Tuition

Annual tuition is based on the academic year and will be billed in 9 equal monthly installments. Invoices will be emailed by the first day of the month. Payments are due on the 5th day of the month, September - May. Preferred method of payment is Zelle, but personal check is also accepted. Lesson rates will be shared privately with studio members, or you may contact me directly for more information.

Studio Calendar

Academic Year  

Each academic year (September - May) includes the following learning and performance opportunities: 

30 private lessons

3 musicianship classes

2 formal recitals

Other performance opportunities may arise and are optional.  Studio breaks will most closely align with the public school breaks for Beaverton School District (Thanksgiving, Winter, Spring Break, etc.)  All studio events and breaks will be announced in advance (via email) in addition to being listed on the studio website: www.blattnermusicstudio.com.  

Summer Term

Summer term (June - August) is variable in length depending on teacher/student availability. Typically, lessons are offered in packages (4-pack, 6-pack, etc.) and there are additional summer camp opportunities offered.  Details, packages, etc. will be published in the spring each year.  Tuition is due in full at the beginning of summer term unless other arrangements have been made.  Additional private lessons may be arranged if schedules allow.

Attendance, Sick, and Make-Up Policy

Regular attendance at classes and lessons is essential for student success and for continuation of study.  When 24-hour cancellation notice has been received, and illness or unusual circumstance is the cause, one lesson per semester will be made-up as our schedules allow.  If a student is too ill or contagious for an in-person lesson, but is well enough for a remote lesson, please let me know as soon as possible in the day and I can set things up to teach them at their regular lesson time via Zoom.  If a student is recovering from illness and still coughing, sneezing, or sniffling, please send them to lessons with a face mask so we can minimize potential spread.  Hand-washing before lessons is mandatory as a courtesy and precaution for all in the studio.

If a conflict arises for another reason (i.e. birthday parties, outings, vacations, etc.), students may trade lesson times with another student.  Please contact me for a list of my current teaching schedule if you need to arrange a temporary trade.  Once a trade has been arranged, please let me know so I am prepared for the correct students each day.  There are no make-up lessons for missed Musicianship Classes..

Lesson Length & Format Options

30-minute lessons are best suited for young beginners (through Level 2B Faber method).  Although it is possible to progress with this shorter lesson length beyond Level 2, it is often difficult for us to cover all of the lesson components thoroughly.  It is highly recommended that students at the early intermediate level and above have 45-minute lessons (Level 3 and beyond).  I am happy to discuss individual circumstances with you as your student approaches this point in their learning.

Students playing advanced literature require 60-minute lessons in order to allow time for in-depth work & study of technical and musical elements.

For a select handful of students, weekly lessons may present a challenge with busy extra-curricular school activities, work schedules, and homework. FLEX lessons are an option for these students to pre-pay and schedule 4-lesson packages (45- or 60-minute lessons), spread over a number of weeks/months when they are available. This looser framework provides an opportunity for students to continue learning with a little more time between lessons. A limited number of FLEX spots are available, but this may be the best fit for students who can’t commit to consistent daily practice and weekly lessons but still want to develop their skills. Quarterly performance classes help motivate students to prepare for performance, and if adequately prepared, studio recitals are an option available to them.

Musicianship Classes

Musicianship Classes are a wonderful opportunity for students to use their music skills and increase their knowledge of theory and music history in a group setting.  There are three scheduled classes throughout the academic year.  Performances are required for all students at each class.  Repertoire will be selected during our private lessons in the weeks preceding class.  Attendance and performance at Musicianship Classes is mandatory.

Recitals

There will be two formal recitals each academic year, one in the fall/winter and the other in Spring.  There may also be additional performance opportunities (retirement homes, community events, etc.) offered at other times.  Participation in all performance opportunities is highly encouraged, but mandatory for classes and recitals. 

Registration and Materials Fee

A $30 annual registration & materials fee (per student) is due with registration at the beginning of each academic year (or if a new/transfer student, upon initiation of first lesson).  This fee helps to cover studio expenses for resources & subscriptions, musicianship classes, recitals, incentive programs, printing, online studio resources & remote lesson tools, adding repertoire to the Studio Lending Library, and maintaining lost or worn out music from the collection.

Purchase of Books and Materials

Method books and other supplementary music will be purchased by the teacher in most cases, and added to the following month’s invoice.  Occasionally I will ask families to purchase and download digital copies of a solo to be printed at home.  This allows you to retain the rights to use the music and is an important part of following intellectual property laws.

Metronome

A metronome is required for home practice.  Students are expected to practice their technic daily with a metronome and will also use it regularly in their repertoire study.  I’m happy to share a list of very affordable models available on Amazon if you need a metronome.  You can also find metronomes locally at Portland Music on Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway.

Piano Maintenance & Tuning

It is necessary to have a piano that is in tune and is in good repair.  Pianos should tuned approximately once a year, though some need more frequent attention.  I highly recommend Artisan Piano Services (503) 723-4565.  They are a locally owned family-run business with fantastic tuners and technicians.   www.artisanpianos.com.  

If you only have a digital piano available, it must have weighted keys (touch-sensitive) and a functioning damper pedal.  Beginning students will start experimenting with dynamics within the first month of study and the damper pedal within the first 4 months.  There are numerous elements of touch and musicality that can’t be fully achieved or explored on a digital piano, so it is best when students have an acoustic instrument on which to practice.

Practice Requirements

All students are required to practice a minimum of 30 minutes at least 5 days a week.  Students with 45-minute lessons or longer, should be practicing at least 45 minutes each day.  Beginning students will need supervised practice at least 3 days a week to ensure they are practicing correctly.  The ultimate goal is for students to practice independently by the end of the first year of study.  We work during lessons to set goals and start the practice together, but it is up to the student to take that home and apply it consistently during practice.  Students should record their practice progress each day on their lesson assignment sheet.  Disciplined and consistent practice habits are essential to the student’s progress.  I usually have some type of incentive program to help motivate students and encourage progress in a fun way.  Please reach out if your student is struggling, frustrated, or if there is other feedback that would be useful as I help your student along their musical journey.  My number one goal is to help students develop their talents so they can enjoy a lifetime of making music and have a positive experience at the piano!

Lesson Termination

I would respectfully ask that you make a commitment for lessons for the entire academic year.  Unless you let me know differently, it is assumed that your student will continue study from year to year.  In the event that you and your student feel it necessary to discontinue lessons, I would appreciate at least 30 days notice so I am able to make arrangements to fill your space with those who are waiting for a spot to open.

I work hard to try and make learning a positive experience for your student. In the event of sustained challenges in making our working relationship successful, I may recommend another path of study for the student.