STUDIO POLICY
Mission and Goals
At Dr. Chen Piano Studio, our aim is to make learning music an enjoyable and rewarding experience, helping students achieve their full potential. Our primary goal is to cultivate a genuine love for music in every student, nurture their creativity, and build strong, lasting confidence.
Our professional team, inspired by Dr. Chen's extensive expertise and passion, ensures the highest quality in all aspects of our teaching. The studio provides excellent piano instruction designed to help students become confident musicianswho can express themselves freely and skillfully across various musical styles. Essentially, Dr. Chen's commitment to excellence means you'll receive a professional, high-quality music education in an environment where you can truly thrive and develop your unique musical voice.
Lesson Structure
Beginner Students:
We introduce students to fundamental music concepts, including music notation, rhythms, articulations, and basic techniques. Students will learn an introductory repertoire featuring simple melodies and accompaniment, building a strong foundation.
Intermediate Students:
This level involves an in-depth study of intermediate piano repertoire, incorporating music theory, music history, and various musical genres such as classical, jazz, and popular music. We focus on refining techniques, improving sound production, and developing musical expression.
Advanced Students:
Students at this level will engage in exploration of advanced piano repertoire, delving into musical styles, interpretations, textures, and historical contexts. We address complex technical challenges and foster artistic confidence to help students achieve mastery.
Instructional Time
We truly value our dedicated time with each student and eagerly anticipate your weekly lesson!
Lesson Duration:
Each 30-minute time slot includes 29-30 minutes of direct instructional time. This allows for smooth transitions between lessons and brief administrative tasks.
Punctuality:
To maximize your learning experience, please arrive on time. If a student arrives late, the lesson will still conclude at its scheduled end time, utilizing the remaining portion of the allocated slot.
In-Person Lessons:
For students attending in-person lessons, our comfortable waiting room is available for your convenience. Students may wait until the instructor greets them. Parents are welcome to wait in the waiting area during lessons or, for younger students, quietly observe the lesson and take notes.
Online Lessons:
For online lessons, we recommend that a parent or guardian be present in the background. Their quiet presence can greatly assist in facilitating the lesson and guiding the child when needed.
Student/Parent Responsibilities
Punctuality and Preparedness:
Students are expected to arrive on time for lessons with all necessary music materials.
Regular Practice:
Consistent practice is crucial for progress. We recommend daily practice times:
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Beginner Students: 15-30 minutes
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Intermediate Students: Over 30 minutes
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Advanced Students: At least 45 minutes
Instrument Access:
All piano students must have a piano or an 88-weighted key digital piano available for home practice.
Parent Responsibilities:
Quiet Observation: Parents are strongly encouraged to observe their child's private lessons quietly. Taking notes can also be very helpful.
Active Support: Your presence and engaged observation during private lessons significantly contribute to your child's long-term success and enthusiasm for music.
Performance Opportunities
We believe that performing is a crucial part of musical development and highly encourage all students to share their talents. Dr. Chen Piano Studio provides many opportunities throughout the year, including:
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Summer Live Recital
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Spooky Halloween Performances
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Winter Live Recital
Beyond our studio-wide events, we also encourage students to participate in local auditions, music festivals, and competitions to further enhance their experience and growth. These opportunities include:
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School Talent Shows
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Piano Exams
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Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival
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MTNA Competition
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Achievement Awards Auditions
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Musikfest
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Frank Chesebro Memorial Scholarship Competition
Absence and Cancellation Policy
We understand that occasional absences are unavoidable. To ensure fairness and efficient scheduling for all students and instructors, please review our policy carefully.
Instructor Cancellations:
Lessons canceled by the instructor will always be rescheduled at a mutually convenient time.
Student Cancellations & No-Shows:
To request a reschedule for a student absence, at least 24 hours' advance notice is required. Failure to provide this notice will result in the lesson being missed without eligibility for a make-up lesson, and the student will be charged for the missed lesson.
Please refer to the table below for specific cancellation types and their corresponding policies:
Long-Term Leave:
If you anticipate needing a long-term leave from lessons (e.g., for summer vacation or extended travel), please notify the studio with the exact start and end dates of your absence. Providing this specific information is essential for us to hold your spot. Without clear dates, we may be unable to guarantee your lesson slot, as other students may be on a waiting list.
Make-up Lessons:
Please note that there are no make-ups for make-ups. If a make-up lesson is scheduled and the student does not attend for any reason, a further make-up lesson will not be provided.
Tuition and Monthly Payment
Initial Deposit and Monthly Tuition
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An initial deposit equivalent to four lessons is due at the first lesson.
This deposit will be applied toward the final month of lessons when a student discontinues, and any remaining balance will be adjusted accordingly (refunded or billed).
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Tuition is billed at the end of each month, based on the actual number of lessons attended during that month.
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Payment is due by the 3rd day of the following month.
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A $25 late fee will be charged if payment is not received by the due date.
Accepted Payment Methods
All payments must be made through approved payment systems and not handed directly to teachers.
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Zelle (recommend)
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Credit/Debit card (via student portal)
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Bank transfer (via student portal)
Referrals
We appreciate our students helping our studio grow! As a thank you, current students who successfully refer new students to Dr. Chen Piano Studio will receive one complimentary lesson for each successful referral. This free lesson will be credited directly to your student account balance.
Discontinuing Lessons
Many students continue with us for many years. But it is OK to discontinue lessons for any reason when the time feels right for you to do so! To ensure a smooth transition, a minimum of 30 days' advance notice is required when discontinuing lessons. Upon the discontinuation of lessons:
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Any remaining prepaid tuition will be promptly refunded.
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Any outstanding balance will become immediately due.
Still Have Questions?
Feel free to contact us anytime — we’re happy to help!
Contact
Dr. Chen Piano Studio
1013 Brookside Rd, Suite #100
Allentown, PA, 18106
835-222-1586