Lesson Length
Weekly private piano lessons are 30 minute sessions.
Practice and Instrument
Private students are expected to practice daily on a well-maintained acoustic piano (a digital keyboard will suffice in the beginning, but there must be an intent of upgrading in the future - see FAQ). Acoustic pianos should be tuned once or twice a year (I highly recommend Dave Wallace - he is excellent. 713-384-5190).
Materials
The student will be provided with all lesson books, theory workbooks, and any other necessary materials, as well as a spiral notebook, which will be used to keep track of weekly assignments, goals, and suggestions. The annual registration fee is usually enough to cover the cost of materials for the entire year. If it is not, the student/parent is expected to cover the additional costs.
Calendar and Schedule
The set monthly tuition rate is based on a yearlong calendar of 44 weekly private lessons. I do not offer lessons on the following days according to Katy Independent School District’s Instructional Calendar:
1 week for Thanksgiving Break
2 weeks for Winter Break
1 week for Spring Break
3 weeks in Summer (each week that contains the 1st of June, July, and August)
The other unpaid week of the year is reserved for me to take off from lessons as needed (due to extreme illness, family engagements, teacher conference attendance, etc.). If I choose not to that week, the student benefits by receiving that lesson free.
Illness
I follow the same illness rules as Katy ISD. Therefore, if a student must miss school for illness the day of their lesson, please be courteous to the many other students sharing the piano in th e studio as well as my family and keep them home from their lesson that day - a virtual lesson is a great option if they need to stay home but are able to have a lesson.
Makeup Lessons
Due to my full lesson schedule, makeup lessons cannot be guaranteed. However, if the student must miss a lesson due to unforeseen situations such as an accident or family emergency, and if the student indicates a desire for a makeup lesson, I will make an effort to accommodate them. If different families in the studio would like to switch lesson times for any given week, that is a great alternative to missing a lesson.
Makeup lessons will be guaranteed if I need to reschedule due to my school choir commitments.
Please be courteous to Mr. Ritchie and fellow students by giving at least 24 hours notice regarding any known upcoming absences.
Tuition and Payment
Monthly tuition is calculated by equally dividing 44 lessons at the current rate into 12 monthly installments due by the 1st of each month - invoices will not be provided. The student is responsible for having the tuition at the lesson by the 1st of the next month. Mr. Ritchie reserves the right to raise the tuition rate at the beginning of each academic year in September.
A non-refundable $ 75 Annual Registration Fee is due September 1st of each year and includes:
- a reservation for your child in the studio
- all lesson books, theory workbooks, and other required materials for the year
- the maintaining the studio’s library, studio pianos, and recording equipment
- high-quality, multi-angle edited recital videos uploaded to YouTube
- all recital venue rental fees
Payments may be made via cash/check (payable to Jason Ritchie).
Summer Months
I feel very strongly about the value and benefits of continuing the student's musical education throughout the summer months. Also, because the tuition rate is based on a 12-month calendar, my livelihood depends upon a regular income throughout the summer months. For these reasons, if a student does not continue lessons through the summer, the student unfortunately cannot be guaranteed a spot in the studio’s schedule during September registration due to a waiting list.
As my schedule is a little more flexible in the summer, makeup lessons are more possible for those traveling and taking vacations. Feel free to text me with a leave date and return date so I can attempt to move lessons before and after your vacation.
***Makeup lessons are still not guaranteed, and the student is still required to pay the monthly tuition to keep their spot in the studio if they miss lessons in the summer.***
Discontinuing Lessons
If the decision is made to discontinue lessons, it is ideally done with much thought and plenty of discussion among the teacher, parent, and student so that lessons can conclude with a positive sense of closure. Because of this, I ask for one month’s notice prior to discontinuing lessons. However, I respect the student’s right to end lessons at any time.
Note: At the discretion of the teacher, students may be dismissed at any time if they have unpaid tuition, an excess amount of missed/unprepared lessons, or if they show a lack of interest.
Parent Participation
This is the most important aspect to ensure success in your child’s musical journey. Parents are encouraged to be supportive and active participants in practice at home. Show an interest in the pieces your child is learning, the concepts they’ve learned in the week’s lesson, and be supportive practice partners.
Click this link for a wonderful article regarding the importance of being a “Piano Parent.”
Communication
The quickest and best way to contact me is via text (or email), which will be returned promptly. I always welcome emails or text messages from students to get problems solved and their questions answered during the week instead of waiting until the next lesson.
