Calendar Year
• During the calendar year, my lessons run from August to May, any exception to this commitment must be given a month in advance.
• Students will have four or five lessons per month.
• Do Re Mi Studio will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day, and Easter.
• I will continue to have lessons with students during the holiday breaks unless communicated in advance by parents.
• While summer lessons are not required, I highly recommend parents to encourage their children to continue building their skills in the summer, in order to ensure retention of material studied.
Missed Lessons
• Lesson times are reserved exclusively for each student, and your commitment to attending is essential for maintaining a consistent schedule.
• Please contact me at least 24 hours or more beforehand, if you are planning on missing a lesson.
• Forgotten lessons or last-minute cancellations will not be made up and will still be charged. This policy helps ensure fairness and respect for the time and resources dedicated to each student.
• Makeup lessons are offered based on availability and are not guaranteed.
• Missed sessions will be credited only if the child is sick, dangerous weather conditionds, or extenuating circumstances on my behalf require canceling lessons.
Payment Plans
• Tuition is due for the full month at the first lesson of the month.
• Please note that the number of lessons may vary each month.
• Tuition for the 2024 - 2025 calendar year will be as follows:
– Tuition for four basic lessons (30 minutes) is $125.00 per month.
– Tuition for four advanced lessons (45 minutes) is $188.00 per month.
– A siblings discount may apply for eight basic (30 minute) lessons is $230.00 per month.
• A $25.00 late fee may be applied if payment for tuition is not paid by the 10th day of each month.
• A monthly commute fee of $85.00 will be added if piano lessons occur at a student’s house.
• Payment via cash, check, or Venmo (@Lala-Law).
• Payment option for three months at a time is available with additional discount.
Studio Fee
• There will be a required studio fee of $25.00 per student and $40.00 for a family of two students at the beginning of the year.
• This studio fee will cover expenses of printing, supplies, and record keeping once a year.
Performances and Recitals
• There will be multiple recitals throughout the year during fall, winter, and spring.
• Additionally, many students participate in the Trophy Festival, Fun Fair, and other musical events around Omaha.
• Participation in these events is not required, however it is a great opportunity to demonstrate a child’s musical skills and to build confidence in his or her abilities.
Practice Makes Perfect
• All students should practice in between lessons and complete their given assignments and tasks prior to their next lesson.
• Assignments are expected to have priority as a child’s schoolwork. Recommended time for the beginners is at least 10-15 minutes, for intermediate at least 15-20 minutes, and for advanced students at least 20-30 minutes per day between weekly lessons.
• Practicing and consistently setting time up for exercises increases retention rates notably, it also makes the most out of lesson time with the instructor.
• Parent support plays a significant role in a child’s musical growth and progress.
• Please set up a specific area at home where a child feels comfortable practicing and experimenting with their studies.
• Ensure that a student’s piano is tuned properly. If you need a recommendation for a tuner, Ron Cranke (402-618-5660) is a great option.
• Parents are encouraged to come and watch during lessons, to provide support and confidence for younger students.
• Students should bring their notebook assignments to lessons, review them, and be prepared beforehand. A practice calendar should be used to track practice sessions. Parents can sign off on this calendar to verify that practice has been completed.
The Teacher
• I am always available to discuss the progress and growth of students with parents whenever possible.
• To further ensure a supportive learning environment, I'm introducing the option for brief monthly parent-teacher mini-conferences at the end of lessons. These sessions are available upon request and provide an opportunity to discuss the student's progress.
• I am available by phone from 10 AM to 1 PM on weekdays.
• I will continue to be active within the OMTA, NMTA, and MTNA organizations in order to ensure that I am making a significant influence in the lives of my piano students and to enhance their own studies through music.
∗ These policies are in accord with the recommended professional policies of the Omaha Music Teachers Association, the Nebraska Music Teachers Association, and the Music Teachers National Association.
∗ Tuition fees take into account the invisible expenses such as insurance, self-employment taxes, social security and retirement. This also includes planning lessons and events, scheduling and rescheduling lessons, maintaining the Studio, searching for music, and effective business management.