LEONIE SHAKER PIANO
Studio Policies
2026
STUDIO POLICIES and FEES
2026
Term dates for 2026 will align with Victorian public school term dates as outlined below.
Term 1 – 9 week term
Mon 2 Feb (School starts Tues 27 Jan)
Thurs 2 April (Easter Fri 3rd April – Sun 5th April)
Term 2 – 10 week term
Mon 20 April
Fri 26 June
Term 3 – 10 week term
Mon 13 July
Fri 18 September
Term 4 – 10 week term
Mon 5 October
Fri 12 December
(School term finishes 19 Dec)
LESSON SCHEDULE
Lessons are taught during Victorian public school teaching weeks, unless otherwise advised. If a lesson is scheduled on a public holiday, no charge will be incurred.
Most terms will consist of 10 weeks.
Lessons are offered in 30, 45, or 60-minute sessions.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students will be expected to attend all lessons at the given lesson time.
Missed lessons - It can be understood that there are occasions where students will need to miss a lesson if they are sick, or another occasional personal reason. As such a student can miss 1 lesson per term for any reason, and the lesson will be credited the following term.
Term fees reserve a lesson time for the student whether the student is able to come or not. No one else can fill that time at short notice.
If I need to cancel a lesson, the lesson will be credited to your account.
If you arrive late, the lesson will still finish on time.
If you forget to come, you will still have to pay for the lesson.
Public Holidays – Lessons which occur on a public holiday will be cancelled and no charge will be incurred.
Please don’t arrive early for your lesson because it can disrupt the lesson in progress.
ILLNESS
Students with any symptoms of illness such as cough, runny nose, fever, vomiting (within 24 hours) should not attend the lesson.
If a student is not able to attend a lesson, as much notice as possible will be appreciated. Thank you.
PARENT ATTENDANCE
Parents are welcome at any time to observe their child’s piano lesson. It is a good idea for a parent to sit in on a lesson at least once a term to better support the student’s practice at home, especially beginners. For younger beginners – under 7, it is my studio policy that a parent should attend all lessons.
Siblings or other people in the room during a lesson
It’s understood that sometimes parents may need to bring a sibling along to a lesson. This is acceptable only if the sibling can sit quietly and engage in a calm activity, such as reading or something the parent has provided. If this isn’t possible, parents will need to remain with the sibling in an area away from the studio.
PIANO PRACTICE
Of course, no student will progress well in playing the piano without some sort of effort. Even those who pick it up quickly will reach a place where they need to practice to keep progressing.
Unfortunately, if a student is too busy with other activities, it can often be the music practice that misses out. It can help if parents make practice a priority for a child. For example, no TV, or video games etc. until practice is done, or whatever works as motivation.
It is expected that students will be able to find the time to practice at least 5 times per week. The length of practice will obviously vary depending on the age and level of the child. A good rule of thumb is to double the age of the child, and count it in minutes. So, a 7 year old would aim for around 14 min, and a 10 year old would aim for at least 20 min. But that formula will not work for an adult….. Students preparing for an exam will usually need to aim for more time.
However, I am aiming for ‘free’ practice time where the students will fiddle at the piano, and work things out for themselves, and work out some tunes by ear that they like, and go beyond the assigned work. When a student begins to do that, I give a silent cheer, because that’s the aim of the game – to get students to enjoy what they are doing, and not count the time!
HOMEWORK
In addition to practice, students will usually be given some homework. Beginners will focus on notes and basic theory (hopefully in a way that engages them), and older students will progress onto music theory. This should take no more than 10 minutes or so per week at first, but can increase as a student progresses.
RECITALS
There will be a small informal recital held twice per year and students are encouraged to prepare for and attend all recitals. Usually, students will prepare 2 pieces. This is such good experience for students. It gives them regular goals to aim for, and therefore a good reason to practice! It also gives them practice in dealing with nerves in a supportive environment, and realising that there’s really nothing to be scared of. Of course, the afternoon tea which follows also helps to give purpose to the recital! Parents and students alike enjoy a relaxed time together. It’s great to watch the students getting to know each other, and realising that they are not the only one who is learning piano.
Recital dates for 2026:
Term 4: Sat 14 November
EXAM PREPARATION
Piano and theory exams are of course optional. Whether a student chooses to do an exam or not, I endeavour to cover the material for each level to ensure that students are progressing well. Students who want to do exams need to demonstrate a willingness to put in the required extra effort.
LESSON LENGTH
Lessons are usually 30 minutes.
If students are doing exams, a longer time will be required:
Grades Preliminary – 4 45 minutes
Grades 5 and above 1 hour
WHAT INSTRUMENT DO I NEED?
