Studio Policies
Clear expectations. Supportive partnership. Confident musicians.
Ascend Piano Studio policies are designed to create a consistent, supportive, and successful learning experience for every student and family.
All enrolled families should review the General Studio Policies along with the agreement for their student’s specific program. When a program-specific agreement differs from the General Studio Policies, the program-specific agreement applies.
Current Policy Year
General, Private Lesson, and Prestissimo/Faber policies apply to the 2026–27 school year.
The Presto agreement applies to the full 2026–28 two-year program.
Review Policies
General Studio Policies
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A nonrefundable annual registration fee of $50.00 is required to reserve enrollment.
Registration is not complete, and a student's placement is not guaranteed, until the registration fee has been paid.
Returning students register annually for the upcoming school year.
Early-registration discounts may be offered each spring.
A nonrefundable annual registration fee is required to reserve enrollment.
Registration is not complete, and a student's placement is not guaranteed, until the registration fee has been paid.
Returning students register annually for the upcoming school year.
Early-registration discounts may be offered each spring.
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Tuition is billed monthly and is nonrefundable. Tuition remains due regardless of student attendance.
Tuition is due by the 5th of each month.
Payments are made through the Parent Portal/My Music Staff using Stripe. Cash and checks may also be accepted.
A $15 late fee may be charged when tuition has not been received by the 15th unless prior arrangements have been made.
Returned checks are subject to a $30 fee.
Accounts that remain unpaid may result in lessons/classes being suspended until the account is brought current. Suspension does not cancel the student's enrollment or financial commitment.
Program-specific tuition, commitments, and withdrawal terms are outlined in each student's program agreement.
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Ascend Piano Studio operates on a 9-month school-year calendar.
The studio is closed:
Labor Day
September 21st
Thanksgiving week
Christmas week
New Year's week
Memorial Day week
Lessons/classes continue through Fall/Spud Harvest Break and Spring Break.
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Enrollment at Ascend Piano Studio is a commitment for the full 9-month school year, August 20–May 20.
Monthly tuition payments are installments toward the full school-year commitment and do not constitute month-to-month enrollment.
If a student withdraws before May 21, an early termination fee equal to three months' tuition is due.
Early withdrawal is only for exceptional circumstances such as relocation, serious illness, significant financial hardship, or other extraordinary circumstances.
Changes in extracurricular activities, scheduling preferences, or a student's temporary loss of interest in piano do not constitute grounds for waiving the termination fee.
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Students are responsible for having all required books and materials.
When the studio purchases required or recommended materials for a student, the cost may be added to the family's account. Additional music may also be recommended as the student progresses.
Consistent home practice is an essential part of music study.
Students are expected to:
Practice regularly according to their program and assignment.
Complete assigned work.
Bring required books and materials to lessons/classes.
Use the Practice Space App as directed.
Practice expectations may vary according to the student's age, level, and program. Specific assignments and practice goals will be provided by the instructor.
Parents are encouraged to provide age-appropriate support, encouragement, and follow-through at home.
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Students should arrive no more than five minutes early.
Please enter quietly so the preceding lesson or class is not disturbed.
Students should arrive with clean hands and be prepared for instruction.
Parents are responsible for prompt pickup following lessons/classes.
Parking: Piano studio families may park in the driveway, directly in front of the garage, or in the circle drive. Please do not park on the grass/lawn.
Students and families are expected to treat instructors, other students, studio property, and the home respectfully.
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Ascend Piano Studio provides two studio recitals each school year—one in the fall and one in the spring.
Additional performance opportunities may include music festivals, church or school performances, and other events.
Festival participation may be recommended according to the student's level, preparation, and individual circumstances. Applicable festival fees are nonrefundable.
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Studio communication may be sent through My Music Staff, Practice Space, Marco Polo, email, or text.
Parents are responsible for:
Keeping contact and payment information current.
Reviewing studio communications.
Checking the Parent Portal as needed for schedules, invoices, and studio information.
Contacting the studio when questions or concerns arise.
During teaching hours, please text rather than call for non-urgent matters.
Calls during teaching hours are to be reserved for urgent or emergency situations.
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Music study is a partnership between the student, parent, and instructor.
