Tuition

Brown Piano Studio offers a package of 18 lessons for the price of 16 lessons during the fall and spring semester. Lessons can last 30, 45 or 60 minutes depending on age and level. Because tuition is the price of 16 lessons, there are two weeks of absences built into the price. A student who makes all 18 lessons over the semester has effectively earned two free lessons! Because of this policy, there are no make-up lessons offered. Anyone experiencing financial difficulties may be eligible for a scholarship. Contact me for my current rate. Rates will increase annually. For information about summer lessons, see the Summer Studio Policy.

Payment

There are two tuition payments due throughout the semester. Each payment is worth 50% of the total semester tuition. Payment deadlines are listed on the google calendar. A failure to pay tuition by the deadline results in a 5% fee. If tuition is over-due by two weeks, there will be a cessation of lessons until the payment is complete. Payment is accepted via Paypal, Venmo, or check.

Offerings

Brown Piano Studio offers piano lessons for adults and children 6 years and older, from beginner to advanced. No prior experience with piano or another instrument is necessary.

The Studio

The piano studio is located at my home in South Broad Ripple near Keystone and 46th street in Indianapolis. Park on the street and enter the home through the front door. Please enter the front door without knocking or ringing the doorbell. The front door opens to a sun room, separated from the rest of the house by another door which leads to a sitting room. Parents are welcome to wait in either room during the lesson. Parents and students should not visit the rest of the home, with the exception of the restroom. Every person under the age of 18 must have a parent present with them while they are in a lesson. Anyone in the sitting room should keep noise to a minimum to help focus during lessons. Feel free to make use of any of the books or games on display. Please note that the house has a security system installed, including a camera at the front door. My wife Lizzy lives with me and may say "hi" if she sees you!

Make-Up lessons and Sick Policy

If you are unable to attend a lesson, please let me know in advance, as you are able. I do not offer make-up lessons for any scheduling conflict, illness, or emergency from the student or student’s family. However, if I cancel a lesson because of a schedule issue, illness, or inclement weather, I will schedule a make-up lesson to make sure you have an opportunity to get 18 lessons for the semester.

 Communication

Feel free to call, text, or email me if there are any questions or concerns. You can also touch base with me at the beginning or end of a lesson. Because lessons occur one after another, there is not time for lengthy conversation between lessons.

Expectations for Parents

The most important thing a parent can do for a child is to encourage their study of music. Parents can tell their children how proud they are of their progress, ask them to perform for family members, celebrate recitals, etc. Parents should communicate with me often about scheduling and any other pertinent information. Honor the lesson times by being prompt and having the necessary materials.

Expectations for Students

The more a student puts into lessons, the more they will get out. Today more than ever schedules are packed, for adults and kids, and finding time for practice sometimes seems impossible. That being said, nothing can replace focused time spent at the piano. Although there is not a required minimum practice, it is important to build the habit of playing piano at a young age. It is best when a student can make practice part of the weekday routine. Length of practice varies from based on age and level. For beginner students, regular practice sessions of 10-15 minutes will help them progress. For a high-school student aspiring to study music at university, a practice session of 1-2 hours may be more appropriate. Practice time should be balanced between reviewing lesson materials, as well as unstructured, enjoyable, and creative play. Besides dedicating their own time for practice, a student should always come to their lesson with a curious mind, a respectful attitude, and a desire to learn and be challenged.

When are Lessons Offered?

Lessons are offered Monday-Saturday, as my schedule permits. After the consultation lesson, students wishing to continue with lessons are expected to commit to a semester at a time. The Fall semester lasts from August to December, and the Spring semester from January to May. I will not be teaching certain weeks due to holidays (these are not included in the 18 weeks that lessons are offered). Specific dates are on the studio calendar, found on my website. Summer lessons are also offered in June and July, with some alterations to the policy. See the Summer Studio Policy for more information.