Studio Policy
Attendance
In order to maximize musical progress, I require my students to attend weekly lessons. Please arrive and leave on time with all required lesson materials. I cannot provide extended lessons for those who arrive early or leave late.
Student Absence
Aside from missed lessons due to family emergencies and inclement weather, all absences must be notified at least one week in advance in order to receive a make-up lesson. Absence due to sickness should be notified 24 hours prior to the lesson date in order to receive a make-up.
*There will be no make-up or refund for a no-show*
Teacher Absence
I may be absent occasionally due to illness, family emergency, or professional commitment. I will do my best to notify you in advance and schedule make-ups.
Practice Requirement
Daily practice is crucial for a student’s musical progress. Parental supervision during practice sessions is highly recommended for students between the ages of four and ten. I also encourage parents to sit in and observe lessons if possible.
● First-year beginner students should practice 10 – 15 minutes per day
o For a very young beginner (ages 4 – 6), practicing in two increments may be helpful in maximizing practice quality
● Second-year students should practice 20 – 30 minutes per day
● Third-year and/or intermediate students should practice at least 45 minutes per day
● Advanced students should practice at least 60 minutes per day
Instrument
I cannot stress enough the importance of providing a good keyboard at home. Students learn best and progress better on a quality instrument. They enjoy playing more! The best keyboard option for learning is an acoustic upright piano. If that is not feasible, the second-best option is a weighted 88-key keyboard. I’m happy to explain keyboard options in detail upon request.
Lesson Length
Lesson length will be decided based on my evaluation of each student’s personality, attention span, and needs.
Lesson Materials
I choose lesson materials carefully to customize for each student, so please bring all materials to lessons including music, flashcards (if applicable), a binder, and a notebook. Lesson materials are not included in the tuition.
*Please do not bring or eat food in the studio*
Registration Fee
An annual registration fee of $25 per student is required at the beginning of each academic year. This secures the student’s commitment for the year. The fee is also used for materials needed to prepare for weekly lessons and semester-end recitals.
Tuition and Payment
● I bill students one week prior to the payment deadline. Payment is due on the first day of each month. Payments can be made by cash, check (payable to Shiori Yamaguchi), Venmo (Username: Shiori-Yamaguchi-1), or Zelle (registered with my cell: 201-566-5702).
● Payment reserves the student’s lesson time slot for the month.
● Failure to pay on the 1st day of each month will result in a $5 late fee/day that is late
● For those who will be taking lessons at their own home, there will be an additional fee of $5/lesson for gas and driving time
● Aside from time spent in each lesson, tuition includes expenses and extra time spent preparing for recitals events, instrument repair, lesson preparation, and other miscellaneous resources
● The following are my rates per lesson not including travel and/or registration fee:
30-minute lesson = $34
45-minute lesson = $51
60-minute lesson = $68
Recital Participation
Students are required to attend one recital per semester. Performing is a skill different from playing that can only be developed through performance-practice and participation. Please refer to the academic calendar for recital dates.
Summer Lessons
Summer lessons are essential for retaining and continuing musical progress. I require each student to take at least four lessons in the summer in order to receive priority in fall lesson scheduling. Scheduling is flexible during this season, and lessons are pro-rated.
Lesson Termination
Students may be dismissed from lessons at any point for any of the following reasons:
● Failure to comply with studio policy
● Disrespectful behavior toward the teacher