to five days a week leads to steady and consistent progress.
    • Young beginners should strive for 15-20 minutes of practice each day.
    • As students progress, practice time should extend to reflect the repertoire.
    • Students may be required to document practice time.
  • Reviewing the teacher’s notes in Tonara and/or their assignment binder while practicing
  • Attending lessons and studio classes reliably
  • Communicating obstacles and time constraints with the teacher
  • Performing in recitals and studio classes
    • All students are expected to perform in SEPS’s Winter and Spring Recitals unless otherwise communicated in advance.

Student who are frequently underprepared for lessons may be subject to removal from the studio.

PARENTAL AGREEMENT

By choosing this studio, parents agree to be part of a parent/teacher/student triangle by:

  • Helping the student develop a regular practice routine free from distractions
    • Parents of elementary-aged students are highly encouraged to observe lessons to help facilitate practice at home.
  • Providing access to a well-maintained instrument
    • Pianos function optimally when serviced at least twice a year.
    • Keyboards should be full-sized with weighted keys.
  • Adhering to all scheduling and tuition policies outlined below

STUDIO CLASSES

Offered monthly September through May, Studio Classes are a unique feature of this studio. During these fun, hour-long group classes, students will benefit from the following:

  1. Experience: Good or bad, experience is what helps performers feel more confident in public. Playing for peers allows the student to gain experience in a friendly and supportive environment.
  2. Encouragement: Piano lessons can be a lonely activity! Studio Classes are a chance for students to get to know each other and see others progressing just like them.
  3. Education: Often, Studio Classes will include mini-lectures on topics difficult to cover thoroughly in lessons. Students will learn about music history, music theory, improvisation, harmonization, ear training, concert etiquette, and much more!

LESSON SCHEDULING

The schedule is separated into seasonal quarters: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. After completing the scheduling grid, the student will be assigned A weekly time slot for that quarter.

If a scheduling conflict arises, you have five options:
  1. Lesson Swap: Using the calendar and contact list on MMS, you may trade time with another student or register for an available slot in the teacher’s schedule.
  2. Give Lesson To Sibling: You may give the lesson time to the student’s sibling if they are also enrolled in this studio. This provides an opportunity for games and activities.
  3. Virtual Lesson: If an in-studio lesson is not possible, you may register for a Zoom lesson using MMS. Zoom is also for severe weather or those who are mildly sick.
  4. Studio Classes: You will be notified of Studio Class dates and may register for one using the calendar on MMS. This is a great option for lessons missed due to illness.
  5. Flex Day: In the case of a teacher absence, each month contains one Flex Day. Flex Days are only scheduled if the teacher cancels.

Please note these important guidelines:

  • Options 1-3 must be scheduled during normal teaching hours.
  • Options 1-3 must be arranged before the original scheduled lesson.
  • Options 1-3 expire 14 days after the original scheduled lesson.

Extreme Situations/Emergencies: Exceptions will be made at the discretion of the teacher.

MISSED LESSONS

The five options above are according to availability on the MyMusicStaff calendar. Rescheduling a missed lesson is not guaranteed.Occasional absences are expected and factored into tuition. A student who does not attend a lesson will simply miss the benefit of that lesson. Please be assured that tuition covers far more than time spent with the student (see “Where Does My Tuition Go?” above). There are no refunds or deductions if a student misses a lesson.

Flex Weeks: The annual calendar includes 3 extra Flex Weeks to accommodate teacher sickness/unplanned vacations, student vacations, or other unforeseen circumstances. If unused, Flex Weeks function as bonus time with the teacher. 

DISCONTINUING LESSONS

To discontinue lessons, please give the teacher 2 weeks notice. The student may take a break from lessons with the understanding that there are no refunds and their spot in the studio schedule is no longer guaranteed. Returning to the studio would require a new registration fee.

OFFICE HOURS

Office hours are Monday-Thursday 9AM-3PM and Friday 9AM-12PM. Unless it is an emergency or the week of a performance, please do not anticipate a reply outside of these hours.

TUITION

“Where Does My Tuition Go?”

Tuition serves as membership in the studio and is not based on attendance. Tuition for 2023-2024 guarantees at least 42 weeks availability from the teacher and also includes:

  • Weekly private lessons and monthly studio classes
  • Travel time and expenses
  • Recital costs and performance opportunities
  • Teaching materials such as office supplies and monthly subscriptions
  • Lesson planning and consultation
  • Administration and bookkeeping
  • Professional organization membership fees and credit card fees
  • Exclusive access to studio resources

The first full month’s tuition and a registration fee are due before a new student is considered enrolled. This one-time fee covers expenses during the transitional periods of a student’s enrollment and eventual withdrawal from the studio.

For rates and availability, please contact the teacher directly.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

Annual tuition is divided equally into 12 monthly payments or 4 quarterly installments. Monthly tuition is autopay only; quarterly tuition is at a discounted rate and is check only. New students will be assigned the monthly option till a new quarter begins. For both options, the teacher reserves the right to withhold lessons until balance is paid in full.

DUE DATES

Monthly tuition will be automatically withdrawn from a stored payment method on the same day the invoice is sent (the 1st of each month). The teacher will notify beforehand of additional charges (books or WRMTA event fees). If a payment is declined and not resubmitted within 3 days, a $25 fee will be added to the balance.

Quarterly installments will be invoiced 10 days prior to the due dates, which are: August 28, 2023, December 1, 2023, March 1, 2024, and June 1, 2024. Mid-quarter charges (books or WRMTA event fees) must be paid by the 1st of the month following the received invoice. Payments must be on time regardless of attendance record. Late payments will incur a $25 fee.