Studio Policy Overview

This is general information, for a more detailed studio policy please contact Julie's Notes.

  • Non-refundable registration fee. This fee reserves you a spot in my teaching schedule. This fee also goes towards one assignment book, teacher education/workshops and lending library materials for the studio.
  •  Lessons are offered from September to June. In registering you are making a weekly commitment.
  • Weekly lessons are offered in 30, 45 and 60 minute sessions depending on the age and level of the student.
  • Tuition can be paid annually, by the semester or 10 equal installments. Visa, Mastercard, email money transfer, cash and cheque are acceptable.
  • Missed lessons- There are no make up lessons given for missed lessons. You can request a Facetime/Skype lesson in your regular lesson time if your child is mildly ill or you can request a "Make-Up" lesson packet to be emailed home. Refunds/Discounts are not given for missed lessons.
  • Practice at home is considered critical not optional. Students are expected to practice weekly according to the following guidelines:
    • Beginners: 10- 15 minutes 5 times per week
    • Early levels: 15-20 minutes 5 times per week
    • RCM Prep and Grades 1-3: 30 minutes 5 times per week
    • RCM Grades 4-6: 45 minutes 6 days per week
  • Piano - an 88 key acoustic piano is recommended. An 88 key "weighted" digital piano is only adequate only for the first 2 years of learning. 

Why an Acoustic piano? Small keyboards confuse the hand placement and spatial recognition . Keys tend to be a smaller width than an acoustic piano. The keys are also lighter in weight (easier to press) which stiffens the students wrists when connecting to the note, therefore students tend to play with the fingers only. This tension is difficult to remedy later. It also inhibits the teaching of proper dynamics.

  • Please tune your piano every 1 - 2 years, an out of tune piano does not develop a students accurate sense of pitch.
  • Parents are always invited to stay and observe their child's lesson. I do ask that no siblings attend the lesson (unless they are taking lessons back to back) as this can be very disruptive to the student.