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Studio Policies and Procedures: 




Effective August 1, 2023


Philosophy and Mission:

  • To nurture the artistic spirit in each student

  • To foster a lifelong love of music and of learning

  • To help all pupils achieve their highest musical potential

  • To have fun while learning piano!


Teacher Responsibilities:

  • Provide high quality, well-prepared lessons

  • Encourage and motivate students to practice

  • Teach students how to practice effectively

  • Create a studio atmosphere where students are free to feel comfortable and confident, able to recognize both the seriousness and enjoyment of piano study

  • Encourage communication between student, parent, and teacher, answer questions, and help solve problems


Student Responsibilities:

  • Arrive at each lesson promptly, well-prepared, and with all necessary materials.  Ex.: If you arrive five minutes late, your lesson will be five minutes shorter.  You reserve the time slot, not the number of minutes.

  • Practice daily for the length of time necessary to complete assignments.  The practice period will vary by student age and level and will likely be advised by the instructor.

  • Follow directions during lessons and at home.

  • Ask questions!

  • Keep a positive attitude


Family Responsibilities:

  • Provide an acoustic piano in the best possible condition.  Acoustic pianos should have no non-working keys and should be tuned at least once per year.  Many digital pianos and most (if not all) electronic keyboards are NOT suitable for piano study.  On the other hand, a quality digital instrument may be preferable to a poorly-maintained acoustic instrument, but care must be taken when choosing such an instrument.  I am happy to assist you in choosing a digital instrument if an acoustic instrument is not right for your family.  Having regular access to a well-functioning instrument is THE most critical factor for success in piano playing and is something that I insist upon.  Don’t let the possible cost of an instrument deter you.  Purchasing a good, used piano might be more affordable than you expect!  Let’s talk about that.

  • Set aside a regular time for practice each day to develop self-discipline and good practice habits.  Length of the practice period will vary according to student level and age, but it is important that practice is regular.  Younger children need more help from parents during practice.

  • Provide a metronome (there are free apps available!) and repertoire/method books.

  • Provide a practice environment that is free from distractions.

  • Be familiar with and adhere to all policies regarding scheduling, attendance, and payment.


Studio Acceptance

  • I gladly offer an initial consultation to all families seriously considering piano lessons, at no charge.  This gives us an opportunity to discuss goals, scheduling issues, and materials, and, most importantly, to figure out if my teaching will be a good fit for the student.

  • Age:  It is my practice to open my studio to students five years old and above.  My focus is on traditional piano study, which is best suited for students 5-6 years old and older.  


Lesson Fees and Payment:

Weekly lesson fees are as follows:

  • 30 minutes--$27.50

  • 45 minutes--$41.25

  • 60 minutes--$55


Lesson fees are subject to being reevaluated before the beginning of each term and may be adjusted in order to account for cost of living increases.  


Tuition reserves your weekly time slot and studio membership and is paid monthly.  Partial payments are not permitted.  Tuition also covers the following:

  • Lesson planning and repertoire selection

  • Student incentives and game materials

  • Administrative requirements

Tuition DOES NOT cover the cost of methods and music.  Students should expect to spend no more than $50 per year on repertoire and methods depending on student progress.  For families with more than one sibling taking lessons, I prefer that those siblings do not share materials so that we can make individualized markings based on what each student needs.


The following additional payment policies also apply:

  • $15 late fee for all payments received after the 10th of each month.  The software will assess this fee automatically. I do not do this manually.

  • $30 fee for all NSF checks

  • If payment is not received by the second lesson of the month, no lesson will be given.

  • Should something come up where you cannot fulfill your financial commitment to lessons, advanced notice and open, ongoing communication is encouraged and appreciated.   

  • Your invoice amount will reflect months with five lessons and months that contain lessons which fall on studio holidays.  

  • Make checks payable to Anson J. Meals or pay via PayPal through My Music Staff.  

  • Payments that are chronically late/absent will result in dismissal from the studio.  


Discontinuation of Lessons:

Music is a lifelong pursuit, but lessons may not always be possible or advisable for a number of reasons.  Whatever the reason, I will never take the discontinuation of lessons personally.  Remember: If you are unsatisfied with your lessons for any reason or if you are considering quitting lessons, please speak freely to me about your concerns.


