Studio Policy 2020/2021
1. Lesson Costs/Events fees
30 min ---$45
45 min ---$65
50 min ---$70
60 min ---$80
- For potential students the initial consultation fee is $35.00 per student. Please note: This is an interview, NOT a lesson.
- Under special circumstances I offer a limited flexible schedule. The cost of those lessons is $5.00 more. For instance 30 minutes will cost $50.00, 45 min is $70.00…etc. For people on a flexible schedule group lessons are optional and only one event per year is required.
- Group lessons are $45 each, offered at least once a month on a floating schedule depending on teacher and students' availability
- The monthly tuition payment due date is 1st of each month. Example: the due date for October is October 1st. You will get a reminder by email on the 1st of each month. If tuition is not received by the 10th of the month, on the 11th the late payment fee will be deducted from you activity deposit. No exceptions including late mail. If you are running late with your payment you can pay me through the PayPal (see below for details). Late fee is $40.00.
- Students on a flexible schedule are expected to pay on the same day their lesson is scheduled. If the payment is not received on the same day, this will result in a late fee of $40.
- The Lessons will run from Sept 8, 2020 to June 15, 2021 Each student is expected to attend at least 34 weeks of weekly lessons during this time frame.
2. Rescheduling:
- NO CANCELLATIONS are allowed for any reason.
- Lessons can only be rescheduled.
- Rescheduling for emergency reasons is unlimited.
- Per school year you are allowed FIVE rescheduling for non-emergency reason:
After the above limit is met NO more rescheduling is allowed. However you can make up your missed lessons by participating in additional group lessons besides the required two. If you cannot attend group lessons a refund WILL NOT be provided. The difference in cost of your private lesson and the group lesson WILL NOT be returned.
Rescheduling will be depending on teacher’s availability. Please be aware that if the agreement for day/time cannot be achieved for rescheduling of the lessons the only option to make up for it would be participating in the group lessons. If this option is not feasible a refund WON'T BE PROVIDED.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS include the following: (inclement weather, sickness, death in the family, car troubles. For adult students the emergency situation would include work related assignments).
The makeup lessons do not have to be scheduled in the same month when the lesson/lessons were missed, however ALL the make up lessons should be done by June 30, 2021.
The teacher reserves the right to reschedule or cancel a lesson. If the teacher needs to cancel/reschedule a lesson, the student has a choice of a makeup or the refund upon request.
Please be aware that any activities (including school activities) that get into conflict with piano are not considered emergency situations. Any changes in the schedule are limited to the previously stated cancellation/rescheduling policy.
Those students who are on a flexible schedule once the lesson is scheduled should follow the same rescheduling policy.
If you need to be absent for more than a month you can secure your time slot by paying 50% of monthly tuition, otherwise I cannot guarantee that the time slot is going to be still available.
3. Studio Requirements
Each student must have a piano (acoustic or digital), a metronome, and a special time set aside each day for practice.
4. Activity Deposit:
A $150 Activity Deposit is due at registration (your first piano lesson or prior to it). The activity deposit is required for everyone (children and adults, no exceptions including flexible schedules). This deposit will be used for the events, group lessons, and late payment fee during the year and will eliminate the need to pay additional event charges. If the funds are used in full another deposit will be requested. Money not utilized will be refunded when lessons are discontinued or at the end of the school year (whichever comes first). The breakdown of all the charges can be provided if requested. The fees for two group lessons will be deducted from your activity deposit REGARDLESS of the student’s attendance. During the school year there will be enough group lessons provided so everyone would have a chance to participate.
5. Lateness:
It is the student’s responsibility to show up on time to their lessons. The teacher is not obligated to make up for the missed time. Students who are late to their lessons will be taught for their remaining lesson time of that appointment.
6. Termination:
- Two week notices should be provided
7. Group lessons for adults and children:
At my discretion, I may hold group sessions on the schedule that might fit my schedule and students availability. Group lessons will be between 1.5 to 2 hours and are treated as additional sessions to regular private lessons. These lessons are designed to offer technique, music history, music literature, and performance opportunities in a non-threatening setting. Group lessons can provide make up time for lessons that you have missed.
Here are some topics of the group lessons (but not limited to)
8. Performing opportunities
There are many music activities available through various music organizations in our area.
If parents are interested in having their students prepared for those activities (non-competitive festivals or competitions) please advise me early in the fall so the appropriate music can be studied.
9. Recitals
Studio recitals will be held 2 times a year, based on facility availability. Dress code for recitals will require girls to wear skirts or dresses. Young men should wear dress slacks and a nice shirt. Jacket and tie are welcome. Sneakers or sport shoes are not acceptable. Girls must have recital shoes with low heels.
10. Calendar of Events (2020/2021) and Holidays
12. Involvement of Parents or Guardians
13. Practice Expectations
Students are responsible for practicing their full assignment and preparing the lesson that has been assigned to them. Students must also remember to bring the following materials to lessons:
Guidelines to facilitate effective practicing:
14. Contact Information
Calls can be made 10am - 8:00pm to 571-239-7488, please leave me a message if I do not answer or I can be reached by email:
olgatzarinas@yahoo.com
Make all checks payable to “Olga Simonova”. If paying via PAYPAL please consult me before doing so.
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FAQ
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At what age is the best to start piano lessons?
It depends on your child’s personal development. However, presently I am only accepting students starting at age 8 and older with previous piano experience. If your child is younger I recommend you find a teacher who is experienced working with younger children.
Do you teach adults?
Yes, I am very interested in teaching adult students.
What are your methods?
I do not follow strictly any particular methods of the method books. However, having a classical musical background influences my teaching style. I can teach playing any style of music except for the jazz improvisation.
Do you teach music theory?
Yes, it’s a part of every lesson.
Do your students participate in recitals, festivals, and competitions? If so, are there any extra charges?
Yes, I provide them the opportunity to participate in two yearly recitals of my studio as well as the activities that are supported by Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association and the National Guild of Piano Teachers (Guild Auditions).
Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association and National Guild of Piano Teachers (Guild Auditions) have fees which vary depending on the event. I also charge a fee for my studio recitals.
How long is the lesson?
30 min once a week is the minimum requirement, but if you would like it to be longer and more frequent it can be arranged.
Do you conduct trial lessons and is there charge for it?
Yes, you can start with an initial trial lesson or series of lessons for up to a month (which I would prefer before getting into a regular monthly schedule). Prices for trial lessons are the same as regular lessons (see above).
Do you provide a discount for siblings?
I charge for combined time, not individually.
Can we meet you for an interview?
Yes, I can meet you for an initial consultation for which I charge $35.00.
Do you provide books and other teaching materials?
All the books and teaching materials you purchase yourself and they are not included in the monthly charges. I do have a digital music sheet library which you are welcome to use.
Are you closed during the inclement weather days when schools are closed?
No, I am working. If you decide not to come, the lesson has to be rescheduled. It is your decision for having lessons on those days, however you still need to contact me and let me know if you are not coming otherwise I will assume you are coming.
Do you conduct lessons in Russian or English or both?
I can teach in both languages.
Do you know any good piano tuners?
Yes, I do. His contact info is as follows:
Rick Normoyle, 301-972-8080,301-928-1349, rikeyboard@aol.com