~ Studio Policy ~
Thank you for choosing us for your piano tuition! In order to ensure that you or your child get the most effective and creative teaching possible, we have established the following policies:
Current Term Dates: Can always be found on our website at annehilberts.com
Lesson Fees must be paid at the time of each lesson or in advance (full term payment gains you an additional discount). Place your payment (with the correct amount) in an envelope with your name on it, as this avoids using up your lesson time in finding change. Fees which fall into arrears may incur a $40 late fee for our extra admin time needed to follow up overdue accounts.
‘Pupil Free’ School Days: Piano lessons will begin on the Monday of the first week in each school term. A pupil-free day at school won’t cancel your piano lesson. (Term dates can be found on our website)
Public Holidays: Lessons generally run at normal times on public holidays, however if you have an unavoidable commitment due to the public holiday, please let us know a week in advance, and we will replace your lesson later that same week.
Lesson Absences: Your lesson time is reserved for you, for the whole year - we guarantee to keep that lesson time for you, and consequently, when you are absent we cannot just fill that time, with another student, just for that day. When you are absent we are unable to use that time for anyone else, and so absent lessons must be paid for. However, there are alternatives we offer to help you make the most of that time. (If you cannot take advantage of the following options, rest assured we still use your lesson time for you, by researching/planning future repertoire etc, for you.)
Option 1: Use your absent lesson time for a phone lesson, or skype lesson - this option is particularly useful in the case of minor illness or transport problems, etc.
Option 2: Use your absent lesson time by sending audio/video recordings to your teacher (prior to that time) and your teacher will review them in your absent lesson time, and send you a critique of your work, and some direction for what to do next with your practice. This option is especially useful if you are absent due to school excursion or family vacation.
Option 3: Swap lessons with another student - If you are interested in this option, you must put your name and phone number on the 'Swap List' beforehand! Please ask us for the swap list details if you want to add your name to this - and remember, being on the Swap List will also mean being flexible to help others out when they need to swap their time.
For any of the above options, please give one week's prior notice for absences (and as much notice as possible in the case of illness). All lessons (present or not) must be paid for.
Occasionally the teacher may be absent (at a professional development course, or due to illness) and your lesson will be rescheduled to a mutually convenient time.
Discontinuing your Lessons: As your enrolment reserves your lesson place for the whole year, if you decide to discontinue lessons (either mid-term, or at end of any term) we require a minimum of 4 weeks advanced notice for this, so that we have time to offer your lesson place to a new student. In the event of less notice a cancellation fee equivalent to 4 lessons may apply. · In the event of a student being unable to continue lessons, for any reason, a refund request must be made in writing within 14 days of the last lesson attended. In the event of a refund for discontinued lessons, any discounts for lessons already taken are void. Refunds incur a $30 admin fee, to cover the time involved.
Print Music & Copyright: Original copies of music for students do need to be purchased, otherwise you will be breaching copyright law – both parents & teachers are held responsible by law for this. (For info on copyright check out: http://www.apra-amcos.com.au) We usually estimate that you need to allow about $90 to $130 per year for your music - however it may be a little bit more if the student is progressing more quickly. Purchasing the necessary music also helps students to progress, and makes best use of your lesson time.
Students' midweek Practice- in order to make reasonable progress with any instrument it is important for students to play regularly at home between lessons. Initially, for younger beginners we recommend just five minutes a day, on five days of the week. As students progress, longer practice sessions of 15 to 20 minutes are beneficial. Intermediate students need 30-40 minutes a day, and advanced students (grade 6 and above) are encouraged to commit to 1-2 hours on five days of the week, where possible. We are more than happy to help with ideas for structuring and motivating at-home practice sessions - feel free to ask if you need help with this. We often find that those who take the time to put in regular practice, tend to improve their playing and enjoy it more...and those who are enjoying their playing tend to practice more! So our aim is to help mid-week practice become as rewarding as possible :)
Emergencies: In the event of a medical emergency, we will use our best judgement in obtaining medical care for you and you accept the responsibility for any related expenses.
Students will need a piano at home to practice on each day. For beginners, a new or second hand acoustic piano, or a proper digital piano (with hammer-weighted keys) is good. We recommend avoiding a 'keyboard' (ie, with spring-loaded key action) as the touch is not weighted and is completely different, not allowing students to develop hand and finger strength, and correct touch sensitivity, and impeding their progress. (However, if you already have a 'keyboard', you could practice with it for the first term of lessons, while sourcing a better instrument, ready to move on.) NB. Students in intermediate and advanced grades, may need to upgrade their piano as they progress, to make sure that the instrument is capable of the techniques that they are learning at these levels - check with your teacher.
Our Students' musical achievements are often congratulated in the Studio Newsletter, and/or on the Studio Website, and may include a photo/video of the student (although surnames are never given, for privacy reasons). If you do not want a photo/video displayed in the newsletter or on the website, please let us know in the comments box on this enrolment form, or via email.
If you have any queries about any points above, please feel free to phone Anne on 0402-824-353 to talk about it, we appreciate feedback.
Congratulations on taking piano lessons!
There are many great mental, emotional and educational benefits gained in learning piano.
The conditions above are not meant to be difficult or restrictive, but simply to set out a good understanding from the beginning. This will enable lessons to run smoothly, teachers to focus on giving creative, effective and quality tuition, and encourage students to progress efficiently and happily in our music studio community :)