Welcome
Dear New Students and Families,
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Welcome to Ms. Camille's Piano Studio! I am thrilled to have you join our musical community and look forward to starting this journey with you.
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My name is Ms. Camille, and I bring over a decade of teaching experience and a lifelong passion for piano to our studio. With a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from San Jose State University and advanced studies and practice of Music Therapy, I aim to create a supportive and enriching environment for students of all ages and abilities. At our studio, lessons are tailored to fit your individual strengths and goals. To learn more about me, visit the About Ms. Camille page.
Here are a few important highlights to get started:
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Scheduling:
Studio Scheduling Program:
Please fill out the form below to join our scheduling program, My Music Staff (MMS). This program allows you to track your lessons, practice time, and occasionally download materials. After registration you will receive an email to create a login for MMS, accessible anytime by coming to MsCamillesPianoStudio.com and clicking on the MMS tab under student resources or clicking here.​
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Swap List:
The Swap List allows you to swap lesson times with other students helping to avoid missed lessons. For more information and to see if you'd like to participate, click here.
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Certificate of Merit (CM):
Certificate of Merit is a leveled, yearly piano exam open to all students, including those from out of state. Students typically begin preparing for the exam around level 3 of their method books. based on their teacher's assessment of their readiness.. For more details, click here.
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Student Spotlight:
Join our supportive community of fellow musicians. Share your progress and celebrate each other's achievements through our Student Spotlight feature. View the Student Spotlight page here. If you would like to be featured on the Student Spotlight page, let me know, and i'll guide you on how and what to record.
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Please make sure to fill out the form below to answer a few questions about scheduling and expectations for the year. If enrolling more than one student, please fill out a separate form for each.
Thank you for joining our studio, and I look forward to working with you this year!
Warmly,
Ms. Camille
Ms. Camille's
Piano Studio Policy
This policy is an agreement between Ms. Camille Vargas, students and parents/guardians enrolled in lessons for the 2024-2025 studio year (September 2024-August 2025) or before.
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All students who enroll in piano lessons with Ms. Camille agree to the following:
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Lessons
​WHAT YOU WILL NEED EVERY LESSON:
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An acoustic or digital piano with 88 weighted keys and a proper piano bench - If you are unsure whether you have the correct instrument to start with, please ask your teacher
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Your piano placed in a quiet space - a quiet space free of amplified noise helps both student and teacher concentrate during their lesson
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A fully charged phone, tablet or computer with a camera suitable for online lessons
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All assigned books and music
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A pencil and eraser (not pen)
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Upon request, you will also need:​​
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A metronome
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A stand for your device
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A binder and notebook dedicated to piano
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Tuition
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Tuition guarantees that your teacher will be present at your assigned time slot each week from September through August except for scheduled breaks (see Scheduling for details).
HOW TUITION IS CALCULATED:
Monthly tuition payments are based on an annual total divided into 12 equal payments, similar to how fees are structured for dance classes, sports teams, and gym memberships. This means the amount billed each month remains consistent regardless of the number of lessons held in that month. Tuition fees are based on enrollment, not attendance and covers more than just lesson time.​
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What dose tuition cover? Click Here​
TUITION RATES:
30-Minute Lessons
$165/month
45- Minute Lessons
$240/month
60-Minute Lessons
$315/month
Payment Due: 1st of every month
Late Fee: $25 if payment is not received by the 7th of the month
Lessons will be placed on hold if payment is not received by the 7th and will resume upon payment. Frequent late payments will require automatic payments.
No refunds, prorating, or credits given.
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PAYMENT FORMS ACCEPTED:
Credit, debit, or PayPal
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DISCOUNT:
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Refer a Friend Discount - Receive a $25 discount on one month of lessons for each friend you refer who signs up and completes at least one month of lessons.
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Early Time Slot Discount - Receive a $15 discount on monthly tuition for lesson times 2:30 PM or earlier. (Limited slots available)​
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Scheduling
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The studio year runs year-round from September through August, with breaks aligning with most academic calendars.​
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Scheduled breaks include:
Thanksgiving Break: November 25 - 29
Winter Break: December 23 - January 3
President's Week: February 16 - 21
4th of July Break: June 30 - 4
+2 weeks of built-in absences for you
+1 week of built-in absences for your teacher
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All breaks and built-in absences are factored into the tuition, allowing students to take these days off without missing any paid lessons. Your teacher typically takes her week off at the end of summer but may use it any time during the year if needed. If she needs any additional absences beyond that week, those lessons will be rescheduled.
