Introduction

       Thank you for enrolling in the Katy Webster Piano Studio!  I am excited to begin working with you or your child and to explore the fascinating world of the piano together.  To aid in developing a free, open, mutually instructive working relationship, I have compiled a list of policies and commitments to avoid miscommunications and mismatched expectations.  Please carefully review all the relevant sections below before signing.  Thank you!

 

Teacher Commitments

       As a teacher, I commit to helping each one of my students achieve his or her full potential.  This means tailoring my teaching to the student to help best meet their needs.  It also means constantly monitoring and adjusting my teaching style and weekly assignments to fit the growing and changing musical skills of the student.  For a full explanation of my teaching philosophy, see “Teaching Philosophy” at the end of this document.

 

Student Expectations

Active and consistent participation is vital for student success.  This includes:

• Consistent lesson attendance

  • Students are normally expected to attend lessons weekly.

• Consistent at-home practice

  • I have no universal time-commitment expectation for my students, as each student is different.  Students are expected to practice as much as is needed to achieve the weekly goals set during the lesson.

• Consistent performance participation

  • See “Recitals” below.

 

Parent Expectations

Parental involvement is vital for the young musician.  Though I understand that some parents are not available to help their students practice every day, the following are some ways that parents can maximize their child’s benefit from lessons:

• Practice with young students

  • Some parents sit in on their student’s lessons and/or help them practice at home.  This is particularly helpful for very young students.

• Make sure your child is practicing consistently

  • Make sure that the student is at the piano on a regular basis and check in with them to make sure they are accomplishing the lesson goals.

• Make lessons and practice a priority

  • I understand that different parents have different goals for their child’s piano experience.  While some parents just prefer that their children have some musical exposure with no further goals, it is helpful for the student’s progress and motivation if the parents approach weekly lesson attendance and consistent at-home practice with an attitude of commitment, rather than viewing these as optional. 

• Meet with me yearly to discuss the student’s progress.

  • I would like to meet with each student’s parent(s) annually to discuss progress and the student’s goals.  This ensures (1) that the lessons are meeting the parent expectations and the student’s goals, and (2) that the parents know how the student is doing and if any changes need to be made at home.

 

Materials Needed

• Piano

  • Every student needs an instrument to practice on at home, preferably an acoustic piano that is in tune.  However, I am happy to work with students to help them make the most of whatever instrument they have.

• Method books/Sheet music

  • Beginner students will need to purchase a set of piano method books.  I currently use the Faber method, and a set of their books will likely cost between $30 and $50 depending on the level.  Students who continue in the Faber method books after completing the first level will need to purchase the subsequent level(s) as needed.  Students usually complete one level within 6-18 months.

  • Students who advance beyond the lesson books may occasionally need to purchase sheet music, although it is often possible to find the sheet music for free online or photocopy it out of one of my books.

• Metronome

  • Students are welcome to purchase a mechanical metronome, but any kind of metronome will do.  I personally use Soundbrenner, a free phone app. 

• Lesson notebook

  • This will look different depending on the age of the student, but a three-ring binder filled with paper generally works well.

 

Rates

       My rates are $40 per hour, $30 for 45 minutes, and $20 for half an hour, paid weekly.  Unless there are extraordinary circumstances, lessons will be held in my studio rather than the student’s home.  However, if travel to the student’s home is necessary, a small additional fee will be charged for travel expenses.

 

Cancellation Policy and Makeup Lessons

• Student cancellations

  • Except in cases of emergency or unexpected sickness, any lesson cancellation requires a 24-hour notice.  No-shows and cancellations less than 24 hours in advance (except for the above scenarios) will be subject to the regular lesson fee. 

• Teacher cancellations

  • If I need to cancel lessons, I will give more than 24 hours’ notice except in cases of emergency or unexpected sickness.  Of course, in the case of a teacher cancellation, a lesson fee will not apply.

• At this time, makeup lessons are not offered unless necessary due to an upcoming performance. 

 

Schedule of Classes       

       Lessons are offered weekly and year-round except for several weeks around the Christmas holiday, the week of Thanksgiving, and other holidays that fall on lesson days.  There are usually several other weeks per year in which I will cancel lessons for various reasons, and those will be discussed with individual students in preceding weeks.  Students are encouraged to continue lessons during the summer, but if it is necessary for a student to skip lessons for a vacation or holiday, there is no penalty as long as the absence is communicated at least 24 hours prior to the missed lesson (see “Cancellation Policy and Makeup Lessons”).

 

Recitals

       Recitals and other performances are a vital part of the piano experience.  Recitals are held twice per year, usually once in the fall and once in the spring.  Students are expected to participate in recitals unless there is a scheduling conflict.  When possible, recitals will be scheduled to accommodate students’ availability.  Students are expected to wear proper performance attire and conform to proper performance etiquette, both of which I discuss with students before each recital. 

       Participation in additional performance opportunities is encouraged but optional.

 

Preliminary Lesson/Meeting       

       Each new student receives a free introductory lesson/meeting, where I will assess the teacher-student fit.  Not every teacher is right for every student, and the student (or family) and I both reserve the right to decide not to pursue lessons for any reason after the preliminary meeting.  In that case, I will recommend a different teacher if possible.

       The introductory lesson/meeting will involve the following:

• A short lesson with the student to assess the student’s current musical level, the student’s musical strengths and weaknesses, the teacher-student dynamic, etc.

• A meeting with the student and/or parent(s) in order to assess the student’s learning goals and go over the policies document.

• The student and/or parent(s) will receive a follow-up email regarding the meeting within 24 hours.

 

Termination of Lessons        

       Unfortunately, for one reason or another, termination of lessons sometimes becomes necessary.  If I need to terminate lessons, I will give one month’s notice.  Though these situations are very rare, the following are cases in which I may elect to terminate lessons:

• If I believe the student needs more or different instruction than I can give, I will do my best to recommend a teacher that I believe would suit the student better.

• If the student has difficulty listening to and responding positively to my instruction, I will have an honest conversation with the student and/or their parent(s) regarding the issue.  If the issue persists, termination may become necessary. 

• For excessive numbers of late payments, missed lessons, or lessons in which the student arrives unprepared, termination may be necessary. 

• If any student or family becomes more than one month behind in payments, lessons will be suspended immediately until the balance is paid.  If the balance remains unpaid for more than a month after the suspension, lessons will be terminated.

       If the student or student’s family terminates lessons, I request one month's notice as well.  Furthermore, if there is an issue with my instruction that leads the student or family to seek a change, I would request that we meet to discuss the issue before making the final decision to end lessons.

 

Additional Policies

• Please wash your hands before playing the piano.

• I am allergic to peanuts, so if possible, please refrain from eating peanuts or peanut butter before lessons.

• If you are sure that you are sick, please let me know how you are feeling before arriving at the lesson, as I may request to cancel the lesson if a student is obviously sick. 

 

Contact Information

       I will do my best to respond to emails within 24 hours. ​

• Email: katymwebster@gmail.com

 

 

Student Signature: ­­­____________________________

 

Teacher Signature: ____________________________