Studio Policies

Instruction

Weekly private lessons for either 45 or 60 minutes are offered which include an integrated music theory program as well as performance opportunities throughout the year.  Students are taught a multitude of skills including scale studies, sight-reading, piano technique through exercises and etudes as well as repertoire from a variety of musical genres.  The aim is to provide ongoing support so that each student is empowered with the tools to be successful in their piano studies as well as gain an appreciation of music. 

Tuition and Payment

Tuition is billed in ten equal monthly installments based on 36 weekly private lessons from September through June.  A $100 deposit is due by August 1st to reserve your spot and will be applied toward your final tuition payment of the school year (June).  There will be a $25 performance fee due in the spring of each year for those students who participate in the studio’s performance classes and events.  Tuition will be raised annually based on the current consumer price index.

Payment is due by the first of the month and no later than the first lesson of the month. Invoices will be sent via email or through PayPal.   Checks to the studio should be sent to Engel Music Studio: 5809 Cherrymeadow Court, Derwood, Maryland 20855. 

General Calendar

The studio is closed for certain holidays throughout the year as well as the week of Christmas and Spring break.  In general, the studio aims to coincide its schedule with Montgomery County, Maryland’s academic school year.

At the Studio

Students are expected to arrive for lessons on time with all of their materials and music.  Parents and siblings may utilize the studio’s waiting room areas including the outdoor deck which is connected to the piano studio as well as wait in their vehicle in the driveway or run errands during student’s lessons as long as they return in timely fashion or notify the teacher if they are running late.

Practice and Instrument

Students are expected to practice daily on a well-maintained acoustic piano or full-sized (88 key) digital piano.  It is recommended that acoustic pianos be tuned twice a year. 

Practice and Assignments

Students are expected to track their daily home practice either through keeping a log in their practice notebook or using an app called Tonara.  Weekly practice assignments are sent via Tonara or provided to students after each lesson.  To discuss student progress, parents are welcome to talk to Tamara before or after lessons as well as via email or a phone call.

Materials

Students are recommended to use a canvas tote bag to carry books to and from lessons.  The teacher will purchase music for each student, at a teacher’s discount, which will be added to student’s invoice following the date of purchase.

Performances

Students are encouraged to participate in all studio performances classes (held throughout the year as noted on the studio schedule) as well as special studio gatherings for family and friends.  These classes are wonderful opportunities for students to gain confidence in performance skills as well as to listen to other peers and be part of a musical community.

Missed Lessons

If a student is unable to attend their regularly scheduled lesson for any reason, they have several options including:  (a) swapping lessons with another student (b) scheduling a lesson in another open slot through Studio Bookings through the studio website or (c) sending recordings of each of their in progress assignments that week via the Tonara app, for teacher feedback.  Please ensure that any schedule changes are given to the teacher at least 24 hours in advance.

Each student is allowed one make up lesson due to illness per semester (one for the time period between September-December and one for the time period between January and June).  These will be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time between teacher and student.

Discontinuing Lessons

If a student or parent is unable to continue lessons at any time, the teacher asks that at least one month’s notice be given in order to allow lessons to cease with a positive sense of closure as well as to give the teacher time in order to fill the student’s spot.

Summer Months

Our studio offers an 8 week summer session culminating in a Summer Performance class.  It is highly encouraged that students continue with lessons in order to keep the skills they have gained throughout the year as well as explore more imaginative piano repertoire when they are free from the school year academic routine.  Ideally, a minimum of 5 lessons are encouraged during the summer.  Students and parents can schedule lessons via Studio Bookings located on the studio website and take advantage of special summer packages that can be used at any time during the summer teaching months.  This makes it flexible for family vacation plans as well as allowing for a more relaxed summer pace for students.

Online Lessons

Online lessons are available through Zoom or FaceTime and offer students a way to progress in their music studies when they are unable to attend lessons in person.

Inclement Weather Days

If a student is unable to attend their lesson due to our the ability to travel safely to the studio or if the studio is not able to open due to road closures, lessons can be arranged via Zoom or FaceTime or another mutually agreeable time and day.

Illness and Studio Safety

It is imperative that students do not attend lessons if they are ill (Please see our studio make up policy for sick days).  Students will be asked to wash their hands upon arriving to our studio and hand sanitizer will be available to all families.  The teacher will ensure that the piano and all surrounding areas are sanitized before and after each student’s level.

Parent Participation

Parents are encouraged to be supportive and active participants in practice at home.  Teacher will provide the parent with ongoing support in order to ensure the student’s home practice is successful.

Communication

  • Students and parents will receive emails from time to time in order to communicate piano practice strategies, performance announcements as well as other insights that benefit students and parents with regard to playing and listening to music. 

  • Studio website:  Visit engelmusicstudio@yahoo.com to find studio policies, schedule and more.

  • Social Media:  Follow the studio’s Facebook Page to see occasional announcements, highlights of student’s success (shared with permission) and more.

  • Tonara:  The Tonara app allows students to regularly stay in touch with the teacher regarding their learning and practicing. 

The best way to contact Tamara is via text message, but emails and phone calls are also welcome.

By enrolling yourself or your child as a student of Engel Music Studio, you agree to abide by the terms of this Studio policy.