• Please do not bring food, drink, candy or GUM into the Music Room.

  • PARK along the curbside only. You may drop off using the driveway but if you will be parking, please use the curb. Please be considerate of the neighbors and always aware that the studio is located on a cul-de-sac with many small children. DRIVE SLOWLY AND WITH CAUTION AT ALL TIMES.

  • No gaming of any kind in the studio by students or parents. Please do not enter the music room while using a cell phone. Parents and students are welcome to sit outside in the seating area to complete any calls.

  • If a student is unprepared for lessons, that's ok. It happens. As a proper lesson in repertoire does require at home preparation, we will have to modify our plans. Our activities for the unprepared day will include intensive theory study, sight reading and metronome practice. We will also carefully review the practice plan for the following week.

 

  • Please wash your hands PRIOR to entering the music room. Hand sanitizer is available in the foyer.

 

  • Please do not ring the bell. Come on in and have a seat in the orange chair until your lesson time.

 

  • The music room is a text-free and gaming-free zone. However, electronic devices are encouraged for metronome or music app use. If you have your phone on while waiting for your lesson to begin, please mute it so that it does not disturb the ongoing lesson. If you are wearing an Apple watch, please mute/turn off vibration for all notifications for the duration of the lesson

 

  • Please take advantage of MAKEUP MONDAYS if your child has fever or stomach bug within 24 hours of their lesson time. (No worries about sniffles or minor winterbugs.)

 

  • Parents are welcome to observe a lesson at any time. Any guests other than a parent requires advanced notification.

 

  • Siblings may come to lessons together. The waiting sibling should bring something to read and should be prepared to sit quietly in the music room until his/her lesson time. On this subject, your teacher will not allow a sibling to stay if it is distracting to the lesson in progress.

For Parents...

I understand that public performance is a key tool in musical and personal growth. I am aware that there are five unique performances in the piano season: Back to School JAM (Sept), the Holiday Party (December), Northern Virginia Spring Festival (March), Project Composition Performance Party (April) and the Spring Recital (two Saturdays before school ends). I am aware that Little Ears will devote lesson time to performance techniques and tips on managing performance anxiety.

 I understand that my season fee is based on an average cost per student and is non-refundable even if my child opts not to participate in public performance. It is the only *extra* fee I will be charged during the season. I understand that my student’s books, extra literature, subscriptions, performance fees, licensing fees, supplies, digital media access and various other costs incurred are included in this fee. I understand that if my student loses his/her books it is my responsibility to replace them. 

I understand that the Music Season begins in September and ends in May and that I am committed to the Full Cost of the Season upon registration. My total tuition may be paid in monthly, quarterly or one annual payment. My tuition is based on the total season not the number of lessons in that month. My student will be offered 30 individual lessons, guidance through Project Composition, and 3 performance opportunities. I understand that monthly payments are due the 1st of each month. I understand that if my account falls behind by 30 days or more, my student will not have access to make-ups or performance opportunities.

I understand that I have FIVE MAKEUPS available for each student in the music season. These makeups can be scheduled on Makeup Mondays or moveable makeup slots through the season. It is my responsibility to schedule a make-up through the portal when needed. A makeup will not be available for no-shows or for lessons cancelled less than 30 minutes prior to start time.  I understand it is my responsibility to manage my family calendar in consideration of the music calendar which is provided in full prior to the season beginning. My fees will not be reduced, refunded or truncated if I choose not to participate in any of the lessons or performances offered.

I understand that I may communicate with Mrs. Tallamy at any time about any concerns or questions I have regarding my child’s time at LEMS. I am aware that Mrs. Tallamy will often communicate with my student via text (if permission has been provided) regarding lesson questions or follow-up. I am aware that my student and I will receive regular communication through the student portal. I am also aware that I may check for updates on the website. LEMS also maintains a limited social media presence that I may follow.

I understand that private music study is a family activity. I will check in with my student each week and encourage him or her in their studies. I understand that growth and improvement in music study comes from both a good lesson from the teacher and a devotion to daily at-home practice. I am aware that my child’s teacher uses a system of REWARD (not punishment) for piano practice and achievement and strongly encourages the same at home practices.

I understand that my child’s music teacher runs Little Ears from her home studio and has an active family life. I am also aware that she has additional music commitments. I am aware that from time to time she will reschedule lessons due to conflicts with school, family or band schedules. Most of these conflicts will be listed on my Fall schedule while others may occur unexpectedly.