Welcome! I’m so glad to have your student in my studio! I firmly believe that students of all talents and abilities should study a musical instrument as a way to reflect the creativity of our God and to pursue excellence as image bearers. I also believe that all children can learn how to play the piano! Please take time to review the policies and procedures below.
Student Expectations (review these with your child!)
Ask questions and do your best!
Be involved in recitals and performances!
Come prepared!
Do not bring your cell phone, tablet, or other devices!
Every day, PRACTICE…minimum 5 days a week, so that you can see your progress!
Fingernails should be trimmed short!
Parent Expectations
Express enthusiasm and encouragement – often!
Enforce a practice time routine at home and protect it from distractions! Practice makes progress. :)
Ensure that your child completes each lesson assignment!
Exit the lesson area to take calls if you are waiting nearby, and please make sure cell phones are on silent or vibrate!
Attendance and Payment
All private lessons for the 2025-2026 academic school year are 30 minutes long, $25 per lesson. Very young students may opt for a shorter lesson at $15 per lesson. Payments should be made at the first lesson of the month for that entire month; a late fee of $40 will be added if payment is not made by the second lesson of the month, which must be paid in full before lessons resume. Missed lessons are not refunded; in extenuating circumstances, we will work together to reschedule unless you choose to just cancel. However, often I simply credit that lesson for the next month. You may also choose to pay for the entire semester all in one go. Life is quite busy for most of us, and sometimes “one and done” is easier! The flat rate for that is $350 - this assumes an average of 15 lessons each semester and takes into account at least one missed lesson due to unforeseen circumstances.
Lesson Times
Lessons are during the afternoons and after school until 4:15pm this year, Monday through Friday, at Easley Christian School. Lessons during school hours are TBD. Please be punctual to your lesson, both with arrival as well as departure, for the sake of those potentially before or after you. If you arrive late, your lesson may be cut short to accommodate other students.
Lesson Materials
It should go without saying, but please make sure you have a working piano or keyboard in your home. You will also need to secure a spiral notebook to bring to the first lesson. After an initial assessment, I will recommend a set of leveled method books for your student, which you should be able to find inexpensively on Amazon. You will need to bring these to the second lesson, if possible. Each year, as the student progresses, a new set of books will need to be purchased. As the student progresses, a metronome will also be needed, either a physical one or on a phone app. If you need recommendations, I have a few!
Behavior Disclaimer
As a teacher, I apply any and all classroom management techniques into piano lessons as needed. In the event that your student maintains an uncooperative attitude, I will ask that you as the parent sit in on lessons as a corrective influence; if the behavior persists regardless, we will need to discuss whether piano lessons are the wisest decision for your child at this time. Lessons will also be terminated if 1) the student persistently misses lessons, 2) does not progress due to insufficient practice, or 3) falls significantly behind in payments. If for any reason you feel the need to terminate lessons yourself (moving away, family situation, etc.), please let me know.
I look forward to partnering together in helping your child grow in this way! If you have any questions or concerns at any time, don’t hesitate to contact me!
Elizabeth Ensley
eensley@easleychristianschool.org
(470)432-6228
Mrs. Ensley’s Piano Studio
