Mary Lynne Bennett Piano Studio
Studio Policy 2019-2020
Welcome to the Mary Lynne Bennett Piano Studio! This page will outline all attendance/make-up policies, scheduling and rates, practice expectations, and activities that the studio participates in. If you have any additional questions after reading through this document, please contact me.
Attendance
Students will attend a 30, 45, or 60 minute weekly lesson based on their age and level. Lesson length will be recommended by the teacher at the initial interview or in progress reports. Group lessons are scheduled 3 times in the fall and 3 times in the spring on Saturdays for students to share the progress they have made with each other. All students are welcome at these lessons and are encouraged to attend, even if they do not need a makeup lesson. Group lessons are especially important to attend if your student is part of a duet team that will be performing and for building studio camaraderie. Please add these to your calendars now so they can plan to attend. Group Lessons dates are as follows:
September 28, 2019
October 26, 2019
November 16, 2019
February 8, 2020
March 14, 2020
April 18, 2020
Ages 5-9: 2pm
Ages 10-12: 3pm
Age 13-18 all levels: 4pm
Adults all levels: 5pm
Students will participate in two studio recitals during the 2019-20 school year. Studio recital dates are as follows:
Friday, December 13, 2019, 6:00pm
Friday, May 1, 2020, 6:00pm
Please put these recital dates on your calendars NOW!!! The recital is a chance for the studio as a group to celebrate the progress the students have made throughout the year. I recognize student achievement at these events, and I want to make sure that students are recognized for all of their hard work and practice. I encourage ALL students to attend, including adult students, to join in the celebration and receive recognition for their achievements, even if they are not planning on performing in the recital.
Please see the studio Google calendar on the website for more studio events, including holiday breaks and vacation weeks. Let me know if you would like me to share this Google calendar with you so it appears on your calendar.
Make-up Policy
Please make every effort to attend your scheduled lesson time. Because I have a very full studio schedule, make-up lessons will not be possible. Attendance at group lessons will serve as make-ups for missed applied lessons. If you miss more lessons than there are group lessons offered, no refund will be given. If a make-up is necessary due to my illness, I will schedule the make-up lesson accordingly.
A note on student illness: Please do not send your child to a lesson ill. It is hard for them to focus on the lesson when they are having to constantly blow their nose, are coughing badly, or are suffering other symptoms. I do offer Skype lessons for bad weather conditions and if students are recovering from an illness but are still symptomatic. If your child is actively ill, please let them rest and use the group classes as makeup lessons.
Tuition Rates for 2019-20
Tuition for children is based on an hourly rate and an annual term of 38 lessons per year (approx. 15 in fall, 15 in spring, 8 flex-scheduled in summer). Students are asked to commit to the annual term and no refunds will be given for students who decide to leave lessons mid-year. Should I decide that dismissal from lessons is necessary for any reason, a refund for the remainder of the semester will be granted.
All materials for lessons will be provided by the instructor. Tuition may be paid annually (due 8/15/19), in three equal installments, due 8/15/2019, 12/15/2019, and 4/1/2020, or twelve equal monthly installments due on the fifteenth of each month. There will be a flat $20 late fee invoiced for all late payments.
A $150 per student registration fee is required of all students. This registration fee is due by July 1, 2019 to hold a spot in the studio for the coming year. The registration fee include all books that the student uses throughout the year, as well as prizes, gifts, and other materials that are used in the studio. The registration fee also helps cover cost of maintenance of studio instruments, equipment, and recital hall fees.
30-minute lesson: $1320 annually, $440x3 payments, $110x12 payments
45-minute lesson: $1980 annually, $660x3 payments, $165x12 payments
60-minute lesson: $2640 annually, $880x3 payments, $220x12 payments
Multi-family member discount (for additional children in the same family, first student's tuition with the longer lesson is as above.) Students who wish to take more than one lesson per week may also use the multi-family discount.
30-minute lesson: $1188 annually, $396x3 payments, $99x12 payments
45-minute lesson: $1782 annually, $594x3 payments, $148.50x12 payments
60-minute lesson: $2376 annually, $792x3 payments, $198x12 payments
Tuition for adult students only is based on the number of lessons scheduled per month, with a strong recommendation of a minimum of two lessons per month for continued growth.
30-minute lesson: $33
45-minute lesson: $49.50
60-minute lesson: $66
Practice Expectations
Learning a musical instrument is an excellent way to develop skills such as increased attention span, hand-eye-foot coordination, discipline, structure and routine. Learning to read musical notation is much like learning another language and regular practice is required to learn the language fluently.
The following are only standard time recommendations for practice at home between lessons, but I reserve the right to give specific recommendations to individual students based on their goals, learning styles and their needs.