Weekly private piano lessons are 30 minute sessions.
Practice and Instrument
Private students are expected to practice daily on a well-maintained acoustic piano (a digital keyboard will suffice in the beginning, but there must be an intent of upgrading in the future - see FAQ). Acoustic pianos should be tuned once or twice a year (I highly recommend Dave Wallace - he is excellent. 713-384-5190).
Materials
The student will be provided with all lesson books, theory workbooks, and any other necessary materials, as well as a spiral notebook, which will be used to keep track of weekly assignments, goals, and suggestions. The annual registration fee is usually enough to cover the cost of materials for the entire year. If it is not, the student/parent is expected to cover the additional costs.
Calendar and Schedule
The set monthly tuition rate is based on a yearlong calendar of 44 weekly private lessons. I do not offer lessons on the following days according to Katy Independent School District’s Instructional Calendar:
1 week for Thanksgiving Break
2 weeks for Winter Break
1 week for Spring Break
3 weeks in Summer (each week that contains the 1st of June, July, and August)
The other unpaid week of the year is reserved for me to take off from lessons as needed (due to extreme illness, family engagements, teacher conference attendance, etc.). If I choose not to that week, the student benefits by receiving that lesson free.
Illness
I follow the same illness rules as Katy ISD. Therefore, if a student must miss school for illness the day of their lesson, please be courteous to the many other students sharing the piano in th e studio as well as my family and keep them home from their lesson that day - a virtual lesson is a great option if they need to stay home but are able to have a lesson.
Makeup Lessons
Due to my full lesson schedule, makeup lessons cannot be guaranteed. However, if the student must miss a lesson due to unforeseen situations such as an accident or family emergency, and if the student indicates a desire for a makeup lesson, I will make an effort to accommodate them. If different families in the studio would like to switch lesson times for any given week, that is a great alternative to missing a lesson.
Makeup lessons will be guaranteed if I need to reschedule due to my school choir commitments.
Please be courteous to Mr. Ritchie and fellow students by giving at least 24 hours notice regarding any known upcoming absences.
Tuition and Payment
Monthly tuition is calculated by equally dividing 44 lessons at the current rate into 12 monthly installments due by the 1st of each month - invoices will not be provided. The student is responsible for having the tuition at the lesson by the 1st of the next month. Mr. Ritchie reserves the right to raise the tuition rate at the beginning of each academic year in September.
A non-refundable $ 75 Annual Registration Fee is due September 1st of each year and includes:
- a reservation for your child in the studio
- all lesson books, theory workbooks, and other required materials for the year
- the maintaining the studio’s library, studio pianos, and recording equipment
- high-quality, multi-angle edited recital videos uploaded to YouTube
- all recital venue rental fees
Payments may be made via cash/check (payable to Jason Ritchie).
Summer Months
I feel very strongly about the value and benefits of continuing the student's musical education throughout the summer months. Also, because the tuition rate is based on a 12-month calendar, my livelihood depends upon a regular income throughout the summer months. For these reasons, if a student does not continue lessons through the summer, the student unfortunately cannot be guaranteed a spot in the studio’s schedule during September registration due to a waiting list.
As my schedule is a little more flexible in the summer, makeup lessons are more possible for those traveling and taking vacations. Feel free to text me with a leave date and return date so I can attempt to move lessons before and after your vacation.
***Makeup lessons are still not guaranteed, and the student is still required to pay the monthly tuition to keep their spot in the studio if they miss lessons in the summer.***
Discontinuing Lessons
If the decision is made to discontinue lessons, it is ideally done with much thought and plenty of discussion among the teacher, parent, and student so that lessons can conclude with a positive sense of closure. Because of this, I ask for one month’s notice prior to discontinuing lessons. However, I respect the student’s right to end lessons at any time.
Note: At the discretion of the teacher, students may be dismissed at any time if they have unpaid tuition, an excess amount of missed/unprepared lessons, or if they show a lack of interest.
Parent Participation
This is the most important aspect to ensure success in your child’s musical journey. Parents are encouraged to be supportive and active participants in practice at home. Show an interest in the pieces your child is learning, the concepts they’ve learned in the week’s lesson, and be supportive practice partners.
Click this link for a wonderful article regarding the importance of being a “Piano Parent.”
Communication
The quickest and best way to contact me is via text (or email), which will be returned promptly. I always welcome emails or text messages from students to get problems solved and their questions answered during the week instead of waiting until the next lesson.