Lesson Schedule

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Lessons are offered in 30, 45, and 60-minute weekly formats. Students are assigned a recurring lesson time that is reserved exclusively for them throughout the year.

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Shifflett Piano Studio, LLC, operates on an annual calendar of approximately 40 lessons per year. Monthly tuition is based on the annual calendar rather than the number of lessons occurring in a particular month.

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Annual Studio Calendar

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The annual calendar includes the following scheduled breaks:

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• Spring Break (1 week)

• Thanksgiving Break (1 week)

• Winter Break (2 weeks)

• Summer Break (approximately 4 weeks)

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Specific dates will be distributed annually through the studio calendar.

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Because these breaks are built into the annual tuition schedule, no tuition adjustments, credits, or makeup lessons are provided for scheduled studio closures. In addition to scheduled studio breaks, the annual calendar includes several weeks of flexibility to accommodate teacher illness, professional travel, conferences, severe weather, and other unforeseen circumstances. As a result, students receive approximately 40 lessons per year.

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Students are expected to arrive on time and be prepared for their lesson. Lessons begin and end at the scheduled time. Missed time due to late arrival cannot be made up.
 

Tuition & Payment
 

Tuition is based on approximately 40 private lessons per year and is divided into equal monthly payments. This allows families to budget consistently throughout the year regardless of the number of lessons that occur in a particular month.
 

• 30-minute lessons — $135/month

• 45-minute lessons — $190/month

• 60-minute lessons — $250/month
   

Students are reserving a specific weekly lesson time within the studio schedule. Tuition is paid to maintain that reserved time throughout the year, not solely for lessons attended. As a result, missed lessons do not reduce tuition obligations except as outlined in the Flex Lesson Policy.
 

Monthly tuition covers lesson instruction, preparation, studio administration, and other educational resources provided throughout the year.
 

Tuition is due on the first day of each month. Payments may be made through Venmo, check, cash, or Zelle.
 

A late fee of $25 may be assessed on tuition not received by the 10th of the month unless prior arrangements have been made.
 

Students with overdue accounts may have lessons suspended until payment has been received.
 

Any returned checks or failed electronic payments are the responsibility of the student or parent and may incur additional fees.
 

New Student Enrollment Fee
 

A one-time enrollment fee of $25 is due upon registration. This fee covers administrative setup and the purchase of initial lesson materials for new students, including a lesson book and assignment notebook.

The enrollment fee is non-refundable and is charged only once upon joining the studio.
 

Flex Lesson Policy
 

Each student is provided with four Flex Lessons per calendar year. Flex Lessons may be used when a student is unable to attend a scheduled lesson for any reason, including illness, family obligations, school activities, travel, or scheduling conflicts.
 

To use a Flex Lesson, students or parents should provide as much advance notice as possible. Flex Lessons may be used for same-day cancellations when necessary.
 

Flex Lessons may be used for any reason and do not require documentation or explanation.
 

When appropriate, lessons may be conducted online in place of an in-person lesson at the teacher's discretion.

Flex Lessons may not be applied retroactively to previously missed lessons.
 

Unused Flex Lessons do not carry over into the following calendar year and have no cash value.
 

Once all four Flex Lessons have been used, any additional missed lessons are forfeited and are not eligible for makeup lessons, credits, or refunds.
 

Flex Lessons are intended to provide flexibility for occasional scheduling conflicts and emergencies while maintaining a consistent studio calendar for all students.
 

Teacher Absences
 

If the teacher must cancel a lesson due to illness, professional obligations, family emergencies, severe weather, or other unforeseen circumstances, the lesson will not count against the student’s Flex Lessons. When appropriate, an online lesson may be offered in place of an in-person lesson. If an online lesson is not feasible, the teacher will arrange a make-up lesson or provide an appropriate tuition credit.
 

Lessons canceled by the teacher will be rescheduled whenever possible. If a rescheduled lesson cannot be arranged, a tuition credit will be applied to a future month's tuition. Advance notice will be provided whenever possible.
 

From time to time, the teacher may be absent due to professional performances, conferences, continuing education activities, or other professional engagements. Whenever possible, these dates will be communicated well in advance and reflected in the studio calendar.
 

Weather & Emergency Closures
 

The safety of students and families is the highest priority. In the event of severe weather, hazardous road conditions, power outages, building closures, or other emergencies, lessons may be canceled, moved online, or rescheduled at the teacher's discretion.
 

Whenever possible, notice of a closure or change in lesson format will be provided in advance.

If an online lesson is offered in place of an in-person lesson, the lesson will be considered fulfilled and no tuition credit will be provided.
 

If a lesson must be canceled due to circumstances beyond the control of either the teacher or student and an online lesson is not possible, the teacher will determine whether a makeup lesson or tuition credit is appropriate.
 

