Studio Policy

STUDIO POLICY
 
For Piano/Flute tuition with CLAIRE WALKER
 
I am a graduate of the Qld Conservatorium of Music, having received my Bachelor of Music (in Performance and Pedagogy) in September of 2005.  I have been studying piano since the age of three, brought up initially with the Suzuki method, and later working my way through the A.M.E.B. exam system to achieve my AmusA and LmusA in Piano, my AmusA in Flute, and 6th grade Theory with consistently very high results (honours or distinction).  I have been teaching private Piano, Flute and Theory students for over 25 years now (with the government required Blue Card) and all ages and abilities are welcome. I have been a professional member of the QLD Music Teachers Association since 2005 and also a professional member of the Accompanists’ Guild of QLD since 2001.
 
I appreciate a family environment that shows interest and support of the student’s musical education, as this will help them develop to their full potential.  Whenever parents are able to, I encourage them to ask students about their practice or listen to a piece they’re learning to play – understand it might not be perfect and give them encouragement all the way. If time allows, I strongly encourage parents to be involved in at least a couple of the student’s practice sessions each week – particularly if they are in primary school – as they will benefit from having an adult reading through lesson notes/instructions and reminding them of the tips therein. Understanding how to practice effectively is a skill that takes time to develop and I rarely see students managing it well independently until they are older or have been learning for a number of years.  
 
Lesson progress and improvement in musical ability depends on consistent daily practice, and both parents and students share the responsibility to ensure that good study habits are developed and maintained.  It is essential (and I require) that every commencing student:
-        has a well-maintained instrument & equipment at home. I consider an electronic keyboard a temporary measure and ask that parents look into purchasing an acoustic Piano or at least a good digital Piano asap. Flutes need to be serviced at least annually and flute student need a music stand to practice with.
-        has a distraction free space with adequate light in which to practice
-        adheres to a consistent daily practice schedule (length varying with age/ability) minimum of 5 days per week.     
 
Thankyou for abiding by these guidelines in regards to missed or cancelled lessons and fees:
a.              There will be no refund or credit for missed lessons (see below for circumstances)
b.              If the student gives a minimum of 24 hours notice before the lesson informing the teacher of the cancellation, a make-up lesson may be possible at the discretion of the teacher.
c.              If a student misses a lesson without informing the teacher of the absence, no make-up will be offered. 
d.              Students should never attend a lesson if they are unwell. If your child turns up to a lesson ill I will send them home without hesitation as it jeopardises my health & ability to work (there is no sick pay in my job!) as well as that of my family.
e.              The teacher will reschedule or credit any class that they may cancel. 
f.               Parents are required to notify the teacher of upcoming excursions, vacations or absences and give a minimum of 2 weeks notice to avoid being charged. 
g.              A notice of 4 weeks is required for students discontinuing lessons for any reason.
 
 
**I ask you to understand these conditions from the teacher’s perspective, in that, I allocate each student their lesson time each week, and when they fail to attend there is nothing else I am able to do with the time. It is very ineffective business practice to let such occurrences slide, and as such I must state the boundaries in order to safeguard myself from losing income.  In my job, there is no income if I don’t teach. Feel free to approach me if you have any questions or wish to discuss any of these conditions with me.
 
Tuition is payable on a term basis only, and accounts are delivered at least two weeks before their due date. A late fee of $5 will be assessed for each week payment is late.
 
Thank you.
 
CLAIRE WALKER
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hereby acknowledge all the above terms and conditions for Piano tuition within Claire Walker’s studio and agree to abide by them. Furthermore, I acknowledge receipt of a copy of this agreement for future reference if necessary.                                           
 
PARENT/S NAME:   _________________________________    SIGNATURE:  _____________________________
 
 
STUDENT NAME:  __________________________________    DATE:  __________________________________