Music Lesson Agreement
PREVIEW LESSON: New students receive a free introductory lesson allowing us to place the best teacher to accommodate the student's needs, special requests and scheduling. Students are not enrolled without this first orientation lesson and confirmation of a piano at home for practice.
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REGISTRATION FEE: A $70 registration fee is required each registration month for both new and returning students. This fee includes access to all music enrichment activities, concerts, piano anatomy classes, recitals, unless otherwise posted.
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PRIVATE LESSON TUITION: Teachers at our studio host private lessons with one-on-one teaching. Tuition is due on the first lesson of each month, and is paid directly to your teacher. This tuition total will be included in your New Student Confirmation Email. Tuition ranges based on the number of enrolled students per family (multi-student discounts may apply) as well as the teacher’s level of education and experience. Consistent late payments may affect your continued enrollment.
Essentials Teacher, 30 minute weekly lessons;
1 Student:$160 / $40 Lesson
2 Students: $150 / $37.50 Lesson
3+ Students: $140 / $35 Lesson
Master Teacher, 30 minute weekly lessons;
1 Student:$170 / $42.50 Lesson
2 Students: $160 / $40 Lesson
3+ Students: $150 / $37.50 Lesson
Please note: Books and materials are not included in the tuition fee and may vary by instrument and level.
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SCHEDULING & CALENDAR: Lessons run month-to-month, and each teacher sets their own schedule, including recitals. Some may offer lessons during certain holiday weeks if the store is open. Teachers are allowed up to 4 paid weeks off per year, and that’s already factored into the monthly flat rate. Occasionally, students may receive a bonus lesson during a longer month — no extra charge for that! Recitals count as a paid lesson, so there will be no regular lesson the week after a recital. After all, our students deserve a little break after a big performance!
The Gallery and MUSIC School are closed on:
New Year’s Day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
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BILLING & PAYMENTS: All tuition payments are made directly to your teacher and are due by your student’s first lesson of the month. If payment is not received by the 10th of the month, the student may be removed from the school roster until payment is resolved. Teachers are also responsible for ordering books and materials as needed and will stay in communication with you about any supply costs or updates. Teachers may update their tuition rates at any time with a 30-day advance notice, including during the year or at the time of renewal.
We offer contactless payment options for your convenience. Most teachers currently accept:
✔ Check
✔ ApplePay
✔ Venmo
✔ Zelle
✔ PayPal
✔ CashApp
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ABSENCES & MAKE-UP LESSONS: Absences are excused for illness or emergencies. Parents or students must notify their teacher within 24 hours of the missed lesson in order to be eligible for a make-up. Make-up lessons are a courtesy offered by the teacher when possible, but not guaranteed due to limited availability. Any approved make-up must be completed within 10 days of the missed lesson, or it will expire.
Please note: Many of our teachers have active waitlists. Make-up availability is typically limited to fewer than 3 time slots per week. If a scheduled make-up lesson is missed, it is considered void and will not be rescheduled. We appreciate your understanding and commitment to your student’s consistency and progress! Make-Up Lessons are not available for Saturday students, unless otherwise arranged by your teacher/ availability.
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TEACHER TRANSFERS: If a student or parent wishes to request a teacher change for any reason, please contact our Music School Director, Natalia Oviedo, directly. We’re happy to support your student’s continued growth by arranging a smooth transition. Transfers will be processed at the start of the following month or when the next payment is due, whichever comes first. Our goal is always to ensure the best possible teacher-student fit and a positive experience for every family.
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YOUR INSTRUMENT: As the only official Steinway & Sons representative in the Central Valley, we take great pride in offering exclusive student pricing and expert support for families investing in quality instruments. A student’s progress is directly tied to the quality and consistency of their instrument, both in lessons and at home. To help students succeed, we recommend the following:
For Piano Students:
A well-maintained acoustic piano that is regularly tuned, or a digital keyboard with:
✔ 88 weighted, touch-sensitive keys
✔ A music rack
✔ A sustain pedal
For Guitar, Violin, and Clarinet Students:
Students must bring their own instrument to lessons
Instruments must also be available for daily home practice
Please consult your teacher for guidance on sizing, brands, and recommended accessories
For Vocal Students:
You are your instrument! 🎶
Stay hydrated, warm up regularly, and practice in a calm, focused space
A water bottle, sheet music binder, and good posture go a long way!
