Tuition Policies and Studio Guidelines 2025-2026

Tuition Structure

Tuition is based on reserving a regular lesson time, ensuring the instructor’s availability and readiness for each session. There are three payment options: Annual Tuition, Ad Hoc, and Lesson Packages.

Tuition Payment Options

Regular Weekly Lessons: Lessons run from September 7, 2025, to June 13, 2026. Annual tuition is set according to the teacher’s scheduled availability, with details specified in the Studio Schedule. Tuition encompasses more than the minutes spent during lessons (see “Where Your Tuition Goes” for details). Payments may be made in full or by term. Students enrolled in regular lessons pay my discounted professional rate.
Ad Hoc Lessons: Offered at my going professional rate for infrequent or one-time sessions, such as for non-regular students, consultations, adjudications, master classes, or specialty services.
Lesson Packages: Short-term, summer, or extra classes are available as packages of four or six lessons, which can be taken in person, via video submission, or remotely. For further details, students may contact the instructor or refer to their home package information.

Where Your Tuition Goes

Tuition supports a structured, enjoyable program aligned with the Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program and university entrance requirements. It is not billed by the hour, except for ad hoc lessons, and supports:

• Instruction from a qualified teacher, member of B.C. Registered Music Teachers Association, Victoria branch
• Advanced Royal Conservatory of Music Specialist in Piano and Theory
• Preparation for all RCM Exams by a Senior Examiner
• Teaching all levels of piano with clear progression
• Professional experience in lesson planning, research, and materials
• Support through calls or emails for questions during the week
• Letters of reference and scholarship application assistance
• Help with performance and exam documents or preparation
• Teacher professional development and membership fees
• Studio instrument maintenance and repairs
• Recital fees, library updates, and teaching materials
• Administrative, accounting, and business activities
• Insurance and liability coverage
• GST, PST, and relevant taxes
• Eligibility for RCM and BCRMTA Victoria scholarships, awards, and benefits
• Coaching, lessons, mock exams, rehearsals for festivals and exams, group sessions and master classes.

Studio Expectations

The studio prioritizes responsibility, quality, and mutual respect. The instructor retains the right to discontinue lessons if students repeatedly miss lessons, fail to practice, or disregard policies.

Cancellation Policy

Star Piano Studio maintains a no-cancellation policy, as tuition covers more than lesson time alone.

Missed Lessons

Tuition secures a student’s lesson time and the instructor’s availability. Refunds, discounts, or makeups are only offered if the instructor is unable to fulfill the promised number of lessons. With a limited schedule, missed lessons result in forfeiting that session’s benefits. The instructor continues to support student goals by working on resources and strategies during missed lessons.
Requesting a makeup usually means rescheduling others or shifting commitments. Tuition supports continued benefits, including planning, repertoire, strategies, and competition participation, even if lessons are missed and alternatives are unavailable.

Exceptions

Illness: Students who are ill will be sent home, and if possible, a remote lesson or resources will be provided.
Cancellation List: With at least 24 hours’ notice, a student can be placed on a cancellation list. If another student cancels, this time may be available as a makeup. The student is responsible for attending at the offered time.
Advance Notice: The more notice, the greater the chance of rescheduling. Advance planning is recommended.
Emergency Makeup: One makeup per term is allowed for serious medical or family emergencies, with documentation. Makeups are not available for non-emergency absences such as social commitments or routine appointments. If individual times are unavailable, makeups may be offered as master classes. Cancelled makeups are non-transferable and must be completed by June 13, 2025.

Termination and Teacher Cancellations