Studio Policies

The following text outlines the policies and procedures for private piano lessons with me. Please read the policies carefully and bring a signed copy to your first lesson.


1. Payment Terms:
Payment for lessons is due by the 7th day of each month. Payment reserves your time slot for the month. A late charge of $5 will be added for payment not received by the 7th. The payment remains the same whether there are three, four or five lessons in a month.


2. Refunds:
Refunds will only be given if I cancel the lesson with less than 24 hours notice and we cannot come to an agreement on a make-up lessons time within 2 weeks of original lesson or if student is sick. The refund will be given as a discount on the following months payment. 


3. Deposits for loaned materials:
At this time I do not require a deposit on loaned materials. If, however, loaned materials become lost or damaged, I will require you to replace the loaned material or pay an amount equal to the replacement cost.


4. Lesson Scheduling:
Lessons are to be held at the regularly scheduled time each week. Again, payment reserves your time slot. We will follow the Deer Valley Unified School District Calendar - no school = no lessons. I am flexible with this. If, for instance, many holidays fall on Monday and your lessons are on Mondays, we may choose to hold lessons on a school holiday to ensure that you receive the proper number of lessons in the month.


5. Studio Business Hours:
The Studio operates Monday - Friday 3:30 - 6:30 by appointment. Please email me at smurdock7@cox.net for non-urgent matters. You may also contact me by phone at 623.907.6327.


6. Conduct of Lessons:
I will:
- give my full attention to you during your regularly scheduled lesson time
- be prepared for each lesson
- provide the proper equipment for your lesson
- provide practice records and other prizes/incentives as I see fit
You will:
- be prepared for each lesson with all books, flashcards, and other materials as needed
- give your full attention during your regularly scheduled lesson time
- be respectful of the materials and equipment used during lessons


7. Lesson Cancellation & Rescheduling:
24-hour notice is required to cancel any lesson, unless the cancellation is due to illness. If 24-hour notice is given, a make-up lesson can be scheduled. If a make-up lesson is not scheduled within 2 weeks of cancelled lesson, no make-up lesson or refund will be given. Any lesson cancelled with less than 24-hours notice will not be refunded or rescheduled, except in the case of illness. Students are responsible for scheduling make-up lessons.


8. Standards of Conduct While in or Around Studio:
When in or around the studio, please show respect for those having a lesson and also for those who live in my home. It is imperative that you are quiet and do not interrupt lessons. Please note that when I am teaching I am not able or willing to accept responsibility for other children and/or students who may be present in the home as my full attention will be with my current student. If you feel your child needs supervised while waiting for his/her lesson, please stay with them.


9. Policies for Participation in Studio Events
Attendance at recitals is required. Performing builds confidence and gives parents and friends a chance to hear and see the progress of the student. Please plan to attend any scheduled recitals.  Attendance at studio parties is not required, but encouraged. These events build friendships and help students to find joy in learning to play the piano.


During the summer months, I may choose to hold a master class once a month. If that is the case, the master class will take the place of the private lesson for that week. As with lessons, master classes are not optional and no refund will be given if a student chooses not to attend.


10. Suggested or Necessary Equipment & Materials
It is imperative that each piano student have daily access to a well-tuned, fully functional piano. If using a keyboard, it is imperative that the keys be weighted and touch-sensitive. It is impossible to learn to play expressively on a keyboard that does not respond to the differences in your touch.


Music books are necessary for practice and learning. Please see the "Supplies" post for necessary books, etc.


Other materials and/or equipment may be necessary or suggested. Please do your best to provide the materials so that your student may have the most optimal piano study possible.