roseville piano studio · i have read and understand the roseville piano studio handbook for...

Roseville Piano Studio Student Handbook -Rev. 2013-2014

Roseville Piano Studio Student Handbook 2014/2015

534 Oak St. Roseville, CA 95678 916.789.0408


Table of Contents

Annual Update ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3

Contact Information ................................................................................................................................................................ 4

Programs Available ................................................................................................................................................................. 4

General Studio Guidelines ...................................................................................................................................................... 4

Simply Music Goals ................................................................................................................................................................. 5

Roles and Responsibilities ....................................................................................................................................................... 6

Practice/Student Home Materials .......................................................................................................................................... 7

Student Attendance ................................................................................................................................................................ 7

Scheduling and Make Ups ....................................................................................................................................................... 8

Studio and Student Holidays and Vacations ........................................................................................................................... 8

Tuition and Fees ...................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Auto-Payment New .............................................................................................................................................................. 10

Discontinuing Lessons ........................................................................................................................................................... 10

Referral Bonus ....................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Performances ........................................................................................................................................................................ 11

I have read and understand the Roseville Piano Studio handbook for 2013/14 year. ......................................................... 12


Annual Update To all of our returning students, welcome back. And to those students who have recently joined the studio, welcome, we are glad to have you. This handbook an annual resource for Roseville Piano Studio students! Please keep a copy handy for your continued reference; soon a digital copy will be online at all times!

We have some exciting new things in the forefront. But mostly everything is the same. Some of the wording has changed to provide clarity. These areas have been marked with an **** However, there have been no significant changes to this year’s policy .

1. We have a new website! I plan to make it more interactive with a current student’s page. You will be able to pay online, view this document, buy materials and we are working on a lesson swap calendar.

2. We also have a new teacher, Tiffany Kovar! She will be teaching our Simply Music Rhapsody program but is also licensed to teach Simply Music and will be helping out as needed! Please welcome her.

3. Simply Music is going digital! Once we know more, we’ll let you know! Hopefully early 2015

This year I took the opportunity to research other studios to make sure we are within industry standards. I read 17 different studio policies, 4 locally. I found many very different from us! Everything from, 60 day notice to leave, studios closed up to 8 weeks at full charge, charging extra for the 5th week, no make ups or charging for them; however most studios were just like us. People working hard to share the gift of music!

Since we seemed to be inline, I decided it was important to make sure this document is as clear as possible. After all a proactive approach is best so we can focus on teaching. Special attention has been taken to clarify certain parts. The wording may be different yet very little was altered. Please understand we work very hard to accommodate our students and parents, your success is our success! If you need more clarification please ask, nicely. We really do try hard to be fair!

Please note tuition page: I do not raise tuition rates for existing students. If your rate is different than listed, your rate did not change. The rates listed are for new incoming students! The rate you started with is the rate you will have for life, unless significant changes have occurred. . I.e. moved from shared to private or had a gap of lessons longer than 4 months.

I believe communication is the key to every relationship. I do not want this document to be a replacement for good ol’ fashion conversation. I have an open door policy and would love to hear from you. (The good stuff too. We love to hear fun, positive news!)

As always, we value all of our students and parents and welcome your feedback at all times. We want to have successful long term relationship together!

Musically,

Diane Correia

Owner and Certified Simply Music Teacher

Please read through this document carefully and sign and return the last page. ASAP


Contact Information Owner Diane Correia is a big fan of open communication. Should you have any concerns, please contact her directly. Please do not sit on something of concern I would prefer to work it out immediately. Relationships are the base of continued successful learning.

Studio Location and Mailing address:

Roseville Piano Studio

534 Oak St.

Roseville, CA 95678

Studio Voice Mail: 916-789-0408

Please leave a good time to reach you and we will return your call when we are out of lessons.

Schedule issues should be directed to your teacher via email in advance.