Consistent attendance, quality practice, parental encouragement, and instructor guidance work together to help students develop skills, confidence, and musicianship.
Private Lesson Agreement
2026-2027
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30-minute weekly lesson: $84/month
45-minute weekly lesson: $126/month
Tuition is billed monthly according to the payment terms outlined in the General Studio Policies. -
A student's weekly lesson time is reserved specifically for that student.
When a lesson must be missed:
Cancel the lesson through the My Music Staff Parent/Student Portal.
Lessons canceled more than 24 hours before the scheduled lesson may qualify for a makeup lesson.
Lessons canceled less than 24 hours before the scheduled lesson do not qualify for a makeup, except in cases of illness. Students who miss due to illness may qualify for a makeup regardless of the 24-hour notice requirement.
When a student is ill but feels well enough to participate, a virtual lesson is available as an alternative.
Students arriving late will receive the remainder of their scheduled lesson time. The lesson will still end at the regularly scheduled time.
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Eligible makeup lessons are scheduled by the parent/student through the My Music Staff Parent/Student Portal and are subject to studio availability.
Families may schedule an eligible makeup lesson:
During an available lesson opening created by a cancellation or other studio availability; or
During a designated Encore Friday, offered once per month September–May.
Students may schedule one makeup lesson per Encore Friday, subject to availability.
Families are responsible for monitoring available lesson times and scheduling their own makeup lessons through the Parent/Student Portal. The instructor does not individually locate, arrange, or create additional lesson times for student absences.
Having an eligible makeup lesson does not guarantee that a replacement lesson time will be available.
Families may also arrange a lesson-time exchange with another private student. Arranging the exchange is the responsibility of the families involved.
A scheduled makeup lesson that is subsequently missed will not be made up again.
Lessons canceled by the instructor will be rescheduled and are not subject to the student makeup limitations above.
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The instructor may occasionally offer or schedule a group lesson for private students when beneficial to student learning, performance preparation, or studio goals.
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Students may occasionally be invited to participate in duet or collaborative lessons when appropriate. Scheduling and lesson format will be determined by the instructor.
Group Piano Agreement
2026-2027
Prestissimo & Faber 2A
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Prestissimo: $105/month
Faber Group Piano: $105/month
Classes meet once weekly for 60 minutes.
Tuition is billed monthly according to the payment terms outlined in the General Studio Policies.
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Group classes continue regardless of individual student absences. Makeup classes are not provided for missed group classes.
Students who are ill should remain home. Missed classes due to illness or other student absences do not qualify for a makeup.
Families are encouraged to review missed assignments and materials so students are prepared to rejoin the class the following week.
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Prestissimo: A $72 books and materials fee provides the required program materials.
Faber Group Piano: Families are responsible for acquiring all studio-required books and materials prior to the first day of class.
Students are expected to:
Have their own set of required books.
Bring all required books and materials to each class.
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Students are expected to:
Treat instructors, other students, studio property, and the home respectfully.
Participate appropriately, follow instructor directions, and help maintain a focused learning environment.
Keep food, gum, candy, toys, phones, and other distracting items outside the classroom.
Leave personal items outside the classroom
Students with gum or candy will be asked to throw it away before entering class.
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Group classes depend upon sufficient enrollment.
Ascend Piano Studio reserves the right to combine, reschedule, or discontinue a group class if enrollment becomes insufficient.
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Group students may schedule an optional 30-minute private lesson for $21.00 on Encore Friday for additional one-on-one instruction.
These lessons are optional, subject to availability, and scheduled through the My Music Staff Parent/Student Portal.
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The instructor may occasionally offer a complimentary extra group class for additional instruction, enrichment, or other studio purposes.
These classes are offered at the instructor's discretion, are optional, not guaranteed, and provided at no additional charge. -
I understand that the Group Piano Program involves physical movement. By enrolling, I accept full responsibility for any accident, injury, or loss to myself, my child, or guests. I release Ascend Piano Studio, the homeowners, and affiliates from all liability.
Group Piano Agreement
2026-2028
Let’s Play Music PRESTO
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Presto is a licensed curriculum within the Let's Play Music family of programs. Lisa Orme is a certified and licensed instructor of the Presto curriculum.
