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Philosophy:

Whether we sing, play an instrument, or simply listen, music gives us tremendous gifts - it nurtures, enlightens, and enriches our souls. Everyone has the potential to be creative and musical, and I encourage students to discover their inner selves and shape their own unique musical identities. My goal as a teacher is to help each student progress to the best of their ability and to instill a lifelong appreciation of music in the process.

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In-Person Format:

In-person lessons follow a hybrid online/in-person format. This allows you to avoid cancellations when mildly ill, unable to commute, or facing inclement weather. You are always welcome to have your lesson online, even without advance notice. Fingernails must be kept short to prevent clicking and sliding on the piano keys.

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Online Format:

Students must set up their devices and enter the Zoom meeting a few minutes before their lesson time. Please ensure that you have a strong wifi or ethernet connection, a laptop/PC/computer/tablet positioned to the side of the piano, and if possible, an external microphone. A piano assignment sheet will be provided via Google Docs, and students must visit it after every lesson. Fingernails must be kept short to prevent clicking and sliding on the piano keys.

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Lesson Fees: (Please contact to get a quote on lesson fees)

There are 39 weeks of instruction in the academic year from September to June. There are no lessons during the following weeks: Christmas Break (2 weeks) and Spring Break (2 weeks). The necessary lesson duration will be decided based on the individual's needs. Three installments of fees are due on the first day of each term’s lesson. Payments are accepted in cash, by cheque, or via e-transfer to jessica9105@hotmail.com. Late payments will incur a $20 charge. Students who fail to make their installment by the deadline will lose their slot and their lessons will be suspended until the payment is made.

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• Term 1: Sep 5 - Nov 29, 2024​

• Term 2: Dec 3 - 20, 2024, Jan 7 - Mar14, 2025

• Term 3: Apr 2 - Jun 28, 2025​

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Attendance and Missed Lessons:

There will be no refunds for missed or cancelled lessons. Students are eligible for only one makeup lesson per term, provided they give the teacher a minimum of 24 hours' notice. Makeup lessons will be rescheduled at the nearest mutually convenient time. Lessons canceled by the teacher or due to statutory holidays will be rescheduled without any additional charges or penalties.

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Termination:

If a student wishes to terminate lessons, please provide one month’s notice. 75% of the remaining fee for the term will be refunded and outstanding make-up lessons will be forfeited. Regrettably, students may have to be terminated if any of these circumstances occur:

• Failure to pay tuition on time

• Persistent absence or tardiness

• Uncooperative attitude

• Lack of progress due to insufficient practice or unfulfilled requirements

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Practice:

Student progress depends on the amount of efficient practice done at home. How well a student plays does not depend on how many years they have been taking lessons, but how many hours of piano practice they have completed. Students are expected to complete daily practice and come prepared to the lessons with their materials (e.g., books, binder, pencil, notebook). Parents are advised to supervise their child's practice routine and make sure they are working on the material stated in their assignment sheet. If insufficient progress is being made, this will be discussed with the parent. If this persists, it may be recommended that the child discontinue lessons.

Here are my recommended minimum practice times for students:

Beginner to Level 1 = 15-30 min a day

Level 2 – Level 5 = 45 min a day

Level 6 – Level 8 = 60 min a day

Level 9 – ARCT = 1 hr and 30 min a day.

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Piano/Keyboard:  

For beginner students, a fully-furnished, full-sized weighted keyboard with a pedal is acceptable, though acoustic pianos are preferred. It's essential to ensure that the bench is adjustable to accommodate the student's height properly. For students beyond level 3, it is highly recommended to have access to an acoustic piano. Regular maintenance is crucial to protect your instrument and investment. We recommend scheduling two tunings per year, ideally in October and May, especially in colder climates when the furnace has recently been turned on or off for the season.

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Performance Opportunities:

One recital is held every year for student performance opportunities. Each student is required to perform. There will be a recital fee, of $20 for each student (per recital). The recital fee is used to cover venue rental, refreshments, and the program. Families and friends are encouraged to attend and should be respectful to other performers by staying for the entire duration of the recital. 

 

Summer Lessons:

Lesson scheduling is flexible during the summer. Students must take a minimum of 2 lessons in July and August to retain their spot for the fall and make progress continuously. Summer is the best time to get a faster pace of learning, by taking two lessons every week. For a higher level of students, this is also a good time to take extra classes on theory, harmony, and history.​

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Parental Involvement:

Communication via email, text, phone calls, or in-person meetings must be available to parents. Parents who fail to respond promptly may result in the discontinuation of lessons. At the beginner and elementary levels, parents must be committed to participating in their child's piano studies to ensure sufficient progress.

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Safety and Damage:

Parents or guardians are responsible for supervising and ensuring the safety of their children at all times while they are on the premises of Jessica Lee’s Piano Studio. If any damage occurs to the facility due to the actions of the student, the student’s family, or others under their care, parents or guardians must indemnify Jessica Lee’s Piano Studio for any resulting damages.

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Photo and Video Release:

Photos or videos of the students may be featured on the studio website and social media. Students’ full names will not be used.

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Contact Information:

Contact by email or text message. Please do not call as I am usually teaching a lesson and may not be able to answer.

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