Tuition
When you enroll in lessons, you are enrolling for the duration of the school year (August - May) You may choose to pay tuition in full in August, or make monthly payments. Tuition for the 2024/2025 school year is $1110 for 30 minute lessons, $1665 for 45 minute lessons, and $2220 for 60 minute lessons. (Monthly payments $111/$166.50/$222)
Tuition can be paid online via your Student Portal (PayPal), with cash, or with check. Online payments through the student portal (PayPal) will be charged a 3% fee. You may also use Zelle with no fee.
Lessons (August - May)
Mrs. Rawley will follow the Manatee County School calendar for the most part. See the calendar for specifics. When you sign up for lessons, you are signing up for the whole school year.
Lessons (June-July)
To remain in my studio, students are required to take a minimum of 4 summer lessons. You may take the lessons whenever it is convenient for your schedule by signing up in the calendar. Please do your best to give me at least 24 hours notice if you're going to change/cancel a summer lesson. If you are signed up for a lesson and simply do not show up, you will be charged for that lesson.
Attendance
Students may sign up for weekly 30-minute or 60-minute lessons. A student's weekly lesson day and time is set and must be honored. Students will only receive one make up lesson per semester (total of two per year). If more than one lesson per semester is missed, no make-up lesson will be offered, and the family is responsible for payment of the lesson.** If Mrs. Rawley misses a lesson, you will be credited with a make up lesson.
Please do not ask to “take a break” from lessons. I have found that this is frustrating for everyone involved. Students fall very behind and are discouraged when they return.
Virtual Lessons
CoVid has taught us that we can do great things with technology. However, nothing can replace the quality teaching that happens in person. Lessons via FaceTime or Zoom are convenient when something unplanned pops up or someone is feeling sick, but this is never a preferred option. If a student's circumstance is such that he or she can only do lessons virtually, Mrs. Rawley will consider that option on a case by case basis.
Practice
Practice is required. No practice means no or very slow improvement, which leads to boredom because the lessons are the same each week. Certain skills and techniques must be learned in order to make progress, and if these are not practiced everyday, it becomes burdensome for both student and teacher. Mrs. Rawley understands that things come up - big tests to study for, late night sport events, etc. These things happen and missing a day or two of practice here and there is acceptable. However, daily practice should be the norm.
Recitals
Performance is part of bring a musician. We have at least two recitals per year; an outreach concert in December, and a formal solo recital in April or May.
Location
Sarasota lessons will be held at Central Church of Christ on Proctor rd. Myakka lessons will be held off SR 70 near the Dollar General.
*a limited number of need-based scholarships are available
** I do try to offer make ups when I can, especially for true emergencies. If a car won't start or someone gets injured, of course I will do my best to give you a make up. But I will not offer make up for things like birthday parties, scheduling conflicts, forgetfulness, etc.