Term Dates, Fees & Policies

Term Dates for 2024

The term dates are:

2024Start DateEnd DateWeeks* Term Holidays
Term 112 Feb 202411 Apr 20249 weeks*Easter Monday – 1 April
Term 229 Apr 20244 Jul 202410 weeks*Kings Birthday – 3 June
Term 322 Jul 202426 Sep 202410 weeks 
Term 414 Oct 20249 Dec 20248 weeks Labour Day – 28 October

Note that students with Monday lessons will have one lesson less in Terms 1 and 2 due to public holidays.

Tuition Fees for 2024

Tuition fees for regular weekly lessons are $68 per hour (including GST) or part thereof ($51 for a 45 minute lesson).

The tuition fee includes the provision of materials such as practice sheets, incidental printing, scanning and copying. It also includes access to SupersonicsPlus studio licensed music.

It is recommended that $50-$70 is allowed per year for piano books and music.  Timing is dependent on the student’s progress.

Exam fees and competition fees are additional.

Casual lessons are offered at $78 per hour or part thereof.

Tuition fees are charged in advance for the term. Payment is due by internet banking before the first lesson of the term.

Policies for 2024

Erin’s Responsibilities

To provide individually tailored lessons that engage and inspire using music that resonates with the student.

To develop the fundamentals of music reading, aural skills and piano technique in a way that also encourages creativity and provides a variety of musical experiences.

Student/Parent Responsibilities

Parental support is an extremely important factor in musical training and you are welcome to attend lessons – particularly at the start so you can support your child’s playing at home.  
Parents are responsible for:

  • making time in the student’s schedule for regular practice (at least 4 – 5 days a week, though daily is preferable)
  • reminding the student to practice if necessary
  • helping the student to read and understand their practice assignments
  • creating a quiet space at home for the student to practice
  • providing an acoustic piano (tuned once a year) or digital piano for home practice. 
    (A full sized keyboard with touch sensitive weighted keys may be sufficient for beginners seeing if piano lessons are for them.)
  • ensuring students arrive at lessons on time with the correct books

It is the student’s role to go and practice when reminded so they can experience the joy and satisfaction of acquiring new skills, making music and achieving their goals.

Lesson Schedule

  • Lessons are scheduled during school terms, unless agreed via special arrangement. 
  • The lesson time is mutually agreed when the student begins lessons, and at the start of each year thereafter.
  • Lesson times can be changed by mutual agreement subject to other times being available.
  • Lessons are not conducted on public holidays.

Payment

Tuition fees are charged in advance for the term. Payment is due by internet banking before the first lesson of the term.  

If this payment schedule is not possible for you or you cannot financially fulfil your commitment to your lessons, please contact me so we can discuss options.  Advance notice and open, ongoing communication is appreciated and encouraged.

Late to Lessons

Late arrival times will not be made up.  The lesson will start when the student arrives and finish at the usual time.

Missed Lessons

If the student cannot attend a lesson for any reason, please inform me by text or email with as much notice as possible.  If I have a cancellation I will offer that time, though there is no guarantee of availability. 

Missed lessons are not credited or refunded.

Health and Wellness

Piano lessons are a close contact environment

To support the health and wellness of everyone attending piano lessons please:

  • Wash hands before lessons and use hand sanitiser at the lesson
  • Stay home if you or your child has a runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever or any other cold, flu or COVID symptoms. Online lessons are available on request. Notification before lunchtime on the day of the lesson gives me time to set up prior to the lesson.
  • Health requirements may change based on Government health policies.

If necessary, lessons will move on-line.  I will advise of this at the time.

Online/ Video Lessons

Online or video lessons can be requested if the student is unable to attend a lesson in person.  Please let me know the day before by text or email.

If Erin is sick?

If I am sick or otherwise unable to attend a lesson, I will offer an online lesson, a lesson at an alternative time or I will refund the lesson fee.

Finishing Lessons

Please give me as much notice as possible if you want to finish lessons.  This allows me to fill your place in the studio.      

If you are unsatisfied with your lessons for any reason, or are considering stopping, please speak freely to me about your concerns so I can work on resolving them.