Policies & Tuition
Tuition, Materials, and Fees
Policy Part 1
Policy Part 1
General Information: Our music program is offered to preschoolers, homeschoolers, children and teens grades k-12, and adults. Beginner and intermediate level piano lessons are taught on a weekly basis.
Consultation: All students interested in lessons must schedule a free consultation.
The consultation consists of an introductory lesson to evaluate whether the student is ready for formal lessons and lasts approximately 30 minutes. If all parties agree to lessons, the paperwork will be filled out and the Registration & Lesson Fees will be given to save the student’s lesson time. A student’s lesson time will only be saved if the Registration & Lesson Fees are submitted.
The consultation consists of an introductory lesson to evaluate whether the student is ready for formal lessons and lasts approximately 30 minutes. If all parties agree to lessons, the paperwork will be filled out and the Registration & Lesson Fees will be given to save the student’s lesson time. A student’s lesson time will only be saved if the Registration & Lesson Fees are submitted.
Materials Needed for Lessons: Students must have access to a well-maintained acoustic piano or weighted keyboard/digital piano for daily practice. The student will be given an assignment notebook at their first lesson (ages 5+), which will be used to keep track of assigned pieces and practice suggestions/goals for each week.
Studio Semesters and Number of Lessons: The Fall/Spring Semesters are based on a 9-month calendar (Sep – May). Fall Semester has 13 lessons and Spring Semester has 17 lessons. Most studio breaks coincide with the school systems in this area, but some holidays (e.g. Columbus Day) are not observed and lessons will occur.
Summer schedule is announced mid-spring. Students who take lessons in the summer are guaranteed a spot during the Fall semester. Students who take the summer off will be placed on a waiting list for Fall.
Tuition and Payment: Lesson fee is set at fair compensation for the benefits offered to each student. Payments are made by cash, PayPal, credit card, or money order. We do not accept checks. We offer various payment plans:
Payment Plans
Option #1 – Full Semester payment- Lessons are paid for at the signing of the contract. *If you choose this option, the first TWO lessons in the term will be free.
Option #2 – ½ Semester Payments- The first half of semester’s lessons are paid when the contract is turned in. Final semester’s payment is due mid-term (i.e. at 7th lesson during fall semester and 9th lesson during spring semester) *If you choose this option, you will receive ONE FREE LESSON.
Option #3- Monthly Payments – Payments due 1st lesson of each month. First payment is due at signing of contract. Invoices are sent out one week prior to payment dates.
***NOTE: Lessons are prorated if student is enrolled a few weeks after initial start date of term(s)***
***Sibling discounted rates: $10 off each additional sibling***
Inquiries: For current tuition rates, please contact Music Is For Me's Studio via email or call 843-696-3520.
Summer schedule is announced mid-spring. Students who take lessons in the summer are guaranteed a spot during the Fall semester. Students who take the summer off will be placed on a waiting list for Fall.
Tuition and Payment: Lesson fee is set at fair compensation for the benefits offered to each student. Payments are made by cash, PayPal, credit card, or money order. We do not accept checks. We offer various payment plans:
Payment Plans
Option #1 – Full Semester payment- Lessons are paid for at the signing of the contract. *If you choose this option, the first TWO lessons in the term will be free.
Option #2 – ½ Semester Payments- The first half of semester’s lessons are paid when the contract is turned in. Final semester’s payment is due mid-term (i.e. at 7th lesson during fall semester and 9th lesson during spring semester) *If you choose this option, you will receive ONE FREE LESSON.
Option #3- Monthly Payments – Payments due 1st lesson of each month. First payment is due at signing of contract. Invoices are sent out one week prior to payment dates.
***NOTE: Lessons are prorated if student is enrolled a few weeks after initial start date of term(s)***
***Sibling discounted rates: $10 off each additional sibling***
Inquiries: For current tuition rates, please contact Music Is For Me's Studio via email or call 843-696-3520.
Registration Fee: There is an annual non-refundable $50.00 registration fee for books in addition to tuition at the beginning of the term. To make things easier for busy parents, I will provide all music and give it to the students at their lessons. I will order and deliver needed books throughout the term to save the student the time and cost of finding and/or ordering books.
Studio Policies
Part 2
Part 2
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Studio Year Session Dates
Regular Session Dates: Fall: September 11, 2017 - December 16, 2017 Spring: January 8, 2018 - May 12, 2018 Registration for 2018 classes begin NOW! |
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Schedule: Lessons are once a week, for 30 or 60 minutes, and given on the same day and time. The student’s tuition installment reserves one day and time in the studio each week. Students do well with a set lesson schedule as it allows the same amount of days each week to practice. If at any time you would like to change the on-going lesson day, time, and/or length, please contact me for availability.
