♩ ♪ ♩ Dear parents and students,
Hello and welcome to my piano studio!
To help the upcoming year run smoothly, please read the following studio policies carefully. This applies to new and returning families, as some policies have changed recently:
1. Practice: We learn by doing, therefore students need to PLAY the piano a minimum of 5 days weekly (not including lesson time). The 24 hours after the lesson are the most crucial. Please do your best to ensure your students gets to the piano in that 24 hours.
1a. Students MUST have access to an instrument in order to make progress, ideally a well tuned, acoustic piano. Keyboards (with 88 weighted keys and a pedal) are acceptable for the first few years of study if necessary in your particular situation. Parents agree to facilitate consistent practice between lessons, ideally by helping their children establish a routine with positive reinforcement. I reserve the right to terminate lessons to students who do not have access to a decent practice instrument.
2. Parents are welcome to sit in on lessons. I strongly encourage parental involvement for the first few months of lessons at least. Please ask before recording. Also, if you MUST answer your phone please take it into the hallway or outside so that it does not disrupt the lesson.
3. Dates: My teaching schedule follows that of the elementary school year. I start the Tuesday immediately following Labour Day in September. The studio is closed for two weeks in December (Christmas), one week in February (Festival), and two weeks in March (Spring Break). Lessons are available (upon request) during the last week in June for those who missed a lesson during the year. July and August: Lessons are available 2 days a week at the normal rates. (In 2023 those two days are Tuesdays and Wednesdays.)
4. Tuition: Payment of yearly fees is preferred in monthly postdated tuition cheques, dated the first of each month. Alternatively, eTransfers received on the first of each month are acceptable. Every month’s tuition is the same flat fee as it covers more than just the lessons: I do not charge by the hour for cancelled/rescheduled lessons, recital participation, group “parties”, theory marking, or the use of Studio Licensed materials, research, etc. These are all among the privileges covered by monthly payments and the annual Registration fee. Cheques should be made out to C. Branson or Colleen Branson.
[I reserve the right to charge a late fee of $20 if postdated cheques are not submitted and payments are received after the 1st lesson of each month. In addition, there will be no lessons given if tuition is not up to date.)
5. Materials: In general I purchase any materials required by the students. This saves parents time, and the sales tax on some materials, as well as ensuring the correct materials are purchased. I ask that you repay me at your earliest convenience. Growing musicians NEED a variety of music. There are some books and materials that I lend without expectation of monetary compensatiion. In general, though, if a book does not have my name sticker in it, I expect you to repay me the sticker price (without tax). Materials repayment may be in the form of eTransfer, cash or cheque.
6. Communication: Effective learning and progress happens so much better when the triangle of parent/teacher/student communicates effectively. Please feel free to email or text me with any concerns or comments. If you feel that your students needs help between lessons, let me know. Perhaps we can arrange a few extra minutes for a little mini lesson. (I do not charge for this unless they are happening frequently, which is probably an indication that a longer lesson time is needed.)
7. Illness: I realize that illness happens to us all at times. I will ATTEMPT to arrange an alternate “make-up” time if the student is too ill to attend the regularly scheduled time. If he or she is able to focus but may be infectious, we will have the lesson online during the usual time slot. I do appreciate the wearing of masks if you are feeling at all sick, or know you have been exposed to an illness.. (“Make-up” lessons need to be taken within the 30 days following the missed lesson . Make up lessons do not carry from year to year.)
8. Scheduling conflicts: For reasons other than sickness I will ATTEMPT to rearrange if I am given as much notice as possible, preferably no less than 48 hours. No refunds or credits are given except in the case of teacher absence. Regular attendance is expected and encouraged in order to gain maximum benefit from music instruction. Tuition is due even if lessons are missed. Monday evenings and Saturday afternoons are the only times my schedule allows “reschedules” to happen.
8. Registration fee: The annual registration fee is $40 per student or $70 per family, due by the July 1st each year. (Cash, cheque or eTransfer are all acceptable.)
9. Performances: I hold a minimum of two recitals per year. The dates will be emailed to you and posted on the CALENDAR on my website (www.bransonpiano.ca) I try to make these an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. These events are NOT OPTIONAL. There is a dress code and expected etiquette for these events. Other family members are most welcome to attend without cost to you.
10. I give all parents (and older students) my cell phone number. Please text first, as I have a variable schedule. Do not call between the hours of 10pm and 8am.
12. In case of medical emergency, I will use my best judgment in obtaining medical care for your child and you accept the responsibility for any related expenses.
13. Photo and Video Release Form: From time to time I may post short video clips or still pictures of students on a private YouTube page, FaceBook Studio page or other place, such as a music teacher’s group. Only the students’ first name or initial will be used. Please let me know if you do NOT wish your child’s image(s) used. Most students find it quite motivating to know their pictures/videos are being used in this way. (If you do NOT let me know, this form will be your indication that you understand and agree.)
Please sign below and return this form to me, indicating that you have read and agreed with my Studio Policies.
Mrs. Colleen Branson, RMT, BM
13124 64A Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3W 1Z3 604-591-2147 (home) 604-417-8347 (cell)
www.bransonpiano.ca. www.facebook.com/bransonpianostudio
Date: __________________ Student name: _____________________
Parent signature: ____________________________________________