Policies and Tuition for Adult Students
MISSION OF THE STUDIO
WEEKLY LESSONS
There are 38 piano lessons scheduled from September to June.
Please see attached Piano Studio Lesson Schedule 2023-2024.
* Lesson Schedule is subject to change.
PRACTICING
While well-attended lessons are essential to successful piano study, it must be understood that an estimated 90% of productivity and musical ability come from daily high-quality practice at home.
Lessons will include the development of effective practice skills so that students are clear on how to practice. Practice builds muscle strength, coordination, problem-solving skills, focus, self-discipline, a sense of accomplishment, and the enjoyment of being able to play beautiful music through the process. The client will greatly improve their musical proficiency.
Please see The Guide to Effective Practice for Adults for further instructions.
MONTHLY TUITION
30-minute lessons $210.00
45-minute lessons $315.00
60-minute lessons $420.00
90-minute lessons $630.00
Monthly tuition is due on the 1st day of every month. Monthly tuition is divided evenly throughout the academic year of 10 payments from September to June. Tuition encompasses knowledge, lesson time, overhead costs including lesson and coaching preparation, office hours, etc. Monthly tuition is divided evenly throughout the academic year of 10 payments from September to June. Tuition may be submitted through Zelle to McCathran Piano Studio, through Venmo to Rose McCathran, by a check made to McCathran Piano Studio, or by cash. A monthly invoice will be issued electronically, as will a receipt after collection. Invoices are updated in real-time and serve as receipts after tuition is collected.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Strong attendance is expected at piano lessons. As a courtesy of the studio, one make-up lesson is offered per client per academic year. The studio shall not assume responsibility for the client’s absences outside of this allotted absence. In the event a lesson will need to be missed for cultural/religious observation or extenuating circumstance, make-ups will be offered upon request outside of the allotted absence.
If the client stays home from work on their lesson day due to contagious illness, it is requested they not attend their lesson in person. The teacher has the authority to excuse a contagiously ill client from their in-person piano lesson. If the client is otherwise able to participate in their studies, an online lesson may be held.
CANCELLATION OF LESSONS
In the event of a client cancellation, the teacher is to be contacted via email, text message, or phone call for notification as soon as the client is aware of the cancellation.
In anticipation of absence, clients may choose from the following options to facilitate continued progress:
In the event the teacher needs to cancel due to an unforeseen circumstance, she shall notify clients of the cancellation as soon as possible through email and/or phone. For every cancellation made by the teacher, two make-up date options will be offered to the client. The client is to select one. If the client cancels or does not attend the scheduled make-up lesson, the make-up can no longer be in effect. The teacher reserves the right to offer a credit or electronic critique in lieu of above-mentioned make-up lesson in appropriate circumstances.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Lessons will generally not be held in the studio on days when Lawrence Township Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather. If roads are cleared and passable by the time of the client’s lesson, they may attend their lesson at their own risk. If there is a one or two-hour delay, lessons will still be held according to the lesson schedule.
When Lawrence Township Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, online lessons will be conducted from the studio. The teacher will contact the client to arrange the lesson. This will prioritize safety and will also allow students to adhere to the lesson schedule for optimized progress. Laptops, iPads, Tablets, iPhones/Smartphones, etc. may be used when the camera and microphone is adjusted and set in view of the student at the piano. Clients are to have their music, assignment book, metronome, and a pencil ready to go. Clients are to sign on approximately 5 minutes prior to their lesson time, with all settings appropriately adjusted. They are to call at their lesson time.
In lieu of an online lesson, clients may opt to send the teacher a video recording (i.e. via WhatsApp, Google Drive, Youtube link, etc.) The teacher can provide an electronic critique, utilizing the lesson time to watch, listen, and write a critique and assignment for the week.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Please let the teacher know if the client is interested in participating in festivals/competitions/exams. The teacher must agree to the client’s participation in the particular event prior to the client’s submission, as some events listed may not be age or level appropriate for the client. All participation fees are the responsibility of the client.
