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: Friday, December 5, 7 p.m.
New students may start lessons during the semester if spaces are available.
Semester schedule available: before Christmas
The lesson schedule is made after the registration deadline for each term, based on students’ preferences and teacher.

Term begins: Monday, January 5
Term ends: Friday, May 30
21 weeks of instruction

Lesson days: Weekdays
Special Events: Weekends

Registration deadline for Summer Session & Pre-registration deadline for Fall Semester: Friday, May 7, 7 p.m.*

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.
New students may start lessons during the term if spaces are available.

Registration deadline* for continuing students: Friday, May 17, 7 p.m.   

Term begins: Monday, June 2 There will be no lessons June 12-18. 
Term ends: Thursday, August 14.
10 weeks of instruction maximum—flexible

Lessons days: Monday-Thursday
Lesson Times: Morning to evening, scheduled in blocks

Registration deadline for Fall Semester 2025: Wednesday, August 13, 7 p.m.

Pre-registration*deadline for continuing students: Friday, May 16, 7 p.m. 
Pre-registration allows families to reserve spaces for the Fall semester.
Registration deadline**: Wednesday, August 13, 7 p.m. 
New students may start lessons during the semester if spaces are available.
The fall semester schedule will be shared on Friday, August 15
The lesson schedule is made after the registration deadline for each term, based on students’ preferences and teacher availability. 

Term begins: Monday, August 18 
Labor Day Holiday: Monday, September 1
Thanksgiving Break:  Tuesday-Friday, November 25-28
Term ends: Friday, December 19
17 weeks of instruction

Lesson days: Weekdays
Special Events: Weekends

Registration deadline for Spring semester 2026: Friday, December 5, 7 p.m.

Tuition

Tuition at The Art of Piano is charged on a per term basis. Students are expected to complete each term and must pay tuition in full. The tuition amount is based on the length of the term, the length of the lessons, and the program the student is enrolled in. It is all-inclusive, except for the cost of books. 
 
Typically, payment is due at the time of registration for each term but an installment plan is also available. The six payment due dates per year are approximately two months apart (August, October, December, February, March and May).