Online Lessons

During the Covid-19 pandemic, all Meadowlark Music Academy lessons moved online as we did our part to help flatten the curve of this disease. We discovered that online lessons truly do work, and that students were able to learn and thrive using technology to continue their music study. Lessons provided another important social contact for students, and helped families maintain at least part of a regular routine during a time when school and many other activities were canceled.

We also learned that distance is no longer a barrier to learning music. If you are unable to find a music teacher in your own community, you can still study music and learn to play an instrument for your own enjoyment! Technology makes it possible to bring lessons right into your home with no travel expenses and no worries about inclement weather.

Students need an acoustic piano that is well-tuned, or a digital piano with weighted keys and a pedal system. Music is chosen to fit each student as an individual; I send you the links to purchase needed materials for your student. You will need a smart phone, tablet, or laptop with a webcam, and a good Internet connection.

If you are interested in online lessons, please contact me. I would love to discuss how I can help you or your child make music a beautiful part of daily life!

Meadowlark Music Academy Online Lesson Policies

Online lessons are sold in packages and must be prepaid. For 30-minute lessons:

A package of four lessons is $100.
A package of ten lessons is $200.

Lessons are generally 30 minutes in length and occur once a week. Advanced students may sign up for 45- or 60-minute lessons at my discretion. All lessons are carefully planned for each individual's needs and interests.

Recitals Online students will be able to participate in virtual recitals that will be posted on the studio Facebook page or Youtube channel.

Payment reserves your appointment time for online lessons. It also covers the cost of:

Lesson planning and repertoire selection, piano tuning and maintenance, professional studio memberships, sales tax and studio insurance.

Tuition does not include the cost of music. Students will receive links to purchase music, or complete information to take to a nearby usic store.

Missed Lessons Once a lesson is booked, that time is considered "sold" and it is each student’s 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 use that time or other times to plan for the student’s progress, locate materials, etc.

“No-Show” Lessons are forfeited
Exceptions to the Rules: The more notice given, the more flexibility I have to try to reschedule. Obviously, in cases of illness I will try to reschedule. I appreciate as much notice as possible. Each student receives one lesson per quarter than can be rescheduled due to illness.
Students who routinely miss lessons will be dropped from the schedule.

If the Teacher Must Cancel Lessons In the case of teacher illness or any other need to cancel lessons, students will be offered make up lessons.

Necessary Supplies Each student will receive an emailed assignment sheet after each lesson. Students should have a binder or online folder for keeping these assignments. Each student will also need a three-ring binder for handouts and downloaded music.

Lesson Procedures Lessons will be conducted on Zoom, FaceTime, or Facebook Messenger (or other software/apps that become available) The teacher will call or text you an invitation to your lesson. Please bring all materials (assignment folders, music books, and otherwise) to every lesson.

For minor students, a parent or guardian must be present in the home during lessons.
Students must be fully dressed (no pajamas) for their lessons.
For young students, especially beginners, a parent should attend the lesson to help the student follow instructions, adjust the camera, etc. It is also helpful for the parent to hear what a student is working on so that he or she can assist in home practice.

Practice Expectations If there is a lack of progress, there is probably a lack of practice! A student’s progress is determined by dedicated practice, not by simply attending lessons. Ideally, students should practice 5-6 days a week.

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 practice, and schedule a time for practice each day.

Instrument Requirements: All students should have regular access to an acoustic piano. The piano should be kept in good working order and should be tuned at least once a year. If students opt for a digital piano, it MUST have 88 individually weighted keys and a pedal system.

Mutual respect is a key goal in our studio. As studio owner, I reserve the right to remove students from the schedule if they have poor attendance, poor practice habits, or if they show disrespect to me or other students.