Welcome to my piano studio! This will be my 28th year teaching students how to make beautiful music. I take great joy in working with musicians young and old to help them grow as pianists. The following information will help you to know what to expect if you join my studio. As always, you should feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.
Studio Policy 2023-2024
How do I apply for lessons?
Please visit my website at mfavrick.mymusicstaff.com and fill in the registration form. This does not obligate the student to lessons or me to accept the student. However, it is the best way to get the process started. You may also email me at avrickpianostudio@gmail.com if you have specific questions or concerns that are not addressed here.
Where is your studio located?
My school studio is located on the campus of Grace Christian Academy in Waldorf, Md. The school is across from Billingsley Road on Rt. 5. Students do not need to attend GCA to take lessons in the School of Music. Hours are offered during and after the school day, and into the early evening. This is my official studio and is independent from GCA.
My home studio is in Eutaw Forest off Bensville Road (Waldorf, but 5 minutes from Accokeek). I offer limited lessons at this location as a convenience to those families who live nearby and/or do not wish to take lessons at GCA.
How often are lessons held and for how long?
Each student will receive one 30-minute lesson per week. Lessons are also available in 45 minute and 60-minute segments. Adults may also take 60-minute lessons every other week if desired. Students may begin taking lessons in First Grade.
What activities will students be involved in as part of the Studio?
Students are included in recitals, adjudications, and competitions with my studio at Grace Christian Academy in Waldorf, Maryland. All students will take the Maryland State Music Teachers’ Keyboard Musicianship Test each year in November when they are ready. All students are required to perform in at least one recital per year. Other opportunities to perform include a Christmas Recital, a Spring Recital, and the Music Teachers Association of Charles County Sonatina Festival and other events.
SPECIAL DATES: Please write on your calendar the dates for any competition, festival, community performance or recital which would involve your child. The dates are given well in advance to avoid scheduling conflicts. (Remember, if a child is hurried or late to these events, it may affect his/her performance.) All contest and festival fees will be included in the monthly statement. There are no refunds.
Are the cost of lesson materials and fees included in the cost?
The charge for books and or activity/competition/test fees are added onto the monthly bill as needed. The set-up fee for the assignment notebook, lesson book and theory book initially issued will be charged at $15.00 on the first invoice.
What kind of time commitment is required from the student during the week?
Students are asked to practice 5-6 days per week. Beginning students can expect to spend 10-15 minutes of practice per day. By the end of the first year, students should expect to spend 30 minutes a day in practice. As the student progresses toward more advanced pieces, practice time will also need to increase. Parents should be prepared to enforce this rule since, as with homework, students will not always want to do so. Students who do not practice lose interest, while students who practice continue to progress well.
How much does it cost?
Fees are charged on an annual basis. Costs are based on 34 lessons or more per school year, plus 4-6 summer lessons (optional). This means that payments remain the same September through June, no matter how many lessons there are in an actual month. Students who chose to continue lessons through July will pay one additional payment of the same amount.
Lesson tuition may be paid in cash, check, or credit card (paypal). You may also use Zelle, CashApp, Apple Pay or Venmo to pay the monthly tuition. If you prefer one of these transfer methods, touch base with me and I will send you the link to my account. Arrangements can be made for your credit card to be charged monthly if desired (nine equal payments). Summer lessons are optional and are not included in this cost. Fees may be paid on a monthly, trimester, semester, or yearly basis as arranged with the instructor.
30 Minute Lessons: $120.00 Per Month
45 Minute Lessons: $160.00 Per Month
60 Minute Lessons $220.00 Per Month (One student, not 30-minute siblings)
What if I have a scheduling conflict and the student cannot make it to the lesson?
The lesson slot that is agreed upon by teacher and parent is saved especially for your child, and unless otherwise noted, I will be waiting happily to give your child their lesson each week, therefore missed lessons will not be refunded. However, if I can offer an alternative lesson slot in the same week, I will be glad to make up the lesson, but as an exception, not as a rule. There are three lessons built into the yearly schedule for teacher absence (accompanying, illness, workshops, snow days, etc.). The annual fee guarantees at least 34 lessons per teaching year, plus 4-6 optional additional lessons over the summer. It may be possible to receive more depending on whether the instructor needs to use the extra weeks.
What kind of instrument does the student need to have to practice on at home?
Students need an adequate instrument in their home before beginning lessons, as follows:
Note: A 5-octave keyboard will be allowed for the first year, but parents should note that the students will be missing important items (weighted keys, damper pedal) for learning. After one year, parents are strongly encouraged to upgrade to at least a digital piano.
Let’s make beautiful music together!
Michele F. Avrick
Avrick Piano Studio
School Year 2023-2024
Studio Policy Agreement
Student Name(s) _________________________________________________
PHOTO AND VIDEO RELEASE
Avrick Piano Studio is hereby granted permission to take or use photographs or video of the students for use in newsletters, brochures, websites, posters, advertisements, social media for Avrick Piano Studio purposes only.
PROFESSIONAL OBLIGATIONS
As a professional accompanist, adjudicator and workshop clinician, there may be times when I will need to be away from the studio for these commitments. Advanced notice will be given and missed lessons will be made up as needed. There are two to three extra lessons built into the school year calendar for these occasions, snow days, sick days on the part of the teacher, etc.
INJURIES
Parents, legal guardians of minor students, and adult students waive the right to any legal action for any injury sustained on or around the Grace Christian Academy or 8527 Ridgeline Terrace, Waldorf, Md. 20603 property resulting from normal lesson activity or other activity conducted by the student before, during, or after their lesson time.
CELL PHONE
Avrick Piano Studio may text my cell phone to communicate about piano lessons, student questions, etc. Cell phone ______________________________________
STUDIO POLICIES CONSENT AGREEMENT
I have received a copy of the Avrick Piano Studio Policies 2021-2022 and a copy of the Studio Calendar and Studio Activities Sheet. I have read and fully understand and agree to the studio policies for Studio Year 2019-2020.
Parent Name ___________________________________________________
Parent Signature __________________________________ Date ________
The 2023-2024 Studio Year will begin on Tuesday, September 5.
Students should bring all piano materials with them to their first lesson.
No lessons on Labor Day, September 4
See you soon! It's going to be a great year!