Lessons are fun, encouraging, and personalized to each student, so they can enjoy music while building a strong foundation. Teacher Pledge: It is my responsibility as the teacher to teach the discipline, language, and joy of making music at the piano. I will strive to provide a supportive, positive learning environment for each student. The curriculum will be tailored to support each student’s ind
ividual learning and musical needs. In order to provide the most effective teaching possible, the following policies have been established below. Lessons: Lessons are held once a week in 30 minutes sessions at my home in Germantown, TN. Lessons incorporate a variety of elements including, but not limited to theory, technique and artistry, performance skills, and games that reinforce the concepts. Tuition and Scheduling: Tuition covers time spent with students, preparation time, teacher training and experience, recital costs and preparations, and studio expenses. Tuition is a flat rate charge of $120 that is paid by the month. The tuition paid reserves an exclusive weekly time for the student. Unlike certain other professions, I cannot resell that time nor can I create extra teaching time in which to give lessons. You are therefore requested to choose a lesson day/time which works consistently with you/your child’s schedule. If a permanent conflict arises with this lesson time, please feel free to contact me to discuss alternate arrangements. I am happy to work with you to ensure a weekly lesson time that complements both of our schedules. Monthly tuition late payment penalty: All monthly tuition payments are due by the 1st day of each month. Any payment received after the 5th, will be charged a $10.00 late payment penalty. Payment Methods: Venmo (), Paypal Friends and Family ([email protected]), check made out to Amy Riggs, or cash. Makeup Lessons:
Students are allowed 2 makeup lessons per school semester for any reason, and 2 during the summer semester for any reason. Any absences above this will not be made up. No credits or refunds will be issued for missed lessons. Students are allowed to do a zoom or facetime lesson in his or her normal time slot for circumstances not limited to but including if the student is ill/contagious but feels well enough to play, the student does not have a ride, or if inclement weather prevents students from traveling. These lessons do not count towards the two makeup lessons. If you must miss, lessons may be made up in the following ways:
*Saturday makeup lessons at my convenience.
*Lesson swap: Students may swap lesson times with another student or do a makeup in a time where another opening may be available. If the teacher cancels the lesson it will be made up or compensated. Holidays and Breaks: The studio will typically follow the Germantown Public School Calendar for major holidays. The following Holidays and breaks will be observed: Spring Break, 1 week summer vacation of my choice, Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break (full week), Christmas Break
(two weeks). Withdrawal Notice: Any student who wishes to withdraw from the studio must give a 30 day notice or pay 1 month of tuition upon leaving. Practicing:
Regular practice time should be set aside for at least four-five days a week to ensure progress. A suggested practice time will be given to each student based on their experience level. Incentives are provided by the teacher if the student meets his or her goals each week. Instrument:
To ensure that the student gets the best possible experience from their lessons and to experience the best results in the long run, it is recommended that the student have a full-sized, 88-key instrument at home that is in good working condition. Acoustic pianos must have no sticking keys, and at least the far right foot pedal (the damper pedal) must be in working condition. The piano must be tuned at least once per year, but twice is recommended due to the drastic climate changes present in the area. A digital piano or keyboard with 88-full sized weighted keys may prove to be a good option as well. These pianos do not have to be tuned, and generally come with the option of headphones, which can allow the student to practice more privately. Music Purchases:
Music Purchases are the responsibility of the student/parent. I will recommend certain books based upon the level of the student and their goals as a student. Students are always welcome to give input on the types of music they desire to learn, and I will do my best to work with those requests depending on availability of the music and if the student is at the proper level of the available music. Performance Opportunities:
I believe that an important process of learning to play the piano is being able to share the things you’ve learned with others. Therefore, I provide several opportunities for my students to share what they have learned with friends and families. I schedule two recitals per year, one Christmas recital in the month of December, as well as a Spring recital in April/May. Students are not required to participate in these recitals, but participation is highly recommended, as it stretches the student in ways they can not be stretched during a private lesson.