Discontinuation of lessons requires a 3 week notice.  This gives us time to wrap up any projects and discuss how the student can continue to follow his or her musical goals.  This also gives me time to fill that empty lesson slot in order to avoid a loss in income.  Thank you for your consideration.  


Mutual respect is a key goal in our studio.  As a studio owner, I reserve the right to remove students from the schedule with poor attendance, poor practice habits, or if studio policies are repeatedly broken.




Lesson Attendance/Makeup Credits:

Lesson times are standing appointments; a student’s lesson time is reserved for only them each week, and it is their responsibility to attend. Dance classes and sports teams do not offer reimbursements if you cannot attend a rehearsal or game – music lessons are no different. Because specific times are set aside for specific students, a student who does not attend a lesson will miss the benefit of that lesson. 


I am always happy for students to receive the lessons that they are entitled to.  However, the studio schedule is completely full and rescheduling is difficult.  I also have a heavy schedule outside of the studio schedule.  I will have scheduled make up lesson slots available for students who qualify for a makeup credit (More information below).

  • It is your responsibility to keep up with the studio calendar through My Music Staff in order to attend your scheduled lessons.  This is especially necessary with makeup lessons and summer lessons which don’t follow a weekly schedule.  The current studio calendar is always available for you to view through My Music Staff.  Lessons that are missed because of a failure to keep up with the schedule are not eligible for a makeup credit.

  • Please arrive early for your lesson but do not come to the front door until your lesson time.  I teach lessons back to back and knocking on the door prior to your assigned lesson time disrupts any lesson that I may be teaching or wrapping up at that moment.  If you are the first lesson of the day, also please do not come to the door early.  I am usually arriving straight from school and will be in the process of putting my things away and situating my children before your lesson time begins.

  • Be sure to arrive at your lesson with all of your lesson materials.  I don’t always have extra copies of your materials and without the materials it may not be possible to conduct the lesson.  In some cases, I may choose to dismiss a student without a lesson in the absence of materials.  The lesson will still be billable.

  • Students who are ill SHOULD NOT attend lessons.  If you are too sick to attend school, you are too sick to attend your lesson.  Please notify me as early as possible if you are unable to attend. Depending on the circumstances, a makeup credit may or may not be possible.

  • Students may receive ONE makeup credit per semester in the event of illness, emergency, or school events.  24 hour notice is required in order to receive a credit.  

    • Makeup credits for the fall semester expire on 12/31

    • Makeup credits for the spring semester expire on 5/31

    • It is best to use a makeup credit as soon as possible in order to ensure that you are able to take advantage of the credit before expiration or before all of the available makeup slots are filled by other students.

    • Makeup credits that are not used before expiration are forfeited.  They do not roll over.

    • Makeup lessons are subject to teacher availability as indicated on the studio calendar.  These lessons are usually on Fridays, but I will also convert any canceled lessons on other days to make up slots, so be sure to log in to My Music Staff in order to find something that works for you.

    • Failure to attend a scheduled makeup lesson will result in the forfeiture of that lesson and the credit that was attached to it.

  • Makeup credits are not for students who miss lessons due to play dates, games, non-emergency appointments, or family vacations.  “No-show” lessons are forfeited. Repeat “no-shows” will be dismissed from the studio without tuition reimbursement. 

  • A makeup credit is NOT an invoice credit.  It may be redeemed ONLY through an actual makeup lesson.  Scheduling these makeup lessons are the responsibility of the student/parent and is handled through My Music Staff.  

  • Any cancellation by the student is FINAL, as I may immediately elect to use that time as a make up for another student, run errands, etc.  Whether that lesson can be rescheduled will depend upon circumstance and whether the student has any makeup credits as noted above.

  • Any lesson canceled by the instructor will be rescheduled via a makeup credit.  If this is not possible, the lesson fee will be credited to you (This is the only instance in which a makeup credit could be converted to an invoice credit and is at my discretion).  Teachers sometimes get sick or have sick children, too.  Also, as an active accompanist, church organist, and chorister, I am at times involved in local performances or services that may conflict with the lesson schedule.  Any changes to the schedule in order to accommodate my other professional responsibilities will be handled and communicated well in advance.

  • All cancellations/makeup lesson signups will be handled through My Music Staff, but a courtesy email/text will also be appreciated.


Studio Calendar/Studio Closures:

The studio will operate in conjunction with the Gladewater ISD school calendar. Most closures at Gladewater ISD will result in the studio being closed.  This applies to long weekends/planned holidays, etc.  


