Policies

updated Dec. 16, 2013

Please refer to this post for whenever you have comments or questions regarding payment, make-ups and other portions of my studio policy.

PAYMENT, ATTENDANCE and MAKE-UPS

Lessons are charged at a flat rate per month, guaranteeing you a slot for one lesson per week. The rate is not affected by the number of weeks in a month. Accepted payments are cash, online banking, or a check made payable to David Lane.

*For half-hour lessons: email or call for rates

*For hour lessons (or families with two students): email or call for rates

Payment is due by your first scheduled lesson, subject to a $10 late fee after the 15th, and subject to a $20 returned check fee.

*All rates subject to change.  Please contact me to verify current rates.

What Your lesson Pays For: (Important!)

Many students begin taking lessons with the false impression that they are simply paying for their lessons when they attend. This leads to the understanding that attended lessons require payment and missed lessons do not. I've tried a number of ways to explain the error in this, and have simply come down to this:

100% of your tuition goes towards your name being reserved at a specific time on my schedule. The lesson itself is free!

Whether you attend or not, the payment is to ensure that you have a spot for you whether you show, have to cancel, can't communicate with me, forget, or whatever else comes up. I would consider it a courtesy if you'd inform me of any known absences in advance. If you've let me know you won't be there, your timeslot is still available if you have paid, and I will only use it for another purpose with your permission.

Your payment covers simply being on my roster. HOWEVER, you get the following free benefits:

• A quality lesson when you do attend.
• My education, experience and expertise
• A subscription to my blog, which you can remain on even if you discontinue lessons.
• My dedication to researching questions or helping you with specific goals.
• Occasional performance opportunities

MAKE-UP POLICY

When YOU miss: As the previous section states, there are no make-ups or credits for lessons you miss. That said, provided you give me plenty of notice of an absence, I will make an effort to find you an alternate time if there are vacancies or cancelations in my schedule. You can view my updated schedule at the website listed above. If this policy seems harsh, please consider that it is no different than most other recreational activities you'd sign up for including karate and league sports, and it is the policy of the majority of music teachers in this area. If you've canceled and plans change, let me know in advance.

When I miss: Because there are 52 weeks in a year, I do not charge for 4 of them. These are 4 times I may miss due to illness, vacation, holiday or weather. If I am to miss more than 4 lessons per year (which is likely for students who take on Saturdays or after 6pm on weekdays), I will prorate your remaining month by $25 per half hour lesson and $45 per hour lesson unless a makeup lesson is available.

YOUR PART in PREPARATION

• Always come prepared to your lessons with all books and a notebook or notepad. You may additionally bring a recording device and metronome. I provide pen and pencils.
• You must practice daily. You are otherwise wasting time and money. Additional guidelines will be given during your lessons. If you fail to practice, or bring all of your materials, I cannot assume responsibility for an unproductive lesson.

(over)

• You cannot practice without an instrument. For piano students, any acoustic piano will do. Any basic keyboard is suitable for beginners. Eventually, you will need a full-sized keyboard (88 keys), with hammer-action weighting on the keys, and at least one sustain pedal.
• You will likely need to purchase books for your lesson on a regular basis. Details will be provided during your lesson.
• An essential tool is a metronome. Any working metronome will do, but I recommend digital metronomes with variable beat patterns and, if possible, a tap feature. You do not need to bring this to your lesson unless you desire help with using it.
• OPTIONAL: Some students find it beneficial for me to record their assigned pieces. I will be happy to do that if you will bring in a recording device. I recommend portable digital recorders or your smartphone.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

• Each student is encouraged, not required, to prepare for and participate in up to two recitals per year (offered in the Fall and/or Spring). Additional opportunities are available throughout the year through the Winston-Salem Piano Teachers' Association. WSPTA events may require an entry fee, but recitals are free. A certain minimal amount of progress is expected to participate in these events.

HOLIDAYS and INCLEMENT WEATHER

• Except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Independence Day, never assume I am not teaching. This includes days of inclement weather, holidays, or other days when school is cancelled. I will inform you if I cannot be there, and you must likewise inform me. If your lesson day falls on one of the above holidays, it is covered by one of the four extra weeks in your tuition.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Please behave with respect during your lesson. Do not talk or play while instruction is being given.
• Please refrain from or be very minimal with wearing cologne or perfume when you come to your lessons.
• I reserve the right to dismiss you from my roster if you are inconsistent with payment or regularly misbehave during lessons.

SPECIAL NOTE TO PARENTS

• If your child is under the age of 10, they can really use your active involvement. I encourage an adult to sit in on the lessons and then be willing to coach your child at home. I have found that students stick with lessons longer when a guardian is actively helping them. Please also understand that is not normal for a child to practice regularly without prompting. Practice is work, even if they really want to learn piano, and is highly unusual for a child under 12 to be self-responsible in this area.