DIGITAL MONKEY PIANO SCHOOL SCHOOL POLICIES

The following policies help us maintain a consistent, respectful, and productive learning environment for students, families, and teachers.

1. Student Commitment & Attendance
Students are expected to attend their scheduled lesson every week and remain committed to their lesson plan throughout the school year. Consistent attendance is important because our curriculum is sequential. Each lesson builds on skills and material introduced previously.

Students who are at an intermediate or advanced level may benefit from taking lessons twice a week, depending on their goals and individual program.

Our current session structure consists of 5 consecutive weekly lessons.

Absences & Make-Up Lessons
Make-up lessons are available according to the school's current make-up policy. A make-up may be considered for:

• Illness
• Family emergency
• Certain holidays or planned absences

If a teacher needs to cancel a lesson, the school will arrange an appropriate make-up lesson with the primary or substitute instructor.

2. Parent Presence in the Classroom
No-parent-in-classroom rule for semi-private and group classes, and a limited/controlled parent presence for private lessons. Piano lessons are instructional time and are not intended for parent-child bonding or participation. Parents should not interrupt, coach, or engage with their child during the lesson.

If a student needs emotional support during a lesson, the teacher will provide appropriate support and discuss any additional needs with the parent after the lesson.

Questions or concerns should be discussed with the teacher or Elena before or after the lesson.

3. Professional Teacher-Parent Boundaries
Teachers represent Digital Monkey Piano School. Parents should not arrange private lessons or other services with teachers outside the school.

Teachers may be contacted by text for brief, time-sensitive matters, such as running late or an emergency.

Please CC Elena Orduyan, Founder & Director, on scheduling, make-up, payment, cancellation, and other school-related communications.

4. Parent Communication
Parents and guardians are responsible for communicating with each other and reaching a mutual understanding regarding their child's lessons, schedule, payments, piano education, and overall school experience. Please provide the school with consistent instructions and decisions.

You hired us because we have a method and a system! Trust the process and let us do what you hired us to do.

5. Payment
Payment is due on the first class of the session or upon receipt of the email invoice.

6. Performances & School Events
School recitals, concerts, and other designated performances are an important part of our curriculum.

We provide 2–5 performance opportunities throughout the year at different locations and for different student levels. Some performances are for specific levels or groups, while others include students from across the school.

These events give students opportunities to perform, build confidence, gain stage experience, and celebrate their accomplishments.

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STUDENT EXPECTATIONS 1. Posture, Piano Technique & Hygiene
Before beginning a lesson or practice session, students should wash their hands, especially if coming directly from aftercare or sports, and establish good posture and hand position.

Nails should be kept short. Please clip them at home. If needed, the teacher can assist with clipping nails with a parent's permission.

Students should sit in the center of the bench, position their body appropriately in front of the keyboard and pedals, and sit at a comfortable distance from the piano. Use proper fingertip technique.

For safety, please do not swing on the bench, lean backward, or lie on the bench. No one has ever fallen from our piano benches—let's keep it that way!

Students should have a snack and drink before the lesson when needed so they can remain focused and comfortable during class.

2. Practice
Practice is ultimately the parent's choice. Traditionally, we recommend regular practice because it helps students learn piano faster and make steady progress.

We recommend practicing 4 days per week, according to the student's level and individual lesson plan. The amount and frequency of practice is ultimately up to the parent and student.

During lessons, students are expected to listen carefully and follow the teacher's instructions.

We encourage students to approach learning with a positive attitude. Use emotions for creativity, but a positive attitude for learning.
I CAN. I DO. I WILL.

3. Making Music Part of Your Life
We encourage students and families to make music part of everyday life.

Attend piano concerts, musical theater performances, operas, symphony concerts, and other musical events.

Students are also encouraged to perform for friends and family and to share their musical accomplishments with others.

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PARENT TIPS

These suggestions are not school requirements. They are ways parents can support their child's musical development.

Help Your Child Prepare
Remind your child about the upcoming piano lesson and help them maintain a consistent routine. A consistent bedtime and regular routine can make a significant difference in a child's ability to focus during a lesson.

Show Interest in Their Progress
Ask your child about the songs they are learning. Listen when they play and celebrate their progress. Let your child know that you are proud of their effort, improvement, and accomplishments. Children thrive when they feel that their parents value what they are learning.

Encourage, Don't Pressure
Encourage your child to practice and celebrate small improvements. A positive attitude at home can help children develop confidence and motivation.

Protect Their Lesson Time
Whenever possible, avoid scheduling play dates, appointments, or last-minute activities during your child's piano lesson. We also recommend avoiding an overloaded extracurricular schedule, particularly when it leaves a child tired or unable to concentrate during piano lessons.

Your Commitment Matters
Your child's progress depends on consistency, encouragement, and regular participation. We value our long-term students and the commitment that families make to their musical education. When parents demonstrate that music education is important, children are more likely to see it as an important and rewarding part of their own lives.

Our school maintains a limited number of lesson spaces so that we can provide consistent instruction to our enrolled students. For this reason, we ask families to respect their scheduled lesson time and the school's policies.