Tuition and Fees

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Need to miss a lesson? You have options!
Your student's lesson time is reserved exclusively for them, at the same time every week, for the full school year.

Switch to Online

Confirm before 2:00 pm
Car broken down? Unexpected sickness in the family? No need to worry! Online and in-studio lessons may be freely exchanged ANY week for ANY reason! Will take place at the regular scheduled lesson time.

Video Exchange

Use the chat in Practice Space
Confirm before 2:00 PM
Can't attend at your regular time? No problem! Send videos of your student's assignments BEFORE their regular scheduled time. The lesson time will be used to view and send feedback.

Reschedule

For severe illness only
Maximum 2 per student
Must notify by 9:00 AM
Catch Up lessons are available on Event weeks, or Catch-Up Week (see studio calendar.) Unused lessons expire January 1/April 1/June 30.

IN-STUDIO LESSON ATTENDANCE FAQs:

I SCHEDULED A CONFLICTING ACTIVITY. WHAT CAN I DO?

Use Video Exchange (send videos in the chat of Practice Space app before your student's scheduled lesson time.) It is not possible to reschedule lessons missed due to parties, sports events/practices, vacations, school activities/field trips, extra-curricular activities, doctor/dentist appointments, etc.

MY STUDENT IS ILL OR HAS AN INJURY. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

For illness: please cancel the in-studio lesson if the student is sick. Online lessons are available if they feel able to learn. Rescheduling (maximum 2 per year) or Video Exchange are available if they are feeling too unwell to concentrate.
Hand/arm injuries: if the student has one functioning hand/arm lessons will continue as scheduled. This is a great time to focus on new concepts and skills that do not need two hands.
IMPORTANT: notify by 9:00 AM to qualify for rescheduling. Online or Video Exchange available if notified after 9:00 AM.
If the student is ill when they arrive at the studio (fever, vomiting, pink eye, heavy cough, etc.) the lesson will be cancelled immediately and will not be rescheduled or credited.

I WILL BE AWAY DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

Online lessons are available if your student is able to attend at their regular lesson time. If you will not have access to a piano I can prepare a "no piano" lesson with 24 hour notice.
Video Exchange is available if your student has progress to share, but cannot meet at their regular lesson time.
Lesson spots cannot be held for students who are absent without payment. For absences of 4 or more consecutive weeks during the school year, you may hold your lesson time by paying 50% of the tuition for that time.

What if my teacher cancels? What about pandemics or snow days?

In most cases, lessons will move Online.
If this is not possible due to power outages or teacher emergency, lessons may be rescheduled to Teacher Catch-Up Week (see studio calendar), one-hour Group Classes, or credited forward.

OH NO, I'M GOING TO BE LATE! (OR I FORGOT...)

If you will be late, please text. The lesson will end at the scheduled time, in respect for the next student.
Student lateness, no-shows, or same-day cancellations will not be rescheduled or refunded.

WHAT ABOUT LONG WEEKENDS AND PRO-D DAYS?

No private lessons following MONDAY long weekends. Students will attend Theory Club group class.
The studio is closed during Christmas Break and March Break. See studio calendar for details.
Private lessons follow the regular teaching schedule for all other holidays and Pro-D days.

ARE CATCH-UP CLASSES AVAILABLE FOR Events?

Rescheduling to a private lesson is not available for missed events. There are multiple options available; you may sign your child up for any session that is suitable for their age/level. You may also alter your sign-up to a different session if an emergency arises, space permitting.

I NEED TO WITHDRAW FROM PIANO LESSONS. WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

PLEASE NOTE: Our contract agreement is for the full school year. Your student's spot has been reserved for them for that whole time. However, sometimes things do happen that make it difficult to continue. Here's what you can do:

First, contact your teacher as soon as you know there is a problem. If it is a matter of motivation, scheduling, or finances there may be ways to make it possible to continue piano lessons. You never know until you ask!
If you must withdraw mid-year, four lessons notice is required. Tuition must be paid for those four weeks, whether or not the student attends the lessons. It is always my preference to teach the student right to the end, so that we can finish well and celebrate their musical progress together.
No withdrawals are accepted after April 15. You will be responsible for the remaining time in your contract, except in the case of health emergency (doctor's note required) or moving to a new city.

ONLINE LESSON ATTENDANCE FAQs:

WHAT ARE THE PARENT'S RESPONSIBILITES DURING ONLINE LESSONS?

Children under age 8 should have a "teacher's helper" available during the lesson to help with connecting to the class, finding books/pages/pencils, etc. and to help redirect and focus the student if necessary. This can be a parent, grandparent, or older (responsible) child.
Parents are responsible to provide good internet connectivity and a charged-up, functional device. Lesson time lost to internet problems or low battery will not be rescheduled.
Your teacher will work with you to determine what gear is necessary for a quality lesson experience. In some cases, an external microphone, headphones, or a different device may be necessary to provide reasonably accurate sound.

I SCHEDULED A CONFLICTING ACTIVITY. WHAT CAN I DO?

MY STUDENT IS ILL OR HAS AN INJURY. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Online lessons can continue as usual if the student feels able to learn. Rescheduling (maximum 2 per year) or Video Exchange are available if they are feeling too unwell to concentrate.
Hand/arm injuries: if the student has one functioning hand/arm lessons will continue as scheduled. This is a great time to focus on new concepts and skills that do not need two hands.
IMPORTANT: notify by 9:00 AM to qualify for rescheduling. Video Exchange is available if notified after 9:00 AM.

DID YOUR TEACHER CANCEL? WHAT ABOUT POWER OUTAGES OR TECH ISSUES?

