Caruth Piano Studio "We Turn Music into Magic"

Caruth Piano Studio

STATEMENT & POLICY


Welcome to Caruth Piano Studio!  Because I believe that music has a place in everyone’s life, my program is quite varied.  I love what I do and I hope to inspire each student to discover their true musical potential and an independent work ethic.

  • Caruth Piano Studio welcomes all students and emphasizes the importance of music for everyone.

  • Training includes music reading, theory, ear training, composition, improvisation, and performance. This studio incorporates classical repertoire and other genres to fit each student's tastes and performance.

  • Policies are aligned with the philosophies of the Music Teachers' National Association and the Iowa Music Teachers Association.  Teaching is my business, profession, and area of expertise, with a focus on providing a rich and disciplined learning experience for all.

  • Tuition covers various costs, including my insurance, retirement, and maintaining the studio and its equipment


1. TUITION AND PAYMENTS

·      Make all forms of payment payable to Cyndie Caruth

 Tuition Policy

1.     Tuition may be paid in one of two ways:

a.     12 equal monthly installments 

b.     2 equal semester payments.


All forms of payment are based on a flat fee, regardless of the number of lessons in a month

2.     Payment Methods: Cash, personal check, or bank draft.

a.     Monthly payment is due at the last lesson of each month for the upcoming month.

b.     Semester payment is due at the first lesson in August and again at the first lesson in February


3.     Tuition Rates (including all group classes):

a.     45-minute lessons: $240.00 per month

b.     60-minute lessons: $272.00 per month

4.     Semester tuition is also available upon request.

 

2. STUDENT ACTIVITY/BOOK ACCOUNTS

·       ACTIVITY ACCOUNT: Each student must secure a minimum $100.00 deposit for the sole purpose of tracking purchased materials, books, sheet music, competition fees, and late tuition. All materials and payments are automatically deducted and tracked monthly.  You will be notified when the account nears depletion.

·       LATE PAYMENTS: Every late payment will incur a $20 late fee automatically deducted from your book account.

·       RETURNED CHECKS: A $40 return fee will be subtracted from your book/studio account.

 

3. MATERIALS

·      Students are required to provide copies of long-term pieces, metronomes, books, tests, flashcards, and recording equipment. Proper height and posture are emphasized, with recommendations for hydraulic benches and pedal extenders.

·       OPTIONAL IPAD and PAGE TURNER: Your child may use an iPad and purchase the app, ForScore (lifetime $25 purchase). You may also opt to purchase a foot-operated page-turner. Recommended devices are Lekato or Airtone, found on Amazon.


 

4. ATTENDANCE

·       Makeup lessons are only provided for teacher-missed lessons. Lesson conflicts can be resolved by swapping with other students. Policies regarding illness, inclement weather, and promptness are outlined. My personal time is not available for makeup lessons.

·       ILLNESS: DO NOT ATTEND A LESSON under any circumstances! (Includes headache, stomachache, fever, chills, cough, or symptoms of any kind.) Please text me early to request a virtual lesson or swap with someone else.

·       CONSULTATIONS: Please use only your lesson time to address questions or issues so you do not cut into my time or others’ lessons.

·       INCLEMENT WEATHER: Do not drive if you live outside the immediate area.  A virtual lesson is always available during your contracted time.

·       PROMPTNESS:  Come early, warm up, and sight-read at the digital keyboard. Don’t “hang out” in the corner!

·       NUMBER OF LESSONS:

  • 38 lessons during the academic year to include all private lessons, 5 summer lessons, the registration fee, and a recital rehearsal.
  • 10 studio classes (held on Saturday mornings during the academic year)
  • Additional summer lessons may be purchased at your request and mutual availability

Tuition Policy

Your tuition covers 48 contacts per year, regardless of how many lessons fall in any given month; an average of 4 per month.

This means: You will pay the same flat monthly (or semester) amount throughout the entire year.

  • Summer months may include fewer lessons, while the school year may include more. Over the course of the year, this balances out evenly.

  • Tuition is designed as a budgeting convenience, ensuring consistent planning for both families and the studio.

  • 🚫 No refunds are given under any circumstances

  •      🎹 Saturday Studio Classes = Fun + Friends + Music! 🎶
  • 🕖 Five different classes run 7:45 am–12:30 pm on 10 select Saturday mornings over the year.
  • 🎵 Placement by age & playing level (assigned by the teacher)
  • 🤝 Make friends • 🎲 Play games • 🎼 Share music performances
  • 👉 One of the BEST parts of piano study—make it the priority your child will never want to miss!

·       SUMMER SCHEDULE: floating lesson times that benefit students and the teacher will be scheduled sometime in April to accommodate your potential summer vacations, camps, and other activities. 5 lessons fulfill your contract in the summer; however, you may request the purchase of additional lessons.

