Studio Policy
School Year: 2023-24
Lessons
Tuition: $43+/class
Trial lesson: all students must start with a 30 minute trial lesson and interview. This will allow the teacher, student, and parent to see if they are a good fit for each other. Trial fee will be $40.
Lesson length: weekly lessons are offered in 30 minute, 45 minute, and 60 minute lengths.
Covid-19 Policy
Teachers:
- fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (three doses)
- wear a medical or medical-grade mask
- clean the piano, bench, and learning area
- if weather permits, open all windows
- turn on the air purifier, equipped with HEPA filters
Students/Parents:
- wear a medical or medical-grade mask
- only one student will be permitted in the studio at a time
- parents must pick up students on time
- if the student is sick, the lesson must be moved online (via Zoom) or a pre-recorded video lesson
Payment Policy
Lesson fees: A semester tuition is due before the first lesson of each semester
Calendar:
September 2023 – August 2024, divided into 4 terms:
Term 1: September – December (4 months)
Term 2: January – March (3 months)
Term 3: April – June (3 months)
Term 4: July – August (2 months)
Instrument
Students are encouraged to purchase an acoustic piano. Although electric pianos can be used, nothing substitutes the touch, tone quality, and feel of a true acoustic instrument. If an electric piano is used, it must have weighted keys.
Lesson Materials
- pencil, eraser, pencil crayons, highlighter
- sticky notes
- loose pages must be hole-punched and put into a binder
- for beginner/early-elementary levels: a small stuffed toy and a ball that fits in your hand
- piano books/other scores: students will be responsible for the purchase of books and other course materials. These materials may be purchased from Amazon, the RCM website, or music stores across the GTA.
Lesson Etiquette
how to address the teacher: Students must address teachers as Ms. ___, e.g.) Ms. Mimi
Practicing
How often: students must practice 7 days a week, including on lesson day.
How long: practice at a length no shorter than the lesson time to ensure steady progress.
Beginner/Elementary: 30 min. minimum
Intermediate: 45 min. minimum
Late-Intermediate/Advanced: 60 min. minimum
All students are encouraged to spend 15 minutes after their lesson to review.
Just like athletes training for a marathon, one would not train one or two days prior to the marathon by running 50km, but would start months before and run consistently. Thus, it is imperative that the student practices everyday instead of cramming the day before the lesson. Remember: a small amount of practice is better than no practice.
Practical Examinations
Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Exams: students who want to follow the RCM curriculum are encouraged to sign up for RCM exams. Before signing up for an exam, the student must first get permission from the teacher to ensure proper preparation, readiness, and appropriateness. Once the exam date has been finalized, it is the student’s responsibility to inform the teacher ASAP.
Exam preparation: students must memorize all repertoire pieces and etudes along with scales, chords, and arpeggios. Aspects of musicianship (such as interval identification, chord identification, chord progression identification, melody playback, and sight reading) will be worked on during class and outside of class.
The teacher and student will also put together an exam preparation schedule and guide. The student will be invited to perform their pieces during studio class as a run-through before the exam.
Performance Opportunities
Studio class: at least one studio class will be held per year for students. Attending the class is not mandatory, but is highly encouraged. Those completing RCM exams will be required to participate in studio class prior to their examination as this gives the student an additional opportunity to perform.
Recital: at least two recitals will be held per year. Participation is mandatory for all students.
Scheduling Policy
Statutory Holidays and March Break: lessons will be taught on statutory holidays unless otherwise communicated by the teacher.
If you do not intend on attending your lesson due to a statutory holiday, please contact the teacher ASAP (see Cancellation Policy below).
Summer Months: students are strongly encouraged to continue lessons throughout the summer. This will ensure they are able to keep up their skills over the 2 month long break. If a student schedules an RCM exam in August, they will be required to continue weekly lessons up until their exam.
Cancellation Policy
No Show: still charged; no make-up lesson
If student gives less than a 24 hours notice for a cancellation: lesson is still charged; no make-up lesson provided; last minute emergencies are considered on a case-by-case basis.
If student gives more than a 24 hours notice for a cancellation or rescheduling: student may be eligible for make-up lesson subject to teacher availability.
Once the make-up lesson time has been confirmed, it cannot be changed a second time. If the student cancels the make-up lesson, it will be charged.
Students can have a maximum of three make-up lessons per school year (e.g. Sept 2021 – August 2022), provided a 24h notice is given. The fourth make-up lesson will be charged.
Student is late: no lesson time will be made-up due to lateness.
If teacher cancels the lesson: if the teacher cancels the lesson, the student will not be charged.
The teacher must be informed via E-MAIL (mimi.ke@mail.utoronto.ca) or WECHAT of any absences.
Discontinuing Lessons
A thirty day notice is required if a student wishes to withdraw from lessons. Remaining balance will not be refunded.
Dismissal
A student may be dismissed at any time for reasons including but not limited to:
- excessive absence or tardiness
- habitually late or nonpayment of tuition
- consistent lack of lesson preparation
- failure to comply with Studio Policy
Thank you for your cooperation.