For families
Resources
Everything you need to get started — recommended books, common questions, and the studio policy.
Books & materials
Titles vary by age and level. Joy will confirm exactly what your student needs at the first lesson.
Required to begin
- Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Complete (Books 1–3)
- The Leila Fletcher Piano Course, Book One
- Music for Little Mozarts: Lesson Book 1Age 4 only
- Alfred's Basic Piano Library — Lesson Book, Level 1A / 1B / 1By age
Recommended & supplemental
These are progression books spanning several courses and levels — beginner levels are noted. This list doesn't limit what a student can explore; if they show interest in any piece, I encourage it.
- A Dozen a Day, Mini Book — Edna-Mae Burnam
- The Leila Fletcher Piano Course, Book One
- John Thompson's Modern Course for the Piano — First Grade Book
- Alfred's Basic Piano Library Flashcards, Levels 1A–1B
- John Brimhall's Complete Theory Notebook
- Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Complete (Books 1–3)
- Music for Little Mozarts: Lesson Book 1
Frequently asked
How long are the lessons?
Every lesson is 30 minutes.
How often are lessons?
Lessons are held once every week at a recurring time.
Where do lessons take place?
In your home — I come to you and teach on your own piano or keyboard.
How much do you charge?
Tuition is billed monthly, not per lesson: $120 per month, per student, for a weekly 30-minute lesson.
What if a lesson is missed?
With at least 24 hours' notice, I'll make a reasonable effort to arrange one makeup lesson per month, later in the week and subject to availability.
When is payment due?
Payment is due on the 1st of every month, via Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal.
Can I sit in on my child's lesson?
Absolutely — parents are welcome, and observing is encouraged for younger students.
What books should we purchase?
See the Books & materials section above. I'll confirm exactly what your student needs at the first lesson.
How much should my child practice?
Beginners: 15–20 minutes a day (excluding Sundays). As students advance, I ask for 30–45 minutes a day.
Studio policy
Download the agreement (PDF)Important — please read before enrolling
Monthly tuition is a flat, fixed fee that reserves your weekly lesson slot — it is not a per-lesson charge. Tuition is owed in full each month regardless of whether a lesson is attended, skipped, or cancelled by the student, including planned travel. No credits or refunds are issued for missed lessons.
Lesson structure
- Lessons are offered on Mondays and Tuesdays only.
- Each lesson is 30 minutes, scheduled weekly at a recurring time.
- The instructor travels to the student's home; the client provides a properly tuned instrument and a quiet, distraction-free space.
- Lessons may be held by video call (Zoom, FaceTime) by prior arrangement or with reasonable notice.
Payment terms
- Tuition is due on the 1st of each month, regardless of when the first lesson falls.
- Accepted methods: Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal.
- Accounts more than 10 days past due may be paused until the balance is cleared.
Cancellations & missed lessons
- Monthly tuition is non-refundable for student cancellations or no-shows.
- With 24 hours' notice, one makeup lesson per month may be arranged as a courtesy, subject to availability. Makeup lessons do not carry to the next month.
- If the instructor cancels, a makeup lesson or prorated credit will be offered.
Weather & holidays
- In severe weather, a lesson may be rescheduled or held by video call at no additional charge.
- Tuition is based on an approximate 48-lesson year; no adjustments are made for months containing a holiday.
- At least one week's notice is given for any planned time off.
Practice expectations
- Students are expected to practice at least 3–5 days per week between lessons.
- Progress depends heavily on consistent home practice.
- Required materials are the responsibility of the client unless otherwise agreed.
Termination
- Either party may end lessons with 30 days' written notice (text or email).
- Lessons conclude at the end of the calendar month notice is given; that month's tuition is due in full.
- There are no long-term contracts — enrollment continues month-to-month.
The full signable agreement — including the photo/media release and signature lines — is available as a PDF above. Policies are subject to periodic revision with at least 30 days' written notice.