SUPPLIES
Clients need:
PURCHASING / RENTING A QUALITY PIANO
Jacobs Pianos can find you the finest pianos in every price range at 3495 US 1, Princeton, NJ, 08540 in the Windsor Green Shopping Center (near Whole Foods). Their number is 609.469.2972. Walk-in and prescheduled appointments are both available.
PIANO TECHNICIAN REFERRAL
Bryan G. Henry
732.431.1059
BryanHenry590@gmail.com
REPERTOIRE
When new repertoire or a method book is assigned, it will be the responsibility of the client to purchase it.
Music in public domain may be printed legally and free of charge at imslp.org.
TERMINATION OF LESSONS
Any client wishing to terminate lessons must do so with 30 days’ notice. Tuition will need to be collected for the 30-day period between notification and formal discontinuation of study. The termination statement must be in writing. Borrowed music/materials will need to be returned to the teacher at the conclusion of study. The teacher reserves the right to make amendments to the schedule as needed at any time. The teacher reserves the right to dismiss a client at any time, effective immediately.
- To develop musicianship in the form of fluent note-reading, ear training, healthy and expressive technique, productive and efficient practice strategies, and effective performance preparation
- To create a positive and encouraging atmosphere in which clients can learn and be comfortable in sharing ideas, enriching their creativity, and developing their artistry
- To tailor lessons and activities to meet individual clients’ unique interests and learning styles
- To facilitate motivation, confidence, and performance experience
- To appreciate the value of self-discipline, hard work, and patience in achieving long term goals
- To instill creative and effective problem-solving skills that clients may transfer in other areas of their lives
- To develop knowledge and understanding in Western Classical Music history
- To share the great tradition of Western Classical Music with others
WEEKLY LESSONS
There are 38 piano lessons scheduled from September to June.
Please see attached Piano Studio Lesson Schedule 2023-2024.
* Lesson Schedule is subject to change.
PRACTICING
While well-attended lessons are essential to successful piano study, it must be understood that an estimated 90% of productivity and musical ability come from daily high-quality practice at home.
Lessons will include the development of effective practice skills so that students are clear on how to practice. Practice builds muscle strength, coordination, problem-solving skills, focus, self-discipline, a sense of accomplishment, and the enjoyment of being able to play beautiful music through the process. The client will greatly improve their musical proficiency.
Please see The Guide to Effective Practice for Adults for further instructions.
MONTHLY TUITION
30-minute lessons $210.00
45-minute lessons $315.00
60-minute lessons $420.00
90-minute lessons $630.00
Monthly tuition is due on the 1st day of every month. Monthly tuition is divided evenly throughout the academic year of 10 payments from September to June. Tuition encompasses knowledge, lesson time, overhead costs including lesson and coaching preparation, office hours, etc. Monthly tuition is divided evenly throughout the academic year of 10 payments from September to June. Tuition may be submitted through Zelle to McCathran Piano Studio, through Venmo to Rose McCathran, by a check made to McCathran Piano Studio, or by cash. A monthly invoice will be issued electronically, as will a receipt after collection. Invoices are updated in real-time and serve as receipts after tuition is collected.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Strong attendance is expected at piano lessons. As a courtesy of the studio, one make-up lesson is offered per client per academic year. The studio shall not assume responsibility for the client’s absences outside of this allotted absence. In the event a lesson will need to be missed for cultural/religious observation or extenuating circumstance, make-ups will be offered upon request outside of the allotted absence.
If the client stays home from work on their lesson day due to contagious illness, it is requested they not attend their lesson in person. The teacher has the authority to excuse a contagiously ill client from their in-person piano lesson. If the client is otherwise able to participate in their studies, an online lesson may be held.
CANCELLATION OF LESSONS
In the event of a client cancellation, the teacher is to be contacted via email, text message, or phone call for notification as soon as the client is aware of the cancellation.
In anticipation of absence, clients may choose from the following options to facilitate continued progress:
- If able, the client may have a Zoom lesson at their lesson time.
