Lesson Times
Lessons are a weekly commitment for children. This is a 2 way commitment – I commit to making myself available at the agreed lesson time every week, and I expect students to make their music lesson a priority. Pre-payment of your lesson will reserve your lesson time for you for the month ahead.
Missing a lesson for any reason does not require me to provide additional lesson time. I simply do not have the capacity to offer make-up lessons, and found that when I did offer them, piano lessons were not treated as a priority. It is not fair to expect me to reorganise my schedule to accommodate your social life. The flat fee structure has 8 absences built in to allow you to miss some lessons without fear of “missing out”. I am able to offer online classes for the student to learn from home if they are unwell or isolating, or do not have an adult available to drive them.
If I need to cancel a lesson, I will arrange a replacement lesson outside of my regular working hours to honour my side of the commitment. This is only done in extenuating circumstances, generally for medical reasons.
Lessons continue year round. In 2026 the number of included absences has been increased to 8 so that the studio can close for 2 weeks over Christmas, as most students cancel their lessons during that time. Lessons do go ahead on other public holidays.
Flat-fee lesson slots are not available to adults, unless they commenced lessons with me as a child and have continued in their same weekly lesson slot after 18. Casual lessons are available to be booked online by adults at a mutually convenient time, including during school hours. Lesson packages are available to provide more economical options for adults who are wanting to commit to more lessons.
Lesson Fees
Children’s lessons are paid via a flat fee each month. This fee does not reflect the number of lessons conducted that month, but smooths out payment over the full year, allowing for a certain number of absences. Students who are never absent effectively enjoy bonus “free” lessons. Lesson and theory books are included in this flat fee.
Payment must be made via direct debit, 7 days before the start of the month ahead. Overdue payments will automatically incur a $10 Late Fee.
For casual lessons, payment is required on booking of the lesson. Lesson and theory books are NOT included as part of the casual lesson fee.
A lesson will not go ahead if payment has not been received for that lesson by the start of the lesson time.
Regular late payment of tuition will result in the termination of lessons.
Practising between Lessons
Practising between lessons is essential for progress to be made. Please Home Practise Expectations page. Please log into the Student Portal to record how much practice is done and access resources that will help make practise easier.
If an iPad is available at home, I can also assign sight reading practice via the Piano Maestro app.