The most obvious answer is that a student will either need a good acoustic piano or a good quality digital piano. Most teachers, including me, will only begin lessons if an adequate instrument is available for the student to use.
Digital Pianos
If you buy a digital piano, there are 4 things to watch for:
(1) Weighted keys;
(2) A proper sustain pedal (not a footswitch);
(3) Piano bench/stand (rather than a cross stand)
(4) Preferably 88 keys. Beginners often have to play the lowest and highest keys of the
piano, and it can be very disconcerting to find them missing on a 76 key or 66 key piano!
A good-quality digital piano can serve a student well for approximately 4–5 years, typically up to around a Grade 4 (late intermediate) level. Beyond this stage, transitioning to an acoustic piano becomes increasingly important for further development. However, if an acoustic piano is available from the start, it provides an excellent foundation.
Acoustic Pianos
When considering an acoustic piano, please take care — particularly with instruments advertised as “free.” In many cases, the true cost can be significant. Expenses may include professional inspection, transport, and tuning, which together can total several hundred dollars. Additionally, older pianos that have not been regularly maintained may require extensive (and sometimes impractical) restoration work.
We strongly recommended to have any second-hand piano inspected by a qualified piano technician before purchase.
Alternatively, purchasing from a reputable dealer can provide greater peace of mind as this will usually include delivery, a warranty, and an initial tuning.
Once a piano is in the home, regular maintenance is important. Annual tuning is recommended to keep the instrument in good condition.
A reliable and well-maintained instrument can make a significant difference to a student’s progress and motivation to practice.
2026 CHARGES:
Materials and Music Books
Copyright laws are very strict, and for good reason. As such, I will supply all music books and materials for students.
Materials may include lesson books, theory books, individual pieces, studio licensed materials and backing tracks, handouts, selected apps to facilitate note reading and some equipment.
A materials and books fee of $50 per term ($200 per year) will apply and will cover all required books and materials.
Registration Fee
Upon enrolment, a non-refundable registration fee of $50 is payable.
Lesson Fees
Payment Details
.
2026
Term dates for 2026 will align with Victorian public school term dates as outlined below.
Term 1 – 9 week term
Mon 2 Feb (School starts Tues 27 Jan)
Thurs 2 April (Easter Fri 3rd April – Sun 5th April)
Term 2 – 10 week term
Mon 20 April
Fri 26 June
Term 3 – 10 week term
Mon 13 July
Fri 18 September
Term 4 – 10 week term
Mon 5 October
Fri 12 December
(School term finishes 19 Dec)
LESSON SCHEDULE
Lessons are taught during Victorian public school teaching weeks, unless otherwise advised. If a lesson is scheduled on a public holiday, no charge will be incurred.
Most terms will consist of 10 weeks.
Lessons are offered in 30, 45, or 60-minute sessions.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students will be expected to attend all lessons at the given lesson time.
Missed lessons - It can be understood that there are occasions where students will need to miss a lesson if they are sick, or another occasional personal reason. As such a student can miss 1 lesson per term for any reason, and the lesson will be credited the following term.
Term fees reserve a lesson time for the student whether the student is able to come or not. No one else can fill that time at short notice.
If I need to cancel a lesson, the lesson will be credited to your account.
If you arrive late, the lesson will still finish on time.
If you forget to come, you will still have to pay for the lesson.
Public Holidays – Lessons which occur on a public holiday will be cancelled and no charge will be incurred.
Please don’t arrive early for your lesson because it can disrupt the lesson in progress.
ILLNESS
Students with any symptoms of illness such as cough, runny nose, fever, vomiting (within 24 hours) should not attend the lesson.
If a student is not able to attend a lesson, as much notice as possible will be appreciated. Thank you.
PARENT ATTENDANCE
Parents are welcome at any time to observe their child’s piano lesson. It is a good idea for a parent to sit in on a lesson at least once a term to better support the student’s practice at home, especially beginners. For younger beginners – under 7, it is my studio policy that a parent should attend all lessons.
Siblings or other people in the room during a lesson
It’s understood that sometimes parents may need to bring a sibling along to a lesson. This is acceptable only if the sibling can sit quietly and engage in a calm activity, such as reading or something the parent has provided. If this isn’t possible, parents will need to remain with the sibling in an area away from the studio.
PIANO PRACTICE
Of course, no student will progress well in playing the piano without some sort of effort. Even those who pick it up quickly will reach a place where they need to practice to keep progressing.
Unfortunately, if a student is too busy with other activities, it can often be the music practice that misses out. It can help if parents make practice a priority for a child. For example, no TV, or video games etc. until practice is done, or whatever works as motivation.