Email:

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Programs Available 1. Simply Music Piano ages 6-106 2. Play-a-Story Improvisational piano ages 4-6 3. Simply Music Rhapsody Music and Movement infant-5

General Studio Guidelines Food, gum, candy and beverages are not allowed in lessons. If you arrive with a beverage please consume it prior to lessons or keep it away from the piano for the duration of your lesson.

mailto:[email protected]



Siblings:

Siblings old enough to play safely and quietly without supervision are invited to come into lessons or play quietly in the waiting room. There are a variety of books, toys and puzzles, a table, chairs and a keyboard in which they are welcome to use. However, students waiting for their lesson should have first right to the keyboard. If a child displays disruptive behavior, the parent will be asked to make other arrangements for him or her during the lesson. Please be sure all items are put away and returned to their original state before leaving the studio.

Waiting Area and Office:

Please be respectful of items displayed in the waiting area. There is a box on top of the desk for scratch paper you are welcome to use. However, please do not allow children to dig in the drawers of the reception desk.

Restrooms and hygiene:

Please plan to use the restroom if necessary before or after class, not during.

I realize many of the children are growing up and participating in physical activities and may be unable to return home to change/bathe prior to their lessons. Thank you in advance for your consideration to both students and teachers alike, in this matter.

Also please help prevent the spread of germs by washing hands prior to each lesson.

Simply Music Goals Roseville Piano Studio is dedicated to realizing the fundamental and stated goals of the Simply Music organization:

Fundamental goal:

To maximize the likelihood that students will retain music as a lifelong companion.

Toward this end, Simply Music has stated four specific goals

Stated goals:

1. Students will experience playing as a natural self-expression; 2. Play a vast repertoire covering a broad array of musical styles and genres; 3. Develop the ability to self-generate, i.e. the ability to progress independently. This includes developing

a foundation of music reading, writing, composition, improvisation, arrangement, structure and theory;

4. Have a highly positive, self-affirming experience throughout the music learning process


Roles and Responsibilities “There is a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when it’s convenient. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.” ~ Ken Blanchard

The roles and responsibilities outlined below are in place to help you to achieve the absolute best results. We understand that this level of commitment may not be for everyone; however, this is what we require so that we can give you the best value for your investment. Students, parents, and teachers all have equally important roles and responsibilities. Adult students act as their own “parent”, so these roles are relevant to all students.

Student’s Role:

Students will get the most from their lessons by adhering to these guidelines:

1. Maintain a “coachable” attitude regarding your lessons. 2. Maintain your playlist as directed by your teacher. 3. Take and read your Notes Book every week to ensure your assignments are completed. 4. Bring all relevant materials (books and playlist) to class each week. 5. Practice 10–20 minutes per day, 5–6 days per week. After the first year, this typically increases to 30-

35 minutes per day. 6. Be courteous and respectful to everyone present in class. 7. Commit to a long-term relationship with piano.

Parent’s/ guardian’s Role: *****

Parents/ guardians are their children’s Life Coaches and are held accountable for supporting and encouraging the child’s progress during lessons (“coaching sessions”) and in the time between lessons (the “real learning” environment):

1. Actively participate in the lesson and discussions as needed. Please be in the room with your child. 2. Provide an environment at home conducive to successful practice/playing sessions. For example,

situate the piano or keyboard away from televisions or other electronics if they are in use regularly. 3. Ensure that all assignments are completed and that the playlist is checked off during practice. It is not

necessary that you actively engage in every practice session; however you should be available to offer help and support where needed, particularly when using the student home materials.

4. Read e-mail updates and monthly newsletters for important information. 5. Familiarize yourself with the guidelines in this handbook. 6. Commit to a long-term relationship with piano lessons and structured practice at home.


Teacher’s Role:

The teacher is your Method Coach and is responsible for imparting the concepts and skills during class necessary for students to do the processing and learning at home that week.

