Tuition and Calendar

The studio calendar runs September to August with breaks for major holidays. Current lesson rates are monthly: 30 Minutes: $130/month (recommended only for preschool and elementary students) 45 Minutes: $195/month (recommended for intermediate/advanced students, or students preparing for competitions/festivals/student achievement testing) 60 Minutes: $260/month (recommended for advanced students, or students preparing for competitions/festivals/student achievement testing) 

Tuition includes weekly lessons, four recitals, four studio classes, all books and materials, as well as my time spent lesson planning, a growing library of piano games, and the time that I spend supporting students throughout the week when they ask me questions through the Tonara app. Tuition payment is due no later than the 21st of the previous month. No payment is due for the month of August. The three lessons in August are considered extra lessons for the rare case that I need to cancel a lesson day during the year due to extreme illness or emergency. If I don't cancel any lessons throughout the year, these lessons are considered "bonus" lessons. Tuition payments can be made by cash, credit card, or check made to Piano Studio of Stephanie Thompson. All payments are non-refundable. 

Cancellations

Monthly tuition rates remain the same flat rate regardless of attendance. If you must cancel a lesson, please notify me as early as possible. Please note that during teaching hours, I am unable to check or respond to messages, so I may not be able to reply immediately.
 
Tuition cannot be refunded for cancelled or missed lessons, but there are alternative options available if you choose. You can schedule a make-up lesson during any available spots I have during the week, provided I have an opening. I can't always guarantee that all missed lessons will be made up. Students can also have an asynchronous lesson where they send me recordings of their music through the Tonara app any time during the week and I will send them written feedback and new practice assignments.
 
Snow days/sick days: when the weather makes travel hazardous, lessons will be conducted through Zoom or FaceTime. This is also an option for students who are home sick, but are well enough to sit at their piano.

Home Practice

Students are required to have an instrument at home and keep a regular practice schedule. A quality acoustic piano is preferred, as it aids in technical development, but I fully realize that an acoustic instrument doesn’t always fit a family’s space or budget. Digital pianos and keyboards are acceptable provided they have touch sensitive, 88 weighted keys and a pedal.  
 
Maintaining a regular practice schedule is important and a daily routine is the best way to ensure regular progress. I will work with both student and parent to help develop this healthy habit.

Photo Release

Pictures and videos of students may be posted on my studio website or included with studio publications. Please contact me if you don't want your child in any studio photos.