Studio Enrollment Contract

 

Piano Musicianship with Anne Staton

Enrollment Contract 2025-2026

 

Learning to play an instrument requires dedication and discipline. Learning to play the piano is rewarding and provides a strong foundation for learning other instruments. The theory needed to understand the language of music is complete when approached with piano principles and musicianship. New students should plan on studying for at least two years to acquire rudimentary skills.

New students will be fully enrolled after an initial trial period of 8 lessons. Regular tuition rates and fees still apply during this trial period. The instructor reserves the right to postpone or cancel enrollment. Any unused tuition will be refunded if the 8-lesson period is not completed.

POLICIES & AGREEMENT

Please read the following policies. At the end is an agreement. Students will be registered only after the agreement is signed, dated, and returned with payment. This payment is non-refundable except when no suitable time is available.

These policies may be amended at the discretion of the instructor. A new contract will be presented to the person/s responsible for payment prior to said change. Once dated and signed, this new contract will void any previous agreements.

In lieu of a signed contract, your initial or re-enrollment payment signifies acceptance of all contractual policies.

SCHEDULING LESSONS (Fall / Spring / Summer)

Private, in-person lessons are offered year-round. Enrollment during the fall and spring school terms is based on monthly attendance. Summer lessons may be purchased individually. Students who suspend lessons during the summer will still be offered an appointment time when fall term resumes. There is no obligation to purchase a minimum number of months of lessons. All scheduling is subject to change as needed..

CANCELLATION OF ENROLLMENT

Client contracts may be canceled at any time. Any unused portion of monthly tuition is not refunded. If the instructor terminates the contract, there is no refund.    

INSTRUMENTATION

Enrollment is contingent upon a student’s access at home to a full-sized (88 keys), touch-sensitive/weighted keyboard with a sustain pedal, metronome, and piano bench. This may be a digital piano. A better instrument is an acoustic piano that has been well maintained and recently tuned. Acoustic pianos need annual tuning.

Students with only a partial keyboard or electronic keyboard/synthesizer cannot enroll until a proper instrument is procured.  

MUSIC & SUPPLIES

Each student is provided with a 3-ring binder prepared with all the teaching materials needed for an individualized curriculum. Study materials include songbooks, sheet music, theory and technique workbooks, and any necessary supplies, i.e. manuscript paper, flashcards, metronome. An invoice will be sent to you when materials are issued. Payment is due upon receipt.

Students are required to bring all study materials to class every visit. Students who forget to bring their music books are unprepared to sit for their appointed lesson. The lesson may be forfeited and no make-up will be scheduled.

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance nurtures continual progress and communication. During the fall and spring school terms there are 32 lesson appointments and 2/3 performances. Please be on time to your appointment.

TARDY Students who are tardy by 5 or more minutes more than 3 occurrences are subject to review and possible dismissal from the studio.

Plan to arrive 1-2 minutes early. You can sit quietly in the foyer while you await your appointment.

PRACTICING & HOMEWORK

Students are required to practice at least 5 days per week. The practice location should be sheltered from visual distraction and noise. Very young students (1st-3rd grade) will need regular adult supervision. First and second year students should make good progress when they practice a minimum of 15-30 minutes each session. Advancing students should invest more time as needed to ensure continual progress. Written homework is a regular part of musicianship. Assignments are appropriate for age and skill level. Parents must accept responsibility to encourage their student to practice and complete his/her assignments weekly.

Students may be required to record daily practice minutes in their binder. A parent signature is required. Failure to complete the log or parent signature will be documented as a week with no practice credited.

Consistent lack of practicing and/or incomplete homework may result in dismissal.

STUDENT RECITALS

There are 2 - 3 performance opportunities every year: an informal recital in November, a formal spring event in May, and a possible third holiday event in December.

Eligible students will be notified approximately one month prior to a recital.

Students who are not well-prepared may not be invited to perform.

SENIOR PERFORMANCES

Students who demonstrate longevity and commitment for at least seven consecutive years may earn an invitation to perform a graduate recital. Graduating students may be offered a solo recital, a performance that includes other graduating students, or the option to perform his/her repertoire during a general studio recital. The instructor retains the right to decide how best to satisfy choice of repertoire, recital participation, and program design.