Roseville Piano Studio takes pride in its teachers, each of whom completes several teacher training programs through Simply Music and through regular training events at the studio. Students and parents can expect the following from their teachers:

1. Provide instruction appropriate for the level of the class. 2. Be prepared for and ready to begin each class on time. 3. Be enthusiastic and patient during lessons. 4. Maintain open communication with students and parents. 5. Learn new pieces and create compositions to expand their own repertoire.

If you feel that your teacher is not fulfilling his or her role adequately or you feel they are doing an exceptional job, please contact the owner so that it may be addressed.

Practice/Student Home Materials Students are expected to practice 10 - 20 minutes per day, 5 - 6 days per week in the first year of lessons. If your schedule does not allow for this, please postpone lessons until sufficient time is available for this consistent practice routine.

It is important that the student practices on the same day of the lesson to reinforce what was learned.

Please set aside a scheduled practice time each day to ensure progress.

My scheduled practice time is______________________________________________________

The playlist must be kept alive, marked daily and brought to each lesson. Parents of children aged 16 and younger are accountable for ensuring that this happens.

The student home materials must be utilized as directed by your teacher. This includes the DVD, CD, reference book, and music book when applicable. Your teacher can help you to use the DVD effectively; this is a great reinforcement tool and should NOT be over looked!

Please set up you routine immediately, it is always easier to maintain a routine then recreate it later.

Student Attendance *****

Regular attendance during the scheduled lesson time is expected. A parent/life coach is required to attend as described in ‘Roles and Responsibilities’. Classes meet year-round. Please understand that the tuition you pay reserves an exclusive weekly time in the schedule for the student and teacher. We cannot re-sell that time so please be respectful and understanding when requesting changes. (See ‘Studio Holidays and Vacations’)


Class Length

1, 2 or 3 students 30 min.

4 or more students 45 min (Play- a –Story is always 30 min. )

Your time includes greetings and settling time, please settle quickly with materials ready to go. When your lesson finishes please exit quickly to allow the next group to enter and get settled.

Scheduling and Make Ups**** While it is important to maintain stability in our studio schedule, we are flexible when possible. We ask the same courtesy of studio families. Everyone has full schedules, let’s all work together to achieve success for all!

Student missed lessons

1. If you must cancel a lesson, please contact the instructor a minimum of 24-hours in advance. Every effort will be made to offer you a make-up time. a. If it is not an emergency please make every attempt to attend your scheduled class. We are all busy and ask for your

flexibility. Finding make up times that work for everyone is NOT easy! 3 attempts will be made to find a spot; if a time is not agreed upon NO make-up will be provided nor a credit given.

2. Lessons missed the day of will be made up based on instructor’s availability. 3. Lessons missed without notification or within 1 hour of the lesson will result in forfeiture of your of

your lesson.

Teacher missed lessons

1. If a teacher needs to miss for any reason other than an emergency. A make- up will be provided. 2. Teachers are allowed 3 emergency/sick days per student, per year. It is considered an emergency when

it is impossible to preschedule or physically offer full makes up to everyone. These are NOT opportunities for additional vacation and will ONLY be used if the event is an emergency. Examples include but are not limited to: contagious illness, family emergency, hospitalization etc. a. However, If possible, a make-up opportunity (group or otherwise) will be offered. If you are not

able to attend that option, situations will be considered on an individual basis. Please understand make ups cannot be guaranteed nor credit given during emergency situations.

This is not a new policy; we have not, nor will not take advantage of this option, If it is possible to provide a makeup, it will occur! We are a small shop and our students are VERY important to us. We work very hard to accommodate everyone, please give us your flexibility and understanding during emergencies!

Student Holidays and Vacations 1. Student vacations of 1 or more months are granted without fee with a written 30 day notice. Time/

spots are not guaranteed upon return. Vacations less than one month please see” Make Ups” above.


Studio Holidays and Vacations Roseville Piano Studio is open for most holidays with the exception of a few major ones, during which the studio will be closed.

