Expectations of Students
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Study all assigned work before each lesson. GFMS utilizes a grading system and events to ensure progress for students. Good practice habits will result in a respectable practice grade and a superior result at events.
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Bring assignment notebook and all other books and materials to every lesson. If any materials are forgotten, each missing item will result in a 1 point deduction on the lesson grade.
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Focus during lessons. The lesson grade depends on it. Please let me know if there are any physical or psychological issues before starting lessons.
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Communicate likes and dislikes. Communication is important in many aspects of life including piano lessons.
Expectations of Guardians
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There must be a piano (acoustic is preferred) at the home. It is essential that it is in tune and in working order. Contact John Schaldach (schaldach.piano.service@gmail.com) for tuning and repairs.
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Pencils, books, assignment notebook, and metronome (if necessary) need to be near the piano.
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Provide a nice work environment to help student succeed.
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Noise level should be held to a minimum during practice. This helps the student focus better during practice and also emulates the environment of a performance.
Requirements for Students
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Attend the GFMS Annual Recital in May.
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Participate in at least one online performance class before each event.
Payment Information
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New students owe tuition for the current month and all fees at the first lesson.
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Continuing students owe tuition for next month’s lessons at the last lesson of each month.
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Credit cards are accepted through PayPal. Recurring payments using a credit card is an option as well.
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Checks and cash are accepted at the lesson. Checks may be mailed to the studio.
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Payment after the 7th of the month is considered late and are charged a $30 late fee.
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All payments are nonrefundable.
Lesson Scheduling
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The School Session is from September 1st to May 31st. There is a minimum of four lessons per month.
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There are three units during the school year. Fall unit: September, October, and November. Winter unit: December, January, and February. Spring unit: March, April, and May.
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Each unit will be scheduled approximately one month in advance through the online scheduler.
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Preferred time slots will be filled first. If a preferred lesson time occurs on a date or time that the studio is closed, a different lesson date and/or time will be sent.
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Reschedule lessons using the online scheduler at least an hour in advance. Missed lessons are forfeited and no refunds or credits given.
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School Session lessons expire on May 31st. No school session lessons will be given after this date.
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A lesson in April will be dedicated to discussing the contract for the following school year. This lesson will appear as a “Contract Meeting” in the online scheduler. A guardian who can make decisions is required to attend. Please reschedule the meeting if a guardian is not available.
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In the event of a teacher cancellation, rescheduling will be done at least an hour before the lesson time via the online scheduler. Email notification will be sent via the online scheduler.
Online Scheduler
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Access the online scheduler:
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The email sent with suggested lesson times will have a link stating “view appointment details”. Click it and a new page will pop up with a button on the right labeled “Register for an Account”.
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After registering, rescheduling can be accessed through the studio website under “Scheduling”. On the right, there is a link labeled “Log in”. After logging in, lesson times and dates will populate the screen.
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Another option is to go to gfms.acuityscheduling.com. On the right will be a link labeled “Log in”. After logging in, lesson times and dates will populate the screen.
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Reschedule lessons by clicking on the lesson needing rescheduling. A calendar will appear with bold dates containing available times. Click on the preferred date and the available times will appear. Click on the preferred time and then click on reschedule.
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Email reminders will be sent the day before the lesson or performance class.
Fees
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Book Fee – includes the cost of curriculum materials.
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The Book Fee is determined by the teacher based on the current materials the student possesses and the potential need for new materials for the following school year.
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The Beginner Fee covers an assignment notebook, method books, and other materials.
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The Intermediate Fee covers an assignment notebook, classical compositions, jazz or contemporary compositions, a technique book, scale book, theory book, and other materials.
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The Advanced Fee covers an assignment notebook, multiple compilations of specific composers, a technique book, scale book, theory book, and other materials.
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The Booster Book Fee prices are for those who will be continuing in books from the previous year, but may need a few other materials.
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Event Fee - includes the cost of events, performance classes, GFMS Annual Recital, and specific materials necessary for chosen events for the school session.
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Online performance classes are required and will be assigned using the scheduler.
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New students must decide the number of events before the first school session lesson.
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Events may be added at a later date at the teacher's discretion.
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Jazz Festival participants are required to take a minimum of eight lessons over the summer.
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Please see Event Information document for more information.
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Decisions are required by June 1st and payment for both fees is expected on or before that date to reserve a slot for the next school session.
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All fees are nonrefundable.