General Information:
Weekly private lessons are offered in the 30, 45 or 60 minutes sessions, depending on the student’s age/level.

Practice & Instrument:
Students are required to either own an acoustic piano or digital piano at home and are expected to practice their music assigned by their teacher daily.

Materials:
Each student is recommended to bring an empty notebook or Journal, and corresponding piano method books selected by the teacher to each lesson. Parents will be informed which piano method books students are required to use after their initial lesson with their selected teacher. Piano Method books can be purchased through music stores such as TomLee or Long & McQuade or websites such as Amazon. Parents can also request the teacher to purchase the books if they are unable to purchase them.
Calendar & Schedule: There are no lessons during statutory holidays, and winter/spring breaks but students are welcomed to take additional lessons if they wish. It is recommended to take advantage of the breaks to make-up for those missed lessons through online lessons or during winter breaks.

Tuition & Payment:
Payments are to be received by the 1st week of the month, no later than the 2nd week. Lesson will not take place if student did not pay for their lesson by the second week. The teacher reserves the right to raise lesson fees at the beginning of each new academic year.

The tuition rates are determined based on the student’s playing level on their selected instruments and the length of the lesson. Student’s playing level is determined according to the RCM’s grade system (The Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations).

Payments will be accepted in the form of cash, e-transfer, or cheque only. Single session payments are not accepted except trial lessons.

Tuition is accepted in monthly payments with the lesson duration selected by the student.

Summer Months:
During the summer months, students are still encouraged to practice and take lessons. However, students may take a break from piano if the teacher is well informed in advance.

Reschedule/Cancellation:
Make-up lessons are recommended for any missed lessons except for family emergencies or illness. Lessons will be charged and no make-ups will be offered if the student missed a lesson for reasons other than illness. If the teacher failed to provide lessons, make-up will be offered.

Please notify the teacher at least 2 days in advance regarding any known upcoming absences except sickness. Same day cancellation will be charged regardless of the reason. In the event of make-up lesson was unable to work due to schedule conflict for either the student or the teacher, it is strongly recommended to make-up the lesson via online through FaceTime or Zoom.

Lesson Withdrawal:
Ideally, the teacher asks for one month’s notice in writing prior to last day of lesson for a positive sense of closure. If students failed to notify their withdrawal to the teacher at least one month in advance or decides to discontinue piano on the day of lesson, the teacher retains the right to charge a cancellation fee of equivalent to 1 month of their tuition.

Note: at the discretion of the teacher, students may be asked to discontinue lessons at any time if they have unpaid tuition, excess number of absences / unprepared lessons, or if they show a lack of interest.
 
Testimonial:
It is encouraged to all parents to write a short testimonial of their overall experience taking lessons with the teacher before parting ways for the purpose of promoting new students.

Parent Participation:
Parents are encouraged to participate in the lesson especially for students younger than age 5 to prevent him/her from feeling nervous such as separation from the parent.

Video Recordings & Photos:
Music Strings Academy requires video recordings and photos to promote potential new students. Please indicate in the registration form if you are comfortable with student performances recorded and pictures uploaded to the academy’s website/Facebook/Instagram page. The videos will be professionally recorded and edited by the teacher.