Policies + Procedures
Welcome to Keys and Reeds Music Studio! Thank you for your time and attention to the policies and procedures listed below.
Initial Interview
Students are accepted into the studio after an initial interview with a parent and the student. A $50 non-refundable deposit will reserve the time and cover the initial materials cost.
Academic Year Schedule
The studio year begins in September and runs through May, with another 5 lessons (the Summer Five) to be scheduled for summer lessons. The complete academic year lesson schedule will be provided in the student binder at the first lesson.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition is based on the full academic year, indicating a commitment to study for the entire academic year. The number of lessons per year multiplied by the cost per lesson will be your yearly tuition. That total cost will be spread out over 5 payments. The payment schedule is the first of September, November, January, March and May. No summer payment is needed as the Summer 6 have been factored in.
Enrolling in lessons is a purchase of the instructor’s services and studio time, including weekly lessons, and time to plan, study, maintain, and manage the studio. Please see the tuition rate flyer for current tuition rates.
Attendance
Regular attendance, with required music, is expected. If you need to cancel a lesson, please notify me at least 2 hours in advance of absence by texting 952.240.1863. Makeup lessons can sometimes be fit into the schedule during that same week, but we often end up rolling makeup lessons into the Summer Six by lengthening those lesson times. A maximum of 3 makeup lessons can be saved for the summer session. Makeups not used by August 31 are forfeited. In the event that the instructor chooses to cancel a lesson, another lesson will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time, or a credit will appear on your next invoice. If a student simply missed a lesson, without notification, the lesson will not be made up.
Tardiness
Students who are late for a lesson cannot be guaranteed their full lesson time. Lessons will end at their scheduled lesson time.
Entering the Studio/Parking
Please use the front door to enter and exit the studio. Students should enter the front door at their lesson time, remove shoes and enter the studio area quietly for their lesson. Parents may park on the street.
Parents and other Children at the lesson
Parents of younger students are encouraged and welcome to attend lessons in order to better understand how to support practice during the week. Parents of students ages 7 and above is not necessary. Parents who stay will remain in the studio space during the lesson. There is no other waiting room space. If you have other children waiting, please try to minimize any distraction they may be causing.
Food/Drink
Please do not bring in outside food or drinks other than bottled water with a lid.
Recitals
If in-person events aren’t possible, we will hold a virtual Zoom recital.
There is a fee of $7 per student to cover in-person recital costs.
In addition to in-person events, we have enjoyed our Zoom recitals, as well. These have been especially great for students who live outside Minnesota and for family members who aren’t able to attend a local recital.
There is no fee for virtual events.
January 21, 2024
Winter Recital
Schmitt Music
Bloomington, MN
May 19, 2024
Spring Showcase
Schmitt Music
Bloomington, MN
February 11*
Music We Love to Play
Virtual via Zoom
*Zoom Recital dates are tentative
Recital Etiquette (for in person recitals)
Students and guests are expected to arrive 15 minutes early and must attend the entire recital. Recital attire is semi-formal.
Practice Requirements
Daily practice is key! Quality of practice is more important than the amount of time practiced. Students should consult their weekly assignments to understand what should be completed. As a general guideline, beginning students are encouraged to practice 20 minutes a day, intermediate students 30 – 45 minutes a day, and advanced students 45 minutes to one hour per day. The more involved parents are in lessons and practice, the greater the reward. The most important time to practice is within 24 hours after the lesson.
Your Piano
Acoustic pianos are strongly preferred, but exceptions can be made for full-sized electronic keyboards (88-keys) with a damper pedal. However, please be advised that keyboards will only allow a certain amount of progress.
Tuning
Proper maintenance of a piano requires two tunings per year. Ask the piano tuner to check the functions of all pedals and keys. Practicing on an instrument that is in tune and has consistent key responsiveness is necessary for all students. As a guideline, the studio piano is tuned in January and June which align with the months that humidity levels change the most.
Parents
As a parent, you have much to do with the success of your child’s music study. Students are motivated to practice when the parent(s) take an active, daily interest. Encouragement is key!!
● Help your child find practice time every day.
● Provide a practice setting free from distractions.
● Supervise your child’s practice each week. Encourage them to perform for friends and family. Be excited about their learning experiences, not necessarily the performance. It is the process of getting somewhere that truly matters.
● Make sure your child brings the correct music and materials to each lesson.
● Regardless of your child’s age, please read his or her notebook and make a note of what he or she should be practicing.
● Observe a lesson. (Observe quietly and without distraction of other siblings.)
Withdrawal
One month’s paid/written notice is required when withdrawing from lessons. Notice of withdrawal must be made in writing to Stacie Young 30 days in advance.