·       CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE is issued to everyone. There is also a live calendar on the website for parents and students, password-protected for your protection and safety.  Please check the live online calendar if you have a conflict. You must make the trade; I am not responsible for your scheduling issues.  Text or call anyone you wish to switch with EARLY!  Should I have an unforeseen conflict, I will arrange for a makeup immediately.

·        NO SCHOOL DAYS: If there is no school on the day of, before, or after your lesson, please feel free to arrange an earlier daytime lesson if you wish.

 

5. PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

IMTA auditions and other performances are goal-based activities.  Students who perform will be prepared to pass a theory test.  All aspects of performance are carefully covered in our studio classes and private lessons.

·       IMTA AUDITIONS: Jan.24, 2026, at Drake University, Harmon Center for the Musical Arts.  Winners of the district competitions advance to state finals on March 14, 2026, at UNI, Cedar Falls.  Honors Recital (those advancing to state auditions) will be held Sunday afternoon on March 8, 2026.

·       IMTA DUET COMPETITION/FESTIVAL: Date April 11 in Des Moines. Students will be paired to perform 2 pieces.  Students may select competitive or comments only. DMMTA Scholarships for the summer camp students will also be on this date.

·       ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES are available to more advanced students who wish to accomplish higher goals, such as the Dorian festival, MTNA competition, UNI festival, Truran Festival, state fair, solo auditions, concerto competitions, duet competitions, and summer camps in Iowa, surrounding states, or abroad.

·       REQUIRED Studio Recitals: Winter recital will be SATURDAY, January 10, 2026, at 2:00 pm. The Awards Recital is Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 2:00 pm, followed by a potluck dinner and awards ceremony. Recitals are at the Methodist Church 206 SW Walnut St., Ankeny. RECITAL ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED.

 

6. PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Parents are expected to stay involved, encourage regular practice, and provide a distraction-free practice environment. Monitor your child's progress and ensure assignments are completed. Frequent “home mini recitals” are helpful.

·       Provide a cheerful practice setting free from distractions (TV, iPads, cellphones, noise, visitors, etc.).

·       Parents, please check on your child’s progress periodically during the week. Unprepared lessons cost the same as prepared lessons! Treat practicing like other homework and expect it to be done each day. Progress is important, and involved parents make a difference.  Practicing does not have to result in arguments if it is consistent and expected. I encourage you to help when you can and walk away when necessary.   Check that all assignments have been completed.  Failure to follow through with practice, theory, or materials will result in funding the “I Goofed” scholarship. Parents are encouraged to attend the lesson and take notes as necessary.

Avoid the Timer Trap!

  • Using a stopwatch or timer for practice can make the piano feel like a chore. Instead, help your child focus on accomplishing goals rather than watching the clock. When they’re truly engaged, time seems to disappear!


  • Try swapping a practice chart for a goals chart with fun challenges like:

  • 🎵 Play a piece three times in a row while counting aloud

  • 👀 Play it twice with your eyes closed

  • 🎙️ Record yourself, then write down what you’d like to improve

  •  Roll a pair of dice to see how many times you will play a passage.

This approach makes practice meaningful, enjoyable, and productive—without the pressure of “time served.”

  •       Keep fingernails clean and clipped short. Fingertips are your “equipment”.  I will provide nail clippers to repeat offenders!
  •        NO PARKING IN THE DRIVEWAY! My husband requires a clear driveway. Parking is only allowed across the street.
  •       Remove your shoes in the garage and enter quietly and respectfully.
  •       No food or drink other than a water bottle is allowed in the studio or waiting room

·       Your child should wash their hands before the lesson, and anyone may use the restroom, provided you keep it tidy.

·       You may use only the waiting room and the studio restroom.  Other areas of my home are private.

·       Enter each lesson with all books or iPad ready so we don’t waste time digging for materials.

 

7. TERMINATION

Discontinuing Lessons Policy

  • To maintain fairness and clarity for all families, the following guidelines are non-negotiable:
  • Notification: Discontinuing lessons requires early notice and an in-person conversation—not by text, phone, or email. Please notify me at the beginning of the summer if you plan to discontinue in the fall. I often have a waiting list, but filling last-minute openings is extremely challenging.
  • Library Materials: All books and borrowed items must be returned before your final lesson.
  • Exit Lesson: We will conclude with a final “exit lesson.” Any outstanding balances must be paid at this time.
  • Contract Fulfillment: All lessons through August 2026 are considered part of the 12-month signed contract and will be billed accordingly, regardless of attendance. Activity and book account fees are non-refundable, except in cases of relocation or graduation.
  • Teacher’s Discretion: Instruction may be discontinued at any time for students who show a consistently negative or disrespectful attitude, insufficient progress, or failure to meet financial or policy obligations.
  • Early, honest communication is always appreciated—it will never hurt my feelings, and it helps me serve both your family and those on the waiting list with integrity.