Studio Policy

Please read the following information carefully:

Materials

Each student must be equipped with the following:
*Piano or suitable keyboard (with weighted keys) at home. (Check with us about other instruments.)
*Three-ring binder containing dividers
*Repertoire - we will purchase the appropriate books and bill you for them at the first lesson
*Metronome - intermediate and senior students


Practising

Studying an instrument requires a time commitment that goes beyond the weekly lesson; this is called "practice time". Students will be given a practice chart at every lesson. This will list all tasks expected during the week, and provide the student with an organized method of tracking their practice progress. Students are expected to practice at least five out of seven days, and should record their progress on the chart given. Prizes and stickers will be awarded as students meet their individual goals.

How long should a student practice?

We believe that quality is better than quantity. We don't think that setting a timer for a specific number of minutes is necessarily constructive. The expectation is that our students work through their assignments for the week (as detailed on their charts) thoroughly at each practice, following our guidelines for number of repetitions, etc. If they do this, they can expect to progress and move toward success on their instrument.    

Missed Lessons

When you enrol in music lessons, you are contracting a portion of our time each week. We have set that slot aside especially for you and it is your responsibility to be there. No one else can fill that slot at the last minute! If you cancel or don't show up, it is unlikely that we will be able to accommodate you for another time during the week. Make-up lessons or refunds will only be offered in the case of illness or inclement weather.

Tuition

Tuition will be paid in monthly instalments at the beginning of each month. A bill will be issued to the student a week before payment is due. We keep careful records and issue receipts annually before taxes are due.

Adult Students
We welcome you to come and learn an instrument with us. It is never too late to start, and music is a worthwhile and enriching endeavour at any age. Our overall studio policy is flexible for you (eg. You will be billed at the end of the month for only the lessons you were able to attend) and we will do our best to accommodate your unique schedule. Daytime lesson slots are available.

Performances 
There will be two scheduled student recitals each year; one in the winter (which may take the form of an informal "performance party") and one in the spring (more formal). Participation in these recitals is vital to students' progress and growth as musicians. Adult students are not required to participate, but are welcome to if they desire.

Students will be given the option to prepare for and play in the Sault Ste. Marie Music Festival. This festival takes place in the spring and features world-class adjudicators. 

You will be informed of the exact dates, times and locations of these recitals/festivals as they are scheduled.