Welcome! Thank you for choosing Ryder Piano Studios. These policies are in place to ensure the best possible learning environment for each student.

1. Tuition & Payment

1.1. Each new student receives one complimentary trial lesson before enrollment.

1.2. Tuition is a flat $250/month, due on the 1st via the studio's Squarespace payment portal. Payments after the 10th incur a $25 late fee.

1.3. The monthly rate is an annual average: 46 lessons/year at $65/lesson, spread evenly across 12 months. The fee stays the same every month, regardless of how many lessons fall within it or whether holidays or breaks occur.

1.4. This structure includes a built-in cushion for vacations, illness, and missed lessons. Consistent attendance means some lessons end up free; missing more than the cushion allows means a slightly higher effective per-lesson cost. It evens out across the year.

1.5. There are no prorated months, per-lesson refunds, or credits for student-missed lessons.

2. Scheduling, Attendance & Missed Lessons

2.1. Each student is assigned a weekly 45-minute lesson slot.

2.2. The studio does not offer make-ups or refunds for student-missed lessons; these are absorbed by the annual tuition structure.

2.3. Permanent slot changes will be considered only for ongoing conflicts affecting at least two consecutive lessons (e.g., a sports schedule change or extended vacation).

2.4. Schedule change requests must be submitted in writing at least 24 hours in advance to oliviaryderpiano@gmail.com or (510) 504-9447.

2.5. If the teacher cancels a lesson, due to sickness or vacation, a make-up will be offered at a mutually agreed time. If no make-up can be scheduled, the lesson will be refunded.

3. Health & Illness

3.1. Students who are ill and potentially contagious must not attend in-studio lessons. If a student is not at school that day due to illness, they should not attend their lesson.

3.2. Students with mild, non-contagious symptoms (e.g., residual cough, allergies) may attend if they wear a mask. The teacher reserves the right to send a student home if symptoms appear more than mild.

3.3. After a fever or diarrhea, students must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning.

3.4. Lessons missed due to illness are absorbed by the annual tuition structure. A virtual lesson may be offered at the teacher's discretion.

4. Studio Holidays & Breaks

The studio is closed for the following holidays. These closures are already factored into the annual tuition average and do not change the monthly fee:

• Thanksgiving (Thursday–Sunday)

• Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

• New Year's Eve and New Year's Day

• Labor Day and Memorial Day

5. Recitals

The studio hosts two recitals per year, in December and April. Each enrolled student is required to perform in at least one recital per calendar year. Details on venue, dress code, repertoire, and any fees will be provided in advance.

6. Home Practice

Regular at-home practice is a required part of lessons — progress depends on it. The teacher will work with each family to build a sustainable practice routine. Parents are welcome to observe lessons; parental involvement is encouraged.

7. Termination of Lessons

7.1. You may terminate lessons with written notice via email to oliviaryderpiano@gmail.com.

7.2. To avoid being charged for the upcoming month, notice must be received before the 1st of that month.

7.3. If you end lessons mid-month, you're welcome to finish out the lessons you've already paid for. Refunds and proration aren't offered for the remainder of the month.

7.4. The teacher reserves the right to terminate lessons at any time for non-payment, repeated policy violations, or conduct issues.

8. Policy Updates

These policies may be updated annually. Families will be notified of any changes and may be asked to sign an updated agreement to continue lessons.