Asha Protsch Piano Studio

Studio Policy

Lesson Attendance Policy

Students are required to enroll for the full year of lessons, which runs from September through May. Lessons continue into June for students taking piano exams, and for any students with make-up lessons owed. If lessons are discontinued before the end of the enrolled year, the FULL year’s tuition must still be paid, regardless of the payment option chosen (ie. monthly installemts instead of full tuition).

Lessons are once per week, on the same day and time each week. Students must attend the lesson in their allotted time; late arrivals will only receive the portion of their lesson left. If a student can not attend a lesson, that lesson can not be rescheduled. Lessons that are not attended by the student will not be reimbursed or made up at another time. In the event that a student must miss a lesson, please contact the studio in advance. Please see the lesson calendar for the 2021-2022 lesson schedule. In the event that the studio cancels a lesson, it will be made up or reimbursed at the end of the enrolled year.

Supplies

Students must own a piano for home practice. A keyboard is acceptable for the first year of lessons, but as students advance, a keyboard will no longer meet the necessary requirements. When purchasing a keyboard, please ensure that is it full size (88 keys), that it has weighted keys, and that it has a pedal.  

Each student is required to bring a hardcover, three ring binder to their lesson. In this, notes are written to guide their practice throughout the week. The student will also receive other materials from the studio that are to be kept in the binder with their lesson notes.

Lesson books/materials will be purchased by the studio after the first lesson. Each student is responsible for reimbursing the full cost of their books, on or before the next lesson. Students are also required to have a metronome for home practice. If a student does not have one, one will be purchased and included in the book costs.

Prize System

There is an implemented prize system in the studio that is intended to reward and encourage students for their practice time and goals reached.

There is a prize system fee of $30 per student, to be paid at the beginning of the enrolled year. With this, small prizes are procured that students can then purchase with the “prize money” they earn. Prize money can be earned for several components of lessons, such as meeting weekly practice requirements, listening/behavior at lessons, as well as any outstanding accomplishment that deserves extra reward.

Families also have the option to purchase a special prize for their child that will be set aside for that student to work towards. Some examples include a movie or video game, an item they collect, a special toy etc. Purchasing a separate prize/prizes is optional and does not replace the prize system fee. 

Practicing Expectations

Students should aim to practice five days a week. This is not necessarily feasible every week, but should be the goal for the majority of the year.  Practice time should be approximately the same length as lesson time. For example, if a student has a ½ hour lesson, they should aim to practice ½ an hour each day. The lesson notes should also be reviewed with the student daily, to ensure they are working on the items discussed at lessons.  Ideally, a parent should attend lessons with the student, and then assist them with home practicing. This will facilitate much more efficient home practice, and subsequently, more progress.

Students will be prepared to take a Practical Piano Examination each year, through the Royal Conservatory of Music. This motivates them to work towards attaining a new grade level each year. They also have the opportunity to earn 3 high school credits with the completion of RCM Levels 6, 7, and 8. In addition, once a student obtains RCM Level 8 standing, they are then qualified to begin teaching piano lessons. The studio considers RCM exams to be of high significance, and as such, if a student is not adequately prepared for their exam, they will not be permitted to write it. In this case, the registration fee will be forfeited, as RCM does not permit rescheduling, aside from medical emergencies.

Studio Expectations

• NO STUDENT CELL PHONES ALLOWED IN THE STUDIO. Students with cell phones may leave them in their bag, turned on silent. They are not permitted to check them at any time throughout the lesson.
• Nails must be kept clean and short, to facilitate proper hand position. Artificial nails are not allowed; exceptions may be made for a special occasion. 
• Parents/siblings are welcome and encouraged to sit in on lessons, but please keep distractions to a minimum.
• Please ensure that there is prompt pick up at the end of the lesson, to respect the time slot of the following lesson. Please discuss any questions/concerns at the beginning of the lesson, or ensure you come a few minutes before the end of the lesson. 
• Students are required to bring all their books/materials to each lesson. If items are forgotten, the lesson may be shorter than allotted, as the student is not adequately prepared. 
• Please ensure you do not park in front of the garage doors. You may pull in and park anywhere in the “loop.”