ORLANDO MUSIC MAKER STUDIOS
EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2009
TUITION: Weekly lessons taught in my home studio.
$30.00 per forty-five minute lesson - billed monthly
$40.00 per sixty minute lesson – billed monthly
Students wishing to add time for an additional instrument or voice may do so at 30 minute increments of $20.00 each.
Multiple Students/Instruments Per Family: The first two students/instruments enrolled in one family will be charged the rate above. Additional students/instruments will enjoy a 20% discount.
(If you are interested in a different length or frequency of lessons please contact me for further information.)
TRAVEL FEES*: By special arrangement only and/or for unusual circumstances:
An additional charge will be added to weekly lesson rates $ 5.00 1-15 miles
$10.00 16+ miles
*Currently, no travel charge will be assessed for “Satellite Studios” where 2 or more students are taught in one location.
REGISTRATION FEES
THERE IS A $30 REGISTRATION FEE PER FAMILY. PLEASE ADD $10 FOR ADDITIONAL STUDENTS PER FAMILY. This fee covers start up costs for the year, setting up files, student subscription to Piano Explorer, dues for student membership in the Federation of Music Clubs (Orlando Music Makers), recital fees, and other administrative time/costs incurred by the Studio during the year. This fee is due along with your enrollment form, before the first lesson commences.
Tuition is billed monthly via PayPal Invoice and is due by the last lesson of the previous month. (Ex: September tuition will be due at the last lesson in August.) For your convenience tuition may be paid online via pay-pal, brought to me personally or mailed. Please be aware that payment is necessary before a lesson can be taught.
There will be a $15 late fee for any tuition unpaid by the 3rd of the month.
Please understand that space is held in my schedule especially for you, not only for lessons taught. Tuition works similar to private education. Therefore, tuition payments are not refundable. Exceptions will be explained in the Attendance section of the policy. As the schedule is very full, it may not be possible to make changes in your lesson time during the year for sports, etc. Please take this into account when considering adding other activities to your child’s schedule.
**Please call me if e-mail communication is a problem for you so we can work together for an alternate solution.
ATTENDANCE: PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY!
Regular lesson attendance is necessary to ensure steady progress, a positive attitude and a sense of satisfaction for the student. My teaching year is roughly based on the typical school calendar. Students are expected to attend all scheduled lessons that occur during the school year.
If I must cancel a lesson for any reason you will always receive a credit or makeup.
CANCELLATIONS AND MAKEUP LESSONS: If you must cancel a lesson due to illness, doctor visits, field trips, athletic activities, other extra-curricular conflicts, vacations, family emergencies, etc. please provide me 24 hours notice of that cancellation. This will help insure eligibility for a makeup lesson. Lessons may be made up either by rescheduling the lesson or by adding 10-15 minute segments to lessons over the following few weeks. All makeup lessons expire 30 days from absence. No shows or 'forgotten' lessons are not eligible for makeup lessons.
ALLOWED EXCUSED ABSENCES: If it proves impossible for a makeup lesson to occur either by rescheduling or lengthening lessons, each student will be allowed two absences per school year that will be eligible for credit.
HOLIDAYS: Students may cancel ONE lesson during Fall break, up to TWO during Christmas break, and ONE during Spring break. However, please plan for lessons to continue through these periods whenever possible.
SUMMER: I encourage students to continue in the summer to help avoid the ‘rusties’ in the fall. I am very flexible in regard to lesson frequency in summer, but ask that students average at least two lessons per month. This will also assure your placement in the fall schedule. Tuition will be billed according to the number of lessons we are able to schedule. Payment is expected monthly in advance as usual, and 24 hours notice for cancellations is necessary in order to be eligible for make up lessons.
INSTRUMENT/PRACTICE:
For instrumental students an adequate instrument is essential. Acoustic Pianos or High Quality Electronic Keyboards with standard 88 touch sensitive keyboards are best for piano lessons. High quality electronic keyboards with 72 keys are generally acceptable for keyboard lessons. (If you have further questions about instruments please feel free to call me.) Local music stores, or online stores can help with sizing, renting or purchasing violins.
A average of FIVE DAYS OF PRACTICE PER WEEK for approximately 30 minutes is expected to ensure steady and rewarding progress. Sometimes beginners require slightly less time. Generally, assignments perfected in small sections, played several times in a row with no errors, produces fast results and enjoyable learning. Please feel free to contact me for help in developing effective practice habits for your child. Very young children who are not yet reading will need to be monitored at home as they practice and complete their assignments. It is often helpful for parents of young children to plan on attending lessons with the child to be able to fully assist the student at home. (All parents are always welcome to sit in on any lesson.)
As students advance (usually level 4 or higher) or if a student needs more intensive attention, lesson and/or practice time may need to be increased to 60 minutes. We will discuss these issues together as your child progresses.
Please READ and SIGN your child's ASSIGNMENT BOOK each week. You will find it helpful to use the PRACTICE RECORD provided. Please keep and eye on your email inbox - as most of my communication comes through email. Of course, please free to call me to discuss any concerns or questions you might have.
MATERIALS:
I use a broad variety of curriculum which and strive to tailor materials to match each student’s ability, maturity and personality. As students progress their need for educational material increases as well. The early level students generally require approximately $60-worth of materially annually. Intermediate and advanced students may need an average of $70-$90 worth of material. Of course, this depends on the student’s progress and personal interests/tastes. Early level string students will probably require a little less material. Beginning in 3rd Grade, students will receive Piano Explorer each month. Reading, doing assignments and in each issue is part of the curriculum.
I will generally ask you to purchase music directly online either through Primamusic or Sheet Music Plus. Occasionally, I may pick up music for you. In this case, reimbursement is expected by the next lesson after I bill you. Please be sure your child brings ALL materials to each and every lesson.
Voice students need some method of recording material at their lessons. Many bring an MP3 player, or cell phone with a recorder to their lessons.
PERFORMANCE:
There will be several activities during the year including Christmas and Spring Recitals, Federation’s Festival in February, and Guild in the spring. I do not require participation, but I strongly urge all students to take advantage of these opportunities whenever possible. My recitals are informal in nature, and I choose non-competitive events to help students gain confidence and feel as comfortable as possible when performing.
All students are junior members of the National Federation of Music Clubs (Orlando Music Makers) and are encouraged to participate in Festival Auditions (February), and State Festival in May. Guild auditions are also offered in the spring. Please contact me for more info regarding these events or check out the website during the fall for updates.
Thank you for your confidence in me as your child's music teacher. I look forward to a fun and rewarding year as we work together. Please feel free to contact me via phone at 407-415-8230 or email at genie.harris@yahoo.com anytime with questions you might have. I will do my best to return your call within 24 hours! You may call my home phone as well - 407-568-0869.
(References available upon request)
