The following is given to students and parents before or at the beginning of the first lesson and annually
each year.  New students are asked to read it and complete and sign the registration form which follows on
the next page.  On-going students sign at the bottom of this page annually.  This is a condensed version of
the STUDIO HANDBOOK (not a replacement.)

My Mission As A Private Music Instructor And Coach        
I will plan activities, teach, and coach students with the goal of awakening and enhancing each
student's innate abilities and talents, their love and passion for music.

Skills Offered Students:  
I offer training in a variety of styles including classical for both voice and piano (acoustic and
keyboard . Theory and exercises are included.  Other services include transcribing, arranging,
and recording music.  Extra keyboards are available for practice before and after lessons as well
as for ensemble work.  Computer software (theory and music history) is also available to
enhance student learning. Occasionally extra lessons may become desirable and will be
discussed with the student and family in advance.  

Cost: Tuition is $70.00 per month per student per half-hour lesson whether a four or five
week month and will be due the first week of each month, year round. Lessons for partial
months for new students and extra lessons are $22.00 per one-half hour.  Special coaching for
non-students is $45 per one-hour session.  

The studio will be closed 14 weeks per year (see ”Year Round Lessons” section) so monthly
tuition is based on 38 of the 52 weeks per year, as follows:  [$22 per lesson * 38 weeks of
lessons per year  = annual cost of $836 divided by 12 months  = $70 per month].  As a result
you are not charged for the fourteen weeks the studio is closed even though the tuition is the
same pro-rated amount each month, year round, including December and July.

Payment:  Please pay each month’s tuition the first week of each month. Tuition received
after the 10th of each month is considered late.  If lessons are discontinued, you will be charged
for any unpaid lessons due to the monthly pro-ration, plus costs for books/materials provided
the student that are outstanding.   If the pro-ration has caused you to be charged for lessons not
yet taken, you will be refunded that amount. The calculation will take into account the past 12
months or the date you began lessons, if less than one year.  For example – a student is a senior
and their last lesson will be the end of June.  They have taken lessons with me for over a year
so have been scheduled for all 38 lessons during the prior twelve months and will be required to
pay for the month of July like everyone else.  A weeks notice is requested prior to
discontinuing lessons.

Place: Lessons will be conducted in my home in the lower level.   Moms or Dads are
welcome to wait for their child in my home in the lower level waiting area.  Tables, chairs,
telephone, keyboards, TV and a computer are available for use by those who are waiting.  
Please park on the left of the driveway.  My upstairs living area and bathrooms are off limits.

Absences:  The same monthly tuition is charged whether there are four or five weeks in a
month or whether you miss a lesson(s). It will be of benefit to call me as soon as you become
aware that you cannot attend a lesson so that I can try to schedule a makeup for you, as well as
call another student who could make up their lesson during your unattended time.  Lessons are
normally given between3 PM and 7 PM Monday through Friday and between 7 AM and 12
noon on Wednesdays.   I am willing to use my personal time (after 7 PM and weekends) to
make up lessons missed due to storms and icy roads, but not because you forgot, are sick, or
have something else to do.  I will watch for openings to reschedule your lesson regardless of the
reason you missed, but cannot guarantee a makeup unless I know that another student will be
absent at a time you can come.  I frequently publish a weekly lesson schedule which I e-mail to
you so that you can contact someone to trade times with in advance of your absence thus
assuring yourself a makeup- or let a sibling use your time.)  In addition, I usually offer a couple
of makeup days during the summer for those who feel they have missed a lot.  

The studio is open regardless of weather conditions, school days off, or national holidays. It is
only closed as outlined in the “Year Round Lessons” section, below. I ask that you determine if
the weather is too bad or the roads are too icy to safely get here.

Please attend your lesson even if you have had difficulty in practicing during the week. This
allows us to review the prior week's assignment and get off to a fresh, positive and strong start
for the new week. My experience is that it is often very difficult, emotionally, for students to
get back into practicing without a refresher lesson.

Recitals:  I intend to have informal recitals for reinforcement and recognition of the growth,
skills and talents of the students. Student attendance at my recitals is required. The families of
my students will be invited. We also participate in the Pikes Peak Music Teacher Association
(PPMTA) and local piano teacher’s activities as each student's interest indicates.  Tuition for
these outside events is generally around $15 per student.  You may review the list of upcoming
events on my website under the Events tab.

Year Round Lessons:  The studio will be closed for two weeks between Christmas and
New Years, during Thanksgiving week and Spring break, the week prior to Spring Break and
the first week of June.  It will also be closed during 4 weeks of the month of July.  Two
additional weeks are scheduled off to be taken at the teacher's discretion for illness or
emergency, etc.  If this time is not used during the year the summer break will be lengthened
accordingly If you are planning to take additional vacation or time-off, you may hold your slot
by making regular payments, the first week of each month.  

Practice:   Students will be expected to practice 30 or more minutes per day when taking 30
minute lesson, 45 minutes for 45 minute lessons, etc.  Beginners will gradually increase to 30
minutes per day.  Those in level four and higher will need to practice 1 to 3 hours daily
depending on their goals and participation in musical activities.  As a result, lessons will be
more fun and the student's sense of growth and accomplishment will be heightened.   

Books:   I will purchase the majority of music books and materials and ask to be reimbursed
by the student at the lesson they receive the books or the lesson immediately following.  The
cost of the books will be noted in the student's notebook.  We will make every effort to use
books that the student owns and purchase only what is necessary.

Each student is asked to bring a notebook that they have purchased to each lesson.  I will write
their assignments in this book and keep track of payments owed and received.  Each student
should also bring a computer disc as we use them during nearly every voice and piano lesson.  
Piano accompaniments are recorded on them so voice students can practice their songs by  
playing the disc on a computer or in a clavinova.

Communication:  Parents and students are encouraged to call me with questions, to
clarify assignments, or discuss concerns. Misunderstandings often happen as time goes on, so
let's address them as they surface.  I will inform you of up-coming events through e-mail and/or
memos sent home through the student.  I use the student’s notebook to note times, dates,
costs, etc. and parents can use it to write notes back to me.  It is a good idea to check your e-
mail before each lesson. Policies and updates on major events, etc. will be posted in the
downstairs waiting area and well as on the coffee table.  A photo album with pictures of past
events is also located on the coffee table.  

I will offer quality instruction as a professional music teacher.  I personally experience teaching
music as a beautiful way to spend my time.  I am confident that the skills you will be learning
will pay off in many ways and in many areas of your life. It is a wonderful step toward good
study habits, becoming more focused, dedicated and disciplined - for some of you at a very
early age.  Congratulations on taking the next step toward music mastery and the realization of
your dreams where music is concerned!



Sincerely,        


Barbara Taylor    


e-mail:  BarbaraTaylor8@msn.com
web site:  www.barbarataylormusicstudio.com

ANNUAL REVIEW BY CURRENT PARENTS/STUDENTS:


_____________________________        ___________________
Signature                                        Date

You may always review this policy on the web site.  Please sign and date
this signature page and turn it in prior to starting the new year each August.
Barbara Taylor Music Studio
Policy for Signature