studio policies
LEE PIANO STUDIO
Dedicated, Professional Piano Instruction
Roxane Lee, M. S., Nationally Certified Teacher of Music
Lee Piano Studio Policies for August 2024-June 2025
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.