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LESSON DURATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Level 1 Method Book (or equivalent):
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Recommended: 30-45 minute lessons
- Level 2+ Method Book (or equivalent):
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Required: 45-60 minute lessons
- Certificate of Merit Students:
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Required: 45-60 minute lessons (See About Certificate of Merit for more information)
Time slots may vary throughout the year, but your teacher strives to accommodate everyone's preferences as best as possible. ​​
For a permanent time slot change, please give your teacher at least two weeks’ notice. Changes may not be honored if the schedule does not permit, but your teacher will do her best to accommodate and notify you if a change becomes possible in the future.
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MISSED LESSONS
Please remember that tuition is based on enrollment, not attendance, and covers more than just lesson time. Therefore, makeup lessons are not provided. However, you have two built-in weeks off per year for student absences, usually taken during spring break and summer, but may be used anytime during the studio year. As a reminder, these absences are already factored into the tuition, so you won't miss any lessons you've paid for. If you don't use these weeks off, you'll simply receive two free lessons for the year!​
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Options to avoid missing a lesson:
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Swap List (most popular option)
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Opt-in to be on the Swap List for the opportunity to switch lesson times with another student (See Swap List for details)
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Cancellation List
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Join the cancellation list to fill a spot if another student cancels. While availability isn't guaranteed, your teacher will promptly notify you if an opening becomes available. To help everyone benefit from this option, please let your teacher know well in advance if you need to miss a lesson.
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Video Submission
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Send a video of your assignments before your regularly scheduled lesson. Your teacher will use your lesson time to review and provide personalized feedback, keeping you on track.
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Progress Call
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Use your reserved time slot to chat with your teacher about your student's progress. It's a great way to stay updated and involved.​
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What do I do if...
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I didn't have time to practice? – It's okay to have occasional weeks where we have less time to practice–life can be busy! This is a great opportunity to still have a lesson and discuss how to break up your pieces and practice more effectively and efficiently during hectic weeks.
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I have a vacation planned? – For vacations outside of studio breaks or beyond your two week built-in absences, using the Swap List is a great solution. While payment adjustments and makeup lessons are not offered for these absences, the Swap List can help you avoid missing out on your weekly lesson.
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I have extracurricular activities? – While missed lessons due to practices, concerts, games, etc. are not provided makeup lessons, this is another great opportunity to use the Swap List and ensure you don't miss your weekly lesson.
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I have an injury or broken bone? – This is a great opportunity to dive into topics we don't always have time for, like ear training and theory. We'll keep lessons going to ensure you continue to grow and enrich your musical skills!
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I am late or forgot my lesson day/time? – While a makeup lesson cannot be provided for a forgotten lesson, if you're late, you can still enjoy the remaining time of your scheduled lesson, though we won't extend beyond your reserved slot.
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PAUSING LESSONS
If there seems to be a decrease in interest, please let your teacher know. Sometimes a new approach or different books, music, or activities can renew our enjoyment of music. It's best to act early, as long breaks can be counterproductive. If a break is necessary and you plan on returning you may pay a $75/month fee to hold your spot in the schedule. Those who continue lessons over the summer or pay to hold their spot get priority scheduling for the fall.
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DISCONTINUING LESSONS
Every student eventually stops taking lessons, and it's best when this decision is made thoughtfully through discussions between the teacher, student and parent. Since lessons are month-to-month, you are never obligated to stay a full year. However, giving a one-month notice helps ensure a smooth and positive transition for everyone and is greatly appreciated. ​​
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Conduct & Learning Environment
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The student is responsible for daily practice, following specific practice instructions, completing and sending pictures of written work before the next lesson and asking questions when necessary. To ensure a positive learning experience, your teacher may end the lesson early if a student acts inappropriately or disrespectfully.
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Parents agree to provide an appropriate instrument, purchase materials and fees, observe lessons when needed, and set expectations for daily practice. Students thrive with a structured, daily practice routine. Most importantly, parents are encouraged to positively support their child's musical journey while enjoying their beautiful music!
Thank you and I look forward to a great year of making music with you!