Payment
Payment is due at the beginning of each month. Contact me for rates.
**Missed Lessons**
PLEASE NOTIFY ME IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE TO MISS A LESSON. You may not deduct payment for lessons missed unless I have approved it. Students are eligible for two makeup lessons (due to sickness or conflict in school schedule) from August-May. Lessons missed for other reasons are not excused and are not eligible for makeup. I will not charge you for lessons that I have to cancel.
Cancellation Policy
Students are expected to complete the lessons scheduled for the school year. If you find it necessary to discontinue piano lessons, you must give me 4 weeks’ notice. I have reserved a time slot for your student, and this enables me to try to fill it. If there is some problem, I would like to have the opportunity to resolve it before you leave my studio.
Summer Lessons
Students should take some lessons over the summer to continue their progress. Taking lessons over the summer ensures placement for the student during the school year.
Practice
Practice is very important. Every student should practice 4-5 times a week. Beginners should practice 10-15 minutes a day; intermediate level students should spend 20-30 minutes a day in practice; advanced level students should spend 45-60 minutes a day (or more) in practice. It is much better to spread the practice time out over several days instead of cramming it into one day. The students may not see the progress from one practice session to the next, but I see the improvement at their lessons!!
Books and Supplies
When your student needs a new book or sheet music, I will purchase it and bill you. The music cost is not included in the price of the lessons; however, I am not frivolous about buying unnecessary music. Sometimes I will recommend getting a metronome or flash cards; you may purchase these at a local music store (such as Music and Arts in Snellville), or I will buy them for you and bill you.
Incentives
I usually give candy at the end of each lesson. I also use a point system throughout the year and award trophies at the spring recital. Students receive 3-5 points for a well-prepared lesson, 20 points for performing in recitals or festivals, 25 points for performing in Guild, 5 points for playing for someone other than immediate family (e.g., playing in school or church, or for grandparents). They will receive a trophy if they have earned 100 points or more in the year.
Cathy Thacker Piano Studio 