Studio Policy
(As of March 2026)
Thank you for choosing me as your child’s piano teacher! To make sure everyone is on the same page, and that the studio runs as effectively & efficiently as possible, the following policies have been established. Note that case-by-case exceptions can be considered, and I will do my best to accommodate you, and your child’s ability to continue their musical education through private lessons.
My teaching objective is to help instill a love, understanding, and appreciation of music in students of all ages. Learning piano builds skills such as dedication, focus, confidence, creativity, attention to detail, and so much more! Piano is the ideal foundation instrument for opening the musical door to other instruments and opportunities.
This fall, there will be a registration fee of $20 per family due at the date of the first school year session. This is towards studio maintenance, and will not cover new books or recital fees.
Attendance
If a student misses a lesson, they will miss the benefit of that lesson. See below sections for video & time swapping information.
A lesson missed without 24 hours notice will be charged.
Canceling 2 lessons within 8 weeks for reasons other than illness will be subject for removal from the studio.
A student will be expected to attend a video lesson at the scheduled time if swapping with another student cannot be arranged in advance. If neither can happen for any reason without 24 hours notice, we can fill the time with a call about your child’s progress. In the case of more serious illness, I will work with you to make up the missed lesson when the student is well, if possible.
I have students at many different schools. School delays and cancelations do not apply to lessons. Please see “Weather” for related policy.
Commitment
Consistently practicing is necessary to be able to become a better musician.
A minimum of 20 minutes of practice, 5 days a week is required, and expected. For students under age 9, at least 10 minutes a day 5 days a week.
In addition to practice time, any theory homework that has been assigned must be completed for the following lesson. Assignments are always marked with a circle and paperclip in books.
Students must arrive with clean hands, trimmed fingernails, and all current books/music.
We only get 30 minutes together each week. Please use the bathroom before coming to the studio as it will interrupt your lesson, or another student’s lesson.
A digital piano/keyboard will never replace an acoustic piano, but I understand space restrictions etc. You must have an acoustic piano or weighted digital keyboard at home to practice. I am happy to help you find a quality instrument. Parents, please not buy a digital keyboard without consulting me. Acoustic pianos require maintenance and tuning. I can provide you with contact information for local technicians.
Communication
I am always happy to discuss your child’s progress, or any questions you may have! Text is preferred, but calling, emailing & messaging on Facebook are also options to get in touch. Do not hesitate to contact me at any time, although keep in mind lesson hours are M-Th 2:30-8pm. Only contact during those hours if it is urgent as I am with other students at that time.
Ending Lessons
If for any reason you must stop lessons, two weeks’ notice is required. Payment is required by the final lesson date.
Regrettably, I will have to dismiss a student if any of these circumstances occur:
• Multiple failures to pay tuition on time
• Persistent absences
• Uncooperative attitude
• Lack of progress due to insufficient practice or unfulfilled requirements
Location
Lessons will take place at my home. Please park directly in front of the cones. Wait until the previous student leaves before entering. Please close the sliding door completely before opening the door into the house, and vice versa.
Swapping Times
Please consult MyMusicStudio for the calendar in real time. Go to Calendar, then view "All Events." If you're on a phone, tap the day you'd like to swap to, and scroll down. You will see the list of students for that date below the calendar. Parent contact information is available in the Student Portal. If no students are available to swap, Ashley will try to fit in make-up lessons, if her schedule allows.
Tuition & Fees
SPRING 2026: January 5 - May 21 5 sessions across 19 weeks, $475.
Payment of $100 due at lesson week of Jan 5, Feb 2, Mar 2, Apr 6 & $75 May 4
*NO LESSONS WEEK OF MARCH 23rd*
If you will be traveling the week of your school's spring break, subtract that from lessons, and let Ashley know in advance you will not have a lesson that week.
SUMMER LESSONS: Summer lessons will only be available on Mondays and Tuesdays. If these days do not work for you, please contact Ashley. Students can start summer lesson times when their school year concludes. Please schedule summer lessons directly in MMS. Week-to-week payment is fine in the summer, $25/lesson.
FALL 2026: August 31 - Dec 17. 3 full sessions and one 3-week session, $375. Tell Ashley what time you would like for the school year as soon as you have an idea.
Payment of $100 due at lesson week of Aug 31, Sep 7, Oct 5, and Nov 2; $75 due Nov 30
***There will tentatively be no lessons September 10-20th, figuring out my travel schedule***
If you would like to do lessons on M/T/W the weeks of Thanksgiving or Christmas, please add these accordingly.
SPRING 2027: January 4 - May 27, 20 lessons. $475-$500 depending on final week of May.
***No lessons week of March 15th***
Payments of $100 due at lesson the weeks of the following dates of Jan 4, Feb 1, Mar 1, Apr 5, $75 or $100 May 3rd depending on Memorial Day lessons and FCS student summer schedule.
Tuition can be paid up front for the entire semester, or at lessons on dates listed above. A late fee of $20 per week will be applied to payments not made within 24 hours of lessons. Books & recital music are not included in tuition fees. There are additional performance opportunities throughout the year, some of which have participation costs that are not included in tuition.
Video Lessons
Video lessons are not a permanent replacement for in-person lessons. However, they can be held at the scheduled lesson time when the student cannot make it to the studio for one reason or another, and when they have a minor illness. FaceTime, WhatsApp, Zoom, or Messenger.
Weather
LEVEL 1: Lessons continue as scheduled
LEVEL 2: If you are concerned about road conditions, we can have a video lesson at the scheduled time. Let Ashley know at your earliest convenience.
LEVEL 3/TORNADO WARNING: In-person lessons are canceled. If possible, we can hold video lessons.