- The client may send the teacher a video recording (i.e. via WhatsApp, Google Drive, Youtube link, etc). The teacher can provide an electronic critique, utilizing the lesson time to watch, listen, and write a critique and assignment for the week.
- The client may inquire about a student swap. Please note, however, that an arrangement may not be possible.
- Make-up days are provided during the last week of the academic year.
In the event the teacher needs to cancel due to an unforeseen circumstance, she shall notify clients of the cancellation as soon as possible through email and/or phone. For every cancellation made by the teacher, two make-up date options will be offered to the client. The client is to select one. If the client cancels or does not attend the scheduled make-up lesson, the make-up can no longer be in effect. The teacher reserves the right to offer a credit or electronic critique in lieu of above-mentioned make-up lesson in appropriate circumstances.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Lessons will generally not be held in the studio on days when Lawrence Township Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather. If roads are cleared and passable by the time of the client’s lesson, they may attend their lesson at their own risk. If there is a one or two-hour delay, lessons will still be held according to the lesson schedule.
When Lawrence Township Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, online lessons will be conducted from the studio. The teacher will contact the client to arrange the lesson. This will prioritize safety and will also allow students to adhere to the lesson schedule for optimized progress. Laptops, iPads, Tablets, iPhones/Smartphones, etc. may be used when the camera and microphone is adjusted and set in view of the student at the piano. Clients are to have their music, assignment book, metronome, and a pencil ready to go. Clients are to sign on approximately 5 minutes prior to their lesson time, with all settings appropriately adjusted. They are to call at their lesson time.
In lieu of an online lesson, clients may opt to send the teacher a video recording (i.e. via WhatsApp, Google Drive, Youtube link, etc.) The teacher can provide an electronic critique, utilizing the lesson time to watch, listen, and write a critique and assignment for the week.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
- Recitals: Clients are invited to perform in small-setting, salon-style recitals if they would like. Dates, times, and venues will be provided approximately two months in advance of the recital.
- Community Outreach: Clients are invited to perform in community outreach recital(s) arranged throughout the year.
- Non-Competitive Events: Clients may take part in community musical events and festivals. These events serve as wonderful performance opportunities for clients. They motivate clients to polish their repertoire and reach for higher goals. In addition, they provide clients with feedback from other professionals in the field of piano teaching.
- Competitive Events: Please let the teacher know if the client is interested in participating in piano and/or composition competitions.
- Assessment Opportunities: Exams provided by Royal Conservatory of Music, The Achievement Program, The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, and Trinity Guildhall are internationally recognized. Successful completion of the exams serve as a great mark of achievement. Please let the teacher know of the client’s interest in participating.
Please let the teacher know if the client is interested in participating in festivals/competitions/exams. The teacher must agree to the client’s participation in the particular event prior to the client’s submission, as some events listed may not be age or level appropriate for the client. All participation fees are the responsibility of the client.
SUPPLIES
Clients need:
- A well-maintained grand or upright piano, tuned every six months
- Repertoire assigned by the teacher
- A three-ring binder to hold sheet music and assignment sheets
- An assignment book
- A metronome
- Pencils
PURCHASING / RENTING A QUALITY PIANO
Jacobs Pianos can find you the finest pianos in every price range at 3495 US 1, Princeton, NJ, 08540 in the Windsor Green Shopping Center (near Whole Foods). Their number is 609.469.2972. Walk-in and prescheduled appointments are both available.
PIANO TECHNICIAN REFERRAL
Bryan G. Henry
732.431.1059
BryanHenry590@gmail.com
REPERTOIRE
When new repertoire or a method book is assigned, it will be the responsibility of the client to purchase it.
Music in public domain may be printed legally and free of charge at imslp.org.
TERMINATION OF LESSONS
Any client wishing to terminate lessons must do so with 30 days’ notice. Tuition will need to be collected for the 30-day period between notification and formal discontinuation of study. The termination statement must be in writing. Borrowed music/materials will need to be returned to the teacher at the conclusion of study. The teacher reserves the right to make amendments to the schedule as needed at any time. The teacher reserves the right to dismiss a client at any time, effective immediately.