Studio Policy

Lessons and Tuition

30-minute lessons- $80/month

45-minute lessons- $100/month

60-minute lessons- $120/month

Since tuition is paid monthly, each student will receive an extra lesson approximately every three months when their lesson falls on one of the first days of the month. Example: If a student has a lesson on January 1, they will receive five lessons for the month.

Supplies

Students are provided with a 3-ring notebook, lesson book, theory book, and/or appropriate curriculum when beginning lessons. The notebook will be used to record weekly assignments, reminders, and will occasionally include notes to parents. Loose sheet music, worksheets, and other supplemental materials can also be organized in the notebook. The lesson and performance books allow students to apply learned concepts to their playing on the piano. The theory and technique books provide fundamental examples and written/auditory exercises needed to comprehend musical concepts. Voice students will also be provided with CDs or digital audio tracks that contain exercises and songs that will be worked on during the lessons. Additional worksheets, flashcards, and other aids will be used throughout lessons to supplement the information presented in the books.

Pianos and Tuning

Each piano student is required to have a piano (keyboard) by the fourth lesson. Without a piano or keyboard, students cannot practice the music from their lessons at home. A 76-key, touch sensitive (can play loud and soft) keyboard is acceptable for beginners. A full-size keyboard, digital piano, or acoustic piano is preferable and will provide the student with a better practice experience. Acoustic pianos should be tuned once a year. Reliable tuners are Wyatt Thurston (573-465-5021), Richard Bushey- Richard’s Piano Service (573-765-9903), Sam Casey (417-859-6783), or Creech Piano Tuning (573-341-2761).

Practice Schedules

In order for students to become proficient at the pieces they are working on, it is important for them to have quality practice time each week. Preschool students should begin with 5-10 minutes of practice a day and increase to 10-20 minutes depending on the amount that the child can handle. For beginners, I recommend practicing approximately 15-30 minutes at least 5 days a week. Intermediate students should practice 30-45 minutes at least 5 days a week. Advanced students should practice 45-60 minutes at least 5 days a week, if possible. With busy schedules and many activities going on during the week, quality practice may be difficult to achieve. During busy weeks, I recommend that students try to practice at least 10-20 minutes each day in order for them to still progress with their music. It is best if students can break up their practice into two smaller sessions each day. For example, students can practice in the morning before school or work, or they can practice twice in the evening (once after school or work and once before they go to bed.) Breaking up practice time ensures that the student will have at least one chance to practice during the day and it keeps their minds fresh on the music and concepts they are learning. 

 Student Requirements

Students as young as three and up to any age can begin lessons. Students under the age of five may begin following a short interview to determine their readiness. If children are under the age of 5, it is recommended that parents sit in to help students with understanding the information presented in the lesson when doing individual practice during the week.

Cancellations and Make-up Lessons

Cancelled lessons should be made known to the teacher as soon as possible, preferably at least 24 hours in advance. Tuition will be paid in advance and will not be refunded if a lesson is cancelled. Make-up lessons are an option if the student has to miss their scheduled lesson. If possible, please provide me with notice about lessons that you know will be missed and I can work with you to make those lessons up at a more convenient time. If missed lessons are not able to be rescheduled, tuition for those lessons will not be reimbursed. 

Virtual lessons can also be used as an alternative if the student is not able to attend their lesson in person. Students need to call or text before their lesson time if they are requesting to do a virtual lesson. These lessons can be done through FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp, Google Meet, or Discord, whichever is preferable to the student.

Holidays

The studio will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Lessons will continue as normal on any other holidays. Any alterations to the schedule will be made known to parents and students prior to the affected date/time, or as soon as possible. Parents need to notify the teacher when they will be gone for the holidays. If there is inclement weather, please text or call at least an hour before your scheduled time to cancel/reschedule the lesson or to request a virtual lesson.

Tuition

Envelopes/invoices with the next month’s tuition amount for lessons and supplies (books, sheet music, CDs, digital audio tracks, etc.) will be placed in the student mailboxes and/or emailed on the last week of each month prior to the month it is due. Payment is due by the week of the 15th of each month, with a $5.00 late charge added on after the week of the 15th. Tuition may be paid in cash, check (payable to Carly McClain), Venmo (@CMPianoVoiceStudio), Apple Pay, or Zelle.

Termination of Lessons

Lessons should be terminated with two-weeks advance notice to the teacher.

Performances

Semi-annual (Spring and Christmas) recitals will be held. Recitals allow the students to perform for an audience and become more familiar with performance etiquette. Students are encouraged to attend both recitals.