DAYNES PIANO STUDIO POLICIES

Maren Daynes, NCTM
Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in Piano – Music Teachers National Association

Maintaining a professional private studio since 2015

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M.M. Piano Performance – University of Nevada, Las Vegas
B.M. Piano Performance – Utah Valley University
Certificate in Piano Pedagogy – Utah Valley University
Certificate in Collaborative Piano, Chamber Music – Utah Valley University

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Welcome

Welcome to Daynes Piano Studio! I look forward to working with you and supporting your musical journey. My goal is to provide a positive, inspiring, and professional learning environment where students develop musical skills, confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for music.

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Daynes Piano Studio welcomes students of all ages and levels who are committed to consistent growth and musical development, from beginning pianists to advanced students preparing for auditions, competitions, and collegiate study.

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The studio is committed to developing skilled, thoughtful, and confident musicians through comprehensive piano instruction that emphasizes artistry, technical excellence, creativity, and lifelong musical enjoyment.

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The following policies are designed to ensure clear communication, consistency, and mutual respect between teacher, student, and parent. Enrollment in lessons constitutes agreement with these studio policies. Policies are subject to change. Parents and students will be notified of any significant updates.

 

Enrollment and Student Commitment

Prospective students begin with a free 30-minute consultation or trial lesson to discuss goals, evaluate placement, and determine whether the studio is a good fit.

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Successful musical study requires a partnership between teacher, student, and family. Students are expected to arrive prepared, practice consistently, complete assignments, and communicate respectfully.

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Teacher Commitment

As your piano teacher, I am committed to providing thoughtful, individualized instruction that supports each student's musical goals and development.

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Students can expect:

• A prepared and organized lesson experience tailored to their individual needs.
• Clear assignments, feedback, and guidance to support musical growth.
• A positive and encouraging learning environment that promotes confidence and creativity.
• Opportunities to develop technical skills, musical understanding, and artistic expression.
• Professional communication and support throughout their musical journey.

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Student Practice Expectations

Consistent and thoughtful practice is essential for meaningful musical progress. While practice time will vary according to age, level, and individual goals, quality and focus should always take precedence over the number of minutes practiced.

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Students are expected to:

• Practice a minimum of five days per week and complete assigned practice goals before their next lesson.
• Maintain a regular practice routine and approach practice sessions with focus and intention.
• Review lesson assignments regularly and use their practice binder to track goals, assignments, and progress.
• Arrive at lessons prepared to demonstrate assigned work and discuss questions or challenges with the teacher.
• Take ownership of their musical growth by applying feedback and developing effective practice habits.

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Practice expectations will be discussed and adjusted as students progress.

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Students are expected to have access to a well-maintained acoustic piano or a high-quality digital piano with weighted keys and a sustain pedal to support proper technique and musical development.

 

Parent Expectations

Parents and guardians play an important role in a student's success. A supportive home environment and consistent encouragement help students develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of music.

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Parents are expected to:

• Encourage consistent practice and help establish a regular practice routine at home.

• Provide a quiet, supportive environment where students can complete assignments.

• Help younger students stay organized with lesson materials, practice assignments, and studio communications.

• Encourage students to arrive prepared and on time with all required materials.

• Support the teacher's guidance regarding technique, practice habits, and musical development.

• Communicate questions, concerns, or scheduling needs in a timely and respectful manner.

• Maintain respectful and professional communication with the teacher. Open communication and collaboration are valued, and concerns should be addressed thoughtfully and directly.

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For younger students, regular parental involvement is strongly encouraged. Parents may need to assist with practice routines, assignment understanding, and maintaining motivation between lessons. As students mature, the goal is to develop independence and ownership of their musical growth gradually.

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Required Lesson Materials

Students are expected to bring all required materials to each lesson in a designated piano bag.

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Required materials include:

• Studio practice binder

• Assigned method books

• Theory books

• Technique books

• Repertoire and supplementary materials

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Parents or guardians are responsible for purchasing lesson materials. The studio practice binder is provided by the teacher.

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Semester Schedule

Enrollment includes 42 private lessons annually, divided into three 14-lesson semesters.

Fall Semester: September–December
Spring Semester: January–April
Summer Semester: May–August

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Lessons are not scheduled during major holidays or designated school breaks.

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Tuition

Tuition reserves a student's place in the studio and a dedicated weekly lesson time. Tuition reflects participation in the complete studio program and is not based solely on attendance at individual lessons.