It is expected that students will be able to find the time to practice at least 5 times per week. The length of practice will obviously vary depending on the age and level of the child. A good rule of thumb is to double the age of the child, and count it in minutes. So, a 7 year old would aim for around 14 min, and a 10 year old would aim for at least 20 min. But that formula will not work for an adult….. Students preparing for an exam will usually need to aim for more time.
However, I am aiming for ‘free’ practice time where the students will fiddle at the piano, and work things out for themselves, and work out some tunes by ear that they like, and go beyond the assigned work. When a student begins to do that, I give a silent cheer, because that’s the aim of the game – to get students to enjoy what they are doing, and not count the time!
HOMEWORK
In addition to practice, students will usually be given some homework. Beginners will focus on notes and basic theory (hopefully in a way that engages them), and older students will progress onto music theory. This should take no more than 10 minutes or so per week at first, but can increase as a student progresses.
RECITALS
There will be a small informal recital held twice per year and students are encouraged to prepare for and attend all recitals. Usually, students will prepare 2 pieces. This is such good experience for students. It gives them regular goals to aim for, and therefore a good reason to practice! It also gives them practice in dealing with nerves in a supportive environment, and realising that there’s really nothing to be scared of. Of course, the afternoon tea which follows also helps to give purpose to the recital! Parents and students alike enjoy a relaxed time together. It’s great to watch the students getting to know each other, and realising that they are not the only one who is learning piano.
Recital dates for 2026:
Term 4: Sat 14 November
EXAM PREPARATION
Piano and theory exams are of course optional. Whether a student chooses to do an exam or not, I endeavour to cover the material for each level to ensure that students are progressing well. Students who want to do exams need to demonstrate a willingness to put in the required extra effort.
LESSON LENGTH
Lessons are usually 30 minutes.
If students are doing exams, a longer time will be required:
Grades Preliminary – 4 45 minutes
Grades 5 and above 1 hour
WHAT INSTRUMENT DO I NEED?
The most obvious answer is that a student will either need a good acoustic piano or a good quality digital piano. Most teachers, including me, will only begin lessons if an adequate instrument is available for the student to use.
Digital Pianos
If you buy a digital piano, there are 4 things to watch for:
(1) Weighted keys;
(2) A proper sustain pedal (not a footswitch);
(3) Piano bench/stand (rather than a cross stand)
(4) Preferably 88 keys. Beginners often have to play the lowest and highest keys of the
piano, and it can be very disconcerting to find them missing on a 76 key or 66 key piano!
A good-quality digital piano can serve a student well for approximately 4–5 years, typically up to around a Grade 4 (late intermediate) level. Beyond this stage, transitioning to an acoustic piano becomes increasingly important for further development. However, if an acoustic piano is available from the start, it provides an excellent foundation.
Acoustic Pianos
When considering an acoustic piano, please take care — particularly with instruments advertised as “free.” In many cases, the true cost can be significant. Expenses may include professional inspection, transport, and tuning, which together can total several hundred dollars. Additionally, older pianos that have not been regularly maintained may require extensive (and sometimes impractical) restoration work.
We strongly recommended to have any second-hand piano inspected by a qualified piano technician before purchase.
Alternatively, purchasing from a reputable dealer can provide greater peace of mind as this will usually include delivery, a warranty, and an initial tuning.
Once a piano is in the home, regular maintenance is important. Annual tuning is recommended to keep the instrument in good condition.
A reliable and well-maintained instrument can make a significant difference to a student’s progress and motivation to practice.
2026 CHARGES:
Materials and Music Books
Copyright laws are very strict, and for good reason. As such, I will supply all music books and materials for students.
Materials may include lesson books, theory books, individual pieces, studio licensed materials and backing tracks, handouts, selected apps to facilitate note reading and some equipment.
A materials and books fee of $50 per term ($200 per year) will apply and will cover all required books and materials.
Registration Fee
Upon enrolment, a non-refundable registration fee of $50 is payable.
Lesson Fees
- Lessons are billed per school term.
- There are four terms per year, with a total of 39 lessons scheduled annually.
- Students are allowed 1 missed lesson per term for any reason. The lesson will be credited the following term.
- If I need to cancel a lesson, it will be credited the following term.
- Term fees secure a reserved lesson time for the student, regardless of attendance, as this time cannot be filled at short notice.
- Fees must be paid prior to the first lesson of each term.
- $48 per 30-minute lesson
- $72 per 45-minute lesson
- $96 per 60-minute lesson
Payment Details
- Fees may be paid by direct deposit or cash.
- Fees are billed each term and must be paid before the beginning of the term.
- Invoices will be sent via email.
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