Wait List
Piano Studio B currently maintains a wait list for prospective students interested in joining our music program. It's important to understand that admission from the wait list is not solely based on the order of application. Instead, we consider a combination of factors including the applicant's merit, potential, and our current scheduling availability. This approach ensures a good fit between the student's needs and the studio's offerings.
To join the wait list, we kindly ask prospective students or their guardians to schedule a consultation. This can be done conveniently by using the scheduling tool available HERE.
Once admitted, new students generally begin their lessons at the start of the following quarter, subject to available slots in the schedule. This timing helps integrate new students seamlessly into our structured teaching program.
Tuition Payments & Schedule
Payment Terms: Tuition for lessons is payable in full at the start of each month or quarter. We accept a variety of payment methods for your convenience:
Cash
Checks: Please make checks payable to Brendan Nguyen, Piano Studio B.
Electronic Payments: Including Zelle and ACH transfers.
Lesson Schedule: Lessons are planned for 12 out of the 13 weeks in each quarter. To assist in planning, please note the following general periods when lessons are not scheduled:
Spring Quarter (April-May-June): Break in the middle of June.
Summer Quarter (July-August-September): Break typically in the middle of September.
Fall Quarter (October-November-December): Break during the 4th week of December, coinciding with the holidays and the new year.
Winter Quarter (January-February-March): Break in the middle of March.
Refund and Rescheduling Policy: Please be aware that lessons are not refundable. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances may occur. Depending on the nature of a missed lesson, options to reschedule or receive a credit for the following month may be available. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis, maintaining fairness and flexibility for our students.
What Tuition Pays For
The tuition at Piano Studio B, like that of most independent music teachers, encompasses much more than just the time spent in direct lessons. Understanding these various aspects can provide a clearer picture of the value offered:
Direct Student Engagement: This includes the time spent during lessons, studio classes, performances, and participation in competitions.
Preparation for Students: Significant time is devoted outside lessons for activities like visiting music stores, lesson planning, bookkeeping, and curriculum development. Industry journals estimate that for every hour of private lessons, a teacher invests at least two additional hours in preparation.
Professional Development: Tuition contributes to maintaining memberships in professional organizations. These memberships are vital for enhancing teaching skills and offering students opportunities in festivals, competitions, and performance events.
Resources and Publications: Access to professional journals and publications keeps the teacher updated on new teaching materials and educational trends.
Studio Maintenance and Operations: Expenses related to studio lease, copying, computer software, piano tuning and repairs, and newsletters are covered by tuition.
Business Expenses: As independent professionals, music teachers handle their own property taxes, insurance, business licenses, and retirement planning. Tuition helps offset these necessary costs.
Continuing Education: Ongoing training, conferences, lessons, and classes ensure that the teacher remains current on teaching methods and techniques.
Teacher Expertise: The expertise of music teachers is built on decades of rigorous training and thousands of hours of practice. This expertise, often acquired under the tutelage of world-renowned instructors at prestigious music institutions, is integral to providing high-quality musical education.
Remember, investing in tuition is not only about paying for the time during lessons; it's an investment in the comprehensive education and development provided by Piano Studio B.
Rates
At Piano Studio B, we offer lessons tailored to the individual needs and goals of each student. Lesson durations are 25, 55, 85, or 115 minutes, depending on what best serves the student's progress. It's important to note that these timings focus exclusively on the lesson itself and do not include the additional time instructors spend on lesson preparation, journaling, and planning special events.
Payment Terms:
Lessons are to be paid for in advance.
Monthly payments are due by the 1st of each month.
For those opting for quarterly payments, these should be made at the start of each quarter: January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st.
Consultation and Rate Agreement:
Specific rates are discussed and agreed upon during the initial consultation.
The agreed rate is guaranteed for up to two years of regular lessons.
After two years, rates may be adjusted for inflation at the discretion of Piano Studio B.
Special Considerations:
We are committed to inclusivity and accessibility. Discounted rates are available for individuals from under-represented communities or those experiencing financial hardship. Please contact us for more details.
Note: Rates are subject to change.
