The Studio Connection is an independent piano studio devoted to promoting a love for music to students of all ages who desire to learn.  Our musically trained, professionally qualified instructors strive to educate, motivate and guide students to discover and develop their potential as a creative musician.  The goal is to nurture life-long skills, enabling them to think critically, independently, and to ultimately become musically self-reliant.  Recognizing the unique learning style of every individual, we are committed to tailoring a well-rounded curriculum presented in a positive and supportive environment. 

Students will be given a calendar at the start of each semester outlining dates of private lessons, enrichment sessions, make-up days/weeks and performance opportunities.

Lessons are available in increments of 30, 45, or 60 minute sessions.  Most students will begin at 30 minutes and increase lesson length upon recommendation of the instructor.  During individual lessons students will concentrate primarily on solo repertoire, while incorporating proper technique and other necessary areas of musicianship, such as sight-reading, ear training, theory, transposition, basic improvisation, performance and accompaniment skills.

Each sixty or ninety-minute enrichment session consists of groups of students based on age and level, determined by the instructors.  The group classes are scheduled approximately four times throughout the year, replacing the private lesson for that week.  Students are expected to come to their scheduled group times, prepared to perform their assigned piece.  Major concepts will be introduced and/or developed through the means of games and activities.  Occasionally, special emphasis will also be given to ensemble playing and performance preparation.    

Prompt attendance is expected in order to establish routine and maximize your investment in the personal attention of private lessons.  If you wish to cancel a lesson, please call 419-353-4176 before the day of the lesson.  E-mail cancellations are not appropriate in this situation.  There will be no refunds for lessons missed because of occasional illness or other conflicts with the lesson time.  Reasonable attempts will be made to make-up lessons due to sickness, weather, or family emergencies.  Possible make-up dates are listed on the studio calendar.  Lessons missed by the instructor will either be rescheduled or credited financially.  Although enrichment sessions cannot be made up, advanced notice of scheduled conflicts is greatly appreciated.    

Tuition is based on a yearly schedule of 35 lessons divided equally into 10 months.

Fees, payable in advance of lessons, are to be paid monthly.  Invoices will be mailed approximately two weeks before the due date, which is the first lesson of each month.  These monthly statements will include tuition, activity fees, and materials purchased for the student.  Please expect tuition to be adjusted annually.

A family discount will be granted to those with two or more students enrolled simultaneously.  First student rate is full price, second student discounted 10%, and third student discounted 15%.

Payments not received in full by the 10th day of the month will be assessed a $10 late fee.

Performance opportunities may include an application fee (non-refundable).  Involvement in these activities will be discussed before registering the student and adding the fee to the student’s account. To offset costs of enrichment sessions, recitals and awards, a yearly $10 involvement fee per student will be charged at the time of registration. 

Throughout the year, the instructor will purchase necessary music for the student, and the student will be billed accordingly.  As a benefit to our students, the studio music library is encouraged and available for use.

Additional costs involved in piano lessons will include the purchase of a metronome and upkeep of an acoustic piano, including regular tunings.  Recommendations of piano technicians will be given upon request.    

Communication is extremely important in creating a positive and successful learning environment.  If you are dissatisfied with an instructor, please speak to them directly.  Complaints are taken very seriously and complements are deeply appreciated.  Every effort will be made to resolve problems before discontinuing lessons, whether it is a personality conflict, boredom with lessons, or financial need.  In the event that it is still necessary to withdraw from lessons, one month’s notice is required to allow the studio to prepare for this absence.  The studio website has become a valuable tool for communication.  There you will find studio newsletters, calendars, event flyers, registration forms, and other important updates.    

Parental involvement is extremely beneficial to the success of the student.  The establishment of a regularly scheduled practice time must be enforced and encouraged by the caregiver.  Practicing is the means to realizing the student’s potential, and coming prepared to each lesson is crucial.  Students under the age of 10 should have someone, preferably an adult, who can regularly supervise their practice at least twice a week.  For help in establishing realistic practice goals and understanding studio expectations, please refer to the Practice Agreement that each family will be asked to sign.    

It is our privilege to work with families of the community as we find joy in seeing students progress in their love and understanding of music.  While these policies are meant to establish clear goals and expectations on our end, we hope you will find us accommodating and easy to work with.  It is our pleasure to have you as a part of The Studio Connection!