Tuition for the academic year will be based on 25 weeks of private lessons at $40/hr with $140 per student added in for group classes (7 group classes per year @ $20 per student) divided by nine monthly payments. There will be a non-refundable $40 registration fee per family per year to reserve your space and cover administrative costs and supplies. Tuition will be as follows:
| Lesson Length per student | Monthly Payments |
|---|---|
| 30 minutes per student | $71.00 |
| 45 minutes per student (recommended for students 10 and older) | $99.00 |
| 60 minutes per student (recommended for advanced students) | $127.00 |
Tuition is due at the first lesson of each month, so please bring your check to the last lesson of the previous month or mail your check to my home address postmarked no later than the 10th to avoid the late fee.. Tuition received after the 10th day of the month will require an additional $10 late fee.
Group Classes
One week per month (except December and May), group classes will be held instead of private lessons. Please consult the calendar. Students are grouped roughly by age and ability and participate in music games and activities as well as a mini-recital in which each student plays for the group. Each student should have at least 2 pieces prepared to play at the class (pieces should be well-polished, bu it is not necessary to memorize).
Cancellations and Makeups
In general, if a student or parent cancels a lesson, I will not guarantee a makeup lesson and will not issue credits or refunds for missed lessons. In the case of illness or inclement weather, I will do what I can to see if a makeup lesson is possible if you call me an hour ahead. If I need to cancel your lesson I will make it up. IN THE CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER, EVEN IF SCHOOL IS CLOSED, PLEASE CALL AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE CANCELING. I DO NOT FOLLOW THE SCHOOL SCHEDULE for either holidays or inclement weather; please consult the calendar.
Studio Procedures
Parents of children 7 and under must attend the lesson to observe and take notes. You are your child's home teacher when he or she is practicing; therefore it is essential to understand what to teach.
Please be on time for lessons and be sure to have your music, theory, and assignment books with you. Hands should be clean and fingernails kept short. Please do not arrive more than 5 minutes early to the lesson, and be prompt in picking up your child at the end of the lesson time. I cannot be responsible for students outside of the lesson time.
I will consider teaching lessons in your home under certain conditions.
Music Purchase
Most materials (music & CDs) are available from me for purchase. Other sources for music ordering and purchase include K&B Music in Martinsburg (264-4463), Machen Music & Arts in Hagerstown (301-733-1441), and Ellsworth Music in Shepherdstown (876-1936).
Piano Tuners
Acoustic pianos should be tuned at least once and preferably twice a year. Suggested tuners are David Foster in Berryville, VA (540-955-1323) and Kramer's Piano in New Midway, MD (800-499-0201), both of whom service this area.
Scholarship Discounts
I can give a limited number of scholarship discounts to those in financial need. Preference will be given to those who have studied with me the longest and have demonstrated a commitment to lessons, group classes, MTNA competitions and recitals, and practicing. Please indicate your interest on the reply form.
Recitals and Other Events
In addition to group classes, students will have the opportunity to play at local nursing homes a couple of times a year as well as at least one formal recital held at the end of the academic year. The Eastern Panhandle Music Teacher's Association also has recitals and other events, usually held at Shepherd College, which students are encouraged to play in or just attend. Seeing and hearing what other students and teachers in the area are doing provides a broader musical experience. I will also alert you by email of upcoming concerts of interest in the area. We live in an excellent location for music and the arts; please take advantage of it!
Guild Auditions
Barring any unusual circumstances, I expect all students to play in the National Piano Playing ("Guild") Auditions which are held annually at Shepherd College in mid-May. There will be a fee of around $25. These auditions are a non-competitive opportunity for students to play privately before a trained adjudicator who will evaluate the student's performance using a special report card. This will help motivate each student to play their best on selected pieces as well as provide feedback about their playing. These auditions are open to the youngest beginner on up through college level and beyond and help provide a standard for excellence in playing. Each participant receives a certificate, pin and report card appropriate to their level. Further information about Guild auditions will be provided throughout the year.