Attendance Policy
Punctuality: Punctuality is essential for maximizing the benefits of each lesson. Students should arrive promptly, with a grace period of 10 minutes. If a student arrives later than this window, the lesson will be considered forfeited. Regrettably, we cannot provide refunds or make-up lessons for these missed sessions, though a brief follow-up may be arranged later in the week.
Missed Lessons: We allocate a consistent weekly time slot for each student over a 13-week quarter, comprising 12 lessons. We understand life's unpredictability and accommodate planned absences (such as travel, medical appointments, or work commitments) with at least one month's notice. Students may choose to cancel or reschedule these lessons. Once the schedule for the upcoming month or quarter is set, we require payment, and refunds will not be issued due to the reservation of time slots.
Please note, tuition encompasses more than just the time spent in lessons. It includes the preparation and planning tailored to each student's progress. Thus, missing a lesson means missing out on that session's benefits. For further details, please refer to “What Tuition Pays for.”
Should a student frequently miss lessons (more than three times per quarter), we may reassign their time slot to a waitlisted student, offering an alternative slot at our discretion. This policy ensures the maintenance of the high teaching standards at Piano Studio B.
Illness: In cases of severe illness preventing piano play, studio classes will be considered as make-up sessions. For minor illnesses like a common cold, we'll conduct the lesson remotely. We handle extended illnesses or major accidents individually, tailoring our approach to each situation.
Remote Lessons: Utilizing tools like FaceTime, Zoom, Google Hangouts, or phone calls, remote lessons are an effective alternative for students unable to attend in person due to illness or adverse weather. These lessons often match the productivity of in-person sessions and are the standard practice for students outside Southern California.
Dr. Nguyen’s Scheduling Conflicts: As a performing artist and nonprofit arts administrator, Dr. Nguyen might occasionally encounter scheduling conflicts. These are typically anticipated well in advance, with any necessary rescheduling or cancellations communicated at least one week prior. Missed lessons due to Dr. Nguyen’s conflicts will be rescheduled within the same week or credited for the following month.
In the event of illness or an emergency on Dr. Nguyen's part, lessons will either be rescheduled within the same week or credited for the subsequent month. It's important to note that while Dr. Nguyen commits to offering make-up lessons or credits for his scheduling conflicts, we cannot guarantee make-up sessions for student or guardian oversights.
Practice Expectations
At Piano Studio B, we emphasize a goal-oriented approach to practice rather than setting strict time goals. We believe that the quality and focus of practice are more important than the quantity of time spent. The time ranges provided are flexible guidelines to help students and parents gauge a minimum and maximum duration that is conducive to progress, tailored to each student's age and experience level.
Students are recommended to practice 4 to 6 days a week, with practice sessions varying from a minimum of 20 minutes to a maximum of 4 hours. This flexibility allows students to focus on achieving specific objectives set during lessons rather than watching the clock.
We advocate for dividing practice time into at least two shorter sessions per day, if possible. This method is usually more effective and less daunting than a single prolonged session. Additionally, taking a day off each week is encouraged to prevent burnout and promote a more refreshed and productive mindset.
Each practice session should ideally commence with 10-15 minutes dedicated to warm-up exercises, fundamental techniques, and daily drills, laying a strong foundation for working on repertoire pieces. Students will be provided with a personalized weekly agenda, outlining specific goals to be achieved before the next lesson. Recording lessons is also highly recommended, as these can be invaluable tools for revisiting and reinforcing lesson content during independent practice.
Studio Class, Recitals, Competitions
Performance plays a pivotal role in the musical journey, contributing significantly to growth and development. At Piano Studio B, we offer various opportunities for students to showcase their skills and progress:
Studio Recitals: We organize studio recitals throughout the year, providing a platform for students to perform and share their accomplishments. These recitals are not only a celebration of progress but also a valuable experience in public performance.
Studio Classes: Held every 2 to 3 months, these classes offer a more intimate setting for performance. Students perform in front of their peers, fostering a supportive environment where they can both give and receive constructive feedback. This interactive setting is instrumental in developing performance skills and musical understanding.
Competitions: Participation in competitions is encouraged for those students who wish to challenge themselves further. While not mandatory, competitions can offer a unique experience and a different perspective on performance and preparation. Dr. Nguyen will keep students informed about upcoming competitions, offering guidance on preparation and participation.
