Musikgarten Musikgarten

       The Ellen Johansen Music Studio

 8 Stratton Square East Hampton, NY 11937

631-418-5497 

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Policy for piano lessons

Piano lesson Policy 

Effective Date: June 1, 2025
Lesson Period: September 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

 

 

TUITION – 30 LESSON PACKAGE

All registered students commit to 30 private piano lessons between September 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Lessons beyond the 30-lesson package are billed separately. All lessons must be completed by June 30, 2026—unused lessons are forfeited after this date.

 

 

PAYMENT OPTIONS

Tuition covers the full academic year (30 lessons) and can be paid in one of the following ways:

  • Full Payment: Due by September 1, 2025
     

  • Two Payments: Due by September 1, 2025 and January 15, 2026
     

  • Ten Monthly Payments: Due on the 1st of each month, from September 1, 2025 to June 1, 2026
     

Credit card payments incur a 3% processing fee.
Returned checks are subject to a $30 fee.

 

 

LATE PAYMENTS

  • Payments are considered late if not received by the due date.
     

  • A $30 late fee will be added for any payment made after the 1st of the month.
     

  • If payment is more than 30 days overdue, lessons will be suspended until:
     

    • The overdue payment is made, and
       

    • The next scheduled payment is also paid
       

  • Your time slot may be forfeited and offered to a student on the waiting list.
     

 

 

ADMINISTRATION FEE

  • Returning Students: $100 due by August 15, 2025
     

  • New Students: $100 due at the first lesson (not pro-rated)
     

This non-refundable fee secures a place on the schedule and covers administrative costs. There is no refund if a student withdraws.

 

 

MATERIALS FEE

  • $100 Home Materials Fee (due by August 15, 2025 for returning students, or at the first lesson for new students)
     

  • This amount is used to purchase music and learning materials throughout the year
     

  • When the balance drops below $20, an invoice will be issued to restore it to $100
     

  • Any remaining balance by September 1, 2026 will be credited toward the following year’s fee
     

This fee is non-refundable.
Students are expected to purchase music books required for the curriculum.
If ordered through the studio, shipping and applicable sales tax will be added.
Borrowed books must be returned by the next lesson or will be billed as replacements.

 

 

ATTENDANCE & COMMITMENT

Students are expected to:

  • Attend all scheduled lessons
     

  • Complete weekly assignments
     

  • Make piano a consistent part of their schedule
     

 

 

SUMMER STUDY & FALL SCHEDULING

Only students who take at least 4 lessons during the summer session will automatically retain their lesson slot for the Fall. Those who do not will be placed on a waiting list and scheduled as space allows.

 

 

MISSED LESSONS POLICY

  • No makeups are offered for missed lessons due to vacation, medical appointments, sports conflicts, or other scheduling conflicts.
     

  • If you’d like to swap with another student, contact Mrs. Johansen at least one week in advance. Swaps are only possible if another student agrees.
     

  • Students who prioritize other activities over piano forfeit the lesson without refund.
     

 

 

ILLNESS & TARDINESS

  • Late arrivals: Lessons begin and end at the scheduled time.
    If the student arrives 15+ minutes late, the lesson is considered missed.
     

  • If Mrs. Johansen is late, students should wait 15 minutes. The lesson will either be adjusted or rescheduled.
     

  • In the event of serious illness, please contact Mrs. Johansen directly to discuss options.
     

 

 

MUSICALES & PIANO PARTIES

  • Musicales and piano parties are held throughout the year and are an important part of the studio experience.
     

  • Students are expected to attend at least two per season.
     

  • Performing is encouraged but not required.
     

  • Families are also encouraged to attend live concerts and explore a variety of musical genres, from classical and opera to contemporary and jazz.
     

 

 

WITHDRAWALS

  • If a student withdraws before completing all 30 lessons:
     

    • A withdrawal fee equal to 4 lessons will be charged
       

    • Any unreturned or purchased materials will also be billed
       

    • Any remaining balance after these deductions will be refunded
       

    • If a balance is owed, an invoice will be sent
       

 

 

HOME PIANO EXPECTATIONS

  • Your piano must be well-maintained and tuned at least twice a year
     

  • A high-quality, working instrument is essential for success
     

 

 

PREPAREDNESS FOR LESSONS

  • Daily practice is expected
     

  • Students must bring all assigned music and materials to each lesson
     

  • Students who arrive unprepared for two consecutive weeks will be sent home with a parent-signed practice log
     

  • If practice habits do not improve, lessons may be discontinued
     

 

 

Please read this policy carefully and reach out with any questions or clarifications. I look forward to a wonderful year of music-making with your child!


Ellen Johansen
Piano Instructor