Teaching Philosophy

Teachers are the foundation of experience. They pass down their baton of knowledge, wisdom, and life lessons to the students of future generations; they help mold and shape students’ of future generations, inspiring, motivating, and encouraging them to do amazing things. That is why music teachers are at the heart of it all, sharing the wonderful power of music with the world. My primary desire to teach piano utilizes visual, aural, and kinesthetic approaches to develop skills and reinforce concepts.

— Brenda Steppe

Stepping Stones Piano Academy is committed to providing a positive, supportive, and flexible learning environment that empowers students to do their best. Each student will receive a learning style analysis to nurture abilities, strengthen weaknesses, and accommodate their specific needs. Its excellent music education curriculum trains the students to do a high level of memorization and recollection of notes and lyrics. Students will be able to utilize all that they have learned in music and apply it to their daily life. SSPA promotes imagination, creativity, self-expression, confidence, and personal growth through the love of music.

Policies

Lessons: Students are given a 30, 45, or 60-minute lesson. The lessons cover a variety of repertoire, techniques, theory, sight reading, ear training, learning games, and some creative activities.

Attendance: Regular attendance is critical for the success of lessons. Please plan to attend all lessons and arrive on time.

Attendance/Makeup Policy/Refund

Students need to notify the teacher at least 24 hours prior to the lesson to request changes in the schedule. If the lesson is canceled by the teacher and is not made up within 2 weeks, a refund is applicable. There will be no regular scheduled lessons on the fifth week of each month: the fifth week will be used to schedule make-up lessons.

Cancelation/Reschedule

To cancel or reschedule a lesson at no cost, you must provide at least a 24-hour prior notice. We will reschedule your lesson subject to the instructor’s availability. If you do not show up for the lesson or if you do not provide adequate notice, you will be charged for the missed lesson. In order to encourage attendance and the use of lessons, all unused lessons will expire and be forfeited ninety days after purchase. There will be no refunds or cash redemption available for unused lessons.

If any special situation arises, please call 24 hours before the lesson time, so I can arrange a make-up lesson with you. Unless previously arranged, makeup lessons have been due to (such as extended vacations, extended illness, unusual situations, etc.)

Lesson enrollment may be canceled if you (a) do not make timely payments, (b) you fail to show up without notice, (c) your conduct is rude, improper, or harmful; or (d) you have not taken a lesson or completed your registration for 90 days.

Fees & Schedule

30 minutes — $ 25 per lesson

45 minutes — $ 40 per lesson

60 minutes — $ 50 per lesson

  • There is a $30 non-refundable registration fee per student with tuition.

  • The registration fee and tuition will be due at the time of purchase.

  • The tuition will be due on the 1st or 15th of every month. (varies according to customer)

  • There is a $30 late fee for payments made after the 15th. Other payments or methods can be arranged with a prior agreement.

  • Payment can be made in person using cash, Visa Mastercard debit, credit, or online using MyMusicShelf, Zell, Venmo, or ApplePay.

  • The tuition will cover private weekly instruction and one make-up lesson.

  • The tuition does not cover registration or application fees and other material or equipment (notebook, metronome, music stand, all music, literature or books, etc.).

Calendar

The studio is closed on the following dates each year.

  • November 20th - 27th (Thanksgiving Break)

  • December 5th Personal Day Off

  • December 14th - January 6th (Christmas Break)

Parent Involvement

Parents of students up to 12 are strongly encouraged to be present during lessons and practice sessions at home. At a minimum, parents must be aware of weekly assignments and short/long-term goals through weekly communication with the teacher.

Parents are permitted to sit quietly during the lesson. _____________