Holidays: Major holidays are observed by the studio, but not all school holidays are studio holidays. Please note that Monday students will have lessons on many of the Monday minor holidays. See calendar for studio/holiday closings.
Recitals: Recitals offer students a great sense of accomplishment and pride for their hard work. They also help them learn the importance of setting and achieving goals. Students at Music Is For Me, LLC will be given the opportunity to participate in recitals each year. Recitals are not mandatory, but all students are strongly encouraged to participate. Dates will be set as early as possible so that friends and relatives can make plans to attend.
Tardiness: The student has a time reserved in my schedule. I will honor this appointment conscientiously. In order for other students to be given the same consideration, I cannot allow a lesson to extend into another time period. Therefore, if the student arrives late, the lesson will end at the usual time without adjustment in fee. (Please be sure your child is inside before driving away!) Please be prepared to pick up your child immediately after their lesson is over. I am not equipped to care for children other than the next student, and many times will have to leave.
Absenteeism: Enrolling for lessons is a purchase of teacher and studio time, prepared in advance to be free from interruptions and distractions. A lesson missed is time lost.
Illness: If the student is ill, please have him/her stay at home to rest. This is for the well-being of the student and to avoid the spreading of illness to me and the other piano students. If a student comes to a lesson and appears ill, the instructor reserves the right to cancel the lesson. Thank you in advance for protecting the health of all in the studio!
Missed lessons will be made up at the discretion and availability of the instructor, but whether made up or not, will be charged as a lesson attended.
If a student needs to cancel a lesson for any reason, you must notify me 24 hours in advance so that I may use any open times for make-up lessons. You may contact me at home, or leave a message. Failure to notify me in advance will result in forfeit of lessons. Repeat “no shows” will result in removal from the schedule without tuition reimbursement (3-Strike Rule).
Holidays: Major holidays are observed by the studio, but not all school holidays are studio holidays. Please note that Monday students will have lessons on many of the Monday minor holidays. See calendar for studio/holiday closings.
Recitals: Recitals offer students a great sense of accomplishment and pride for their hard work. They also help them learn the importance of setting and achieving goals. Students at Music Is For Me, LLC will be given the opportunity to participate in recitals each year. Recitals are not mandatory, but all students are strongly encouraged to participate. Dates will be set as early as possible so that friends and relatives can make plans to attend.
Tardiness: The student has a time reserved in my schedule. I will honor this appointment conscientiously. In order for other students to be given the same consideration, I cannot allow a lesson to extend into another time period. Therefore, if the student arrives late, the lesson will end at the usual time without adjustment in fee. (Please be sure your child is inside before driving away!) Please be prepared to pick up your child immediately after their lesson is over. I am not equipped to care for children other than the next student, and many times will have to leave.
Absenteeism: Enrolling for lessons is a purchase of teacher and studio time, prepared in advance to be free from interruptions and distractions. A lesson missed is time lost.
Illness: If the student is ill, please have him/her stay at home to rest. This is for the well-being of the student and to avoid the spreading of illness to me and the other piano students. If a student comes to a lesson and appears ill, the instructor reserves the right to cancel the lesson. Thank you in advance for protecting the health of all in the studio!
Missed lessons will be made up at the discretion and availability of the instructor, but whether made up or not, will be charged as a lesson attended.
If a student needs to cancel a lesson for any reason, you must notify me 24 hours in advance so that I may use any open times for make-up lessons. You may contact me at home, or leave a message. Failure to notify me in advance will result in forfeit of lessons. Repeat “no shows” will result in removal from the schedule without tuition reimbursement (3-Strike Rule).
Practice and Student/Parent/Teacher Responsibilities
Practice: There are no set practice requirements. Guidelines are given, and practice suggestions are made, but you must decide what is reasonable for your student, considering such things as amount of homework, other extra-curricular and family commitments, and your musical goals. However, even if a student has had no time at all to practice in any given week, it is still important to attend the lesson. The quality of practice time is more important than the quantity of practice time. It is only the student’s rate of progress that will be affected by lack of practice.
Student Responsibility: The student will bring the correct music and materials to lessons and be ready to begin on time. Students are encouraged to participate in events. Proper concert attire is expected for performances; i.e. recitals- coat and tie for gentlemen; dress/skirt attire for ladies; dress shoes for all.
I expect students to have washed their hands thoroughly at home or when they get here. No food, gum, or drink is allowed during lessons-----No Exceptions!! Long fingernails preclude the development of good piano technique, so please be sure they are trimmed very short--no longer than the end of the finger. This is necessary preparation for every lesson. If they are too long, we may use the lesson time to study theory.
