Calendar & Tuition
The Academic Year
Piano Lesson Calendar
The piano lesson calendar is based on academic years. Each year is divided in two long semesters–starting in August and January–and an optional, flexible summer session, offering nearly year-around instruction. Students are expected to complete each term they sign up for. New students take a trial lesson before committing to registering for a term, and they may begin lessons after the term has begun if there are openings available.
Private lessons and the occasional group classes are generally taught on weekdays, while special events take place on weekends.
Private Lesson Length
Most students take lessons once a week, but two lessons a week is another option. Private lessons are 30, 45 minutes or 60 minutes long. Each student is scheduled for an additional 30 minutes of computer time in the student computer lab, immediately before or after the lesson, to build skills (note reading, music theory, ear training, etc.) that help them learn piano music faster and become well-rounded musicians. Therefore, students spend 60-90 minutes in the studio each time.
Occasionally, group lessons or classes are scheduled in place of individual lessons for ensemble playing or learning activities best done in groups.
Special Performance Events
The Art of Piano holds several special performance events of its own each year. Students are encouraged–but not required–to participate in additional performances, competitions, and exams, as well.
Adult Instruction
Adult instruction is available for all ages and skill levels. Those at the intermediate and advanced levels may choose between weekly and less frequent lessons (usually every other week). Adult lessons are one hour long. Students are invited to participate in all The Art of Piano activities and events but may opt out of any of them.
Trial Lessons
Before committing to a full term, it is recommended to take a trial lesson to see how comfortable you feel with the personality, abilites and teaching style of the instructor. Parents are encouraged to observe their child’s trial lesson. The trial-lesson fee is due at the lesson.
Semester Calendars
Registration deadline: Wednesday, December 5, 7 p.m.
New students may start lessons during the semester if spaces are available.
Semester lesson schedule shared: before Christmas
The lesson schedule is made after the registration deadline for each term, based on students’ preferences and teacher availability.
Term begins: Monday, January 5
Term ends: Friday, May 31
Weeks in term: 21
Weeks of instruction in term: 21
Lesson days: Weekdays
Special Events: Weekends
Registration deadline for Summer session and Pre-registration deadline for Fall semester: Friday, May 15, 7 p.m.
New students may start lessons during the term if spaces are available.
Students may sign up for any number of lessons during the summer session. Lessons may be taken once or twice a week or less frequently and weeks may be skipped to accommodate vacations. During summer sessions, lessons do not have to be scheduled for the same day and time each week.
Registration deadline: Friday, May 15, 7 p.m.
New students may start lessons during the term if spaces are available.
Semester lesson schedule shared: Monday, May 25
The lesson schedule is made after the registration deadline for each term, based on students’ preferences and teacher availability.
Term begins: Monday, June 1
Term ends: Thursday, August 20
12 weeks of instruction maximum—flexible
Lessons days: Monday-Wednesday OR Tuesday-Thursday, depending on student availability
Lesson Times: Morning-evening, scheduled in blocks
Registration deadline for Fall Semester: Wednesday, August 12, 7 p.m.
New students may start lessons during the term if spaces are available.
Pre-registration deadline: Friday, May 15, 7 p.m.
Pre-registration allows families to reserve spaces for the Fall semester.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, August 19, 7 p.m.
New students may start lessons during the semester if spaces are available.
Semester lesson schedule shared: Friday, August 21
The lesson schedule is made after the registration deadline for each term, based on students’ preferences and teacher availability.
Term begins: Monday, August 24
Labor Day Holiday: Monday, September 7
Thanksgiving Break: Tuesday-Friday, November 24-27
Term ends: Friday, December 18
Weeks in term: 17
Weeks of instruction in term: 16
Lesson days: Weekdays
Special Events: Weekends
Registration deadline for Spring semester: Friday, December 5, 7 p.m.
New students may start lessons during the term if spaces are available.