Studio Policy
Here are the policies by which I offer private lessons in my studio. Please read them carefully and let me know if you have any questions.
Maryse's Responsibilities
To give you or your child the most comprehensive music education available. Students will be exposed to a whole range of music, styles and creative endeavours. All lessons are created to suit the individual goals, desires and loves of each student. I encourage my students to be curious and creative. I show students how music is constructed and how they can make up their own. I help students learn music that they want to learn. I develop their reading and technique. Students will learn a large amount of repertoire and enjoy a holistic education that suits their level and goals for the future.
Student/Parent Responsibilities
Students are responsible for arriving at lessons on-time, with correct books and having completed their practice. It is better if students practice to achieve goals rather than fill a set time. During each lesson I enter practice goals for that week in the student's notebook and it is expected that all instructions are followed week-to-week. Unfortunately late arrivals will likely lead to a loss of lesson time as the next student will need to start on time. Students need to practice on a decent instrument. If playing an acoustic piano, I strongly suggest that it's less than 50 years old and is regularly tuned. If using a digital piano, it makes an enormous difference if it has a solid wooden stand (rather than a cross brace), three pedals, adjustable padded bench and a fully weighted action. Let me know if you need help choosing an instrument.
Term Timetable
Lessons are conducted during school term time. There are three terms per school year. Each term consists of 10 individual lessons and one group lesson. Individual lessons offered are 30 minutes or 45 minutes. Group lessons are 75 minutes. I send Group lesson time and date options to you by text a couple of weeks in advance towards the end of each term. Lessons are only conducted on weekdays and not on School Holidays, Public Holidays or Long Weekends, unless via special arrangement. Students receive 33 lessons each school year including 3 group lessons.
Payment
Tuition covers not only the actual lesson time spent with the student, but time preparing for each student as well and my ongoing business costs, including:
- An individualised plan for each student's course of study
- My ongoing training and experience
- Professional organisation memberships
- Insurance
- My music lending library
- Printing, scanning, copying
Tuition is paid in advance at the beginning of each term.
Missed Lessons
Missed lessons due to forgetfulness, illness or holidays are not refundable. However, if I get enough prior notice of a cancellation, I can sometimes offer a make-up lesson but this is not always the case. Exceptions will be made for prolonged sicknesses and extenuating circumstances on an individual basis. If I'm unable to attend a lesson, I'll refund the lesson fees or endeavour to make them up.
Exams
Students wishing to sit practical music exams will need to have been learning with me for at least one year before being entered for an exam. I use this time to ensure they are ready, that exams are the right thing for the student and to cover areas missing in a student's prior education. Students looking to take exams should be aware that it takes a huge amount of effort, determination and stamina and significantly reduces the time available to other more creative pursuits. Extra lessons may be required depending on timing of exam dates. Students are entered for exams only when they are fully prepared. This is to give every opportunity for the best possible experience for the student.
Terminating Lessons
If you wish to finish taking lessons, please provide me with as much notice as possible.
Contacting Me
Parents and adult students are welcome to call me anytime during daytime hours. For last minute notice when cancelling a lesson, please send a text. If I am teaching, I may not be able to reply.