Students are expected to enter the area quietly and not disturb other students or the teacher when she is working with another student. Students who are disruptive or disinterested in lessons will be asked to leave the program.
Student Responsibility: The student will bring the correct music and materials to lessons and be ready to begin on time. Students are encouraged to participate in events. Proper concert attire is expected for performances; i.e. recitals- coat and tie for gentlemen; dress/skirt attire for ladies; dress shoes for all.
I expect students to have washed their hands thoroughly at home or when they get here. No food, gum, or drink is allowed during lessons-----No Exceptions!! Long fingernails preclude the development of good piano technique, so please be sure they are trimmed very short--no longer than the end of the finger. This is necessary preparation for every lesson. If they are too long, we may use the lesson time to study theory.
Students are expected to enter the area quietly and not disturb other students or the teacher when she is working with another student. Students who are disruptive or disinterested in lessons will be asked to leave the program.
Parental Support is an extremely important factor in musical training. Students whose parents take an active role in their progress tend to be more enthusiastic and productive. Create a quiet space where the student can practice, and schedule a time for rehearsal.
Praise and encouragement are the parent’s greatest tools in helping a young musician. Sit down and listen to your child’s practice lessons immediately following their lessons. Then listen again just before the next lesson. Comment upon the improvement you hear.
Try to let your little maestro take complete responsibility for practicing. If needed, a weekly practice chart may be kept and reviewed at lessons.
Experience has shown that the vast majority of students are more relaxed and perform better for the teacher if parents and/or visitors are not present at the lesson. Therefore, in order to ensure the best possible learning environment for your child; parents, friends and other family members will not be expected to attend lessons unless prior arrangements have been made.
Note: There will be times, especially for first-time students that parents will be asked to hear the wonderful music their maestros’ have produced.
Praise and encouragement are the parent’s greatest tools in helping a young musician. Sit down and listen to your child’s practice lessons immediately following their lessons. Then listen again just before the next lesson. Comment upon the improvement you hear.
Try to let your little maestro take complete responsibility for practicing. If needed, a weekly practice chart may be kept and reviewed at lessons.
- Important note: Sometime during the course of taking piano lessons, your maestro may say something like, "I don’t want to practice," or "I’m too tired to go to piano lessons," or "I don’t want to go- I want to play with my friends," "I want to quit," etc… Just be aware that your child’s interest will probably not be consistent; but to be successful, you will need to be consistent in your encouragement and commitment to music instruction. In most cases, simply acknowledge your child’s comments, but then go on with your normal routine just as you would if you heard the comment, "I don’t want to brush my teeth," "I don’t want to stop playing with my toys," or "I don’t want to go to bed."
Experience has shown that the vast majority of students are more relaxed and perform better for the teacher if parents and/or visitors are not present at the lesson. Therefore, in order to ensure the best possible learning environment for your child; parents, friends and other family members will not be expected to attend lessons unless prior arrangements have been made.
Note: There will be times, especially for first-time students that parents will be asked to hear the wonderful music their maestros’ have produced.
Teacher Responsibility: The teacher accepts the responsibility to provide an atmosphere, equipment and knowledge for an on-going thorough music education. You can expect the teacher to maintain membership in professional organizations and to strive to keep up with the latest advances in teaching music. You can expect that with your support and the student’s hard work, the teacher will bring to light the musical potential of your child through regular instruction that includes a balanced repertoire, progressive technique, theory, and music history. The teacher, however, cannot learn for the student.
I provide fun, high quality, well prepared lessons, and a positive learning environment. I will encourage and motivate students to practice as well as demonstrate a love of music. I will respect students’ opinions and value their creativity. I will constantly encourage communication between student/parent and teacher, answer any questions, and help to solve problems.
Teacher Responsibility: The teacher accepts the responsibility to provide an atmosphere, equipment and knowledge for an on-going thorough music education. You can expect the teacher to maintain membership in professional organizations and to strive to keep up with the latest advances in teaching music. You can expect that with your support and the student’s hard work, the teacher will bring to light the musical potential of your child through regular instruction that includes a balanced repertoire, progressive technique, theory, and music history. The teacher, however, cannot learn for the student.
I provide fun, high quality, well prepared lessons, and a positive learning environment. I will encourage and motivate students to practice as well as demonstrate a love of music. I will respect students’ opinions and value their creativity. I will constantly encourage communication between student/parent and teacher, answer any questions, and help to solve problems.
