Iris’ Musicalia Piano Studio Policies
Lesson Policies
Studio Commitment: Enrollment runs from September through June and requires a full academic-year commitment to ensure consistent progress.
Summer Lessons: July and August are optional—students may choose to take summer lessons, which can also be used to make up missed lessons from the school year. Students who take five or more lessons during the summer will have priority placement in the fall roster.
Punctuality & Preparedness: Students must arrive on time with all required materials, including books, assignment sheets, and practice logs.
Parental Involvement: Parents of young children are welcome to observe lessons and take notes to support their child’s learning. However, they should remain mindful and avoid interrupting the lesson flow to maintain a focused learning environment.
Practice Expectations: Consistent practice is essential for progress. Rather than tracking minutes, we emphasize effective repetitions to build accuracy, confidence, and musicality. Students will learn how to use practice charts and monthly goal calendars as part of their musical training. These tools help students organize their practice, track progress, and develop independent practice habits. Students are expected to complete and maintain these materials as part of their home practice routine.
Illness & Virtual Lessons: If a student is unwell, they should stay home and request a virtual lesson if possible.
Attendance & Make-Up Lessons
Attendance: Regular attendance is expected. If a student is unable to attend a lesson due to travel, illness, or another commitment, tuition remains due according to the student's tuition schedule.
Makeup Credits: Students who notify the teacher of an absence at least 24 hours in advance will receive a makeup credit for the missed lesson. No-shows and cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice are not eligible for makeup credits.
Maximum Makeup Credits: Students may accumulate a maximum of eight makeup credits during the academic year.
School-Year Makeups: When openings become available due to cancellations, students may use makeup credits during the school year by scheduling one of the available lesson times that works for their family.
Competition Season: Due to competition, recital, and examination preparation, makeup lessons are not offered during April and May.
Summer Makeups: Makeup credits may also be completed during July and August. Families are expected to be flexible with scheduling and may need to attend lessons more than once per week during the summer in order to use all remaining makeup credits before they expire.
Expiration of Makeup Credits: All unused makeup credits expire on August 31 and do not carry over into the next academic year.
Teacher Absences: If the teacher cancels a lesson, a makeup lesson or tuition credit will be provided.
Studio Recitals & Performance Opportunities
Studio Recitals: The studio will hold three recitals during the academic year. Each recital is designed as a unique performance project that helps students develop confidence, musicianship, and stage presence.
Recital Participation: Students are expected to participate in at least one recital during the academic year. Participation in two or more recitals is strongly encouraged. Students who choose not to participate in a particular recital are still expected to learn and prepare the recital challenge piece assigned for that performance cycle. Students who prefer not to perform in a specific recital may complete the recital project without participating in the public performance.
Monthly Mock Recitals: Monthly mock recitals provide additional opportunities to practice performing in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Collaborative Piano & Chamber Music: Students may have opportunities to participate in collaborative piano and chamber music experiences with professional musicians as part of the studio's performance program.
Concerto Program: Every other year, students will learn a two-piano concerto and may have the opportunity to perform it at a studio recital
Students are encouraged to participate in three themed recitals per year, each designed as a unique performance project.
Monthly mock recitals provide additional opportunities to practice performing in a supportive environment.
Recital participation requires consistent attendance and preparation.
Collaborative piano and chamber music experiences with professional musicians are available once a year for a recital.
Students will learn a two piano Concerto every other year with the opportunity to perform it live at a recital.
Repertoire & Learning Approach
Students will explore a variety of musical styles, including classical, contemporary, and self-composed pieces.
Students are encouraged to compose their own pieces, including songwriting, and select their preferred style and genre.
Ear training, theory, and music history are integrated into lessons to develop well-rounded musicianship.
Chamber music opportunities are be available for students to experience during their lessons as well.
Tuition & Payment
Tuition is due monthly, on the first lesson of each month, and must be paid on time.
If a student needs to go on a trip or cannot make it to the lesson for any reason, tuition is still due on the first lesson of the month, and makeup lessons can be arranged for a later time.
Late payments may incur a fee.
Tuition covers lesson time, preparation, and other studio resources.
Recitals have a separate fee to cover venue fees and trophies.
There are no refunds for missed lessons.
Studio Etiquette & Expectations
Students must be respectful of the teacher, instruments, and learning environment.
Fingernails must be trimmed to allow proper piano technique.
Food and drinks (except water) are not allowed near the piano.
Parents should communicate any concerns via email or text outside of lesson times.