Bonus tip: A mirror can help with breathing, facial expression, and vowel shape practice
Additional Setup Tips (For All Instruments):
Correct bench or chair height
Footstools for younger students
Good lighting
A quiet, low-distraction area in the home for practice
Need help choosing the right instrument?
You’re in the right place! We’re happy to guide you through the process of selecting the best fit for your student — and don’t forget to ask about our piano rental program!
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PRACTICING, PROGRESS REPORTS & RECOGNITION: To grow and succeed, consistent practice is essential. Students are expected to practice regularly based on their age and ability.
Recommended Practice Minimum: 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Teachers may assign more or less depending on the student’s level — but steady home practice is the key to progress and confidence at the piano (or any instrument!).
Progress Reports: Progress reports are available anytime upon request by a parent or student. Just ask your teacher, and they’ll be happy to share how things are going and where your student is headed next!
Recitals & Recognition:We host a minimum of three recitals each year, plus our signature Harvest Fest Program in the fall! These events are a wonderful way to celebrate student growth and build confidence.
Recital Note: Recitals count as that week’s lesson. Students will not have regular lessons the week following a recital, giving them a well-earned break after their big performance!
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MUSIC ENRICHMENT: At our school, we go beyond weekly lessons — we’re a full educational music hub designed to inspire, engage, and connect students to the larger world of music.
Our enrichment opportunities include:
Piano Anatomy 101 – a hands-on introduction to how the piano works
Music Technology Courses – for students ready to explore digital tools and creativity
Seasonal Recitals – performance opportunities throughout the year
Community Engagement – we encourage students to attend live performances and support the broader arts community
We proudly promote and support local music events, including:
Fresno State Philip Lorenz International Keyboard Concert Series
Fresno Philharmonic Concerts
Fresno City College & Fresno Pacific University Music Events
Check out our Spotlight Page to see upcoming concerts, events, and recommended performances for our students and families!
spotlight
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PHOTO & VIDEO RELEASE: By registering my student, I give permission for Steinway Piano Gallery of Fresno to use photos and videos of my child and/or family members on its official social media, website, and promotional materials. These may feature moments from lessons, recitals, or gallery-hosted events and are used solely to represent and promote our school community. If you prefer to opt out, please notify Natalia Oviedo directly in writing, and we will respectfully exclude your family from any media use. We value your privacy and will always handle content with care and professionalism.
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INSPIRE STUDENTS: Yosemite Valley & Monarch River Students to continue lessons through your charter school, Enrichment Certificates must be emailed to:
natalia@fresnosteinway.com no later than your first lesson of the new month.
Please note the following guidelines:
Students may be removed from the school roster if certificates or payments are not submitted by the 10th of the month. Certificates may be submitted up to 2 months in advance, but each certificate may only cover a maximum of 2 months. Certificates must be issued in the student’s name only. If school funds are exhausted or unavailable, families are responsible for paying tuition directly. We appreciate your partnership in keeping all documentation up to date so we can continue supporting your student’s musical growth without interruption!
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REFUNDS: We kindly ask for a 30-day notice if you plan to discontinue lessons. This allows us to properly adjust scheduling and offer open spots to students on our waitlist. Annual registration fees are non-refundable. Because tuition is paid on a month-to-month basis, refunds are not issued for unused lessons once the month has begun. For students using Enrichment Certificates, these are processed monthly. Unused certificate funds will not be invoiced, and therefore may be retained or refunded directly by your charter school. Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to provide consistent, high-quality music education for all of our students.
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LESSON TERMINATION: Steinway Piano Gallery of Fresno reserves the right to discontinue lessons if a student or parent/guardian does not adhere to the policies outlined in this agreement. We are committed to maintaining a positive, respectful, and supportive learning environment, and we appreciate your partnership in upholding these standards.
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By submitting your registration payment, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the terms outlined in this music lesson agreement, and agree to comply with all policies and expectations set forth by Steinway Piano Gallery of Fresno.