2020 - 2021 Lesson policy

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Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to fall, 2021 piano lessons!  Lessons will begin on September 6th.  I’m eager to begin! Please reference my website: julieswientypianostudio.com for schedules of lessons and events.  Registered students have access to my google sheet that has a complete schedule.

Please bring all old music belonging to me to your first lesson, especially books that you no longer use!

After reading this policy letter with your student, please return a signed copy of the file at the top of this page at your first lesson.
 
Again, thanks for all the support and encouragement you are providing to your child.  I am really looking forward to seeing each of you again on a regular basis.  Enjoy the last few days of summer!
 
Sincerely,
Julie Swienty
Email: julieswienty@gmail.com
website: julieswientypianostudio.com
Cell phone: (253) 266-7804

schedules

A complete schedule of all students’ lessons is on website (see "MORE" tab)
• A class and recital schedule is available on website (also on MORE)
• I will NOT be teaching on Nov. 17- 26, (my nephew is getting married over Thanksgiving) or during Winter Vacation (12/20 - 1/2) or Spring Break (TBD)
• I will be teaching on most Monday holidays, except Memorial Day
• I WILL teach during the Presidents’ week vacation (a great time of preparation for MAPS and Competition)

Attendance

I will try to make up lessons due to illness.  If you find it necessary to miss a lesson for any other reason, I expect notice in advance of the lesson time – at least a day or even more if possible.  Please note that during teaching hours, I am unable to check or respond to messages, so I may not be able to reply immediately.  I will not make up a lesson for which inappropriate notice has been given.  If a student has a conflict with another commitment, I will try to offer a couple of alternative times, if available.  If not, the student will have to forfeit the lesson, and no credit will be given.  

New this year: If a student is symptomatic, but well enough to focus and take a lesson, lessons will be done through ZOOM.  Please do not come to a lesson if the student has any of the following: a fever (i.e. chills, sweats), sore throat, headache, runny nose, sneezing, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, or a loss of sense of smell or taste, purple or blueish lesions on the feet, toes or fingers without clear cause, significant coughing or any vomiting within the last 12 hours.

My schedule cannot always accommodate a change, but I much prefer to give the lesson if possible, as I think it is in the best interests of the student’s progress.  One BIG EXCEPTION to this - if the Kent School District is closed due to snow, I too will be closed, and will offer a makeup time!  I do not want to endanger anyone by having them attempt to come up my hill or negotiate my icy driveway and sidewalks.

practicing

Daily practice is vital to musical progress. If you treat piano lessons like an academic subject, students will progress and grow and enjoy it more in the long run.  Students are encouraged to keep a practice record, and to work toward musical goals rather than simply counting minutes.  The study of music is rewarding and enjoyable, but it is also work!  The recommended mount of practice time will be discussed with the student and should be practices at least 5 days a week.  However, in my studio, I stress quality practicing more than quantity.  Remember, you get out of it what you put into it.

monthly fees

​$210 for 45 minutes     ​  
$280 for 60 minutes
 
The monthly fee is payable before the first lesson of each month.  This fixed monthly fee applies to the months of September through May.  During this period, every student will receive at least 34 private lessons (even though some months have 4 lessons, some have 5 lessons, and some include vacations and holidays), in addition to masterclasses and student events, which I actively participate in.  A late charge of $25 will be added to any balance that is not paid by the 8th day of the month.  

Please consider setting up autopay, either through your bank, Zelle-it is an easy and free way to always be on time, and avoid the late fee!  I also accept Venmo, but be aware that it is not automatic! Lessons in the summers are charged individually.  ​

An Annual registration fee of $150 per student was payable in June.  Most of you have already paid this.  If you haven’t, please include it in September’s tuition.  This pays for recitals throughout the year, and helps defray the expenses of providing loaner music and materials for the students in addition to regular maintenance on the piano used during lessons.  More advanced students will need to buy most of their music.

Classes and recitals

Classes and recitals are extremely important to the development of performing skills.  Please consider both required.  If you have a scheduling conflict, let me know well in advance of the date.  

We have three recitals planned throughout the year.  Please put these on your calendars so that you can plan and invite family and friends!  It is appropriate and encouraged that students wear their “Sunday best” attire for recitals.  They need to learn to present themselves as well as their music.

communications

I rely heavily on email to communicate to all news, upcoming events and reminders.   If you do not regularly use email, please let me know.  
 
I encourage all parents to attend at least one lesson per month to keep abreast of how your student is doing. Please limit the number of people in the studio.  Due to COVID 19, I still would like to have a parent present (at least once a month), but siblings and other guests should stay outside the studio.  Again, there can be no unsupervised children on my property.  

CELL PHONES
Students, please, turn off all cell phones before coming into the studio!  Lesson times are too short to have any interruptions or distractions.  Anyone in the studio, please silence your electronics.

ASSURING YOUR CHILD'S SUCCESS

Arrange a set time every day for your child to practice, and insist on it being kept.
  • Provide a practice setting free from distractions (TV, phone, etc.)
  • Check on practice progress during the week.  Have your student play for you!
  • Be sure all materials come to the lesson.  A tote bag for music is strongly recommended.
  • Arrive on time for lessons; Please enter the studio only after the prior student has left.   
  • come in quietly so that you do not interrupt current lesson).
  • Students’ fingernails need to be trimmed short, weekly.
  • If a student’s interest and commitment drop to where little or no progress is being made, I will probably feel it necessary to discontinue lessons.

PIANO TUNING:​ Most pianos need to be tuned yearly.  A good sounding instrument will really make your child’s work a lot more fun.  This business is all about listening!!
I belong to professional organizations, attend regular workshops and education programs, subscribe to professional publications and engage in other activist on a continuing basis in order to provide opportunities for professional growth and enhance my own teaching stills. My responsibility to the student is to provide an atmosphere for learning and a well-balanced musical education.  Professional standards will be maintained and definite goals will be established for each student.  It is my goal to give your child the best possible music education!