Policies
Teacher: Zina Sonkina
Crescendo Piano Studio
These policies help keep lessons consistent and enjoyable for both students and families.
1. Piano Lessons
Piano lessons are individualized according to each student’s age, experience, ability, and musical goals.
Lessons may include:
- Piano technique and coordination
- Music reading
- Music theory
- Rhythm and ear training
- Music literature
- Repertoire and song study
- Scales, chords, and other fundamentals
- Improvisation and creativity
- Practice strategies
- Preparation for recitals, auditions, or other musical goals
Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore music, and participate actively in their lessons.
2. Weekly Lesson Time
Students are generally assigned a regular weekly lesson time.
The student’s scheduled time is reserved specifically for them. Consistent attendance is an important part of musical progress, and families are encouraged to maintain a regular weekly schedule whenever possible.
Please arrive on time so that the full lesson time can be used.
3. Tuition & Payment
Tuition is based on the student’s lesson length and schedule and will be communicated at the time of enrollment.
Payment is expected according to the payment schedule established with the studio.
Music books, sheet music, theory materials, and other required instructional materials may be an additional expense.
4. Cancellations & Make-Up Lessons
Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice when cancelling a lesson whenever possible.
- A lesson cancelled with sufficient notice may be eligible for a make-up lesson.
- Make-up lessons are offered subject to the teacher’s availability.
- Late cancellations and no-shows may be charged at the regular lesson rate.
- If the teacher needs to cancel, a make-up lesson will be provided.
- Make-up lessons should be scheduled within a reasonable timeframe.
5. Illness Policy
Please keep students home when they are experiencing a contagious illness or significant symptoms.
If a student is sick, please notify the teacher as soon as possible.
6. Practice & Preparation
Practice between lessons is an important part of learning piano.
Students are encouraged to establish a consistent practice routine appropriate for their age and level.
The teacher will provide individualized practice recommendations. Parents/Guardians of younger students are encouraged to help establish a positive and consistent practice routine.
7. Piano or Keyboard at Home
Students should have regular access to an appropriate piano or keyboard for practice at home.
The instrument does not necessarily need to be a traditional acoustic piano. Depending on the student’s level and goals, a suitable digital piano or keyboard may also be appropriate.
Families are welcome to discuss instrument recommendations with the teacher.
8. Music Books & Materials
Students may be asked to purchase method books, repertoire books, sheet music, theory materials, or other resources.
Families will be informed about required materials.
Please bring assigned books and music to lessons so that lesson time can be used effectively.
9. Home Studio Etiquette
Crescendo Piano Studio is located in a private home. Students and families are asked to respect both the music studio and the surrounding home environment.
Please:
- Remain in designated studio areas.
- Treat the piano and other musical equipment carefully.
- Keep food and drinks away from the piano.
- Use respectful language and behavior.
- Keep phones and other distractions away during lessons.
- Respect the privacy of the household.
10. Arrival & Pick-Up
Parents/Guardians are responsible for timely drop-off and pick-up.
Students should not arrive significantly earlier than their scheduled lesson unless an arrangement has been made in advance.
For students under 18, Parents/Guardians remain responsible for the student before and after the scheduled lesson time.
11. Communication
Communication between the teacher and family is an important part of a successful lesson experience.
Families may contact the studio regarding:
- Scheduling
- Cancellations
- Practice questions
- Repertoire
- Music books and materials
- Student progress
- Recitals and performances
For same-day cancellations or urgent scheduling matters, text or phone communication is preferred.
Routine messages will be answered as soon as reasonably possible.
12. Recitals & Performance Opportunities
Students may have opportunities to perform in studio recitals or other musical events.
Performance opportunities are intended to help students develop confidence, stage presence, musical expression, and performance skills.
Participation, repertoire, dates, locations, and preparation requirements will be communicated in advance.
Students are encouraged to participate when appropriate for their individual level and goals.
13. Student Progress
Every student develops at their own pace.
Progress in piano depends on many factors, including:
- Consistent attendance
- Regular practice
- Preparation
- Student engagement
- Musical experience
- Age and developmental stage
- Individual learning style and goals
The teacher will provide guidance, feedback, and individualized instruction but cannot guarantee a particular level of progress or performance outcome.
14. Respectful Learning Environment
Crescendo Piano Studio is committed to creating a welcoming and respectful environment for students.
Students are expected to treat the teacher, other students, the piano, and the studio with respect.
Disruptive, unsafe, or inappropriate behavior may result in a conversation with the Parent/Guardian and, if necessary, discontinuation of lessons.
15. Photography & Video
Photos or videos may occasionally be taken during lessons, recitals, or other studio activities.
Permission will be requested before using a student’s identifiable image or performance for public-facing purposes such as the studio website or social media.
Parents/Guardians may contact the studio regarding photography or video at any time.
16. Withdrawal from Lessons
If a student or family wishes to discontinue piano lessons, advance notice is appreciated.
Any outstanding tuition, lesson fees, late cancellation fees, or other applicable charges remain due upon withdrawal.
The studio may discontinue lessons when necessary due to repeated nonpayment, repeated policy violations, inappropriate behavior, or circumstances that make continuing lessons impractical.
17. Policy Updates
As Crescendo Piano Studio grows, policies may occasionally be updated to better serve students and families.
Families will be notified of significant changes to studio policies.
Thank You
Thank you for choosing Crescendo Piano Studio. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of each student’s musical journey and look forward to helping every student grow as a pianist and musician.