MY RESPONSIBILITIES
To allow students to develop at their own pace in a warm and encouraging environment that fosters creativity, independence and the joy of music making. To provide students with a thorough grounding in all areas of musicianship including the technical and stylistic aspects of piano playing, music history and theory, ear training, sight reading, composition, and improvisation.
parental & student responsibilities
Equipment
Students require an acoustic or digital piano for home practice. Acoustic pianos should be tuned at least once a year. If you prefer a digital piano, please invest in a full-size keyboard (88 keys) with weighted, touch-sensitive keys and a pedal.
Practice
Regular home practice is essential for student success. Ideally, students should aim for 5 days of practice a week.
Materials
It is recommended that students taking face-to-face lessons use a tote bag to carry books to and from lessons. All students will be given access to music lesson platform, Practice Space, where practice assignments and other documents will be uploaded. Nicola's Piano Studio will obtain all required books and materials, the cost of which is in addition to lesson fees.
Parent Participation
Parents are encouraged to be supportive and active participants in home practice. Parents are also encouraged to attend and observe lessons once a month or more.
teaching schedule
Term dates for 2026
Term 1 28 January to 2 April (9 weeks)
Term 2 20 April to 26 June (10 weeks)
Term 3 13 July to 18 September (10 weeks)
Term 4 5 October to 11 December (10 weeks)
LESSON FEES
Lessons are billed according to the VIC school term and are due by the first lesson of term. Payments can be made either by direct deposit or cash. Lessons provided during holiday periods are paid for on the day.
Lesson Length
Lessons are 30, 45 or 60 minutes long depending on the age and level of the student. The recommended lesson length is:
30 minutes Preschool to Grade 2
45 minutes Grade 3 to Grade 4
60 minutes Grade 5 and above (depending on playing level reached)
Please note that once students are in Grade 3 they will be required to move to 45 minute lessons.
missed lessons & late arrivals
The payment of lesson fees secures your child’s lesson time for the term. Except in the case of protracted illness, no refund of fees is given for missed lessons. Due to rescheduling difficulties Nicola’s Piano Studio does not offer make-up lessons but if Nicola’s Piano Studio does cancel a lesson, the student will receive a lesson credit. Credits are applied to the next term’s invoice.
Students arriving late for lessons will only receive the balance of their time.
discontinuing lessons
Registration is for the entire term. Please note that Nicola’s Piano Studio does not offer a refund of any payments that have been made. Five weeks’ notice by email or text message must be given if you wish to withdraw your child from lessons.
photo/video release
I maintain a studio website and social media pages including Facebook and Instagram. I will use photos and videos from piano lessons and other studio events on these platforms. If you do not want photos or videos of your child used, please indicate this at time of enrolment by completing the Media Release Form included in the studio information pack.
By enroling in piano lessons you are agreeing to the above terms.