Studio Policies

 Lee Piano Studio Policies for August 2025-June 2026

The policy is  strictly enforced and applies to all students and the parents/guardians  of students under 21 years old, studying piano at Lee Piano Studio.

Tuition and Payment
Tuition  reserves a lesson time specifically for a student, is not refundable  and will increase periodically to reflect the cost of living.  Tuition  is paid in 10 equal monthly payments the 15th of each month starting on  August 15 through May 15.  Payment received after the 15th of the month  incurs a $15 late fee.  Tuition that is mailed to the studio at, 26  Reynolds Farm Rd. New Milford, CT 06776, must arrive by the 15th of the  month

A materials/registration of $110 reserves a student’s time  in the teaching schedule. For students taking RCM exams the  materials/registration fee is $160.  The fee defrays the cost of music  given to and borrowed by the students, incentive programs, CDs, and  rental fees for concert venues. If more than one child from a family is  enrolled at the same time, the fee is $90 for each additional sibling   The registration/materials is not refundable.  Student events that are  sponsored by organizations outside the studio are not included in this  fee.  Checks should be made payable to Roxane Lee. There is a $25 fee  charged for returned checks.

Summer Lessons
The  summer policy is flexible, and students can pay for the number of  lessons they wish to take at the first lesson of the summer. 

Schedule Changes
It  is rarely possible to change a student’s after school lesson time once  the school year has started.  Registration reserves a specific lesson  time for that student, which that student keeps for the remainder of the  school year.

Cancellations/Studio Closings
No  rescheduled lessons are given for cancellations made by students.  If  the teacher has to reschedule a lesson, two alternate dates will be  offered to the student.  If the student cannot make it either of those  times, the lesson will be forfeited.  If a student does not show up for a  lesson, that lesson is forfeited.  A student who has to cancel a lesson  can be offered an alternate lesson time the same week of the  cancellation if another student cancels his/her/their lesson that week.

Studio  closings are listed in the studio calendar found at  leepianostudio.com.  The calendar, which is subject to change, includes 3  weeks of unscheduled closings.

Online Lessons
Students  may request online lessons in the case of inclement weather or  illness.  Online lessons will be available to students if the studio has  to close due to inclement weather. The tuition for online lessons is  the same as for in-person lessons.

Royal Conservatory Music Development Program and Performance Opportunities
RCM  Level 5 students must be enrolled in at least 60-minute lessons to  participate in the RCM exams.  Level 6 students and above must have at  least 90-min. of instruction time per week. Community service concerts  are open to all students and memorization of pieces is not required.   Participation is encouraged.  Participation in events sponsored by other  music organizations is at the teacher’s discretion. The teacher  reserves the right to withdraw a student from an event if the student is  not sufficiently prepared.

All students 18 years and under are  strongly encouraged to perform in the formal studio recitals, held twice  a year.  Memorization of solo pieces performed at the formal recitals  is required for participation.  It is expected that the audience at the  recitals will act in a respectful and courteous manner and give the  performers their full attention.  

Instrument/Accessories
A  student taking piano lessons should practice on an acoustic piano,  tuned twice a year.  If a student only has access to a digital  instrument, it is recommended that a student use it for no more than the  first year of lessons.  Beyond the first year of lessons, a student who  practices only on a digital instrument will not receive the full  benefit of piano lessons, as it is not possible to fully or effectively  develop technique or musicality unless an acoustic piano is used for  practice.  Students should have an adjustable bench, a working metronome  and a pedal extender, if they are unable to reach the pedals of the  piano.  The teacher may be contacted for recommended models and sources.

Practice
A  student’s practice should be focused on achieving specific goals.   Daily practice equal or longer than the student’s lesson time produces  the best results.  Students who practice less than the recommended  amount can expect slower progress.  It is the student’s responsibility  to practice daily and effectively.  Effective practice should include  practice at a slow tempo with careful attention to detail, active  listening and self-assessment.  If needed, a parent should supervise the  practice time of the student as much as possible.  Parents of students  who are minors should check the weekly assignment sheet during the week  to make sure that everything on the assignment has been practiced or  completed.

Teacher, Parent and Student Communication
Studio communication is sent by email.  Students are encouraged to contact the teacher if any questions arise during the week.

Student Attendance
Students  should arrive and depart from the lesson promptly.  Please do not  arrive more than 5 minutes before your scheduled lesson time.  Your  lesson time begins and ends at the scheduled time. If you are late, the  lesson will still end at the scheduled time.

Studio Environment and Personal Hygiene
Please  do not wear cologne, perfume, or any strong scent when you come to  lessons.  I am very sensitive to strong scents, including shampoo and  laundry detergent.  Remove your shoes and place them on the shoe tray on  the inside of the door.  No food or beverages are allowed inside the  studio, including gum or candy.

A student’s hands should be clean  and nails should be trimmed short.  Nails will be trimmed at the lesson  if they are too long to make it possible to play with the correct hand  position.  Use hand sanitizer before and after touching the piano.

Dismissals
The  teacher can dismiss a student for reasons including but not limited to:  excessive absence, absence from studio events without explanation or  notice, repeated failure to pay tuition promptly, lack of progress due  to lack of practice,  disrespect to the teacher or other students, and  abuse of studio property.  Once dismissed, a student may not continue  studying piano at Lee Piano Studio.

Termination of Lessons/Liability Waiver    One month of paid notice is required if a student wishes to discontinue  lessons.  The notice must be made in writing and signed by the parent  if the student is a minor.  Lee Piano Studio and Roxane Lee are released  from any liabilities or injuries that result from the enrolled student  participating in piano lessons, piano recitals, group classes, and piano  events within and outside of the studio.