Studio Policy

LUCY CLEVENGER PIANO STUDIO

Expenses

The tuition schedule for the 2023-2024 teaching year, August 14 through June 7, will be as follows: Tuition will be $210 per month

for 45-minute lessons, and $280 per month for 60-minute lessons (advanced students are expected to take hour-long lessons).

Tuition pays for 38 lessons total given during the year; it is NOT per lesson. This is what tuition covers:

Time spent with the student at the lesson.
Time spent in preparation for the lesson. It has been cited by professional music journals that for every hour enrolled in piano lessons, at least 2 hours of the teacher's time is spent in preparation.
Lesson planning, bookkeeping, development of individual curriculum, filling out forms for recitals, festivals, competitions, etc.
Your teacher’s training and experience.
Annual Spring class recital, facility rental for class recital
Professional organization memberships (MTAC and NCTM): Memberships are maintained by the teacher to enhance teaching skills and provide the student with opportunities for festivals, competitions, and performance events.
Professional publications to assist the teacher in keeping current on new teaching materials and trends.
Studio expenses: music books for student loan, computer software, incentive programs, piano tuning and repair.
Materials purchased by the teacher to keep costs low for students.
Property taxes, self-employment taxes, insurance, business licenses, retirement.
There is no corporation to assist in providing health and life insurance by matching funds. Tuition helps cover the increased living costs of your self-employed teacher.
Continuing education.
MTAC, MTNA annual conferences.
Tonara practice platform yearly subscription.

Studio will be closed four weeks during these periods - Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break (November, December, March).

During the summer school break, tuition is adjusted depending on the number of lessons per month.

Music books, materials, festival, recital, competitions, and Certificate of Merit fees are not included in the tuition fee and will be

charged separately.

Tuition is to be paid monthly by cash, check, through a bank, or through apps such as Apple Pay, Venmo, Zelle, etc.

Please make payments promptly during the first week of each month.

The teacher reserves the right to raise fees at the beginning of the new teaching year.

Lessons missed due to serious reasons can be made up in person or online in the form of longer lessons the following weeks or

rescheduled depending on time availability - during school breaks, weekends, at the end of the year, holidays. If a lesson falls on a

holiday, it may be rescheduled upon request.

If the teacher cancels the lesson, a make-up lesson will be scheduled or credit will be given towards the next month’s tuition.

A student’s fingernails should be short and trimmed and hands clean. Students are welcome to use the bathroom to wash their

hands before lessons.

Parents are welcome to stay during the lesson.

Please stay in the car if you arrive early and come into the studio when it’s your time.

Parents, please drop off and pick up students on time. Students should not be waiting outside to be picked up. The studio cannot be

responsible for students after the lesson. In case of emergency, please call.

You are welcome to park in the driveway at 37677 Fiesta Flower Street, Murrieta, or in front of the house.

Each student is expected to arrive at the lesson prepared and to bring their music. The amount of practice time required depends on the

student’s level, ability and personal goals. Suggested minimum practice time is 15-30 minutes per day for elementary level, 30-45

minutes for intermediate level, and 45- 60 minutes for advanced level. It is important for a student to spend quality time at the piano

every day. Parental involvement is vital, particularly for younger students. It is the parent's responsibility to set the practice time,

monitor student progress, and make sure the student is prepared for lessons. A student who fails to meet practice requirements will

receive a two week warning and parents will be informed. If by the end of the month progress is not made, this may result in lesson

termination.

If possible the student should practice on an acoustic piano, not a keyboard or digital piano. Tone production, sensitivity to action, and

touch are not the same on digital instruments. The piano should be located in a quiet area, away from distractions. An adjustable piano

bench is recommended, and if the student’s feet cannot reach the floor, a footstool should be provided.

The piano needs to be tuned at least once a year. Using a metronome during practice sessions is vital – please provide your student with

one or use a phone app.

The most convenient way to reach the teacher is by email (lucyclevenger@gmail.com) or by phone

951-440-1841. A newsletter will be emailed in December, March and at the end of the school year.