Deanne Scott’s Music School

Studio Policy 2025–2026

Certified Instructor in the Taubman Approach Instructor Faculty, Golandsky Institute (USA) • ACBE • ATMusA • CTMusA • MTAQ (Prof)

Welcome

Thank you for taking the time to read the Studio Policy. These guidelines ensure a positive, productive, and supportive learning environment for every student.

 

The Taubman Approach

As a certified Taubman instructor and member of the Golandsky Institute faculty, lessons are delivered using a highly specialised, research‑based approach to piano technique.

To promote healthy coordination, it may occasionally be necessary to guide a student’s hand, arm, shoulder, or neck during lessons. If you have any concerns, please feel free to discuss them with me.

 

Family Involvement

Parents and family members are warmly encouraged to:

  • Attend and observe lessons

  • Take notes

  • Ask questions during the final 5 minutes of the lesson

Your involvement is an important part of your child’s musical development.

 

Practice Expectations

Consistent practice is essential for progress. Students should practise 5–7 times per week.

Practice & Lesson Length Guide

Level Practice Time Lesson Length
Beginner 15 min 30 min
Preliminary / Grade 1 30 min 45 min
Grade 2 35 min 45 min
Grade 3 40 min 45 min
Grade 4 45 min 60 min
Grade 5 55 min 60 min
Grade 6 70 min 60 min
Grade 7 80 min 60 min
Grade 8 / Completion 90 min 60 min
AMus / LMus 2+ hrs 60 min
Retraining varies 60 min
 

Parents are encouraged to:

  • Check the homework book

  • Listen to practice twice a week

  • Support younger students with routine and focus

A marking scale is used during exam preparation to track readiness.

 

Holidays, Absences & Make‑Up Lessons

  • No make‑ups are offered for family holidays during term time.

  • Families may swap lesson times with each other; siblings may use the booked slot.

  • If you cannot attend, alternatives include:

    • Submitting a Vimeo recording for feedback

    • Completing theory homework

    • Arranging a Zoom lesson

Illness & Emergencies

In genuine emergencies, I will do my best to offer a make‑up lesson within the term. Lessons cancelled by the teacher will always be made up.

 

Lesson Schedule

Lessons follow the Queensland Public School calendar.

Teaching Hours

  • Tuesday–Friday: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM

  • Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Public holidays and pupil‑free days are normal teaching days unless otherwise advised.

Daytime lessons for adults and home‑schooled students may be booked in 5‑week blocks.

 

Enrolment, Fees & Payments

  • Enrolment is expected for the full school year.

  • Five weeks’ written notice is required to discontinue lessons.

  • To secure a place for the following year, a deposit equal to one lesson fee is required.

  • Fees are charged per term and must be paid in advance or within 14 days.

  • Missed lessons without notice are charged in full.

  • Make‑up lessons do not carry into the next term.

 

Exams & Competitions

Students are only entered with their consent. The teacher’s professional judgment determines when a student is ready for examinations or competitions.

 

Lesson Rates (from Term 3, 2026)

  • 30 minutes: $52

  • 45 minutes: $78

  • 60 minutes: $104

  • Teacher retraining (Taubman Approach): $120