Studio Policy

Up To Date As Of 2/25/26

Schedule For Lessons

Lesson Year:
September 8th - May 30th

Breaks:

  • Thanksgiving Break: November 25th – November 29th

  • Christmas Break: December 20th - January 1st

  • Spring Break: May 1st – May 15th

Tuition

Tuition is payable monthly. All students must remit their monthly tuition by the first lesson day of each month, with a 10-day grace period. A late fee of $25.00 will be applied to invoices not settled within this period. The following outlines the monthly tuition rates:

  • 30-Minute Lessons: $90/month

  • 45-Minute Lessons: $100/month

  • 60-Minute Lessons: $120/month

Please note that lessons are billed monthly, not individually. Typically, students receive one lesson each week, barring holidays or scheduled breaks. For reference, consult the yearly calendar.

Summer Lessons

Students enrolled in the fall syllabus are encouraged to schedule at least one lesson per month during the summer months of July and August. Summer lessons are optional and contingent upon teacher availability. These lessons will be billed as a lump sum for the entire summer, with payment due at the time of sign-up to secure your spot. Failure to remit payment by the 5th of the requested summer month may result in your spot being offered to another student.

Summer Lesson Tuition:

  • 30-Minute Lessons: $60/lesson

  • 45-Minute Lessons: $72/lesson

  • 60-Minute Lessons: $80/lesson

Registration

A non-refundable registration fee is required from each student, preferably paid in the spring or early summer. If this fee is not submitted with the enrollment form, your requested time will not be scheduled until payment is confirmed.

This fee not only secures the student's lesson time for the entire year but also covers various costs, including recital expenses (venue rental, student awards, refreshments), motivational items, visual teaching aids, assignment books, and office supplies such as pens, music notation paper, and printer materials. Students will be billed for any lost or damaged materials borrowed from the teacher's library.

Registration Fee: $85.00

Music Deposit

A music deposit is a fee that covers the cost of the student’s method books. Parents and students are responsible for the music and supplies purchased. Occasionally, students may borrow materials from the teacher’s library, which must be returned in good condition; otherwise, the student will be billed for the cost. A music deposit is due at the time of registration for each student and is mandatory for all new students. Once a student returns, they are exempt from this fee unless new books are required at the beginning of the year. This deposit ensures timely delivery of the necessary materials before the student's first lesson.

Music Deposit Fee: $50.00

Total Due at Registration: $135.00

Payment Procedure

Invoices will be emailed monthly to the responsible parent or guardian. Fees are payable in advance, on or before the first lesson day of the month. A late fee of $25.00 will apply for payments made after the 10th day of the month. If payment is not received by this deadline, lessons may be paused until the balance is settled. Should a student need to discontinue lessons mid-year, an additional month’s notice and corresponding tuition will be required.

Late Fees

A late fee of $25.00 will be assessed for payments made after the 10th day of the month. If payment remains outstanding by the end of the month, lessons will be suspended until arrangements are made to settle the account.

Scheduling, Makeups & Missed Lessons

A weekly lesson time is reserved for each student throughout the school year once registration is confirmed. Tuition secures your student’s reserved time, not individual lessons. No refunds will be issued for missed lessons.

Makeup Lesson Eligibility

Makeup lessons will be provided under the following circumstances:

Eligible for Makeup Lessons:

  • Student illness – If a student is ill, a makeup lesson may be scheduled within the same month as availability allows.

  • Teacher illness

  • Teacher unplanned absence – In the rare event that the instructor must miss a lesson, a makeup lesson will be offered within that month, at the end of the school year, or added in 10–15 minute increments during regular lessons as scheduling allows.

Not Eligible for Makeup Lessons:

  • Yearly calendar dates (scheduled breaks and holidays listed in the studio calendar)

  • Inclement weather – Lessons will move online and will not be eligible for makeup.

  • Student absences (vacations, extracurricular activities, appointments, etc.), unless due to sudden illness

  • Missed lessons or late arrivals – Students arriving late will receive the remainder of their scheduled time.

Please inform me of any planned absences in advance. While I may occasionally accommodate rescheduling requests as a courtesy, this is not guaranteed and is not an obligation.

Online Lesson Policy

Online lessons are available for students unable to attend their scheduled in-person time. Please notify me in advance if the student will attend online. I will attempt to contact the student for 10 minutes; thereafter, a missed lesson will be declared and no makeup or refund will be provided.

Students are required to keep their cameras on during online lessons to ensure engagement and effective instruction.

Photo/Video Release

Occasionally, photos and videos may be utilized to highlight and promote the achievements of students and the studio. Please indicate your permission for the use of photos/videos on the student registration form. If granted, students will not be identified by name to ensure confidentiality. Students and parents must seek permission before taking photos with the teacher, who reserves the right to decline or request that her face not be shown.

Sickness Policy

While no plan can entirely eliminate the risk of illness, I am implementing measures to reduce germ exposure within the studio. By attending in-person lessons, you acknowledge the associated risks and consent to in-person instruction. Should a student be unwell, please refrain from attending lessons. You will receive one makeup credit for any lesson missed due to illness.

Answering Your Questions

Music should be enjoyable, but commitment to growth is essential. For questions, email heavenspianostudio@gmail.com or text (971) 715-9080. All studio updates (schedule changes, events, notices) are sent by email, which is our primary form of communication—please keep your contact info current.

Students may text practice questions with a photo, but only with prior parental permission; otherwise, parents must contact the studio.

Office Hours: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM. Messages outside these hours will be returned the next business day (urgent matters excepted).

Recommended At-Home Practice Times and Techniques

Practice is a crucial component of our learning process this year. Establishing good habits is key. Here are some reminders:

  • The optimal time to practice is immediately following your weekly lesson.

  • Each piece should be practiced at least three times before moving on to another.

  • Aim for a quiet environment during practice (no distractions from television, etc.).

  • Begin with warm-up exercises.

  • When preparing for a performance, strive to play a piece three times consecutively, perfectly; if not, restart the process.

Recommended Practice Times:

  • Elementary School: 10-15 minutes/day (5 days/week) for a total of 50-75 minutes/week

  • Middle School: 30 minutes/day (5 days/week) for a total of 180 minutes/week

  • High School: 45-60 minutes/day (5 days/week) for a total of 270-360 minutes/week