Thistledown Studio

Thistledown Studio Policies

Arrival for In-Studio Lessons:

Please be prompt - unfortunately, lesson times cannot be extended for students who arrive late.
Students should bring all of their current lesson books, studio binder (and instrument if applicable).
Enter through the front door. (No need to knock or ring the bell, just walk in). If there is another lesson still in session, please enter quietly.
Shoe mat and coat hooks provided in the entryway for shoes/boots and jackets.

Instrument:

Piano:
- All piano students must have regular access to a piano (acoustic or digital) for practice. The quality of your student’s home instrument plays a significant role in their potential for success.
- Acoustic pianos should tuned regularly and kept in working order. If you prefer a digital piano, please invest in a full-size keyboard (88 keys) with weighted, touch-sensitive keys and a sustain pedal.
Violin/Viola:
- All violin/viola students must have an instrument for practice. The instrument must be the correct size for the student and in good working order. The studio recommends renting a good quality instrument at first. Please refer to our "Instrument" tab for more information and recommended local music stores.
- Accessories Required: shoulder rest, rosin, soft cloth for cleaning off rosin dust, and a music stand

Practicing:

Regular home practice is essential for student success. Students will have the most success with at least 5 days of practice each week. Practicing time can range from 10 minutes a day for beginner students, 20-30 minutes for intermediate, to 30-45 minutes a day for advanced students. Please consider practicing piano just as important as completing homework for school.
For younger students in their first year, we strongly recommend that the parent help them develop a practice routine and assist them.
Please fill in the practice record each week, checking off the days that the student practiced, and sign the page before the next lesson.

Absences & Makeup lessons:

Cancel More Than 24 Hours In Advance:
Receive a make-up credit to be used during one of the make-up weeks or rescheduled to another time/day (subject to teacher availability). There is a limit of 3 make-up lessons per school year. Please refer to the studio calendar for make-up lesson weeks.
Less Than 24 Hours in Advance:
No make-up credit is given. If the cancellation is due to sudden illness or family emergency, please let us know.

Exceptions:
Teacher Absences: If a teacher must cancel, the lesson will be rescheduled or a make-up credit will be given.
Snow Days: If the West Irondequoit School District calls for a snow day, the studio will also be closed. You will receive an email or text as confirmation. Snow day lessons will be rescheduled or a make-up credit given.

Lesson Books & Materials:

The cost for a set of lesson books per level is generally about $35-40. Each student will move into the next level of books approximately every 1-2 years. The cost of the books will be added to your monthly invoice.
Periodically throughout the year, each student will receive supplemental materials to enhance their learning experience (sheet music, theme books, digital download sheet music, etc.). These materials will not go beyond $40 per student each year. The cost of any supplemental materials will be added to your monthly invoice.

Media:

Photos and/or videos of students may be posted on our website or Facebook page to celebrate our students or to promote the studio. Identifying information will be excluded or limited to first names only. Parents wishing to exempt their students from any published media may do so by providing a written exclusion request.

If you have any questions about any of this information, please contact the studio.