Closed:

• Thanksgiving Day (Thursday students will be given a make- up option)

• Christmas/New Year - 2 weeks exact dates TBD

Open:

Easter/spring week, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Halloween, July 4th , MLK day, Presidents day.

Teacher Vacations:

Vacation days are determined each year. Teachers are allotted an individual two weeks per year. You will be notified as soon as these are scheduled so that you may plan accordingly. We are closed very little, this time is important! Please be understanding.

Keep in mind many times through the year extra recital practices; recitals, parties, parades etc are scheduled at no addition to the monthly tuition. Also, every few months, five week months occur, we do not charge extra for those fifth lessons. If you have good attendance, you may incur a few free lessons during the course of the year. With good participation those extra lessons will balance out holidays or missed lessons throughout the year.

Tuition and Fees**** Enrollment Fee: none

Tuition:

Monthly rates are flat fees, and your fee will not increase unless a significant change occurs ie shared to private or a break lasting longer than 4 months. The monthly fee shall not be lowered nor refunded for missed lessons. Please bear in mind that some months contain an extra week for which there is no additional charge. It is highly recommended that you attend regularly during these months in order for you to compensate for absence(s) you may incur during the year.

-Private rate $120.00 per month -Shared 2 or more $100.00 per month -Simply Music Rhapsody $85.00 per month

Family Discount:

Each additional family member of a full-paying student will receive a $10 discount off the regular monthly tuition rate. Special rates may be available for families with 3 or more children enrolled.


Late Fees: If payment is not collected by the due date the 10th of the month, a $25 late fee will be assessed.

Student Home Material Fees: **** Piano Digital Materials coming soon!!

To ensure both the teacher’s and student’s success, each student is provided with instructional materials to use at home. Professionally prepared to the highest standards, these video, audio and print aids allow students to easily and effectively review some of the material presented in their lessons. Regardless of the student’s age or experience, the Student Home Materials dramatically increase his or her results and playing

The cost of materials is as follows: 1. Piano Foundation Levels (typically completed every three to five months) $50.00 2. Piano Auxiliary programs ( usually 2 - 4 times per year) $10-$30 3. Play-a-Story materials- hard copy $60.00 , digital includes hard copy book $41.00 * If you need to temporally delay payment or need help paying for materials please let your teacher know.

Auto-Payment Roseville Piano studio accepts payments on an automatic schedule. This will be at no additional cost to you and is for your convenience. You will have 3 options to do this!

1. Authorize reoccurring credit/debit card at no charge to you. If you use Paypal currently and want to continue that would be okay too. Reoccurring payments charged to credit/debit will be charged on the 5th of the month.

2. Authorize your bank to send a draft to the studio. This must be in place currently.

3. Lastly, payment is through a home school network.

Payments by check or cash are acceptable but please note the $25.00 late fee after the 10th.

You will continue to receive a statement around the end of each month via e-mail for the following month’s tuition and fees due. Credit/debit cards on file it will be charged on or around the 5th of each month for that month’s fees. A receipt is automatically e-mailed to you once your card is charged and confirmed.

If you need to change your card on file, please do so in a timely fashion so payment can be processed by the 5th. If your payment is rejected or not available by the 10th of the month you will be assessed a $25 late fee.

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN the LAST PAGE OF THIS HANDBOOK TO AUTHORIZE YOUR CHOICE

Discontinuing Lessons If you must discontinue lessons for any reason, a 30-day written notice is required. Tuition is due in full for this 30-day period, even if you opt not to attend your lessons. Please respect this policy if you plan to discontinue. Notice may be sent to [email protected] or mailed to 534 Oak St Roseville, CA 95678



Referral Bonus**** Roseville Piano Studio appreciates and acknowledges studio families who help our student body to grow by referring friends, family, coworkers, and acquaintances. You will receive $100.00 credit on your monthly tuition. The credit is applicable on the 3rd month of the new family’s attendance. Bonuses are limited to $100.00 per referred household. You may refer as many new family’s for credit as you feel suit.

