Studio Policy

Studio Philosophy

At Sunrise Prelude Piano Studios, lessons are built on consistency, encouragement, and steady progress. Lessons are engaging and enjoyable, while meaningful growth requires consistent home practice throughout the week. My goal is to help students develop confident, musical understanding, not just complete assignments.

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Student & Parent Responsibilities

Students and families share responsibilities for successful lessons.

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STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:

• Arrive on time with all materials

• Practice 5 days per week for steady progress

• Follow instructions and participate actively

• Treat the teacher, instruments, and studio space with respect

• Keep fingernails trimmed short

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PARENT/GUARDIAN EXPECTATIONS:

• Support and supervise regular home practice

• Ensure punctual arrival and pick-up

• Read studio communications

• Communicate via email/text during business hours

​Consistent preparation helps lessons remain productive and enjoyable for all students.

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Lesson Format & Studio Environment

Lessons occur weekly at a consistent time and begin/end on schedule. Late arrivals will still end at the scheduled time.

 

To support a focused learning environment:

• Parents are welcome to observe (especially ages 6–10 when helpful for practice support)

• Older students are encouraged to build independence

• Siblings and distractions should be minimized

• Non-observing guests should wait outside the studio area

• Restroom use is for students only (emergencies only)

 

Students and families understand that piano lessons include movement and activity; minor accidents or injuries may occur despite precautions. The studio is not responsible for injuries resulting from student behavior or failure to follow instructions.

 

Communication is reserved for outside lesson time via email or text during office hours.​

 

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Attendance, Make-ups, & Holidays

Tuition reserves the student’s weekly lesson time and supports instruction, planning, materials, and studio operations, not just lesson attendance.

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Missed lessons (illness, travel, school events, etc.) are not refunded.

 

MAKE-UPS:

Each student may receive up to three make-up opportunities per year, depending on availability. Options may include:

• Scheduled make-up lesson

• Independent practice assignments

• Short instructional videos

• Brief progress check-in

At least 24 hours’ notice is required for make-up eligibility. Make-ups are not guaranteed and are offered as a courtesy.

 

ILLNESS:

Students must be symptom-free for 24 hours before attending. If a student arrives ill, they may be sent home. Illness absences are not refunded. Make-up options are offered with enough notice when possible.

 

TEACHER CANCELLATIONS & WEATHER:

The studio includes planned flex weeks for teacher illness, emergencies, or cancellations. Weather-related adjustments will be treated as completed lessons depending on circumstances.

 

STUDIO CLOSURES:

Includes major holidays and seasonal breaks (Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break, Memorial Day week, etc.). These are already accounted for in tuition along with any teacher vacation time.

 

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Tuition & Fees

Invoices are sent before each due date. Payments may be made via check or credit card depending on plan.

 

A $15 late fee applies if payment is received more than 3 days after the due date.

 

If payment is not received, lessons may be paused until account is current. Continued non-payment may result in loss of reserved lesson time.

 

Tuition reserves a weekly lesson slot and is based on enrollment, not attendance.

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Enrollment & Intro Program

During the academic year, a student’s spot is not reserved until the enrollment fee is received.

 

New students may begin with a 4-lesson Intro Program during the academic year. This allows families to determine fit before long-term enrollment. Intro lessons are non-refundable and do not include make-ups. Ongoing enrollment is confirmed after discussion between teacher and parent.

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Discontinuing Lessons

The studio may discontinue lessons for:

• Repeated disruptive behavior

• Persistent lack of attendance

• Lack of reasonable practice effort

• Late or missed payments

• Policy violations

If lessons are discontinued or withdrawn mid-year, remaining tuition will be due, as lesson time is reserved on an annual basis.

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Materials & Supplies

Students are responsible for:

• 88-key weighted piano (digital or acoustic)

• Metronome

• Assigned method books and materials

Lost or damaged materials must be replaced by the family.

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Performance Opportunities & Media Consent

Recitals and performance opportunities are included in tuition.

 

By enrolling, families consent to use of student first name, image, and video for:

• Studio social media

• Website

• Promotional materials

• Recital documentation

No personal contact information is ever shared.

 

Families may opt out of media use on the registration form.​

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Summer Semester Guidelines

All academic-year policies apply unless noted below.

 

STRUCTURE:

Summer tuition includes flexible scheduling, group classes, a recital, and an end-of-summer celebration. One make-up opportunity and one teacher flex week are included.

 

ENROLLMENT:

Summer enrollment secures both the summer lesson time and the student’s place for the upcoming academic year.

 

No enrollment fee is required for summer. The first tuition payment is due upon enrollment to reserve a time slot.

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Policies may be updated as needed. Continued enrollment indicates agreement with the current studio policies.