By enrolling in Presto, families agree to the program requirements, policies and curriculum established by Let's Play Music, as well as the policies of Ascend Piano Studio.
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Presto is a two-year program. Each year runs September–May, and enrollment is a commitment to the full two-year program.
Tuition is $120/month, September–May for 2 consecutive years, or $1,080 per school year
Enrollment reserves the student's place in the program for the full two-year commitment. If a student withdraws during the program, remaining tuition installments must be paid.
Exceptions may be considered for relocation, job loss, or severe illness.Tuition is billed monthly according to the payment terms outlined in the General Studio Policies.
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Group classes continue regardless of individual student absences. Makeup classes are not provided for missed group classes.
Students who are ill should remain home. Missed classes due to illness or other student absences do not qualify for a makeup.
Families are encouraged to review missed assignments and materials so students are prepared to rejoin the class the following week.
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Presto: All required Presto books and materials must be purchased through the Let's Play Music website. A full student set costs $88.00 plus shipping. (2026)
If enrollment is withdrawn, all books and supplies must be returned to the teacher for copyright compliance and return to Let's Play Music.
No refunds are given on purchased materials.
Students are expected to:
Have their own set of required books.
Bring all required books and materials to each class.
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Students are expected to:
Treat instructors, other students, studio property, and the home respectfully.
Participate appropriately, follow instructor directions, and help maintain a focused learning environment.
Keep food, gum, candy, toys, phones, and other distracting items outside the classroom.
Leave personal items outside the classroom
Students with gum or candy will be asked to throw it away before entering class.
Siblings and friends may not attend class, including Parent Days (1st Semester, Lesson 15). Parents should make other arrangements so they can attend Parent Days with their enrolled student only.
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Parents are strongly encouraged to sit with their child at least once each week to review what was learned in class, go over assignments and music, and support home practice.
Consistent parent involvement helps reinforce musical development while providing encouragement, connection, and support throughout the learning process.
Parents are to attend:
Lesson 15 during Semester 1
Presto Recital during Semester 2
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Group students may schedule an optional 30-minute private lesson for $21.00 on Encore Friday for additional one-on-one instruction.
These lessons are optional, subject to availability, and scheduled through the My Music Staff Parent/Student Portal.
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The instructor may occasionally offer a complimentary extra group class for additional instruction, enrichment, or other studio purposes.
These classes are offered at the instructor's discretion, are optional, not guaranteed, and provided at no additional charge. -
I understand that the Let's Play Music PRESTO program involves physical movement. By enrolling, I accept full responsibility for any accident, injury, or loss to myself, my child, or guests. I release Ascend Piano Studio, the homeowners, and affiliates from all liability.
Ascend Piano Studio
General Photo, Video &
Media Consent & Release
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Ascend Piano Studio may photograph, video, or audio record students to celebrate student progress, share performances with families, and promote the studio. Media may be used on the studio website, YouTube, social media, newsletters, advertising, and other printed or digital studio materials.
Student performances may be recorded and uploaded to the Ascend Piano Studio YouTube channel as unlisted or publicly available videos.
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Upon enrollment, the parent / guardian of any minor student will select one of the following:
☐ FULL PERMISSION — My child may be photographed and/or recorded individually or in groups for the studio purposes listed above.
☐ GROUP MEDIA ONLY — My child may appear in group photos, videos, or recital footage but should not be intentionally featured individually in promotional media.
☐ NO PROMOTIONAL MEDIA — My child should not be intentionally photographed or recorded for promotional or public-facing studio media.
I understand that students may appear incidentally in the background of group activities, recitals, performances, or studio events.
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Upon enrollment, the parent / guardian of any minor student will select one of the following:
☐ First & last name may be used with performance recordings and appropriate studio media.
☐ First name only may be used.
☐ Do not publicly identify my child by name.
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Upon enrollment, the parent / guardian of any minor student will sign and date in agreement:
I authorize Ascend Piano Studio to use photographs, video, audio, and performance recordings according to the permissions selected above.
I understand that permitted media may be publicly accessible once published online.
I waive the right to inspect or approve finished media and understand that no compensation will be provided for its use.
Permission may be changed or revoked for future use by written notice; previously published or distributed media may not always be removable.