Lesley Kingham

Studio Policy


The 2018-2019 year runs from September 10-June 17, excluding school holidays. Lessons are offered in the summer on a pay-per-lesson basis. Current time slots will be held until August 15. Beginning August 16 all unconfirmed spots will be available. I would appreciate learning about any definite changes as soon as possible.

Please Note: There are no reimbursements for missed lessons and tuition is never adjusted unless the teacher cannot provide the promised number of lessons. See “Missed Lessons” for more details.


Tuition Payments and Schedule

Tuition will be divided into 10 equal payments. Two extra lessons are included at no cost. In effect, if a student attends all lessons throughout the year he or she receives two free ones. An invoice will be sent out on the 20th of every month. 

Tuition reserves your weekly time slot and studio membership. It also covers the cost of:

*Lesson planning and repertoire selection

*Piano tuning and maintenance

*Recital venues and programs

*Professional memberships

*Incentive programs

Tuition does not include the cost of music.


Missed Lessons

Lesson times are standing appointments: a student’s lesson time is reserved for only them each week, and it is their responsibility to attend. Dance classes and sports teams do not offer reimbursements if you cannot attend a rehearsal or game — music lessons are no different. Because specific times are set aside for specific students, a student who does not attend a lesson will simply miss the benefit of that lesson. I will then use that time or other times to plan for the student’s progress, locate materials, etc. However, feel free to take advantage of the “swap” opportunity which is explained below:

The Swap List Rules:

  • I must be asked about a swap before making it. I must be informed about the swap after arranging it in order to ensure that a 45 minute lesson isn’t being swapped for a 30 minute lesson.  
  • The parent who arranges the swap must email me with the details of the swap and cc the person with whom they are making the swap. 
  • No make-up lessons will be given if any confusion from a swap arises. 
  • Should 2 people arrive at once, I will teach the one whose lesson is normally at that time. 
  • Exchanges are not obligatory, they are reciprocal. If someone says NO to a swap request, please respect that. If someone swaps with you however , be kind and return the favour when possible. 
  • Please inform me if you do not wish to have your name, number, and email included on the swap list.


*Students who are ill SHOULD NOT attend lessons. If you are too sick to attend school, you are too sick to attend your lesson.

*If a conflict arises which will last for many weeks I will try to accommodate a temporary change in lesson time.


Practise Expectations and Instrument Requirements

If there is a lack of progress, there is probably a lack of practise ! A student’s progress is determined by dedicated practise , not by simply attending lessons. Specific amounts of practise time are not assigned to each student. Instead, students should practise long enough to complete their weekly assignments.

The quality of practise time is more important than the quantity of practice time. Parental support is an extremely important factor in musical training. Students whose parents take an active role in their progress tend to be more enthusiastic and productive. Create a quiet space where the student can practise , and schedule a time for practise each day.

Instrument Requirements : All students should have regular access to an acoustic piano or an 88 key modern digital piano with a weighted hammer action. Acoustic pianos should be kept in good working order and should be tuned at least once a year.


Recitals and Performance Opportunities

Recitals offer students a great sense of accomplishment and pride for their hard work. They also help them learn the importance of setting and achieving goals. My students will be given the opportunity to participate in a performance class in the fall and a spring recital. As a member of ORMTA (Ontario Registered Music Teacher’s Association) my students are able to participate in those recitals as well. Please speak to me about that if you are interested in extra performance opportunities.