Your instrument

I expect students to have an acoustic piano at home to practice on. The weighted keys are crucial for students to develop healthy technique that electronic keyboards cannot provide. It must be in good working order so that students can get excited to play piano! This means having it tuned yearly, having working pedals, and a sturdy, comfortable bench. Eliminate distractions—keep the piano in an area where screens, noise, and other digital devices won’t interrupt practice.

Practice

A student's musical growth depends on the work they do outside of lessons. The more you practice, the more fun, music you'll be able to learn! I expect students to practice each day in order to get the most out of private lessons. 

Young beginners should start with 15 minutes of daily practice, gradually working up to 30 minutes. It often takes some parental guidance to help young kiddos build up a consistent practice routine and to stay accountable.

Older or intermediate students should devote at least 30-45 minutes to daily practice. 

There’s no way to ‘cram’ when it comes to music. Just like exercise, or learning a language, the best way to improve is to do it every day.

Playing piano is an enriching journey that takes time, patience, discipline, and a positive outlook. You'll have a more rewarding experience if you set small goals to meet in your daily practice!

Attendance and Make-Up Lessons

Lesson attendance is expected and mandatory. Please be on time. 
Acceptable reasons for requesting a make-up lesson would be if the student is ill, there is a family emergency, or if weather makes road conditions unsafe. I will reschedule these lessons only if I am notified 24 hours in advance. A no-show without 24 hour notice is a forfeited lesson. 

If the student is unable to get to their lesson, but is otherwise available during that time, we can have the lesson via Skype.

In the event that I myself get sick, I will reschedule lessons as needed.

All students are expected to attend studio classes (an informal, students-only performance opportunity, occurring at least twice a semester), and the annual Spring recital. Students also have the opportunity to participate in Minnesota Music Teachers Association programs, like the State Contest, piano and theory exams, and the Play-a-thon fundraiser at Mall of America.

Payment

I charge a flat monthly rate: $110 for 30 minute lessons, and $160 for 45 minute lessons. Monthly tuition is due by the 1st of every month. You are welcome to pay multiple months in advance, but it is not required.

I will order books and materials needed for lessons and provide parents with a statement of the amount owed which will be paid at the next lesson. 

There are 32 weekly lessons September through May. The tuition that's paid each month covers 32 weeks of lessons spread out between September and May in equal payments each month. Some months may have 3 lessons, some may have 5, but the payment each month will stay the same, and each student receives the same amount of lessons in a school year.

Payments can be made by check, cash, PayPal (paypal.me/feldpianostudio) or Zelle.
Please make checks out to ‘Emily Feld.’ To ensure that your payment arrives on time, I highly recommend you schedule automatic payments through your bank.

Payments can also be mailed to the studio address, or be submitted at the lesson in person.

Returned checks for insufficient funds will result in a fee of $30.

Teaching Schedule

A calendar showing teaching and non-teaching weeks will be distributed each September.

Summer lesson info is distributed in the spring. The schedule is more flexible, and I charge per-lesson instead of a monthly tuition.

Termination and Discontinuing Lessons

If the student wishes to discontinue lessons, 30 days' notice is required.
Lessons will be terminated if any of the following becomes habitual:
Failure to pay on time
Excessive absences that inhibit progress
Failure to be prepared for lessons
Inappropriate or disrespectful behavior during lessons 
Damage or disrespect of property