Student or teacher power outages / teacher emergency / teacher tech issues: lost lesson time greater than 10 minutes will be rescheduled to a mutually convenient time, or to Theory Club week or Teacher Catch-Up Week (see studio calendar.) If you prefer, you may use a Video Exchange lesson to stay current.
Tech issues on the student's end: Before you begin lessons your teacher will provide an initial orientation session to help you get set up. During your first two weeks of lessons we will work together to troubleshoot any new issues that arise. After this point, no refunds or reschedules are available for student error. Your teacher can work with you during the lesson time to resolve most problems. Your lesson will always end at the regular time so that the next student's lesson is not affected.

OH NO, I'M GOING TO BE LATE! (OR I FORGOT...)

If you will be late, please text. Your teacher will be waiting for you in the virtual studio. The lesson will end at the scheduled time, in respect for the next student.
Student lateness, no-shows, or same-day cancellations after 9:00 AM will not be rescheduled or refunded.

I WILL BE AWAY DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

Online lessons can happen anywhere you can connect to the internet! If you will not have access to a piano at your lesson time I can prepare a "no piano" lesson with 24 hour notice.
Video Exchange is available if your student has progress to share, but cannot meet at their regular lesson time.
Music Lab is available anywhere you can access internet. Assignments are updated once weekly. This is a great option for continuing to build skills in reading and listening no matter where you are!
Lesson spots cannot be held for students who are absent without payment. For absences of 4 or more consecutive weeks during the school year, you may hold your lesson time by paying 50% of the tuition for that time.

ARE CATCH-UP CLASSES AVAILABLE FOR EVENTS?

WHAT ABOUT LONG WEEKENDS AND PRO-D DAYS?

No private lessons following MONDAY long weekends. Students will attend Theory Club group class.
The studio is closed during Christmas Break and March Break. See studio calendar for details.
Private lessons follow the regular teaching schedule for all other holidays and Pro-D days.

I NEED TO WITHDRAW FROM PIANO LESSONS...WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

PLEASE NOTE: Our contract agreement is for the full school year. Your student's spot has been reserved for them for that whole time. However, sometimes things do happen that make it difficult to continue. Here's what you can do:
First, contact your teacher as soon as you know there is a problem. If it is a matter of motivation, scheduling, or finances there may be ways to make it possible to continue piano lessons. You never know until you ask!
If you must withdraw mid-year, four lessons notice is required. Tuition must be paid for those four weeks, whether or not the student attends the lessons. It is always my preference to teach the student right to the end, so that we can finish well and celebrate their musical progress together.
No withdrawals are accepted after April 15. You will be responsible for the remaining time in your contract, except in the case of health emergency (doctor's note required).

TUITION & FEES FAQs:

Tuition is based on a full school year divided into ten equal payments for your convenience. *Includes 37 lesson-weeks (mix of private lessons and events), Music Lab, support between lessons (Practice Space app), performance events.

WHAT IS THE Annual technology & library fee?

This helps provide all the wonderful bits and pieces that make our program shine! It includes:

subscriptions to Practice Space (digital assignment and resources app), Music Lab / BOOMTM Card resources, and SuperSonics Plus
online lesson accessibility, access to the music lending library, legal prints of studio-licensed digital sheet music

$40 per student, per year (maximum $100/per family). Payable at the first private lesson in September.

WHAT IS THE Annual REGISTRATION DEPOSIT?

This holds a place in the studio schedule for your child and is credited toward the first month's tuition. No lessons spots can be held until this deposit has been received. Non-refundable unless the teacher cancels. $100 per student, due June 1 each year, or with new-student registration.

WHAT ARE MY TUITION PAYMENT OPTIONS?

Pay by 10 post-dated cheques: due at the first private lesson of September. Make cheques payable to E. Hammermeister and date for October 1, November 1, etc.
Pay by e-transfer: due on or before the first day of each month. If tuition is repeatedly late other payment arrangements will be required.
Pay in full for the year. Your student's tuition fees are held in trust and their account updated monthly.
NSF cheques or any other tuition payment received after the 3rd of the month will be charged an additional $25 late fee.
September invoices are emailed in late August and cover September tuition (less the Registration Deposit), annual fees and initial books for the year. Monthly tuition for the rest of the year will be indicated on this invoice. Further tuition invoices or reminders will not be sent unless there is a change to lesson length or format.

WHAT ABOUT NEW PIANO AND THEORY BOOKS?

Student books will be purchased and invoiced by the teacher as needed. Students also have access to the music lending library and legal sheet music prints, but you should plan on spending $40-$75 on books each year, depending on student level and speed of progress. Having a personal music library at home is a great way to support your child's learning!

WHAT IF I NEED TO WITHDRAW FROM LESSONS?

PLEASE NOTE: Our contract agreement is for the full school year. Your student's spot has been reserved for them for that whole time. However, sometimes things happen that make it difficult to continue. Here's what to do:

First, contact your teacher as soon as you know there is an issue. If it is a matter of motivation, scheduling, or finances there may be ways to make it possible to continue piano lessons. You never know until you ask!
If you must withdraw mid-year, four lessons notice is required. Tuition must be paid for those four weeks, whether or not the student attends the lessons. It is always my preference to teach the student right to the end, so that we can finish well and celebrate their musical progress together.
No withdrawals are accepted after April 15. You will be responsible for the remaining time in your contract, except in the case of health emergency (doctor's note required) or moving to a new city.

TERMINATION OF LESSONS

The teacher may terminate lessons at any time due to persistent lack of practice, disrespectful behavior, non-payment, or failure to follow studio policies. Remaining post-dated cheques or pre-paid tuition will be returned after the last lesson. All books on loan must be returned in the condition in which they were received; replacement value of any damaged or missing books will be withheld from the final refund.

*Enrollment/attendance in this program is evidence of the parent's/student's agreement to the terms of this document.