2022-2023 Policies & Procedures
General Information: Weekly private lessons are offered in-studio, or online by way of Zoom, in 30, 45, or 60 minute sessions depending on the students age/level. Program information, lessons/assignments, and other print materials will be stored in a folder on Google Drive unless otherwise indicated.
At The Studio (The In-Person Lesson): Students are expected to arrive on time with all their music and materials. Parents may quietly sit in the waiting area or park and wait in their vehicle. If they decide to run errands they must return to pick up their student in a timely fashion. To discuss student progress, parents are welcome to meet with the teacher 5 minutes prior to the lesson or schedule a separate time to meet, in order to respect the next student’s time slot. Student progress reports and/or evaluations are sent to parents regularly.
The Online Piano Lesson: Students are required to setup a Zoom account for online lessons. Students are expected to sign in 10 minutes prior to their scheduled lesson to allow time to tackle any sign-in or technical issues that arise and warm up prior to the lesson start. You will be placed in the “waiting room” until your lesson starts. The student should have all their materials (books, binder, a pencil, assignments, and/or a notebook) and music. Parents should be available to help address any technical issues should they arise and the student is unable to fix them. To discuss student progress, parents are welcome to meet with the teacher 5 minutes prior to the lesson or schedule a separate time to meet, in order to respect the next student’s time slot. Student progress reports and/or evaluations are sent to parents regularly.
Instrument: Students will need a well-maintained, tuned acoustic piano, or digital piano with weighted or semi-weighted keys, placed in an area that will allow for uninterrupted practice.
Practice Expectations: Students are expected to practice daily in the amount of time determined by the teacher and student. Students must write their weekly assignments on the provided assignment sheet or in a composition notebook. The teacher will also track weekly assignments in the Google Classroom, Google docs, or One Note. Students must complete and submit all written assignments/projects for the week in Google Classroom, Google docs, or One Note prior to the next lesson.
Materials: Students are recommended to use a tote bag to carry their books and materials to and from in-person lessons. An assignment notebook or assignment sheets are required to keep track of assigned pieces, practice suggestions, and goals for each week. The teacher will obtain all required books and materials in time for the first lesson; the cost is included in the registration fee. Students/parents are required to purchase additional books and materials as necessary for the course. *Online piano students – books and materials will be shipped to the mailing address you provide in time for your first lesson.
Calendar and Schedule: Lessons are held year round; however, the teacher does not teach during the week of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years’ and other National Holidays in line with the current school year calendar. Parents will be notified ahead of time when lessons will not be held for a given week.
Makeup Lessons and Schedule Changes: Due to the teacher’s limited availability, makeup lessons or schedule changes are not guaranteed. In the case a student is absent (or teacher unavailable) due to unforeseen circumstances such as an accident, illness, or family emergency, if the student desires to makeup a lesson, the teacher will make an effort to accommodate a makeup. Please notify the teacher via email 24 hours in advance regarding any known upcoming absences.
Schedule changes are not guaranteed unless the teacher schedule permits.
Registration Fees, Tuition and Payments: A non-refundable registration fee is required to be paid at the time of enrollment in the program. This fee covers the costs of books, online studio expenses such as program management fees, practice materials and binders including extra music prints, recital fees and reserves your seat in the program. Registration fees are due at the time of you register for the program or before your first lesson.
Tuition is due monthly on or before the 1st of each month.
- Online Private – $140 – $200 / month (30 min lesson)
- Online Group Piano – currently closed.
Invoices will be provided the last week of every month. The student/parent is responsible for delivering tuition on or prior to the 1st of the next month. *Late payments will incur a $25 late fee for payments not received by the due date. The teacher reserves the right to raise fees at the beginning of each calendar year. Tuition may be paid via the Student Portal link provided via invoice, Stripe, Venmo, Cashapp, or PayPal.
Beginning March 2022, there will be an increase in tuition at the beginning of each calendar year.
There are no refunds on any paid tuition.
Summer Months: During the summer months (June, July, and August), students are expected to continue taking weekly lessons as normal. In the case the student does not continue lessons through the summer, the student unfortunately cannot be guaranteed a spot in the schedule in the Fall, especially if there is a waiting list. If the student desires to take the summer months off and return in the Fall, the student may secure their spot by paying for the first lesson and a “holding” fee. Both fees are non-refundable.
Discontinuing Lessons: There are times when a student no longer wishes to continue lessons. If this is the case, the teacher requires one-month notice prior to discontinuing lessons. At the discretion of the teacher, students may be dismissed at any time if they have unpaid tuition, an excess amount of absences/unprepared lessons, or if they show a lack of interest.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities: Parents are encouraged to support the student and encourage daily practice and completion of assignments at home.
Communication:
Studio Website – Visit www.brandyfort.com to find the studio policies, upcoming programs, events, and more.
Facebook Page – Visit the studio’s Facebook page to see announcements, videos, photos, and more.
Please feel free to contact the teacher via email at info@brandyfort.com with questions regarding assignments and an email response or phone call will be provided within 24 hours. You may also contact the teacher Monday – Friday between 9am – 4pm, by phone or text message for other matters.
Brandy Plays Keys 