Discontinuing Lessons
Discontinuing Lessons: Each student is enrolled for a semester. Your signed Enrollment Agreement confirms this. Sometimes, however, change becomes necessary. Lessons may be terminated by either party - you or the teacher - as follows:
By You: A one month advance written notice explaining reasons for termination of lessons and payment in full of all funds owed is required in the event of lesson termination by the adult student or parent. This lead-time is necessary in order to schedule someone from the waiting list. Then I would like to schedule a parent/student teacher conference before the last lesson to establish if this is something temporary or needs to be done. If after the meeting, the student still wants to discontinue lessons, the student is advised to finish the remainder of the month or forego any unused lessons, as there is no refund given. Calling the teacher is not an acceptable withdrawal notice. Non-payment of any amount will be turned over for collection and relevant collection fees will be added.
By the Teacher: Lessons may be terminated by the teacher in the event of on-going irregular attendance, repeated failure to prepare assigned material, disruptive behavior, equipment damage, theft, breach of these policies and/or ethics or after two (2) late tuition payments. Non-payment of any amount will be turned over for collection and relevant collection fees will be added.
By You: A one month advance written notice explaining reasons for termination of lessons and payment in full of all funds owed is required in the event of lesson termination by the adult student or parent. This lead-time is necessary in order to schedule someone from the waiting list. Then I would like to schedule a parent/student teacher conference before the last lesson to establish if this is something temporary or needs to be done. If after the meeting, the student still wants to discontinue lessons, the student is advised to finish the remainder of the month or forego any unused lessons, as there is no refund given. Calling the teacher is not an acceptable withdrawal notice. Non-payment of any amount will be turned over for collection and relevant collection fees will be added.
By the Teacher: Lessons may be terminated by the teacher in the event of on-going irregular attendance, repeated failure to prepare assigned material, disruptive behavior, equipment damage, theft, breach of these policies and/or ethics or after two (2) late tuition payments. Non-payment of any amount will be turned over for collection and relevant collection fees will be added.
Safety, Communications, and Disclaimers
Safety: Safety is very important at Music Is For Me, LLC and every effort will be made on my part to confirm the student's safety. By registering, you agree that Music Is For Me, LLC and Tonia Stoney are released from any liabilities, accidents or injuries that may incur from the enrolled student with the participation of piano lessons and piano events.
Communication: Reminders will be sent by e-mail, text messages, and printed newsletters. I send information regarding tuition installments, recitals, lesson reminders, holiday reminders, registration, etc. Feel free contact to me by e-mail or phone. Feel free to call between 2 PM and 6:30 PM and I will return your call as soon as possible. Email me anytime!
Photo and Video Release Disclaimer: I have social media pages that include Teaching Tips on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc. as well as my own blog and website at musicisforme.com. There are times when I use short videos and photos of my students on these sites, in addition to YouTube posts. These videos, posts, and blogs are welcomed and also helpful to other instructors, as it assists in professional development in the world of piano teaching. If you do not want your child's image(s) to be used, please let me know. Students love seeing their pictures and videos on my social media page(s), blogs, and or website. Kids and teens get excited knowing they are performing their favorite music selections on social media sites. It also inspires and motivates them knowing that others are interested in what they are learning. The students are identified only by first name.
Communication: Reminders will be sent by e-mail, text messages, and printed newsletters. I send information regarding tuition installments, recitals, lesson reminders, holiday reminders, registration, etc. Feel free contact to me by e-mail or phone. Feel free to call between 2 PM and 6:30 PM and I will return your call as soon as possible. Email me anytime!
Photo and Video Release Disclaimer: I have social media pages that include Teaching Tips on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc. as well as my own blog and website at musicisforme.com. There are times when I use short videos and photos of my students on these sites, in addition to YouTube posts. These videos, posts, and blogs are welcomed and also helpful to other instructors, as it assists in professional development in the world of piano teaching. If you do not want your child's image(s) to be used, please let me know. Students love seeing their pictures and videos on my social media page(s), blogs, and or website. Kids and teens get excited knowing they are performing their favorite music selections on social media sites. It also inspires and motivates them knowing that others are interested in what they are learning. The students are identified only by first name.
Jackie F.
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Thank you Mrs. Tonia for providing affordable, individualized piano lessons for my daughter Jada in a family-friendly environment. May God continuously bless you and "Music is For Me"!!!
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Veronica W.
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As a former student of Music is for Me LLC, I enhanced my musical background and enjoyed every minute. The studio has a lot to offer for all ages and various skill levels - from the tiny tots to the highly seasoned!! If you're interested in taking piano lessons, contact the studio for a consultation today!!!
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