Planned closures are taken into consideration when the schedule is made and families are not responsible for paying for a lesson that falls on those days.  This will be reflected on the invoice automatically.


In addition, the studio will be CLOSED on the following days.  The same consideration from above will apply in these instances:

  • Labor Day

  • Gladewater ISD Fall break

  • Gladewater ISD Thanksgiving break

  • Gladewater ISD Christmas break

  • The second Wednesday, Thursday, Friday of February for the Texas Music Educators Association Convention

  • Gladewater ISD Spring break

  • Good Friday

  • Memorial Day


Closures due to inclement weather:

  • In the event that schools become closed due to inclement weather, we will take into account the conditions of the roads at lesson time.  As we know, sometimes schools announce closures out of an abundance of caution and then the expected weather doesn’t materialize to cause a disruption.  We will use our judgment in these cases and make a decision on whether or not to hold lessons.

  • I do not consider heavy rain without damaging winds, hail, or lightning to be an inclement weather event that would merit studio closure.  If you choose to skip a lesson because you don’t want to get out in the rain, the lesson will not be rescheduled and a makeup credit will not be given.


Lesson Procedures:


  • Keep it Clean!  All students are REQUIRED to wash their hands thoroughly immediately before each lesson upon arrival.  Good general hygiene is also appreciated.  Drink and restroom needs should be addressed before arriving for the lesson.

  • Fingernails should be closely trimmed in order to promote good hygiene and proper playing technique.  This may require some help from parents.

  • Food, gum, and beverages are not permitted in the studio.

  • Waiting Area:  

  • Please feel free to relax in the living room during your child's lesson.  This allows the student my full attention and vice versa.  Well-behaved siblings are welcome in the waiting area.  Parents are also welcome to quietly sit in on the lesson in the studio.

  • Parents may drop students off for the lesson and take the lesson time to run errands, etc.  

  • Please bear in mind that this is my private residence and be respectful of that.  The other areas of the home are private.

  • Please return to the studio five minutes before the end of the lesson to pick up your child.  That will allow time for me to give you a report on the lesson and advise you about the assignment for the week.  It is also a good opportunity to touch base with me on any questions you may have.


Communication:

Open communication between parents and instructor is necessary and encouraged.  Please take advantage of the end of your child’s lesson to ask any questions and address any upcoming scheduling concerns.  If you need to contact me outside of the lesson time, please attend to the following procedures:

  • All routine communication should be done via email.  My address is mealsa@gladewaterisd.com and is checked regularly, especially during the week.   This includes any questions you may have regarding rescheduling, payment, etc.  THIS SHOULD BE YOUR PRIMARY FORM OF COMMUNICATION WITH ME.

  • If something comes up and you need to call or text on short notice, you may do so.  This should be limited to WEEKDAYS ONLY between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.   Students with lessons on Monday may occasionally have a need to send a text message over the weekend if an emergency arises in order to cancel or reschedule.  Please do not abuse the privilege of having my PERSONAL cell phone number.  Whenever possible, send an email rather than texting or calling.  



Summer Lessons:


Starting with the 2022-2023 school year, summer lessons will now be required for all students planning to return in the fall.  I cannot guarantee a fall lesson slot for students who elect not to register for summer lessons and will take steps to fill the slot.  These lessons will be purchased as part of a four-lesson package.  This allows us to be flexible with our scheduling in the summer time in order to accommodate student and teacher vacations and other scheduling hurdles.  It also results in fewer lessons per month, giving a bit of a financial break to families.  


Lessons in the summer package are viewed as a sort of credit system so that once the four lessons are used, lessons are complete for the summer until the fall semester begins.  Because we are scheduling these lessons around various camps and vacations, the summer schedule will not result in a regular weekly lesson.  Lessons could be scheduled closely together or spread out over the summer based on what our needs are.  Summer lessons are not eligible for makeup credits if you miss a lesson, so be sure to review the schedule carefully when it is given to you.  The summer lesson is also quite irregular compared to the usual, weekly schedule during the school year.  It is important that families mark lesson times on their calendars in order to make sure to attend.  I don’t send text reminders for this and missed lessons cannot be made up.


Depending on the needs of my family, I may choose to suspend the summer lesson policy for one summer in order to meet our scheduling and travel needs.  The policy, however, still stands and I reserve the right to make an appropriate decision as the end of each school year approaches.