First Year of lessons for average-age beginners: one to two 15-minute practice sessions daily
Second Year of lessons: at least 20 minutes daily (may be broken up into multiple sessions)
Third Year of lessons: at least 30 minutes daily
Fourth Year of lessons: at least 40 minutes daily
Intermediate Students: at least one hour daily
Late Intermediate to Advanced Students: at least two hours daily
Parental involvement is crucial to the success of young instrumentalists. Parents should actively supervise practice and theory homework assignments and discuss the importance of intelligent (not mindless) practice with students on a regular basis. I ask that when possible, students send short videos of their practice sessions to me (via private YouTube channel, Dropbox or Skype) so I can see the progress that is being made at home between lessons. Students will be given an assignment book that parents and students should refer to on a regular basis, and practice suggestions may also be sent to the students and parents via email if time runs short in the lesson. Parents are welcome to sit in on the lessons as observers. I may ask parents of younger students to be present at lessons so they will know how to best assist students with practice at home. Parents should become familiar with how to use a metronome or other digital apps that students may be using in their practice at home in order to assist the students with their practice.
Communication with parents is also important to me, as is providing a measure of students' progress on a regular basis to parents. Because I frequently must schedule lessons back-to-back, there is little time to talk to parents in-between lessons, but I would be glad to schedule a phone or Skype conference with parents outside of lesson hours when necessary.
I recommend purchasing the best acoustic instrument that you can afford for piano study. Digital instruments can be helpful for supplementary instruction and entertainment, but acoustic instruments have certain features that the student must experience on a regular basis in-between weekly lessons. See the links page for local piano dealers.
I expect students to come to lessons prepared and on-time. Lessons that begin late because of students' late arrival will not run late. Students should bring all of their materials to every lesson with written assignments completed. They should keep fingernails trimmed and wash hands before each practice session and lesson. Students should learn to care for their acoustic instruments, which means no food or drink or decorations/picture frames, etc. placed on or near the piano, always play with clean hands and feet, and have the instrument tuned at least once, preferably twice annually. Visit the Piano Technicians Guild website for a list of certified technicians in the area.
Studio Activities
I am a permanently certified member of Music Teachers National Association, the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association, the Pittsburgh Piano Teachers Association, and the West Virginia Music Teachers Association and am active in all associations. The associations offer students of teacher members opportunities to perform at adjudicated and non-adjudicated festivals and competitions. I enter my students in these events when the students, parents, and I feel it is appropriate. For a schedule of these events, please visit the association websites. I will also post these events on the studio calendar.
I enter students into the Royal Conservatory of Music examination system when the students, parents and I feel the student is ready. The Royal Conservatory is an internationally standardized adjudicated exam system. I have had students earn passing grades through Level 9 in this program. Royal Conservatory program exams happen in December, May, and August, but students may enter only once a year or every other year depending on their progress in each level.
In addition to these programs,students may seek out additional opportunities to perform at their schools, their places of worship, local retirement communities and nursing homes, and community events.
Attendance
Students will attend a 30, 45, or 60 minute weekly lesson based on their age and level. Lesson length will be recommended by the teacher at the initial interview or in progress reports. Group lessons are scheduled 3 times in the fall and 3 times in the spring on Saturdays for students to share the progress they have made with each other. All students are welcome at these lessons and are encouraged to attend, even if they do not need a makeup lesson. Group lessons are especially important to attend if your student is part of a duet team that will be performing and for building studio camaraderie. Please add these to your calendars now so they can plan to attend. Group Lessons dates are as follows:
September 28, 2019
October 26, 2019
November 16, 2019
February 8, 2020
March 14, 2020
April 18, 2020
Ages 5-9: 2pm
Ages 10-12: 3pm
Age 13-18 all levels: 4pm
Adults all levels: 5pm
Students will participate in two studio recitals during the 2019-20 school year. Studio recital dates are as follows:
Friday, December 13, 2019, 6:00pm
Friday, May 1, 2020, 6:00pm
Please put these recital dates on your calendars NOW!!! The recital is a chance for the studio as a group to celebrate the progress the students have made throughout the year. I recognize student achievement at these events, and I want to make sure that students are recognized for all of their hard work and practice. I encourage ALL students to attend, including adult students, to join in the celebration and receive recognition for their achievements, even if they are not planning on performing in the recital.
Please see the studio Google calendar on the website for more studio events, including holiday breaks and vacation weeks. Let me know if you would like me to share this Google calendar with you so it appears on your calendar.
Make-up Policy
Please make every effort to attend your scheduled lesson time. Because I have a very full studio schedule, make-up lessons will not be possible. Attendance at group lessons will serve as make-ups for missed applied lessons. If you miss more lessons than there are group lessons offered, no refund will be given. If a make-up is necessary due to my illness, I will schedule the make-up lesson accordingly.
A note on student illness: Please do not send your child to a lesson ill. It is hard for them to focus on the lesson when they are having to constantly blow their nose, are coughing badly, or are suffering other symptoms. I do offer Skype lessons for bad weather conditions and if students are recovering from an illness but are still symptomatic. If your child is actively ill, please let them rest and use the group classes as makeup lessons.