Families are encouraged to use their own judgment regarding travel conditions. If a family feels unsafe traveling to a lesson due to weather or other hazardous conditions, they may choose to use a Flex Lesson or request an online lesson when available.
 

Practice Expectations
 

Consistent practice between lessons is essential for meaningful progress. While lesson time provides guidance and instruction, most musical growth occurs through regular practice at home.
 

Students are expected to have regular access to an acoustic piano or a weighted-key digital piano suitable for practice.
 

Students should bring all assigned books and materials to each lesson.
 

Practice goals will vary depending on the student's age, experience level, and individual objectives. Students and parents should understand that progress is directly related to the quality and consistency of practice between lessons.
 

Parents/guardians of younger students are encouraged to take an active role in supporting home practice by helping establish a regular practice routine and providing encouragement throughout the week.
 

Adult students are encouraged to communicate their goals and available practice time so that lessons may be tailored to their individual needs and schedules.
 

Parent/Guardian Involvement
 

Parents/Guardians play an important role in a student's musical development, particularly for younger students. Consistent encouragement, support at home, and the establishment of regular practice routines greatly contribute to student success.
 

To promote student independence and maintain a focused learning environment, lessons are conducted one-on-one between the teacher and student. Parents/guardians and family members are welcome to discuss student progress, goals, and concerns with the teacher outside of lesson time.
 

A waiting area is available for parents/guardians and family members during lessons. Parents/guardians of young children are encouraged to remain on the premises for the duration of the lesson.
 

Students should arrive on time and be picked up promptly at the conclusion of their lesson. The teacher is not responsible for supervising students before or after their scheduled lesson time.
 

Materials & Books
 

A one-time enrollment fee of $25 is due upon registration. This fee covers administrative setup and the purchase of initial lesson materials for new students, including a lesson book and assignment notebook.
 

Students are responsible for purchasing any additional books, sheet music, and instructional materials assigned after their initial materials have been provided.
 

Materials are selected based on each student's age, experience level, interests, and musical goals. The teacher will provide recommendations and purchasing information as needed.
 

Students should bring all assigned books, music, and lesson materials to each lesson. Failure to bring necessary materials may limit what can be accomplished during the lesson.
 

Occasionally, supplemental materials may be provided by the teacher in printed or digital format for educational use.
 

Studio Performances & Events
 

Students may be offered opportunities throughout the year to participate in studio recitals, workshops, community performances, festivals, or other educational events.
 

Participation in these events is encouraged but may not always be required. Eligibility for certain performance opportunities may depend on lesson attendance, preparation, and readiness as determined by the teacher.
 

Additional information regarding dates, locations, attire, registration requirements, and performance expectations will be provided as events are scheduled.
 

Communication
 

Clear and timely communication helps lessons run smoothly. Questions regarding scheduling, billing, student progress, or studio policies are always welcome.
 

Email: shifflettpiano@gmail.com
Phone: (434) 455-7649
 

Email is the preferred method of communication for most matters. Phone calls or text messages may be used for urgent issues, same-day cancellations, or time-sensitive scheduling concerns.
 

Please allow up to two business days for a response to non-urgent communications.
 

Health & Illness
 

Students who are experiencing fever, vomiting, contagious illness, or other symptoms that may pose a risk to others should not attend lessons in person.
 

When appropriate, an online lesson may be offered in place of an in-person lesson at the teacher's discretion. Otherwise, students may use a Flex Lesson in accordance with the Flex Lesson Policy.
 

The teacher reserves the right to move a lesson online or request that a student remain home if illness is suspected.
 

Studio Location & Parking
 

In-person instruction is provided by appointment at Saint James Armenian Church, located at 834 Pepper Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23226.
 

Free parking is available on site, and an indoor waiting area is available for parents and family members during scheduled lessons.
 

Students should arrive no more than five minutes before their scheduled lesson time and must be picked up promptly when the lesson concludes.
 

Shifflett Piano Studio, LLC is an independent business based in Fluvanna County and is not owned or operated by Saint James Armenian Church.
 

Photo & Media Release
 

From time to time, photographs or videos may be taken during studio events, recitals, workshops, or other studio activities.
 

These images may be used on the studio website, social media pages, promotional materials, or other studio publications.
 

No student names, contact information, or personal information will be shared without permission.
 

Discontinuing Lessons
 

Students may withdraw from lessons at any time by providing at least 30 days' written notice.

Tuition remains due during the notice period, regardless of lesson attendance. No refunds will be provided for tuition already paid.
 

The one-time enrollment fee is non-refundable. Unused Flex Lessons have no cash value and may not be redeemed for refunds, credits, or cash payments.
 

The teacher reserves the right to discontinue lessons for reasons including, but not limited to, repeated late payments, excessive absences, failure to follow studio policies, disruptive behavior, or circumstances in which the teacher determines that the studio is no longer an appropriate fit for the student.