Piano Studio Policy- Updated for the 2025-2026 Piano Year

 

Lessons

Each student will have a 30 or 45 minute lesson which will begin promptly at the assigned lesson time.

 

Tuition

Annual tuition for private music lessons covers  from August 11 to May 15 and is payable in 10 monthly installments.  Summer lessons are available. Current tuition rates available on request by emailing me at diane.h.swain@gmail.com.

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• Monthly billing is independent of how many lessons or holidays there are in the month.

• You do have the option to pay the annual tuition in July or by the semester, payable in July and December. Annual or semester amounts will include all possible contest fees, which will vary from student to student. If there is money left over at the end of the year, I'll refund it to you.

• There will be no lessons on Labor Day (9/1), Fall break (9/30-10/3), Thanksgiving Break (11/24-11/28), Christmas Break (12/22-1/9), and Spring Break (3/9-3/13).

• ​Lessons that occur during school closings due to hurricanes, floods, or epic freezes will not be refunded.

• You will be invoiced via email on the 25th of the month for the upcoming month. I prefer payments via Venmo/Paypal/Zelle, but will accept cash.

 

Fees

Registration Fee- $65/student/year, invoiced in July or the month the student begins lessons. This covers all books, such as binder, method books, lending library music, and theory book.

 

Recital Fee – there will be a $15 non-refundable recital fee to cover expenses incurred for the event such as sound support, decorations, and performer gifts.

 

Invoicing and Late Fee – Invoices will be emailed on the 25th of the month and will cover tuition and other charges such as contest fees for the upcoming month. Payments not received by the due date indicated on the invoice will be regarded as late, and a $15 late fee will be charged.

 

Contest, Testing and Festival Fees – these are the fees associated with events that students may participate in:

• TMTA Student Affiliate - $25. SA membership is required to participate in the theory test, composition contest, and publication contest.

• TMTA Theory Test-$15

• Gold Cup - $25 solos /$20 Ensembles

• SJMT Music Festival- $30 solos/$20 ensembles

• Jazz/Pop Musicale - $15

• Composition Contest - $20

• Publication Contest - $20​

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These fees are usually invoiced the month before the event.

 

Missed Lessons/Cancellation Refunds

1. There are no refunds for missed lessons.

2. If I cancel a lesson due to my sickness or personal conflict, it is an automatic refund.

3. If you quit before 5/2026, one additional month's tuition will be invoiced. 

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Calendar

A calendar of studio events, holidays, and non-lesson weeks is available on this site.

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Lesson Expectations

• Students must  remember to bring all books and assignment binder to every lesson. 

• Keep fingernails short, as long nails impede good hand position. Keep hands clean and germ-free out of respect for other students using the piano; washing hands before the lesson is recommended.

• Parents and  siblings are welcome to use the studio waiting room.

• NO GUM CHEWING.

 

Practice Expectations
Students are responsible for practicing their full assignments and preparing the lesson that has been assigned to them.​

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Involvement of Parents

• The parents’ most important role is to listen to the student with encouragement and enthusiasm. I recommend that a parent sit down with the student at least once a week to see that all assignments are practiced and offer support.

• Parents should provide a well-tuned piano, a metronome, and a place to practice.

• The parents’ responsibilities include bringing the student to lessons on time and picking them up on time. You are welcome to stay during a lesson – we are teaching your student music together.

• Parents  are always welcome in my studio. However, after the first month of taking piano lessons:

  • If you would like to continue in the same piano room with the student and me, please follow the same guidelines that the student and I follow:

    • Be attentive in the lesson as if you are the student. Just as the student and I do, refrain from texting/multitasking/reading/etc. The student should know that you are there for him/her!​

    • It could be helpful for you to take notes during the lesson so that you know what to focus on during practice at home.

  • You are very, very welcome to listen from my family room. ​

• Parents are encouraged to email me if there are any concerns or questions. It is my goal to give your child a positive learning experience in a supportive and musical environment. You may email me at diane.h.swain@gmail.com.