Studio Policy 2021-2022
Attn: Due to the coronavirus and the high-contact nature of piano class,
lessons will be conducted tentatively in person, and virtually as needed.
Print and braille copies of the Jupiter Academy studio policy are available in person.
Attendance
The academic year encompasses 10 months from August to May. Lessons are available in 30, 45, and 60 minute increments, depending on the level and needs of the student. Lessons are held on a weekly basis, except for certain major school holidays according to the Palm Beach County academic calendar: please refer to our Studio Calendar for dates.
When your child registers for lessons, their place in the studio is reserved for the entire year. Please note that tuition is not paid on an individual lesson basis. Like a dance class or other school tuition, payment ensures your child's specific class time, whether or not they attend. If you know in advance that your child will miss a particular lesson, it may be possible to come in at a different time provided another student has cancelled. Please allow at least a day's notice to inquire about switching.
Cancellation
• Any lessons I have to cancel will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
If a make-up is impossible, the lesson will be credited toward the following month's tuition.
• Students are permitted 2 rescheduled lessons per year. These lessons will be made up on designated make-up days
(one per semester).
• Lessons cancelled the day of will be considered a no-show and will not be made up.
• Lessons missed due to hurricanes will be rescheduled as soon as possible, or credited.
If your child is sick, please do not bring them to the studio or ask me to come into your home. Students who arrive sick may be sent home. I am always very grateful for preventing the spread of illness, and do try to be flexible with scheduling when a child is sick often.
Withdrawing / Dismissal
At a certain point, and for any number of reasons, it will be time to end lessons. If you plan to withdraw from the studio, whether mid-year or during summer, please provide one month's notice to ensure a smooth transition and sense of closure for the student.
Although very rare, a student may be asked to withdraw from the studio for the following reasons: consistent lack of preparedness (not practicing), consistent missed lessons, repeated disrespect, failure to respond to corrections, frequent late tuition payment.
Summer Lessons
Summer session encompasses the ten weeks between June and part of August. Lessons during this time are scheduled and billed individually. Students are strongly encouraged to continue piano studies during the summer, especially early beginners, in order to maintain their progress. Students who wish to guarantee their place in the studio the following semester should plan to take at least 6 lessons during the summer. Those who miss more than a month of lessons will be enrolled based on space availability.
Practicing at Home
Consistent, mindful practice every day is the best way to steward a child's blossoming musicianship. A good piano and a quiet, distraction free environment help the young musician to concentrate on listening carefully to their sound. Homework is written each week in their notebook. Students are expected to review each item during practice sessions, which results in the most progress and a continuing sense of achievement. Parents of young beginners (3-6 yrs) should observe the lessons so they can guide their child's practice at home. At any age or level, parents have great impact in setting up a positive and supportive musical environment for their child, and helping to instill the habits of focus and quality.
Recitals
Recitals are wonderful opportunities for students to share their diligent efforts and favorite pieces, and are a source of pride and accomplishment for both pianist and parent. Our studio holds 2-3 recitals per year. All students should plan to participate in at least one recital per year, although some enjoy playing in all of them! There are many additional opportunities for students to flex their fingers, including ensembles, festivals, summer camps, state exams (performance and theory), masterclasses, competitive events, and community outreach. Of course, enthusiastic musicians are encouraged to play as much and as often as they wish.