Dear Piano Project Parents,

Welcome to the Piano Project! 

We are excited to start this academic year, continuing our musical journey together with some, and welcoming new teachers and new students. Please read this document carefully prior to our first class session.

A Tuesday at the Piano Project comprises two lessons, an individual piano lesson, and a group theory class. Your child is required to attend both. These classes are important and compliment each other, enabling students to make swift and effective progress. Theory classes are presented by the Program Coordinator in an age- and experience-appropriate group setting. In addition, Dr. Denenburg (the program director) will often attend individual lessons to provide feedback and monitor the progress of every student. Private teachers in the Piano Project often make video recordings of lessons for their own educational use. Additionally, Dr. Denenburg might take short videos during her observations. You will be asked to sign our Video/Picture release form before the start of classes. 

To protect our teachers, students, and the surrounding members of our community we ask you to please stay home if your child is sick. If your child has a rash, fever, stomach virus or any other contagious illness, please stay home. Take care of them and us. Children must be free of fever (any temperature above 98.6 degrees) for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication to attend a class.

ATTENDANCE POLICIES

Students must be present at all Tuesday individual lessons as well as group classes. Our young teachers are undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a variety of highly demanding music degrees at the Butler School of Music. Each student’s lesson time is scheduled very carefully in consideration with the many demands our teachers must meet. Makeup lessons are not a part of our policy. Should your child miss a lesson, a possible makeup lesson will be entirely up to the courtesy of the teacher.

TARDINESS 

To be on time means to be ready to start productive work at the scheduled time. We recommend arriving a few minutes early to allow a timely transition between lessons. Simply put, to be punctual is to be early. 

ABSENCE LIMIT 

If a student acquires more than two unexcused absences, lessons or group classes, in a single semester, that student will be placed on probation. Any further missed lessons will require a conference with Dr. Denenburg, to determine whether the student will remain in the program. Illness or family emergencies will be considered excused absences. 

Re-admittance into the Piano Project will be Dr. Denenburg's decision in consultation with the student’s teacher and the Piano Project Coordinator. The decision will be based on the availability of a teacher as well as the consistent practice and progress of the student. 

TUITION  

Tuition is paid for the entire academic year. Tuition for participation in the Project is $450.00 per year (fall and spring semesters combined) for the Mozart program, and $1000 for the twice-weekly, Chopin program. This amount is payable immediately after an applicant has been notified of acceptance. Tuition is non-refundable. Payment may be made electronically by clicking the “Payment” tab at the top right of the page.

RETURNING STUDENTS

A deposit of $50 must be made by May 15th to reserve your place for the following academic year. The remaining tuition should be paid in full by Aug 15th. Please note that the tuition is non-refundable, thus carefully check your schedule to avoid conflicts. 

INSTRUMENT REQUIREMENT

Piano Project promotes a healthy piano technique foundation. Having an acoustic instrument (i.e. not a keyboard or electronic piano) is essential to establish good technique and sound production. The first years of piano playing are the most important years for young musicians. That is when our children gain healthy, good habits at the piano. That is why the Piano Project believes that having an acoustic piano is a necessity to accomplish those goals. All students are required to have an acoustic piano. There are many options available to have an inexpensive acoustic instrument in your house, please let us know if you need help acquiring one.