My Policies
- I'm sure you have lots of questions!! The first step is to contact me for an initial phone consultation. Please use the CONTACT card (above).
- I require prospective parents/students to observe lessons and/or group classes prior to a placement interview. If there is interest and mutual agreement to proceed, I will offer you a placement interview and trial lesson. Janet Toomes Suzuki Piano Studio has limited enrollment open to dedicated families who meet our qualifications. At that time you will learn information on rates and specific studio policies. Completed Registration, Studio Fee and Parent Education fee is required to hold your spot in my studio.
- Parent Education is required prior to student beginning their individual lessons. Parent Education is a comprehensive class conducted live with the teacher and parent (no students). This course is designed to teach the parent/home coach the Suzuki Method and how to support the lessons, to encourage a growth-mindset and generally how to flourish in their role as part of the wonderful Suzuki Triangle !
- Enrollment is based on commitment to your individual weekly lesson time, to your monthly group class and to the individual program of study for your child, for the term (the year, with flexibility for summer months).
- Tuition is paid monthly and due by the 1st of the month. No invoices are sent for your monthly tuition.
- An annual music and Studio Fee is due by August 1 in order to hold your spot for the upcoming term.
- Lessons have been carefully scheduled and your reserved time is blocked off so it cannot be extended for late arrivals. Please arrive a few minutes before your lesson time or group class. When your lesson is over, please pack up as the next student is usually ready and waiting to come to the piano.
- There are no refunds or make-ups for missed lessons. If you need to miss a lesson, as a courtesy please provide at least 24 hours notice. All students will be given a studio "swap list" in which you may work out a lesson exchange with another student.
- If I have to cancel or miss a lesson, I will offer a replacement lesson on a school holiday, teacher workday or during the summer.
- Please familiarize yourself with all studio policies or lesson materials provided to you. Please be observant of the studio calendar (on the website) and responsive to emails, phone messages or other notifications from the teacher.
- Please silence all cell-phones and refrain from making calls during your child’s lesson.
- Parents, please remain quiet but be actively listening, note-taking observers! My teaching is often subtle as I may teach through the student TO the parent. There should always be a little time at the end of the lesson for specific parent-teacher interaction.
- Parking: Please park on the street, never obstructing a mailbox or driveway.
- Arrive to your lesson prepared: Bring your assignment notebook with your weekly practice record, all the music required for the lesson and your wonderful, teachable attitude.
- Parents or older students, if there is something going on in your life that I need to know about, please feel free to let me know so that I can be extra sensitive that day.
- Be sure you have a good piano, well maintained and in tune. Please ask if you need guidance.
- Final note to parents of siblings... please understand that unattended siblings can create a distraction that may disrupt my teaching and undermine your child's lesson. If you are attending and actively listening to your young child's lesson, that is what we want and it's wonderful! Only siblings that can sit very quietly in the studio or at the dining room table may stay. If not, please make other arrangements for their care during the lesson.