FAQ - St. Augustine Piano Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is group piano class?

Contrasting to the traditional private lesson (one-on-one), group piano class involve multiple students learning to play the piano at the same time, comparable to band or orchestra class! Group piano classes provide students with a unique learning environment which fosters social interaction, group dynamics, ensemble cooperation, peer feedback, and development of community bonds. Group piano classes offer an affordable lesson setting compared to private lessons. Both our St. Augustine Piano Academy instructors specializes in group piano pedagogy, both receiving doctorates in the subject from the foremost institution on pedagogy. Studies show that students enrolled in group piano settings benefit from increased social and individual confidence, collaborative skills, cognitive improvement, social development, problem solving skills and critical thinking skills (Ghezzi, 2011; King 2008). These studies also indicate that students involved in group piano classes are more likely to commit to furthering their musical studies (Jellison & Draper, 1973).

What materials do I need?

If you are new to lessons at St. Augustine Piano Academy, no need to purchase materials or books! Your first semester of lessons with us include a complimentary piano starter pack, including an academy tote bag, first semester’s piano textbooks, notebook, stickers, and more! However, students and parents are responsible for purchasing piano textbooks after the first semester has concluded. Parents can estimate a semesterly cost of $30-50 for piano books.

What does my tuition cover?

Congratulations for choosing to study music! It is our greatest responsibility and privilege to provide the highest level of piano education. Your tuition covers the following:

Lesson time reserved for your student (s)
Short term and long term individualized curriculum development and implementation
Lesson planning and preparation – it has been cited by professional music journals that for every hour enrolled in piano lessons, at least 2 hours is invested by the instructor. For group classes, an average of 4-5 hours of lesson preparation is invested into 1 hour of class, in addition to a preliminary planning period of two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
Instrument tuning, regulation, voicing, repairs, and general maintenance
Your teacher’s training, experience, and professional certifications
Studio expenses, computer software, learning aids, textbooks
MyMusicStaff and Finale subscription
LLC costs, business license expenses, property taxes, etc.
Recital reservations and facility costs
Professional music memberships: MTNA, NCKP, CMS, FMTA. Participation and contribution to these organizations help music teachers stay current on pedagogical practices. Both Dr. Zhang and Dr. Mach present regularly at local, state, regional and national conferences annually.
Book and club memberships. This often results in textbook discounts for the students.
Administrative time

How is my tuition billed?

At St. Augustine Piano Academy, we use a service called MyMusicStaff.com to bill the tuition. You have the choice of paying semesterly (recommended), bi-semesterly, or monthly. This can be set up after the audition and evaluation.

How much is the registration fee?

The registration fee for all students is $60. This holds your student’s place in the instructor’s schedule.

LessoRe-enrollment in the same setting of lessons in future semesters will not require a second registration fee. For example, if you enroll in private lessons in the fall and spring semester, you will only pay registration in the fall. However, if you would like to switch to group lessons in the spring, a new registration fee will be required, as the materials/books for group lessons will differ from private lessons.

Cancellation Policy

Please communicate changes in schedule at least 24 hours in advance, or as soon as possible. Makeup lessons for private lessons and travel lessons are offered for those who notify the instructor 24 hours prior. Missed lessons without 24 hour prior notice will not be made up, and the lesson tuition will be charged.

Because specific times are set aside for specific students, a student who does not attend a lesson without prior notice will miss the benefit of that lesson. The instructor will then use that time or other times to plan for the student’s progress, locate materials, etc. Remember that your tuition pays for more than your weekly lesson.

Only one makeup lesson is guaranteed per semester.

Note: group lessons cannot be made up, as the class involves multiple students.

Teacher missed lessons

Cancellation by the instructor will result in a guaranteed makeup lesson.

Lesson Termination

A one semester commitment is required for full consideration of your student. In the case that the student needs to terminate lessons, a minimum of 4 weeks notice is required. Cancellation made with less than 4 weeks notice will incur a $200 fee plus any tuition that has yet to be made.

What are practice expectations?

Consistency is key! Regardless of lesson length, students are expected to practice a minimum of 15 minutes a day. 6 out of 7 days of consistent daily practice is recommended to take advantage of the services provided.

Do I need a piano?

Yes, absolutely! There are many affordable online options for beginning piano students.

Electric keyboards: Be sure to search for keyboards with ‘weighted key action’ and ’88 keys.’

Acoustic keyboards: Each acoustic piano can be so different! If ordering via secondhand market, be sure to obtain a recent video of this piano, information on the serial number, model, manufacture year, and the last time it was tuned. I offer a complimentary service to ‘test out’ pianos to insure quality and fit before you purchase.