Studio Policies

2023-2024 Studio Policies

Tingmusic.ca

Calendar:

For the 2023-2024 academic year, we are following the CBE traditional calendar. We observe the following breaks Jan 1-Jun 30, 2024:

Break: Jan 11-14 (Personal trip)

Family Day break: Feb 15-19

Spring break: March 23 - April 1

Victoria Day break: May 18 - 20.

Cancellation/Rescheduling Policy:

Students are expected to attend lessons once a week. Each student will be entitled to three rescheduled lessons per academic year. I will try to reschedule additional absences where possible; however, I cannot guarantee extra make-up lessons, as my schedule is very full. 

If I need to cancel or move a lesson myself, we will first try to move it to one of the scheduled make-up dates or to replace a pre-scheduled additional lesson. If this is not feasible, I will provide an alternative, such as another time, or an additional lesson in the following term.

Make-up dates for rescheduled or canceled lessons will be 9:00 am - 2:30 pm on PD days (Blue dates on the CBE calendar).

Terminating Lessons:

Lessons may be terminated by either you or myself. My studio is a safe, respectful, and inclusive space for all. Any abusive or inappropriate language or behavior will not be tolerated. Refund is 100% of prepaid tuition.

General Studio Protocol:

-Do not come to lessons if you feel ill, and please wash your hands before and after each lesson.

-I highly encourage parents of children under the age of 11 to join them in their lessons and help monitor their practice at home. However, I expect that parents will be attentive, quiet, and respectful during the lesson time. If the presence of a parent interferes with the student’s ability to learn and be fully present in their lesson, I will kindly ask the parent to wait outside.

-Recording is permitted for students to review their lessons at home. However, I find that students do better, both in practicing and in their lessons, if they take written notes immediately after their lesson, instead of recording.

-Lessons with other piano teachers are not permitted without my prior knowledge and consent. If you would like to arrange an external lesson or set up practice tutoring, please speak to me before contacting another teacher.

-Students are expected to perform in one student recital per academic year. Students are encouraged to attend each others’ performances and to be the loudest, most supportive, and most enthusiastic members of the audience.

-Students are expected to audition for and participate in performance programs, summer camps, local competitions, and other opportunities to supplement their private instruction.

Exceptions may be made based on factors such as age, experience, schedule conflicts, or financial hardship.

Practicing Expectations:

-Consistency is key. All students should do their best to practice six days a week during the average week. Expected practice time ranges from thirty minutes to five hours, depending on level and age. Remember that it is always better to practice a little each day than to skip the days following your lesson and cram a long session at the end of the week.

-Quality > quantity. If you are short on time, plan your practice to tackle the most important spots in your music and scales/technique. It is better to do twenty minutes of focused work than to practice three hours without a plan.

-It is best to start your practice with scales and technique..

-Use all of your available practice tools, including your metronome, your voice for singing, your hands for clapping, and your pencil for marking your part.

-Be patient with yourself and with your music! Practice well, and the results will come in time.

-If you encounter sharp pain or tension, immediately stop and take a break.

-Always remember that music is a gift. Your commitment to honoring your talent and developing your musical voice is a gift that you give to yourself.