Studio Policy

I approach each student individually and tailor my teaching according to his/her needs and interests.  My goal is to make my lessons a positive experience for each student and to generate a creative and enjoyable atmosphere, promoting growth and development and fostering lifelong interest in music and arts.

LESSONS

The lessons incorporate various activities making my approach unique compare to lessons in a more traditional setting, where the focus is mostly on learning new pieces and reviewing old repertoire. During my lessons the following areas are being covered: techniques(warm-up exercises and scales), repertoire pieces, sight-reading, songs taught by rote, elements of improvisation and composition, and theory. Lessons for younger beginners (4-6 years old) involve many games and fun activities away from the instrument.

A typical lesson is 45 minutes long. 30-minute lessons are offered to very young beginners - 4-6 years old. A 60 minute lessons is recommended for students of 12 years and older.

Students must be prepared for their lessons and ready to learn in their home environment. The noise level should be kept at a minimum in the space where the lessons take place. Students should always have their nails clipped as long nails promote incorrect technique. Young children (4-8 years) will require adult supervision during their lessons and practicing.

INSTRUMENT

An acoustic piano is required for taking piano lessons. A beginner student may use a keyboard for the first year of lessons. Using it for longer period will result in developing incorrect technique and slowing down student's development.

PRACTICING

Daily practicing is an important step in achieving success and making good progress. Most often a child will need your help in finding and organizing time for daily practicing. Try to set a specific time for practicing and maybe post a reminder on a fridge or other visible place. Getting involved as a parent will help your child realize that piano lessons are important to you and the whole family. Please check out the Student-Teacher-Parent Agreement  for more information. Please try to monitor your child's practicing. If needed please encourage or remind him/her to practice. Daily practice routine will help the child to develop work ethics, self-esteem, confidence, patience and genuine joy of playing. Children without a set daily practicing routine tend to develop lower self-esteem and a sense of guilt, which might lead to a student wanting to quit playing the piano.

Music, life a foreign language, requires constant reinforcement. In order to be able to enjoy it, a student has to invest time and effort. Please consider carefully your child's daily schedule before enrolling him/her in piano lessons. I expect my students to practice 4-5 times a week.

How long should your child practice? Here are some suggested times:

Ages 5-7               20 - 30 min.

Ages 7-10              30 - 45 min.

Ages 10-12             45 - 60 min.

Ages 13 and older   60 - 90 min.

RECITALS

Music is the most universal language and is the medium that allows the sharing of emotions more directly and more immediately than any other art form. Performing in recitals is a great and exciting opportunity for students to share their art with family and friends. Recitals also provide a sense of accomplishment and are great confidence boosters.

TUITION FOR 2023-2024

Tuition includes a total of 40 weeks of lessons  - 36 weeks of lessons during a school year plus 4 weeks of summer lessons.

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30 minute lesson - $520 per quarter/$600 per quarter  (at my place/at your place)

45 minute lesson - $760 per quarter/$855 per quarter

60 minute lesson - $1,000 per quarter/$1,135 per quarter

Recital fee - $40 per student for the entire year

Tuition includes private lessons, rehearsals, recitals and teacher preparations time. Tuition does not include books and other materials. The payments are due at the first week of each quarter. If choosing the Installment plan, the due dates are Week 1, Week 5 and Week 9 of each quarter (please see calendar for details). Late payments of 7 or more days past due will be subjected to 10% late fee. I accept payments via Venmo, PayPal, Chase Quick Pay or by check. If paying by check, please make checks payable to Olga Sklyanskaya.

MISSED LESSONS

Regular attendance is essential for student's progress. No refunds will be given for missed lessons. You may schedule a make-up lesson if a 24-hour notice has been provided. No make-up lessons will be given if a lesson is cancelled on the same days, except in case of an illness. I am trying to be as accommodating as possible with make-ups. At the same time, due to scheduling restrictions only 3 make-up lessons will be offered per school year. Cancelled make-up lessons will forfeit the lesson. If a teacher cancels a lesson, a make-up will be offered.

SUMMER LESSONS

In order to provide continuity in the learning process and to keep their spot in the studio, students are strongly encouraged to take lessons during the summer. Summer lessons are already included in the tuition. Lessons could be scheduled to accommodate travel plans and other summer activities. Having more than one lesson a week might be a good option for those who are traveling a lot during this time of the year. Having slightly longer lessons can also help with busy summer schedule, e.g. a student may take four one hour lessons instead of six 45 minute lessons during the summer. Depending on a student's interests, different styles and genres might be explored during the summer quarter.  There is no recital at the end of the Summer Quarter. 

WITHDRAWAL

One month notice must be given if a student wishes to discontinue lessons. You are responsible for the remaining balance even if a student decides to stop lessons in the middle of a quarter. I reserve the right to dismiss any student due to lack of interest or progress, frequent absences, behavioral problems, delinquency in payment of tuition and/or failure to abide by policies.