Policies and Procedures    

Please read this page carefully before enrolling your child. Your enrolment signifies acceptance of these policies and procedures. 

 

1. TEACHING SCHEDULE

Lessons are taught during ACT public school teaching weeks, unless otherwise stated. The total number of lessons per term is non-negotiable and is determined by your teacher. 

 

2. TUITION FEES

Tuition fees are paid in advance by the term and can be paid by direct deposit.  Invoices will be sent to your nominated email address. Please ensure I have your current email address on file. Invoice due dates must be adhered to and late payments will attract a fee of $15 and an additional fee of $10 per week thereafter until paid. 


Lesson prices (current as of July 1, 2023) | $52 for 30 minutes | $77 for 45 minutes | $102 for 60 minutes | 

 
Tuition fees increase each year in order to approximately keep pace with inflation. This comes into effect after each new financial year (coinciding with term 3).


Invoices are calculated by the number of lessons you will receive each term, rather than a set monthly or yearly fee, as I feel this is the fairest way to cost lessons. However, please keep in mind that your invoice covers much more than the number of minutes that I spend with your child, including but not limited to:

- resources individually chosen and tailored for each student,

- my ongoing professional development & planning time,

- access to an extensive studio licensed sheet music library,

-  detailed lesson notes emailed home each week,

- extra guidance on request about anything related to your lessons or home setup at anytime in between lessons.

 

3. ATTENDANCE POLICY

You/your child are responsible for punctual, regular attendance. No refunds will be given for missed lessons under any circumstances. However, any lessons cancelled by your teacher will be rescheduled or credited. 


In-school lessons - Reasonable efforts will be made to collect younger students in grades K-2 from their classroom for their lesson. If a K-2 student is not in their classroom as expected, and cannot be found by the tutor, the lesson will be forfeited. Parents are responsible for informing the tutor of any scheduling conflicts with school activities. Students in grades 3 and above will not be collected and must be responsible for getting themselves to their lesson on time. I highly recommend a digital watch alarm to assist with this. 


Missed lessons – Your lesson time is set aside especially for you and as such, catch-up lessons are not able to be provided if you do not attend. However, if you provide appropriate notice of an absence, you are welcome to use your lesson time in one of the following ways:

  • A Skype or FaceTime video lesson (or phone lesson, in the event of poor reception)
  • To request I spend the time writing new lesson assignments to be sent to you via email and/or researching some new repertoire options for you
  • To request a phone discussion or written report regarding your/your child’s progress and goals 


Illness – Please do not attend your lesson if you are sick or have any cold/flu/gastro symptoms or have received a positive covid test result in the last 7 days. Online lessons via Skype/FaceTime  are offered for these instances. Online lessons take place at the same time as your regular lesson. These lessons may be up to 5 minutes shorter to allow for set-up time. Requests to switch to an online lesson must be made via text message to Amber at least 2 hours in advance. 


Parent Attendance – I warmly welcome and encourage all parents to observe their child's piano lessons. However, it is not mandatory that you attend the lesson unless your child is 4 years of age or younger. 


Special circumstances for in-school lessons – If a whole-school, all-day event (i.e. sports carnival, swim carnival, or cross country) falls on piano lesson day, lessons will be swapped to a different day, depending on room availability, or cancelled and the cost deducted from your next invoice. Schools do not always inform me of these events so for your child to qualify for a rescheduled lesson or credit, you must provide advanced notice of the event. 

 

4. PRACTICE AND HOME SET-UP REQUIREMENTS

All students are asked to spend time playing the piano for at least 5 days a week. The amount of time spent on practice each day will be agreed upon with your teacher and will change depending on age and ability level. Parents must supervise children as much as possible. Consistent failure to practice is grounds for termination of lessons.

Students are expected to have a good quality, full-size piano to practice on at home. Acoustic pianos are preferred but, at a minimum, all students must have a full-size digital piano (88-keys) with weighted keys and fixed pedals. See https://amberspianostudio.mymusicstaff.com/Buying-a-Piano for more detailed information.

 

5. MATERIALS & MUSIC BOOKS

Music books and materials will be provided to students as needed. These additional costs will be added to your invoice. All materials must be brought to every lesson. Lost or damaged materials will incur a replacement fee.

 

6. TAKING TIME-OFF OR DISCONTINUING LESSONS

Written notice 30 days notice prior to the commencement of a new term is required if you wish to cease or take time-off from lessons. There will be no refunds for lessons already paid for. You will be required to make a payment equaling 4 lessons if 30-day’s notice is not given. Students have the option to attend these 4 lessons. 

 

If you plan to travel and need to take break from piano lessons for a significant period of time but would like to retain your place in my studio, you are welcome to gift your missed lessons to a family member or friend who can then attend the lessons in your place. Alternatively, you can elect to pay a holding fee equivalent to 50% of that term’s fees (based on the number of lessons that would ordinarily be taught during that term). Ceasing lessons without paying the 50% retaining fee will result in the loss of your place.

 

7. TERMINATION OF ENROLMENT 

Your enrolment may be terminated for any of the following reasons: repeated failure to attend lessons; repeated failure to practice; repeated failure to bring materials; repeated failure to follow teacher’s instructions and requirements; disruptive or uncooperative behaviour; non-payment or consistent late payment of tuition/book fees; and, purposely paying less than the stated amount of an invoice without prior communication. If a student’s place is terminated for any of these reasons, you are not entitled to a refund of any tuition fees paid and must pay any unpaid tuition fees.

PROCEDURES 

ARRIVAL -  Please be punctual for your lesson and wait quietly to be invited in by your teacher. Ensure you have clean hands. Do not knock as it disturbs the lesson in progress. 

BEHAVIOUR - All attendees, parents and students, are expected to behave in a respectful, courteous and cooperative manner during their lessons. Please switch phones to silent and don't bring food or chewing gum with you. 

PERFORMANCES - Exciting opportunities will be provided for you to perform for friends and family on several occasions throughout the year. These include twice yearly studio concerts, as well as at other invitation-only events, such as ACT Keyboard Association concerts, competitions, and other special studio performances. Note that there may be a request for donations or entry fees into these events.

PHOTOS - Photos are occasionally taken of students at performances and during lessons to recognise the completion special achievements. Unless you advise otherwise in writing via email, by enrolling your child you give me permission, and persons commissioned by me, to take such photos. Photos may be used in studio newsletters, websites, and social media. Student names are never used alongside photos. 

If you have made it to the end of this document, congratulations! Email Amber with the code word '88keys' to receive $10 off your next invoice! A one time only offer ;)