To receive credit you must refer them to Roseville Piano Studio, not Simply Music. Please tell them to let us know immediately that you referred them. They will be asked to write the referring families name on their enrollment form. Credit will not be given if they tell us after initial enrollment.

Performances Opportunities are available throughout the year for students to share their talents (for example, at an assisted living facility). This encourages students to excel, play with confidence and have a self-affirming experience as well as provide a much-appreciated service to the community.

Large studio events are typically held twice annually to provide students with a different venue in which to share their talents. One will occur during the holidays and the second late spring early summer. These are fun, events which demonstrate different ways in which piano playing skills can be enjoyed. Many smaller activities may happen throughout the year. I.e., Halloween, 4th of July parade, Jam with a band night etc. Parents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of at least two of these performance opportunities each year.

Separate events are scheduled for adult piano students (although you may play at any event). We always have a fun Holiday get together; you will not be required to play; only encouraged. This is a great opportunity to meet other adults that are learning too. Oh did I say we have fun!!!

Our policies have been very carefully considered, and they are designed to afford Roseville Piano Studio the ability to operate as smoothly and efficiently as possible. In this environment we have the greatest freedom to share the gift of music with our students and to help them achieve the breakthrough results promised by the Simply Music programs.

Thank you for reading!

Kind regards,

Diane Correia

[email protected]

Business line: 916-789-0408

Feel free to contact me at any time with questions, comments, (positive comments are welcome too) or concerns regarding your experience or this document!

Please sign and return the next and last page!



Student Name _________________________________________________________________________

I have read and understand the Roseville Piano Studio handbook for 2014/15 year. I know if I have questions I can ask for help from my teacher or Diane Correia. I am aware this document is available online or I can request a hard copy.

I have read and understand Roseville Piano Studio handbook. I know have options for payment and I have checked the one that applies best for my situation. I know I am still responsible for a written 30 day notice if discontinue lessons regardless of my payment choice.

o I will have have my bank send a draft to the studio/ or I use Paypal. Please circle one

o I prefer to pay by check and I am aware of the late fee and the need for a 30 day notice to stop.

o We are a homeschool family and payment is set through the charter school. A voucher or PO is required prior to start date.

o I will provide or have provided (write on file below) my information below for Roseville Piano Studio to use on a reoccurring basis. If you prefer to use a credit/debit card please use this option. In studio credit/ debit use is available with a 3% fee.

Signature_______________________________________________________date__________________

ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER AUTHORIZATION FORM (credit/ debit card)

As a duly authorized signer on the financial institution account identified below, I authorize Roseville Piano Studio to perform recurring electronic funds transfer debits from the account for payments due or, when applicable, apply electronic funds transfer credits to the same, until authorization is revoked. ⱡ

Date: 5th of each month Lessons amount: _____________________

Financial Institution account “identifying information”

Enter financial institution account information in the fields provided below.

Name on Card

Billing Address (including Street, City, State, and Zip code)

Account number Expiration Date

ⱡ This authorization is to remain in full force and effect until Roseville Piano Studio has received written 30 day notification of its termination in such time and in such manner as to afford Roseville Piano Studio a reasonable opportunity to act on it or until the term of the authorization expires. Any such notice should be sent to: [email protected] or 534 Oak St Roseville, CA 95678

Furthermore, if any such electronic debit(s) should be returned by my financial institution as unpaid (Nonsufficient or Uncollected Funds), I authorize Roseville Piano Studio to collect a returned item fee of $25.00 (or the maximum amount allowed by state law) per item by electronic debit from the same account identified below.

For accounting purposes, all electronic debits will be reflected on the monthly bank statement that corresponds with the financial institution account identified below.

I understand and authorize all of the above.

AUTHORIZING SIGNATURE: _________________________________________________ _____________ DATE: ________________________________________

Print Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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