As students grow musically, they will discover a love for music that will give them an appreciation of the arts for the years to come. If you are interested in online or in-person lessons, please read the studio’s policies below prior to registering:
Piano Practice
Students see progress when they practice their assignments deliberately and accurately for six to seven days per week in a distraction free environment. Working on this art form takes time, energy and focus. To accomplish this, parents are encouraged to schedule out a consistent practice time and to provide incentives to help develop good practicing habits.
If the student is under the age of 10, a parent is required to be committed to practice daily with the student for maturity purposes. To assist in the practice experience, students are provided an online platform, such as Practice Space, to encourage daily practice.
Basic Materials for Lessons and Practicing
- Tuned acoustic piano* OR weighted, hammer-action keyboard with sustain pedal
- Adjustable bench
- Foot stool (for younger students to support their feet)
- Folder for sheet music/handouts
- Music Books or Sheet Music
- Pencil Pouch or Pencil Box
- Pencils with Eraser
- Color Pencils
- Nail clipper
- Metronome (an app on device is acceptable)
*Acoustic pianos need to be tuned annually, just like a vehicle that needs maintenance. Acoustic instruments hold their value longer when maintenance is performed every year and help students to better train their listening skills. Please contact me for Piano Tuner Recommendations or consider investing in a weighted, hammer-action keyboard.
Basic Apps to download:
Equipment for Online Lessons
If you are considering music lessons online full-time (or part-time), there is equipment that you can purchase, which will enhance the experience and provide more visual and audio clarity.
Registration & Scheduling
Private Piano Lessons are available in durations of 30, 45, 60 or 90 minutes throughout the year in-person or online. Weekly lessons are offered during the academic year, but if that is not conducive to your schedule, you may choose to schedule intermittent lessons instead.
Online registration is required annually to enroll into lessons for the Academic Year. Please refer to the calendar for further details. If the student would like to mix between in-person and online lessons, the parent and teacher will create a schedule to prevent any misunderstanding of the schedule.
To complete the registration process, parents will need to submit payment (click here for details) to hold their scheduled lesson time. If payment isn’t received before the first lesson of the semester, the lesson time may be relinquished. (Students using the Step-up Program funds will reserve funds once they have been distributed).
If a student needs to discontinue lessons, please notify the instructor via email in writing 30 days prior to the last lesson. No refunds will be provided.
At any time of the year, the instructor has the freedom to drop current students or deny prospective students. In the event that the instructor needs to dismiss a student from the studio, written notification will be provided.
Cancellations
If the instructor cancels a lesson due to an unforeseen circumstance, the instructor will notify the student and the lesson will be rescheduled to another date and time.
If a student is unable to attend their scheduled lesson time, there are two options available:
- Students may attend their regular lesson time virtually (a zoom link will be provided before the lesson). Pictures of completed written theory homework or pdfs of their current repertoire may be requested by the instructor.
- Students may submit videos of their assignments through Practice Space. The instructor will listen, watch, analyze and send a Feedback Video, providing commentary catered to your musician’s needs and providing answers pertinent to your student’s questions. This flexible option encourages students to rehearse, listen and practice the materials at a pace that suits them. The benefits of a Video Lesson:
- Students practice their music before recording it, encouraging them to “perform” to the best of their ability on the video.
- Students can watch the teacher’s Feedback Video as many times as necessary.
- It provides more flexibility for the parent, and one less thing to schedule into their busy and full lives.
When a situation arises where the student cannot make it to the studio for their lesson (ex. inclement weather; unable to find a ride; family vacation time has been extended; the student is not feeling well), the student should notify the teacher and have their lesson online (via Zoom, Face time) or opt for a Virtual or Video Feedback Lesson. Please note that all lessons are to be completed by the last week of the Academic Year.
If a student does not show up to the scheduled lesson (in-person or online), the lesson is forfeited. No refunds or credits will be given for missed or canceled lessons. Outside of these circumstances and emergencies (i.e. car accident, death of family member), lessons cancelled within 24-hours of the scheduled lesson may opt for a Video Feedback Lesson. Music activities and performances, which are at scheduled times other than the student’s regular lesson, will be considered make-up lesson times for last-minute cancellations. If a make-up lesson is not necessary, consider these extra opportunities a bonus for the student.
Release of Liability Agreement
I, the Parent/Legal Guardian or student, acknowledge, understand, and agree to the following:
I release and hold harmless Expressive Keys, Inc., its owner, and operators from any and all liability, demands, claims, and causes of action whatsoever, arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by the participant and/or the undersigned, while in or upon vicinity under the control and supervision of Expressive Keys, Inc., its owner, and operators or in route to or from any of the said premises. For the safety of all our students, Expressive Keys, Inc., reserves the right to not allow participation in lessons if they are sick or have a malady that may be contagious.
I agree to hold Expressive Keys, Inc. and its members harmless and released of liability, so I will not sue Expressive Keys, Inc. or its teachers and office workers for any consequence, which includes injury, illness, and/or death (of either myself, my child, or anyone with whom I come into contact).
Photo & Video Release Agreement
For good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, I hereby grant Expressive Keys, Inc. permission to use my child’s likeness in a photograph or video recording in any and all of its publications, including but not limited to all of Expressive Keys, Inc. printed and digital publications. I understand and agree that any photograph or video recording using my child’s likeness will become property of Expressive Keys Inc. and will not be returned.
I acknowledge that since my participation with Expressive Keys, Inc. is voluntary, I will receive no financial compensation.
I hereby irrevocably authorize Expressive Keys, Inc. to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish or distribute this photo or video for purposes of publicizing Expressive Keys, Inc.’s programs or for any other related, lawful purpose. In addition, I waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product, including written or electronic copy, wherein my child’s likeness appears. Additionally, I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising out of, or related to, the use of the photograph or video recording.
I acknowledge that I may request photos and videos not to be captured or recorded from the date of my email request sent to Expressive Keys, Inc.: https://expressivekeys.com/contact/
I hereby hold harmless and release and forever discharge Expressive Keys, Inc. from all claims, demands, and causes of action which I, my heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on my behalf or on behalf of my estate have or may have by reason of this authorization.
Expressive Keys 