New Student Welcome Letter

Welcome to my piano studio! During the coming years, I look forward to working with you as together we share God’s gift of music. Policies for my students are as follows:

♫ Students will be charged $__________ per month for weekly half-hour lessons. Payment is due the first lesson of the month unless other arrangements are made. There is no extra charge for months that have five lessons.

♫ Students must continue studying over the summer months in order to have a time reserved for them during the school year. I have found that being away from the piano for three months seriously hinders the student’s progress and desire to continue lessons. I take a two-week vacation at Christmas, one week during spring break and one week in the summer or fall which, along with your own family vacations, should give the student plenty of time off.

♫ Books and music may be purchased from me at cover price or at any music store. Whenever possible, I try to use any music the student may already own. A book bag or plastic grocery sack helps to keep music together and dry during bad weather.

♫ If a student must miss a lesson (illness, death in the family, etc.), please call me as soon as possible. I will attempt to re-schedule the lesson, but I will not be able to give refunds for lessons not taken, except under extraordinary circumstances. I must reserve time for the student’s lesson whether the student comes or not, in much the same way as a tenant pays rent on a house whether he is at home or on vacation that week.

♫ The student, the parents, and the teacher must work together in order to ensure musical growth. This is particularly true in such areas as careful daily practice. The student is expected to practice a minimum of four to five hours weekly, and more as he or she advances. A timer is a good piece of equipment to place on your piano. Most students find it helpful to practice at the same time every day; before school works well for many children. Parents are asked to sign the practice record in the assignment book; this provides necessary accountability for young students, as well as encouragement in the day-to-day work of music study. Also, I sometimes write notes in the assignment book for the parent. Even if a student has not completed all of his practice for the week, he should still come for his lesson; there are many things we can still work on during the lesson such as theory, sight-reading, and music history. I can also give him some guided practice time!

♫ Your piano needs regular maintenance to protect your investment. Two tunings each year are recommended; October and May are good months in cold climates because the furnace has just been turned on or off for the season. If possible, place your piano on an inside wall away from heat registers.

♫ A floor or piano lamp protects your student’s vision. If the child’s feet don’t reach to the floor, a box or footstool is helpful.

♫ Students are encouraged, but not required, to participate in recitals and other performance opportunities. I do not charge any extra fee for these events.

Thank you for your cooperation in these matters. Please feel free to call me with any questions or suggestions. I look forward to our musical adventure together!

Looking for business & teaching advice from a seasoned music teacher? Check out Talent to Treasure: Building  Profitable Music Teaching Business here.

(Teacher’s name & academic credentials, if any)
(Teacher’s phone number)
(Teacher’s e-mail address &/or website)

(C) 2008 By Marcia K. Washburn. Permission is granted to teachers to personalize and reproduce this letter. For more music business advice, see Talent to Treasure: Building a Profitable Music Teaching Business here.