MISSED LESSONS

Replacement times for missed lessons are not guaranteed. Advance notice for any absence is required to be eligible for a replacement appointment. Some make-up lessons will be scheduled within the week or fulfilled by extending the time of a student's regular appointment. A Saturday make-up class will be scheduled approximately every 6 weeks. If a weekday or extension date cannot be determined satisfactorily, the student may be eligible to attend the Saturday make-up day.

1. Make up lessons are offered when a student misses due to illness, family medical emergency or funeral services.

a. Plan well-checkups, dental visits and/or diagnostic testing for a day you are not coming to piano.

b. Students who cancel due to illness more than 3 times per year will be subject to review. Frequent sick days combined with planned studio closings create a learning situation with too many interruptions. This pattern of attendance does not promote musical progress.

2. Lessons missed due to any academic, artistic, or athletic event are subject to review.

a. Students are limited to 3 missed lessons per school year. Absences due to school events combined with planned studio closings create a learning situation with too many interruptions. This pattern of attendance does not promote musical progress.

b. It is your responsibility to discuss your student’s commitment to private music lessons with athletic coaches, club directors, employers, etc.  

c. Keep your student’s planning calendars up-to-date. Last minute changes can negatively affect everyone.

3. Lessons missed due to student or parent employment conflicts are subject to review. Inform your employer’s scheduling manager about your weekly piano commitments.

a. Parents who travel for business should arrange alternate transportation for the student.

4. There is no refund for missed lessons. 

5. If you miss a scheduled make-up lesson, the time is forfeit regardless of the reason.

STUDIO CLOSINGS / HOLIDAYS

The studio follows the McKinney ISD school calendar.  On occasion, lessons are still held on Federal Holidays, Teacher Work/Conference Days, Early Release Days, and Bad Weather Days. Students will receive an annual studio calendar listing all closings.  This information is also available on the studio web site. You should compare your school district’s calendar with McKinney ISD - even neighboring districts will differ slightly.

Monthly tuition is not affected by studio closings.  Regular tuition payment is expected even though a student may have fewer lessons some months due to planned studio closings. Over the course of the school year, all students receive the same number of lesson opportunities.

TUITION & FEES

Fall & Spring Terms

Monthly tuition is not affected by studio closings. Your monthly tuition payment is required even though some months have fewer meetings due to planned studio closings.

 

30 minute lessons: $140.00 per month                      

45 minute lessons: $210.00 per month                      

60 minute lessons: $280.00 per month                      

8 Lesson Summer Session

 

30 minute lessons: $45.00 each                   

45 minute lessons: $57.00 each                  

60 minute lessons: $75.00 each                    

Students must enroll for 4 summer lessons minimum. Students who enroll for the full summer session will receive a discount.                   

$35 Annual Supply Fee per student is assessed every August/September or the student's first month of enrollment.

$5 New Student Binder Fee

$50 (minimum) Travel Fee is assessed monthly when the instructor teaches in your residence. Travel may be offered to Homeschool students only.

PAYMENT POLICY

•Lesson tuition and any outstanding music fees are due at a student’s first lesson of each month. The studio accepts cash, ZELLE, personal check or bank-issued check payments.

•Students enrolling in the middle of a month may receive a pro-rated bill.

•A $35 late fee will be added if payment is received later than 7:00 PM on the 10th day of the month. All lessons will be suspended until payment is received.

•Failure to pay all outstanding tuition and/or fees by the 15th day of the month will negate this contract and all services will terminate.

•Insufficient funds/returned checks fee is $50.00. Contracts will be terminated when a check payment is returned/insufficient two occurrences.

•If extenuating or unusual circumstances prevent on-time payments, contact the instructor to request an extension of time prior to the due date.  

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Personal and medical leaves of absence are permitted. Your appointment time will continue to “belong” to you for one month following notification to the instructor. Tuition will be suspended for one month. If your absence extends more than 4 lessons, your appointment time may be forfeited and enrollment may be cancelled.

AGREEMENT

I have read the policies of PIANO MUSICIANSHIP with Anne Staton.  I understand the policies, and I will abide by them.

If the student terminates instruction before the end of any month, I understand that any unused tuition will not be refunded.

I agree to pay tuition and fees as stated.

Signature: _________________________________________Date: _______

(Person responsible for payments)

I agree to provide a course of piano instruction that is a balanced learning experience. The course is designed to teach basic and/or advanced musicianship, enhance music appreciation, and encourage a lifelong love of music.

Signature: __________________________________________Date: _______

Anne Gerard Staton, Owner/Instructor