Lesson Information

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.

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.
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.

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

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.

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.
  • 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.