HEIDI SAARIO PIANO STUDIO POLICY
TUITION PAYMENTS
Tuition is due by the 1st of each month. All payments are made online.
Students pay flat rate tuition from August to June. The same tuition applies to each month even if there is a different number of lessons. The yearly tuition is divided into 11 equal payments between August and June.
The yearly tuition includes 31/34 private lessons, 2 group classes, 2 studio recitals.
All studying materials will be purchased separately and are not included in the tuition.
Students are committed to taking lessons throughout the school term. 30 days written and paid notice must be given prior to termination of lessons.
ATTENDANCE
Any lesson that I have to cancel will be made up or a credit will be given.
There will be no makeup lessons or credits for students who miss lessons for any reason. Your tuition reserves you a weekly time slot in my schedule.
Try to choose a lesson time in which you feel confident. Please understand that the tuition you pay reserves an exclusive weekly time in my schedule for you or your child. Unlike a doctor or a hairdresser, I cannot resell that time nor can I create extra teaching time in which to give lessons.
If a student is unable to come to the lesson, there are three options:
A video lesson can be set up via Zoom at the regular lesson time.
A student can record a video of their repertoire and email it to me prior to the lesson and I will use the lesson time to prepare feedback.
Rescheduling during the same week might be possible if there is another cancellation in my regular teaching schedule.
Illness: Students who are ill should not come to in-studio piano lessons. I reserve the right to send a student home if they arrive sick. If a student shows only mild symptoms, please contact me and we can have the lesson on Zoom.
Regrettably, I will have to dismiss a student if any of these circumstances occur:
o Failure to pay tuition on time
o Persistent absences
o Uncooperative attitude
o Failure to follow the practice assignments as instructed
o Lack of progress due to insufficient practice or unfulfilled requirements
ASSIGNMENTS AND PRACTICE TIME
It is expected that students practice regularly and come prepared for lessons as assigned. Each student should aim to practice a minimum of five days a week. The recommended amount of practice time will be discussed with each student.
Students need to bring all their piano books and other study materials to each lesson.
Parents should help the student arrange a regular practice time free from interruptions and distractions. Piano study involves the art of developing self-discipline as well as developing the skills for performance.
Fingernails need to be trimmed and hands clean when arriving at the lessons.
INSTRUMENT AT HOME
Every student needs a proper instrument for practice at home.
Having an acoustic piano is strongly recommended.
An acoustic piano needs to be functioning properly (including pedals and all keys)
and tuned regularly (at least once a year).
A digital keyboard should be full size with 88 weighted keys and a pedal.
A student needs to have a piano bench that can be adjusted to proper height and a footstool under the feet (for younger students).
RECITALS
All students are encouraged to participate in the studio recitals. Studio recitals are non-competitive events and they offer a great opportunity for everybody to hear other students of different ages play pieces of different styles, character, and levels. Preparing for a performance encourages students to work towards a goal. For students, who are preparing for exams or music festivals, the recitals provide an excellent opportunity to perform their repertoire.
SUMMER LESSONS
I recommend a minimum of 2 lessons during the summer months July-August. The lesson times can be scheduled on an individual basis to fit everyone’s summer schedules and travel plans.