Policies

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Our goal at the Group Piano Studio is to provide your child with an exciting, dynamic, quality piano education. Through the use of digital pianos, games and computers in a group setting, ALL kids can learn the basic fundamentals used to play the piano.

Down Payment:
The total cost of the 28 lesson course is $700. The required DOWN PAYMENT/DEPOSIT is $70, or 1/10th the total cost. This non-refundable payment is due upon registration. Not only does this deposit hold your child’s place in a suitable class, but it also pays for all beginning materials and medal tests.

Tuition Payment Options:
The balance of the tuition, after the down payment is made, is $630. This can be paid in one of the following three ways.

  • 1 total payment of $630, due by September 14th.
  • 2 semester payments of $315 each, one due by September 14th and one due by January 7th.
  • 9 equal payments of $70, the first one due by September 14th, and each additional payment due by the 7th of each month, October through May.
  • If you are registering during the middle of the 28 week session, the cost will be based on a monthly rate of $70 per month plus a $70 deposit.

You may pay by check, payable to Pam Raddin, by paypal, or cash.

Late Payments:
A $10 late fee will be added to any monthly account when payment is not received by the 7th. If regular monthly tuition, including late fee, is not received by the 30th, student may be dismissed. If an emergency arises that prevents prompt payment, please contact the studio and other financial arrangements can be made.

Length of Course:
The length of the course is 28 lessons with 2 make-up lessons at the completion of the spring semester. Piano classes generally follow the Klein school calendar. Classes begin in September and end in May/June. New classes may begin at the beginning of each month if space is available. Tuition for these classes is prorated.

Class Information:

  • Piano classes are small. Each student has use of a digital piano and computer. Pianos can be played “silently” with the use of headphones for individual practice time, or “aloud” for group ensemble playing.
  • The length of each class is 45 minutes and parents are welcome to visit anytime!
  • The method used for all lessons is the Mayron Cole Piano Method. This method has been written and perfected over the past 20 years by Mayron Cole, herself, and is now the country’s leading group piano method!
  • STUDENTS MUST BRING MUSIC TO EVERY CLASS! I will not be able to teach a child without his/her music. Searching for additional copies of the “forgotten” music takes time away from the other class members.
  • All students are REQUIRED to play the week’s music assignment twice a day until the next lesson. Parents must accept their responsibility in seeing that the student has the required amount of practice time. Consistent lack of practice is grounds for dismissal.
  • No tuition credits or make-up lessons are given. Two “free” lessons are scheduled at the conclusion of the course (in May) for any student who has missed a class throughout the year. Parents should call ahead to receive that day’s assignment if a child must miss a lesson.

Recitals:
I have found that formal recitals can create a tremendous amount of stress on some piano students. To eliminate this problem, we will have 2 "class" recitals held during the student's piano class time, one in December and one at the conclusion of the course. These recitals are fun and casual. Each class will play some of the music they have learned that semester as an ensemble. Students may also choose to play a solo during the class recital but are NOT required to do so. Parents and family are invited but seating is limited.

For those students who love to perform and are not timid about playing in front of others, we offer an additional time to showcase their progress. Along with the two class recitals, we will also hold a more formal, and completely optional, end of year recital to be held in the evening. There will be an additional charge for this event to cover the cost of building rental, programs, refreshments, etc. More information will be provided as the year progresses.

Drop Off/Pick Up:
Due to the location of classes (Benignus Elementary School), a system for drop-off and pick-up is necessary.

Students in classes beginning at 3:15 will just walk down to the music suite right after school. Students who do not attend Benignus will need to be brought in by a parent or guardian. At the conclusion of each lesson, the students will be escorted outside by an adult for pick-up. At 4:05, students who are left will be taken back to the music room and a parent or guardian must come inside to get them.

Students in classes that begin at 4:00 have two options for drop-off. First, students who attend Benignus may come directly after school, at 3:15, and wait for their class in the music suite. Someone will be available to monitor them while they complete homework, read, draw, etc. This is a free service provided for your convenience. However, if a student's behavior becomes an issue and he/she is a distraction to the class in progress, this privilege will be taken away. The second option is for the student to be brought at 4:00. An adult will be outside the cafeteria to take students inside from 3:55 - 4:05. If you arrive early or late, feel free to walk your child into the music room, but for safety reasons, please do not send your child in alone. At the conclusion of each lesson, the students will be escorted outside for pick-up. At 4:50, students who are left will be taken back to the music room and a parent or guardian must come inside to get them.