These activities are designed not just for performance practice but also for building a sense of community among students, encouraging peer learning, and nurturing a shared love for music.
Media Release and Shared Use Agreement
By signing this agreement, you grant Piano Studio B and its authorized representatives permission to capture photographs, digital images, videos, audio recordings, and audiovisual recordings of the student. These materials may be utilized for various purposes, including but not limited to, publicity, educational content, publications (both printed and electronic), social media, and website usage associated with Piano Studio B.
Simultaneously, this agreement acknowledges the student's right to own and use their recordings. Students are encouraged to use these materials for their personal, educational, or promotional purposes, fostering their musical journey and sharing their progress with others.
While Piano Studio B may use these materials without requiring additional approval from you, the student, or legal guardians, and without obligation for compensation, we equally respect and support the students' rights to their creative content. This consent includes indemnifying and holding harmless Piano Studio B and its affiliates from any claims arising from mutual use of these materials.
All negatives, prints, digital images, and other media forms produced by Piano Studio B will remain the property of the studio, with shared usage rights granted to the students. By consenting to this agreement, both parties acknowledge and agree to these terms, fostering a collaborative and respectful use of the media content generated.
Student Responsibilities
Preparation and Punctuality: Arrive on time for each lesson, having practiced the assigned material. Strive to achieve the goals outlined at the end of each lesson.
Practice Schedule: Aim to practice 4-6 days a week, ideally in two practice sessions per day, to facilitate consistent progress.
Materials: Always bring your music books and a binder for assignments and repertoire.
Recording Device: Bring a device to record lessons, which can be invaluable for practice and review.
Physical and Mental Well-being: Take care of your health, particularly your hands, which are essential for playing. Daily stretching and exercise are important, as is a regular meditation practice, even if brief.
Academic Performance: Students currently in school should maintain high academic standards, typically a 3.5 GPA or higher, to continue lessons. This encourages a balanced approach to both academic and musical education.
Food and Drink: To protect the instruments, please refrain from bringing food and drinks, except for water in a sealed container, into the studio or near any instruments at home. Never place any items, including water, on the pianos. Gum is prohibited during lessons to maintain focus and cleanliness.
Respect for Property: Any damage caused to Piano Studio B’s property must be fully compensated for by the student or their guardian.
Instructor Responsibilities
Guidance and Confidence Building: Provide thoughtful and supportive guidance tailored to each student, aimed at bolstering their confidence and fostering a positive learning environment.
Expanding Musical Horizons: Actively recommend listening material, artists, and repertoire that will challenge students to step out of their comfort zones. This approach is designed to broaden their understanding of music and diverse performance practices.
Tailored Practice Regimens: Develop and continually adapt a weekly practice regimen that aligns with the student’s evolving skills and progress. This personalized approach ensures that each student receives the most effective guidance for their development.
Encouraging Performance Opportunities: Motivate students to seize every performance opportunity, from informal gatherings with friends and relatives to more formal settings like recitals or even prestigious professional venues. Emphasize the importance of performance as a key element of musical growth.
Policy Adaptation and Updates: Regularly review and update studio policies as needed to reflect the evolving needs of students and the studio. This ensures that the studio operates under the most effective and current guidelines, maintaining a high standard of music education.
Release of Liability
Participation in any activity, including music lessons that involve movement, physical activity, singing, vocalization, or the use of musical instruments, inherently carries some risk of injury. Despite careful selection of safe instruments and prudent teaching practices, the possibility of injury related to instrument use cannot be entirely eliminated.
By enrolling in lessons, you also agree to this contract and its terms, and agree to fully waive and release Piano Studio B, along with its agents, employees, volunteers, and assignees, from any and all liability. This release covers all claims, demands, damages, actions, or causes of action, whether past, present, or future, that may arise from or are in any way related to participation in music lessons and associated music services provided by Piano Studio B. This waiver applies even in cases where the damage or injury may be caused, in whole or in part, by the ordinary negligence of the parties released herein.
You acknowledge and agree that your or your child's involvement in these music lessons and services is a voluntary decision, fully understanding the risks involved. This release is a binding legal agreement and is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by law.