Edward Varela Studio Policies
2021-2022
My
Responsibilities
I teach so students can enjoy creating music. My studio will be a
positive place of learning in a clean and safe atmosphere, with an
individualized plan tailored to each student. I provide all the music for
study. I will provide announcement on my website at the first day of each
month.
Parent
& Student Responsibilities
Students should be on time, well prepared, and at each lesson with all
assigned books. Play the piano at home all throughout the day, not just an
assigned time. Don’t give up if things are hard. If you are confused, contact
me during the week.
Let me know if there is something at home or school that is affecting
your child. A text or e-mail can help ensure that each lesson is a positive experience.
Everyone is asked to play at the Christmas Recital and the Awards Recital, plus two events (Baroque Festival, Federation Festival, Sonata Contest, Student Day). These are assigned as the teacher's discretion.
Students must have an acoustic or 88 key-digital piano at home prior to the
start of lessons. Practicing at a relative’s house or at church will not
suffice. Acoustic pianos must
be tuned at least once a year by a qualified tuner/technician. If using a
digital keyboard, it must have 88 full-size keys, weighted/hammer-action
keys, and include a sustain pedal.
I am happy to help you find an appropriate instrument if needed. Your child
will not enjoy practicing on a sub-par instrument. Provide your child with a
location to practice that is free of clutter and void of distractions.
By enrolling, you are
making a commitment for the entire 10 month school year plus summer term.
Practice
Requirement
Any art, skill, sport, or craft requires repetition and practice in order to see results. My most successful students are the ones who constantly play at home, not just one 30 minute block a day. Consequently, students struggling to make progress are usually the ones who need help establishing piano as part of their daily lives. Therefore students are required to practice a minimum of 5 days per week and must complete all assignments for the week. I prefer a "get the job done" approach at the piano, instead of a "stop watch for 30-45 min." Consistent failure to follow weekly assignments may result in a loss of lessons.
Any art, skill, sport, or craft requires repetition and practice in order to see results. My most successful students are the ones who constantly play at home, not just one 30 minute block a day. Consequently, students struggling to make progress are usually the ones who need help establishing piano as part of their daily lives. Therefore students are required to practice a minimum of 5 days per week and must complete all assignments for the week. I prefer a "get the job done" approach at the piano, instead of a "stop watch for 30-45 min." Consistent failure to follow weekly assignments may result in a loss of lessons.
Communication
Between the Parent and Teacher
Occasionally, I will send a note home in the folder or e-mail to the parents to keep you updated. Please check folders after each lesson and read the monthly blog on my website so you are current on all announcements.
Occasionally, I will send a note home in the folder or e-mail to the parents to keep you updated. Please check folders after each lesson and read the monthly blog on my website so you are current on all announcements.
Please use your
lesson time to discuss questions and concerns or call or e-mail me in the
evening. Time should not be taken away from the next student.
Registration
Fee
To reserve your spot in the studio, there is a $80 non-refundable registration charge billed for July 1st.
Your spot is not guaranteed until this is paid. The registration covers all
their books and recitals for the year. This way you are not bothered with
billing for each new book.
Parent
Involvement
When the triangle of parent, teacher, & student is in balance, learning is successful. Young students will need the help of parents to have a successful practice session. Some pages come with directions on how to practice. I will also give instructions on how to practice in the student’s folder.
When the triangle of parent, teacher, & student is in balance, learning is successful. Young students will need the help of parents to have a successful practice session. Some pages come with directions on how to practice. I will also give instructions on how to practice in the student’s folder.
Older students need
their parents to be their #1 encourager at home. If they do not feel they are
well, they will quit. A simple nudge not to give up or a positive word of how
proud you are will go a long way.
Parents are welcome
to quietly observe all lessons. Parents may be asked not to observe if their
attendance hinders the quality of the lesson.
Lessons
& Tuition
Lessons are offered
weekly. Beginner students usually take 30 minute lessons but can take longer if
they would like. Middle and High School students need to register for 45 minute or 60 minute lessons.
Tuition covers not only weekly lessons, but time prepared for lessons and
events. Costs
are:
30 min. lessons
- $1155/year or 11 payments of $105/month
45 min. lessons - $1,650/year or 11 payments of $150/month
60 min. lessons - $2,090/year or 11 payments of $190/month
45 min. lessons - $1,650/year or 11 payments of $150/month
60 min. lessons - $2,090/year or 11 payments of $190/month
Tuition will be handled through an online service provider, MyMusicStaff.
Statements will be
sent home each month.
Tuition will be due on the first of the month beginning August 1 through June 1. A $10 late fee will be added if payment is not received by the 5th
day of the month. A $30 fee will be applied to any returned check.
Lessons begin mid-August and continue through the summer. Each student is guaranteed 38 lessons, and 2 Studio Classes a year, and 2 free lessons. See calendar for scheduled breaks. Please enter no earlier than 2-3 minutes before your lesson time. No need to knock, as I have an open door policy during lesson hours. Just come in and have a seat.
Cancellations
Any lesson I cancel will be rescheduled.
No make up lessons or credit will be given for missed lessons.
Any lesson I cancel will be rescheduled.
No make up lessons or credit will be given for missed lessons.
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 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.
To help
accommodate an occasional unavoidable change in student's schedules, you can
choose to be part of the email Swap List. (Please let me know if you do not
want to be included in the list.) Most parents receive only a few requests a
year from someone who'd like to switch lesson times. Please let me know if you
have made a swap so I can plan accordingly. It's easiest to just cc me on the
final email between two parents confirming that a switch will be happening.
(Note: because some drive quite a distance, it may not be possible for them to
switch.)
The 2021/2022 Calendar includes 38 weeks of scheduled lessons, including two Free Weeks.
Should I have an emergency or jury duty or a conference to attend, this allows
me some flexibility without disruption your child’s 36 lessons. If nothing
comes up, you get two free lesson. I will guarantee to be available to teach each student 36 lessons
during the year, and will make up any lessons (more than these two weeks) I need
to cancel. Lessons cancelled by students will not be made up.
Sicknesses
Students
get sick from time to time. If a student is too sick for school, he is too sick
for a music lesson. Please do not bring sick children to the studio, They will be asked to return home. In
these cases, make use of the swap list or we can have a lesson over Facetime during their regularly assigned time.
Performance
Opportunities
Throughout the year, optional competitive (C) and non-competitive (NC) events are offered. All students are asked to play at the Christmas Party and Awards Recital. I will let you know if I feel another event would be beneficial to your student.
Throughout the year, optional competitive (C) and non-competitive (NC) events are offered. All students are asked to play at the Christmas Party and Awards Recital. I will let you know if I feel another event would be beneficial to your student.
- Baroque Festival –November (NC) Christmas Party –December (NC)
- Federation Festival - February
(NC) Sonata Contest – March (C)
- Concerto Contest- March (C) Student Day – April
(NC)
- Awards Recital – May (NC)
Lessons Termination/Suspension
Students may be asked to discontinue lesson if there have been excessive absences, late or unpaid tuition, or consistent unprepared lessons. Should a student wish to discontinue lessons, a 30 day notice or 1 month tuition should be provided.
Students may be asked to discontinue lesson if there have been excessive absences, late or unpaid tuition, or consistent unprepared lessons. Should a student wish to discontinue lessons, a 30 day notice or 1 month tuition should be provided.