New students may commence at any time throughout the year. All music lessons are carried out one-on-one weekly during the school term.
TUITION FEES
Lessons follow the 4 school term and are typically in 10 week blocks.
Tuition is billed in advance each term and due by the first week of each term. Mid-term enrolments are billed on a pro rata basis for the remaining weeks in the term.
Tuition fee is for the entire term and refund will not be given should a student withdraw before the term ends.
40-Minute Lesson: $600 / 10 week term
45-Minute Lesson: $675 / 10 week term
60-Minute Lesson: $900 / 10 week term
Pre-School individual piano lessons 30 Minute Lesson: $450.00 / 10 week term. 30 minute Group lessons (maximum 2 children) : $350 / 10 week term.
Other fees incurred may include material fees, books and competition/exam entry fees.
Excessive or recurrent lateness in tuition payment may result in the suspension of lessons.
TERM DATES
Our school operates according to Western Australia school calendar. Lessons take place on Monday public holidays unless otherwise specified.
Term 1, 2022: Monday 31 January – Friday 8 April (10 weeks)
Term 2, 2022: Tuesday 26 April – Friday 1 July (10 weeks)
Term 3, 2022: Monday 18 July – Friday 23 September (10 weeks)
Term 4, 2022: Monday 10 October – Friday 16 December (10 weeks)
MISSED LESSON POLICIES
Regular attendance at lessons is essential.
Policy for cancellations are based on WAMTA’s stated policies. Missed lessons cannot be re-scheduled unless a time becomes available during regular teaching hours. Please note your fees reserve a specific timeslot in the weekly schedule for ~ 40 weeks of the school year. Special exception may be made at the discretion of the teacher. Make-ups will be offered in the case of a teacher cancellation.
PRACTICE and PARENTAL SUPPORT
Lesson attendance, alongside a consistent weekly practice schedule is critical for your child’s musical progress. Your support and encouragement in providing the right environment for this to take place is also important.
This repetitive action teaches not only responsibility but also patience, good attitude, consistency, concentration and tenacity. Your positive actions hold a vital role in shaping your child’s musical as well as educational future.
Consistent progress results in pride, satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
Independent home practice time is critical.
Without regular practice, progress will be slow and frustrating. If a student fails to show normal advancement through regular practice and lesson preparation, I, as the teacher, reserve the right to terminate lessons.
Before committing to lessons, please evaluate your understanding of the importance of regular practice and your willingness as a parent to work with your child toward achieving this necessary time.
Again, parental support and involvement are crucial to your child’s success.
Regular practice time divided into smaller, focused practice segments is much preferred to one or two crammed practice sessions a week. The suggested timeframe for a young beginner student is a minimum of 20 minutes 5 days each week as consistency is the key to long term success. Students studying for exams or preparing for festival performances will need to increase this practice time.
If you have more than one child taking lessons, they may come together and quietly work on music worksheets or on computer based activities while waiting for their lesson. If they cause a disturbance, they will not be allowed to wait in the studio. They may bring snacks. Parents are required to be present during the lesson to help follow through on practice activities during the week ahead.
PIANO and METRONOME
All students will need to have a piano at home for daily practising. A tuned acoustic piano or a digital piano with 88 weighted and “touch sensitive” keys plus proper foot pedals is acceptable for early levels. All students will need a metronome.
PIANO RECITALS
Quarterly recitals are held in conjunction with 2 other local piano studios to give students performance experience. Selected students are invited to participate in these recitals. This is an excellent opportunity for students to perform in a non-competitive and friendly environment. It also helps to build students’ confidence in sharing their music with others. This is a family affair where family, relatives, and friends are welcome. We hold an exclusive Vivo Piano Recital at the end of the calendar year when all students perform.
PRACTICAL EXAMINATIONS & EISTEDDFODS
Students can enrol for a practical music examination when they are ready under the guidance of your tutor. It can serve as a motivation for students to work hard toward a goal. However, some students progress better without the additional pressure of examinations. Therefore, a careful decision is made only after consultation between the tutor and the parent/student. Some students find Eisteddfod competitions rewarding experiences.
The tutor may recommend students for a competition when they are ready.
THEORY EXAMINATIONS
Music theory is an integral part of music study. Students who are ready to take the theory examination will be encouraged to do so.