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If a student joins mid-semester (on a case-by-case basis), tuition will be prorated based on the number of lessons remaining in the semester. By enrolling, families commit to the full semester of instruction and financial responsibility.

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Tuition Rates

30-minute lessons
$160/month or $640/semester

45-minute lessons
$240/month or $960/semester

60-minute lessons
$320/month or $1,280/semester

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Payment Policies

Monthly tuition is due on the first day of each month.

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Semester tuition payments are due by:

• September 1

• January 1

• May 1

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Payments received more than five days after the due date will incur a $15 late fee.

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Accepted forms of payment include Zelle, cash, and personal check.

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Tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable. Refunds are not issued for missed lessons, withdrawals during a semester, or unused lesson credits.

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Tuition Includes

Tuition includes far more than the weekly lesson itself. It supports the complete studio program, including:

• A reserved weekly lesson time and individualized instruction

• Two group classes or masterclasses per semester

• Lesson planning, preparation, and curriculum development

• Studio binder, assignment sheets, and printed resources

• Recitals, performance opportunities, and recital venue expenses

• Administrative time, scheduling, and communication

• Continuing education, professional memberships, and ongoing teacher training

• Studio technology, equipment, and music library resources

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Group Classes and Masterclasses

Group classes are an important part of the studio curriculum and provide opportunities for students to develop musicianship skills in a collaborative environment. Activities may include:

• Student performances and constructive feedback

• Music theory instruction

• Ear training

• Sight-reading

• Rhythm activities

• Ensemble experiences

• Other musicianship-focused activities

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Group classes will be held on the first Saturday of every other month, as determined by the teacher. Parents will be notified of the dates during the first week of each semester.

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Students are strongly encouraged to participate in group classes, masterclasses, recitals, and other studio events whenever possible, as these experiences contribute significantly to their musical growth and development.

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Recitals and Performance Opportunities

Performance is an important component of musical growth and helps students develop confidence, poise, and artistic expression.

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Students are encouraged to participate in studio recitals, masterclasses, festivals, competitions, adjudicated events, and other performance opportunities appropriate to their age, level, and goals.

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Students should consistently maintain at least one performance-ready piece in their repertoire.

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Registration fees and other expenses associated with competitions, festivals, examinations, or special events are the responsibility of the student and family unless otherwise specified.

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Make-Up Lesson Policy

Tuition reserves a dedicated weekly lesson time and a place in the studio. Because lesson times are reserved exclusively for each student, missed lessons cannot be refunded or credited except as outlined below.

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One make-up lesson is available per semester for an excused absence with at least 48 hours' notice. Lessons missed without notice ("no-shows") are not eligible for a make-up lesson.

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If a student is unable to attend a lesson, a sibling or parent may use the scheduled lesson time when appropriate and with prior approval from the teacher.

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If the teacher must cancel a lesson due to illness, professional commitments, performances, conferences, or emergency circumstances, a make-up lesson will be provided.

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When appropriate, online lessons may be offered in place of in-person lessons.

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Attendance and Studio Etiquette

Students should arrive on time and no more than three minutes before their scheduled lesson. Arriving significantly early may disrupt another student's lesson.

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Students who arrive late will receive the remainder of their scheduled lesson time, as lessons cannot be extended beyond their designated end time.

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Parents are welcome to observe lessons. However, if observation becomes distracting to the student or interferes with the lesson environment, the teacher may request that parents wait outside the teaching area.

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Communication

Studio communications will be sent via text message and email.

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Families are responsible for reviewing studio communications and staying informed regarding lesson schedules, events, deadlines, and studio announcements.

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Photography and Media

Photographs and videos may occasionally be taken during lessons, recitals, group classes, or studio events for educational and promotional purposes.

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Families who do not wish for their child to appear in studio photographs, videos, or promotional materials should notify the teacher in writing before the scheduled event.

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Discontinuation of Lessons

Enrollment in Daynes Piano Studio is a semester-long commitment. Tuition reserves a student's place in the studio and a dedicated weekly lesson time for the entire semester.

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Families who choose to discontinue lessons before the end of the semester are responsible for the remaining semester tuition balance.

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If the teacher determines that lessons should be discontinued, families will be notified, and instruction will conclude at the end of the current billing period unless circumstances require otherwise.

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Reasons for dismissal may include repeated disregard of studio policies, consistent lack of preparation or practice, excessive absences, or disrespectful or inappropriate behavior.