2025-26 Studio Policy

Mission Statement

As a piano teacher, my mission is to keep students motivated and excited about playing the piano.  To this end, I will do my best to encourage and challenge all my students to do their best.  Piano playing can be great fun, but it also involves dedicated work.  Both work and play happen in every lesson.  As a member of Music Teachers National Association and Florida State Music Teachers Association, I am committed to employ the newest piano teaching materials and techniques.  I hope that every student will truly enjoy piano playing and will look forward to each lesson and each new learning experience. 

Events

• October Music Festival (date TBA) 

• December Christmas performance (date TBA) 

• May 9, 2026 Jian Yao Studio Spring Piano Recital (date TBA)

Calendar

A total of 32 lessons will be given for the 2025-2026 school year.  Most holidays concur with the public school schedule.

August 25 (Mon) Fall Semester begins

September 1(Mon) Labor Day - no lessons 

October 7 (Tue) through October 10 (Fri) FSMTA Conference - no lessons

November 24 (Mon) through 28 (Fri) Thanksgiving Holiday - no lessons

December 22 (Mon) through January 2 (Fri) Christmas Holiday - no lessons

January 5 (Mon) Spring semester piano lesson begins

January 19 (Mon) Martin Luther King’s Birthday - no lessons

March 9 (Mon) through March 20 (Fri) Music observation and Spring Break - no lessons

May 9 (Sat) Spring Piano Recital (The last day of piano lessons is Monday, May 18)

June-July Summer Lessons

Tuition

Tuition can be paid in one of three ways

* Monthly installments are billed for 10 months from August 2025 to May 2026.  Tuition is billed as a flat monthly rate, regardless of the number of lessons in a given month. This approach reflects the total number of lessons offered throughout the year, which is evenly distributed and consistent for all students. Some months may have more or fewer lessons due to holidays or calendar variations, but the annual lesson count remains the same. This structure ensures predictable billing and simplifies tuition planning.

Tuition is due on the first lesson of each month. A $20 late fee will be charged if payment is not received by the 20th of the month. If a payment remains unpaid, an additional $20 late fee will be added on the first of each following month until the balance is paid in full. Tuition is billed separately for each student, even within the same family. Each student’s payment is considered an individual account, and late fees are assessed per student per missed payment. A nonrefundable registration fee of $40 per student is due with the first tuition payment.

Missed Lessons                 

Consistent attendance is essential for each student’s progress. If a student is unable to attend a lesson, advance notice is appreciated so the time may be offered to another student for a makeup lesson. Please note that missed lessons are not eligible for credit. Due to a full teaching schedule, makeup lessons can only be offered if the student is able to arrange a time swap with another student or if a cancellation becomes available. 

As the studio and piano are shared spaces, students who are feeling unwell are kindly asked to stay home out of consideration for others. In such cases, remote lessons via Google Meet are available. To ensure a smooth transition, please request a virtual lesson at least 12 hours before your scheduled lesson time whenever possible.

If you wish to discontinue lessons, please provide notice before the start of the next month. Once notice is given, the following calendar month will still be billed in full to allow time to fill the vacated lesson slot.

Holidays                     

The studio observes the same holidays as the local public school calendar. Tuition remains consistent each month regardless of holidays.

Practice

It is very important that a special time be set aside each day for practicing the piano.  A beginner must practice at least 15 minutes a day, and practice time will be increased incrementally as the student progresses.  If a student has already started Hanon, scale, arpeggio, and chord exercises, they must practice at least one hour a day.  Consistent practice will create the greatest results as well as increase the enjoyment of playing the piano. 

Lesson Materials

Lesson Materials will be purchased at the student’s cost.  At each session, students must bring the required music books and a notebook for me to write instructions and assignments.

Recitals

Performance experience is a vital part of piano education. It not only showcases each student’s growth but also fosters confidence and stage presence. I aim to provide regular performance opportunities for my students throughout the year. 

The 2026 final recital will be held on May 9 at either the FSU Auditorium or the Bay County Public Library (venue to be confirmed). Participation in the recital is required for all students. New students who are not yet ready to perform are encouraged to attend and observe. For adult students, recital participation is optional.

Piano Tuning and Finger Nail Length

Due to the humid climate in Florida, pianos should be tuned at least once a year.  To maintain suitable nails for piano playing, students MUST cut their fingernails once a week. 

Parking

Please park on either side of the driveway so as to make room for other parents.