Studio Policies
As a piano teacher, I provide my students with a foundation of fundamental skills to build from. It is important to me to give my students and their parents freedom in deciding the content and direction of their musical education, while still including essential elements such as technique, music theory, aural skills, sight-reading, memorization, and performance practice. These are necessary not only for each student to reach his or her highest potential and become a well-rounded musician, but for each student to fully enjoy what making music has to offer at its most rewarding level. In order to meet each child's individual needs, I value a personal relationship with my students and their parents. Above all, I want each student to discover a passion and enthusiasm for music and the piano as great as my own.
Please read through studio policies before enrolling at Lisa Cox Piano Studio. Enrolling means you understand the following expectations. If you have any questions, please email Lisa at lisacoxpianostudio@gmail.com.
When you are ready to enroll, please complete this enrollment form.
Tuition
Lessons are organized by semester and paid for by semester. There are three semesters: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Each semester includes 13 lessons, 1 studio class, and 1 recital. Payment is expected either at the start of the semester, or as monthly payments given at first lesson of each month. Monthly payments are not a reflection of lessons in a month, but are a payment towards the semester tuition. Payments may be made by check to Lisa Cox, cash, or Venmo (Lisa-Cox-0623). Late payments will be subject to a $5 late fee. Tuition is as follows:
30 minute lessons: $320/semester, or $80/month
45 minute lessons: $450/semester, or $113/month
45 minute lessons are recommended for intermediate level students and teenagers.
A 10% family discount will be given to each additional child enrolled.
Make-up Lessons
Regular and prompt lesson attendance is expected. A swap-list will be provided for students who wish to be included. No shows are not eligible for make-up lessons and make-up lessons cancelled by the student will be forfeited. Lesson cancellations made by me will always be made up, and I will notify you immediately if this is the case.
Recitals and Studio Classes
Students are expected to participate in studio recitals and studio classes. Performing in recitals is important and encouraged in a student’s musical development. Recitals occur at the end of each semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Sometimes, there may be other performing opportunities. Recital music must be performed memorized. I will do my best to prepare my students to not only play well, but to perform well. Having dealt with performance anxiety myself, I understand the self-doubt and “jitters” accompanied with recitals and will teach my students how to combat these feelings. Studio classes are held once a semester before the end of semester recital. There will be no regular piano lessons the week of studio class.
Student Expectations
Students (and myself) are expected to come prepared for each lesson. This means they must bring their method books, notebook, and other required practice materials and have practiced sufficiently between each lesson. If a student arrives late, the time will not be made up due to scheduling.
Students should have a piano notebook and they are expected to it bring to every lesson. This is what I use to write down suggestions, practice tips, and assignments so that students can refer to it during the week. It is good for parents to check this notebook during the week too, so they know their child is practicing not only the the correct assignments, but practicing those assignments the correct way, as I have written in their notebook.
Students should have hands washed and cleaned before each lesson and fingernails kept trim.
Students also need access to a piano to practice on frequently. Students are expected to practice at least five days per week to retain the skills and concepts studied in each piano lesson. The amount of time practicing is important, but not nearly as important as regular and consistent practicing. Consistency is key when it comes to practicing.
Although kids are typically involved in sports and other extracurricular activities, if your child is enrolled in piano lessons, practicing and making it each piano lesson should be a priority. I promise, the more your child practices, the more rapid his or her progress will be. And children who feel they are improving at a skill always enjoy it more.
Parent Involvement
The support of a child’s parent can greatly influence the child’s musical development. I encourage parents to practice with their child, especially if they are under 8 years old. Parents are welcome to sit in on piano lessons, and sometimes strongly encouraged.
I mostly communicate through email. If you do not check your email frequently, please let me know immediately.
Summer Lessons
**Summer lessons run slightly differently than Winter and Spring semester. Information will be provided during the Spring semester with more detail. Students are expected to participate in summer lessons in order to be most successful.