Studio Policies

***NOW ACCEPTING STUDENTS IN THE HENDERSON, NEVADA AREA JULY 2024***

Maren Daynes
(832) 270-8406
marenthepianist@gmail.com
marenthepianist.com

DAYNES PIANO STUDIO POLICIES

Welcome! I am looking forward to working with your students this year. My primary focus will be on artistry, technique, and theory. For artistry, we will explore innovative approaches to articulation, dynamics, and ways to use our entire body in the interpretation of a musical piece. Technique will be tailored to each student's proficiency level, with a dedicated focus on mastery of scales, arpeggios, chord progressions, and sight-reading. In music theory, we will step away from the piano and learn the basics of what music is and the elements that create the music we perform.

PRACTICING

Consistent daily practice is essential. Parents should ensure their children complete all listed tasks and assignments in their practice notebooks prior to each lesson. For students under 10, parental supervision during practice is mandatory. I will establish specific practice time expectations with both students and parents. Your focus in practice should be on quality and consistency. Understand that practice time is crucial for progress and enjoyment in your musical journey. As you advance, expect your practice time to increase.

SEMESTER SCHEDULE/TUITION

Tuition includes a weekly reserved time slot. There are three semesters in a year.
1. Fall Semester: September—December 2024

No lessons on Labor Day, Nevada Day, or Veterans Day (lessons rescheduled)
No lessons November 25–29th

2. Spring Semester: January—April 2025

No lessons March 17–21st
No lessons April 19–30th

3. Summer Semester: May—August 2025

No lessons May 12---16th
No lessons June 15–19th

There are 14 lessons scheduled in the fall and spring semesters. There are 10 lessons scheduled in the summer semester.

Fall and spring semester rates are as follows:
30-minute lessons: $420/semester or $105/month
45-minute lessons: $630/semester or $157.50/month
60-minute lessons: $840/semester or $210/month

Summer semester rates are as follows:
30-minute lessons: $300/semester or $75/month
45-minute lessons: $450/semester or $112.50/month
60-minute lessons: $600/semester or $150/month

All payments are due by the first lesson of the semester or month. After that, a $15 late fee will be charged. Payments can be made using Venmo, cash, or check. My Venmo is @marenthepianist. Tuition rates are subject to change annually.

MAKE-UP LESSON POLICY

Make-up lessons will only be given if the student cancels due to illness. Other than that, there are no make-up lessons available. Tuition covers the scheduled time, not individual lessons attended. If a student cannot make it to their lesson, another sibling or parent may take their scheduled time. Occasionally, I may need to reschedule lessons due to my performance commitments or family emergencies. In such instances, I will contact you to find an alternative time for your lesson.

SUMMER LESSON POLICY

All students are required to sign-up for summer lessons. Students and parents may choose which weeks they want to have lessons. The summer availability form will be sent to parents the first week of May.

RECITALS

There will be three recitals a year: one in April, August, and December. Recitals are great opportunities for my students to meet each other, form friendships, and become confident performers! Repertoire will be given three to four months in advance. As a result, the pieces must be memorized and polished to perform at these recitals. If the student fails to prepare accordingly, they will be asked to skip the recital.

DISCONTINUATION OF LESSONS

If the student decides to stop taking lessons, it is required that a 30-day notice is given. If a 30-day notice is not given, another month of tuition will be charged. If the teacher dismisses the student, lessons and payment will discontinue at the end of that month. The student may be dismissed for the following reasons: poor attitude, violation of studio policies, lack of respect, or not practicing consistently. If a student decides to take a break from lessons, it is required that ½ of the month’s tuition will still be charged to ensure that I will not give their spot in my studio to someone else.