2026-2027 STUDENT PIANO STUDIO POLICY
Private lessons are 60 minutes in length. Periodically students are required to attend group piano classes in place of or in addition to private lessons, which encourage performing for and with peers and help prepare students for recitals and syllabus exams. Group classes may occur both online and/or in person.
Practice Routine:
Achievement at the piano requires consistent effort over a period of time. Student should practice a minimum of 5 days each week. Below are suggested minimum practice guidelines:
Grades K-1 20 minutes/day
Grades 2-4 30 minutes/day
Grades 5-6 40 minutes/day
Grades 7-8 45 minutes/day
Grades 9-12 60 minutes/day
Basic Practice Checklist:
- Tuned acoustic piano, or digital piano with full sized keyboard & weighted keys
- Metronome
- Bench of correct height, foot bench if needed
- Quiet area for concentration during practice
- Consistent, daily practice
Basic Studio Rules:
- Bring assignment binder and all music to every lesson.
- Please wash hands and trim nails before lessons.
- Give your piano lesson assignment the same attention and priority as daily schoolwork.
Recitals: Students are required to attend the winter & spring studio recitals. Participation in WSMTA or OMTA sponsored activities is also highly encouraged, as well as other performance opportunities.
Parental Role:
You are providing your child the opportunity for growth in self-expression, creativity, self-discipline, and achievement. Your support and involvement will play a key role in your child’s study of music. It is often helpful for a parent to be available during practice times. Encourage your child to talk about their lessons and acknowledge improvement and achievement regularly.
Lesson Year Tuition: The Studio Calendar year generally runs the end of August through mid June and is divided into two semesters, each with approximately 17 private lessons, 3-5 group lessons, and 1-2 recitals (see Studio Calendar for details). Tuition includes weekly lessons, periodic group classes, and studio recitals. Tuition does not include other fees such as theory books, theory testing, Adjudications, Master Class fees, or other performance opportunities. Lesson payments are made monthly, beginning August 25th, and tuition is due the 25th of each month following. The monthly tuition fee remains the same regardless of the number of lessons in the month. 2026-2027 tuition is $278 per month.
Late Payments:
For payments received after the 5th of each month please include a $10 late fee.
Makeup Lessons:
No refunds or credit will be given for missed lessons. Please do not ask to cancel lessons due to lack of practice. Dedication and consistency are essential for the success of the student. The lesson may be rescheduled in the event of illness or an emergency. Makeup lessons may occur online or in person at the discretion of the teacher. Lessons cancelled by the teacher will be rescheduled or credited accordingly.
Music Materials Fee:
In developing good sight-reading skills, it is important for students to have a variety of music books available for their use. Many students may finish books quickly, or only use part of a particular book, and the cost can add up quickly throughout the year. I offer a lending library so the student may borrow a variety of books for sight-reading, duets, recital pieces, etc. This allows the student to experience various approaches to reading music and allows me to choose music to best fit his or her needs. As each student moves into advanced repertoire, I encourage them to begin building their own library of quality music literature as well as choosing from the lending library for sight-reading and fun. Materials Fee: Non-refundable $20 payable at first lesson annually.
Summer Session: A minimum of four lessons during summer session is required to guarantee a lesson time for fall study. If a student is not able to participate in summer session, a non-refundable deposit may be required to hold the student’s time slot for the fall. This deposit will apply towards the student’s fall tuition. Summer lessons will be scheduled in the Spring, and are one hour in length. These lessons may be scheduled daily, weekly, or bi-weekly, according to what works best with your summer schedule and what the student would like to accomplish. Summer focus may include new skills such as learning to read lead sheets, composition, or harmonizing familiar melodies.
Lesson Termination: In the event of lesson termination by the student, a one-month notice is requested. Lessons may be terminated by the teacher in the event of irregular attendance, consistent lack of practice, or consistent poor attitude. The teacher will notify the parent preceding lesson termination and may grant a one-month trial period.
About Your Teacher:
Andrea Pinson Llafet has a Master’s Degree in Teaching in Music from Portland State University in Portland, OR (1997) as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance from ORU in Tulsa, OK(1988). She is a member of the Music Teachers National Association, Washington State Music Teachers Association, and Oregon State Music Teachers Association. Andrea is a MTNA nationally certified teacher of music in piano.
Andrea has been teaching piano lessons in the greater Vancouver/Portland area since 1992. Her classroom teaching experience includes teaching class piano at Portland State University and elementary music at Trinity Lutheran School in Portland in addition to private studio teaching.
Andrea is an accomplished accompanist with extensive experience in vocal, instrumental & choral accompanying for over 30 years. She began studying the piano at the age of seven. Her performing experience includes classical, jazz, theatre, and church music.
Andrea’s teaching philosophy includes using a variety of teaching styles and methods to meet the needs of the individual student. She adheres to a well rounded musical education that includes the teaching and developing of pianistic skills in the areas of Sightreading & Transposition, Piano Repertoire from all Historical Periods, Ear Training, Harmonization, Improvisation, and Composition. Andrea has studied the Taubman approach to the piano, and incorporates this philosophy of synchronized hand and arm movement in her approach to piano technique. Her passion in sharing the gift of music is to inspire other students as she has been inspired, and enrich their lives with a greater understanding and appreciation of music.
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Parents: Please Read, Mark & Sign The Following:
_____Attached is my annual music materials fee of $20 for the school year. I understand that the additional purchase of supplementary materials such as notespellers, theory workbooks, or flashcards may be required throughout the year.
_____I have read the studio policy and understand the content. I understand and agree to
the tuition changes, payment policy, and make-up lesson policy.
Date_________________ Signature ____________________________
Email address______________________________________________
Students: Please Read, Mark & Sign The Following:
____I have read the studio policy and/or discussed it with my parents and understand what it says.
____I agree to practice consistently and give my best effort.
Date__________________Signature________________________________
Date__________________Signature________________________________
Date__________________Signature________________________________
Please make checks out to Andrea Llafet.
Other forms of payment include cash, Venmo or Apple pay.