Studio Policies

Mission statement

My goal for students is to develop a love of music and the lifelong skill of playing an instrument. I believe that each student's needs are unique and I focus on creating a custom curriculum to help them excel. Through lessons, it is my goal that students develop strong piano technique, intentional listening skills, overall artistry, and freedom in creative expression as well as to become confident in music notation, rhythm, tone production, interpretation, and theory.

Weekly Lessons

All lessons for students under 18 will be given once a week at a prearranged time at Kaitlyn Ronstadt’s studio. The length of the lesson will be 55 minutes. If the student is under 7 years old, the length of the lesson will be determined by the student’s ability and attention span. After one year of lessons, all students are required to move to 55 minute lessons. Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis.

Tuition and fees

Non-refundable Annual Registration Fee: $50 per student

WSMTA Music Literacy Program Registration Fee: $15 per student. Due March 1.

Tuition is based on an annual fee of $3400 - it includes:

Weekly 55 minute private lessons during the school year (August 26, 2024-June 20, 2025) and five lessons during the summer
Optional group lessons
Two studio recitals
Participation in studio events, challenges, and access to online student resources

Tuition does not include books, or fees to participate in events held outside the studio.

Payment Options:

Monthly: $309 / 11 payments, due on the first of each month September - July

Quarterly: $1133 / 3 payments - due Aug. 26, Dec 1, and March 15

Annually: $3400 / 1 payment - due August 26, 2024

Tuition can be paid by check or cash, or through automatic payments via stripe. Tuition is not refunded or prorated for missed lessons.

Required materials

Students are expected to have regular access to a fully working and maintained acoustic piano or a 88-key weighted keyboard. Students are also required to have a dedicated notebook or practice journal, a sturdy three ring binder, and a metronome. Please make sure to bring all assigned materials (music, notebook, pencils, flashcards etc.) to each lesson.

Cancellations and Makeups

For lessons missed by the student, makeups may be scheduled at the teacher's discretion. All cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance in order to receive a makeup lesson. “No shows” for lessons will not be made up. Lessons missed due to vacation will not be made up. Please understand that there is not a guarantee of an available time slot if you can’t come to your regular lesson. Lessons will still be held on snow days, in person if the roads are clear, or taught online via Facetime or Zoom if it is unsafe to drive. For any lesson missed by the teacher, a makeup will be arranged promptly.

Practice

The expectation is that students will practice at least 5 days a week. The practice length will be decided with each student in their lessons, generally plan for 30 minutes a day. To steadily improve, consistency in at home practicing is essential. If possible, have the piano in a distraction free zone. Make sure that the bench is at the right height and a foot stool is used for younger students.

Parent Involvement

It is very important that (the) parent(s) is/are involved in supervising the practicing of younger students. Parents are also encouraged to observe lessons.

Communication and general studio conduct

It is expected that there is clear communication between the teacher, parent, and student at all times. Email is the best form of communication for general issues, please text or call if it’s a time sensitive matter.

Please dress appropriately for all public performances including recitals and adjudications. Professionalism is highly encouraged and appreciated for students of any age.

Maintain a respectful attitude towards others in the studio to create an encouraging and supportive environment.

One’s nails should be of reasonable length so that they will not affect one’s ability to perform.

Students, parents and siblings experiencing any symptoms of illness are asked to reschedule or to request an online lesson. Students arriving at a lesson exhibiting any symptoms will not be admitted into the studio. Before each lesson, students are required to thoroughly wash hands or use hand sanitizer. Students are further asked to arrive at lessons without excess dirt on clothes or skin.

Discontinuing lessons

Should you wish to discontinue your lessons, it is necessary to do so, in writing, with one month's notice.

If there is a prolonged illness or natural cause that you have no control over, you are welcome to leave lessons and come back at a more suitable time.

The teacher has the right to terminate the student’s lessons at any given time at which point, a refund of the unused lessons will be given. Reasons for termination with no refund include: repeated lack of timely payment, repeated absences, or a consistent negative or disrespectful attitude from the student. A negative attitude can consist of a blatant disregard for the lesson assigned, disrespectful communication, or any type of verbal or physical abuse. Before termination, these issues will be discussed with a parent.