Tuition and Fees 2025-26

TUITION & FEES 2025-26

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 Theory Club group classes), Music Lab, support between lessons (Practice Space app), performance events.

BEGINNERS & RECREATIONAL TRACK

Beginners:
30 minutes piano + Music Lab
$130/month
Best for children ages 4-7, in their first year or two of piano. Includes 15 minutes Music Lab activities at home, or in-studio with parent supervision.

Recreational Piano:
30 minutes piano + 30 minutes Music Lab/practice $150/month
Great for busy tweens and teens who enjoy piano but don't practice much at home. Includes 15 minutes Music Lab plus practice projects in-Lab.

ADVANCING / CHALLENGE TRACK

Foundation and Elementary Levels:
45 minutes piano + Music Lab
$186/month
For older or motivated beginners and students in RCM Prep through Level 3. Includes 15-30 minutes of Music Lab activities in-studio or at home.

Intermediate Levels or Exam Prep:
60 minutes piano + Music Lab / written Theory $252/month
For students in RCM 4 and up, and students participating in exams. Includes 30 minutes Music Lab and/or written theory activities in-studio or at home.

THEORY CLASSES:

Written theory exams are part of the RCM exam process from Level 5 and up. Students may need additional time in their lessons to fully cover the written work. Your teacher will discuss your student's specific needs with you.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Annual technology & library fee

$40 per student, per year (maximum $100/per family). Payable at the first private lesson in September. Includes a subscription to Practice Space (digital assignment and resources app), Music Lab / BOOM Card resources, online lesson accessibility, access to music library, legal prints of studio-licensed digital sheet music.

Annual RESERVATION DEPOSIT

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

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 Reservation 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.

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!

WITHDRAWING 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.