Studio policies

2023-2024

Summer 2023

Greetings! I look forward to sharing some exciting changes that are being made to enhance the studio experience. First of all, I am switching to a tuition-based payment system. Lesson payments are made three times throughout the year. Every student pays for and receives the same number of lessons (35); missed lessons due to illness and conflicts are already factored into tuition payments. This is a common model for many music schools and private studios and I am confident it will save us all time and frustration. In order to reserve your place in the studio for 2023-2024, a non-refundable deposit of $225 (per student) is due no later than August 10th, which will count as your first tuition payment.

I am reminding families about an important requirement: piano students must have a well-maintained piano or full size (88 keys) digital piano with weighted keys, a pedal, and a bench in their home. Many people wonder why this is important. Would you drive a car that only had three wheels, or was missing a steering wheel, or windshield wipers? Of course not. Or maybe everything was mechanically fine with the car, but it was out of gas. Similarly, an instrument that is not satisfying for your student to play, or in good working order, will not provide them with the full experience that piano instruction has to offer.

Other Important Items

Missed/Makeup lessons: Please do not bring sick children to lessons. If your child is ill, please let me know and we will make arrangements for another time/day if possible. Otherwise, I will see them the following week.

As a working mom, I understand that things come up and schedules change. I do my best to accommodate families' ever-changing schedules. That being said, I have to plan my schedule accordingly to make life manageable, and piano teaching is my full-time job. Therefore I can only reschedule makeup lessons during open spots in my regular teaching schedule, which may not be possible due to the number of students I teach.

If lesson attendance becomes an issue (i.e. missing multiple lessons in a row, frequent tardiness) or if students are unprepared on a regular basis, I may choose to terminate lessons. These issues compromise the positive learning environment I work hard to maintain in a one-on-one relationship with your child.

Commitment to Practicing: Students are expected to practice daily. I’ve written about the topic of practicing in two blog posts, here and here. Aim for the same number of minutes as a lesson. That might be less for younger students. It’s just a goal, and it’s not going to look the same every day.

Online lessons: At this time I am no longer offering online lessons. Quality music instruction is best accomplished in person, and I am able to teach students to the best of my ability when they are in my studio.

Lesson Dates & Times: I teach weekdays (Monday - Friday) in my home studio, between the hours of 3:00 - 8:00. There are no lessons on the following dates:

  • Friday, November 10

  • Wednesday, November 22 - Friday, November 24

  • Monday, December 25 - Monday, January 1st

  • Monday, February 19th - Friday, February 23

  • Friday, March 29th - Monday, April 8th

  • Monday, May 27th

Lessons for the school year begin on Monday, September 11th, 2023
Last day of lessons for the school year is Friday, June 14th, 2024
End of year studio recital: Saturday, June 15th, 2024
Monday and Tuesday, 6/17 and 6/18 are reserved for any makeup lessons still needed to be scheduled.

Lesson Fees and Payments

30 minute lesson: $35

45 minute lesson: $45 (teacher recommendation only)

2023-2024 Tuition for 35 30-minute lessons: $1,225

2023-2024 Tuition for 35 45-minute lessons: $1,575

In order to reserve your place in the studio for 2023-2024, a non-refundable deposit of $225 (per student) is due by August 10th. This is your first payment.

Second payment is due on or before September 11th, 2023

30 min: $500
45 min: $675

Third payment/remaining balance is due on or before January 2nd, 2024

30 min: $500
45 min: $675

No refunds are given once payments are made. 


Payments can be made using the following methods:
• Electronic payments via invoice, bank transfer only (no credit cards)
• Check made payable to Beth Fischer
• Cash (least preferred)


Check your spam or junk email folder if you do not receive your invoice. Make sure you have connect@e.connect.intuit.com set as a trusted email address.

Additional Materials & Fees 

Late fee for tuition payments - $50
Gold Cup Festival participation fees - $30

RPTG recital fees - $5
Music books: I will provide all necessary lesson books and materials as a convenience to families. These items will be billed separately and may be paid via cash, check, Venmo or PayPal.


Save the Dates
RPTG /NYSMTA Gold Cup Festival - January 27th, 2024 @ Nazareth University
End of year recital and party - June 15th, 2024. All students are expected to play!


OPEN DOOR POLICY 

You are always welcome to observe your child’s lesson at any time! If you ever have questions or concerns about your child’s piano studies, please do not hesitate to contact me. I’m available by phone/text at (585) 203-6030, or email beth@bethfischerpiano.com.