Tuition Rates for 2019-20
Tuition for children is based on an hourly rate and an annual term of 38 lessons per year (approx. 15 in fall, 15 in spring, 8 flex-scheduled in summer). Students are asked to commit to the annual term and no refunds will be given for students who decide to leave lessons mid-year. Should I decide that dismissal from lessons is necessary for any reason, a refund for the remainder of the semester will be granted.
All materials for lessons will be provided by the instructor. Tuition may be paid annually (due 8/15/19), in three equal installments, due 8/15/2019, 12/15/2019, and 4/1/2020, or twelve equal monthly installments due on the fifteenth of each month. There will be a flat $20 late fee invoiced for all late payments.
A $150 per student registration fee is required of all students. This registration fee is due by July 1, 2019 to hold a spot in the studio for the coming year. The registration fee include all books that the student uses throughout the year, as well as prizes, gifts, and other materials that are used in the studio. The registration fee also helps cover cost of maintenance of studio instruments, equipment, and recital hall fees.
30-minute lesson: $1320 annually, $440x3 payments, $110x12 payments
45-minute lesson: $1980 annually, $660x3 payments, $165x12 payments
60-minute lesson: $2640 annually, $880x3 payments, $220x12 payments
Multi-family member discount (for additional children in the same family, first student's tuition with the longer lesson is as above.) Students who wish to take more than one lesson per week may also use the multi-family discount.
30-minute lesson: $1188 annually, $396x3 payments, $99x12 payments
45-minute lesson: $1782 annually, $594x3 payments, $148.50x12 payments
60-minute lesson: $2376 annually, $792x3 payments, $198x12 payments
Tuition for adult students only is based on the number of lessons scheduled per month, with a strong recommendation of a minimum of two lessons per month for continued growth.
30-minute lesson: $33
45-minute lesson: $49.50
60-minute lesson: $66
Practice Expectations
Learning a musical instrument is an excellent way to develop skills such as increased attention span, hand-eye-foot coordination, discipline, structure and routine. Learning to read musical notation is much like learning another language and regular practice is required to learn the language fluently.
The following are only standard time recommendations for practice at home between lessons, but I reserve the right to give specific recommendations to individual students based on their goals, learning styles and their needs.
First Year of lessons for average-age beginners: one to two 15-minute practice sessions daily
Second Year of lessons: at least 20 minutes daily (may be broken up into multiple sessions)
Third Year of lessons: at least 30 minutes daily
Fourth Year of lessons: at least 40 minutes daily
Intermediate Students: at least one hour daily
Late Intermediate to Advanced Students: at least two hours daily
Parental involvement is crucial to the success of young instrumentalists. Parents should actively supervise practice and theory homework assignments and discuss the importance of intelligent (not mindless) practice with students on a regular basis. I ask that when possible, students send short videos of their practice sessions to me (via private YouTube channel, Dropbox or Skype) so I can see the progress that is being made at home between lessons. Students will be given an assignment book that parents and students should refer to on a regular basis, and practice suggestions may also be sent to the students and parents via email if time runs short in the lesson. Parents are welcome to sit in on the lessons as observers. I may ask parents of younger students to be present at lessons so they will know how to best assist students with practice at home. Parents should become familiar with how to use a metronome or other digital apps that students may be using in their practice at home in order to assist the students with their practice.
Communication with parents is also important to me, as is providing a measure of students' progress on a regular basis to parents. Because I frequently must schedule lessons back-to-back, there is little time to talk to parents in-between lessons, but I would be glad to schedule a phone or Skype conference with parents outside of lesson hours when necessary.
I recommend purchasing the best acoustic instrument that you can afford for piano study. Digital instruments can be helpful for supplementary instruction and entertainment, but acoustic instruments have certain features that the student must experience on a regular basis in-between weekly lessons. See the links page for local piano dealers.
I expect students to come to lessons prepared and on-time. Lessons that begin late because of students' late arrival will not run late. Students should bring all of their materials to every lesson with written assignments completed. They should keep fingernails trimmed and wash hands before each practice session and lesson. Students should learn to care for their acoustic instruments, which means no food or drink or decorations/picture frames, etc. placed on or near the piano, always play with clean hands and feet, and have the instrument tuned at least once, preferably twice annually. Visit the Piano Technicians Guild website for a list of certified technicians in the area.
Studio Activities
I am a permanently certified member of Music Teachers National Association, the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association, the Pittsburgh Piano Teachers Association, and the West Virginia Music Teachers Association and am active in all associations. The associations offer students of teacher members opportunities to perform at adjudicated and non-adjudicated festivals and competitions. I enter my students in these events when the students, parents, and I feel it is appropriate. For a schedule of these events, please visit the association websites. I will also post these events on the studio calendar.
I enter students into the Royal Conservatory of Music examination system when the students, parents and I feel the student is ready. The Royal Conservatory is an internationally standardized adjudicated exam system. I have had students earn passing grades through Level 9 in this program. Royal Conservatory program exams happen in December, May, and August, but students may enter only once a year or every other year depending on their progress in each level.
In addition to these programs,students may seek out additional opportunities to perform at their schools, their places of worship, local retirement communities and nursing homes, and community events.
