Basic info
Handbook below
Welcome to Songbird Piano Studio
I'm delighted to be part of your child's musical journey. My goal is to nurture a lifelong love of music while helping each student build a strong foundation in piano through encouragement, consistency, and joyful learning.
Trial Period
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Because every child develops at a different pace, new students may choose to begin with a trial period of up to four weekly lessons. This allows both the family and the teacher to determine whether the student is ready for regular piano instruction and whether Songbird Piano Studio is a good fit. Trial lessons are charged weekly at the regular lesson rate, with no long-term commitment required during the trial period.
Lesson Schedule
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Lessons are held once each week. Your child’s lesson time is reserved exclusively for them throughout the school year.
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Lessons are 30 minutes long.
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Lessons generally follow the AISD school calendar for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break, with a lesson calendar provided each August.
Tuition
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Tuition is $100 per month and reserves your child's weekly 30-minute lesson time throughout the school year. Rather than paying for individual lessons, tuition reserves your child's place in the studio.
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Payment is due by the 1st of each month and may be made through Zelle, Venmo (@Chansin-Esparza), or cash.
Missed Lessons
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Because each lesson time is reserved specifically for your child, missed lessons are generally not refunded.
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With at least 24 hours' notice, I will make every reasonable effort to offer a makeup lesson if my schedule permits, though makeup lessons cannot be guaranteed.
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Lessons missed without advance notice are forfeited.
Illness
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If your child has a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or another contagious illness, please keep them home from lessons. I appreciate your help in keeping everyone healthy.
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If I become ill and need to cancel a lesson, I will schedule a makeup lesson at a mutually convenient time.
Practicing at Home
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Regular practice is the biggest factor in a student's progress.
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Beginning students should aim to practice 15–20 minutes, at least five days each week. As students advance, practice expectations will gradually increase.
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Parents are encouraged to help establish a regular practice routine at home.
Home Instrument
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An acoustic piano or an 88-key weighted digital piano is strongly recommended, as it provides the best foundation for learning proper technique and musical expression. If your family currently has another type of keyboard, please let me know.
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Portable electronic keyboards with unweighted keys are not recommended for long-term study because they do not allow students to develop proper technique or touch. If you're unsure whether your instrument is suitable, I'd be happy to help you evaluate your options before lessons begin.
Parent Participation
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Parents are always welcome to observe lessons, though attendance is not required.
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Children make the greatest progress when parents take an active interest in their musical education. Listening to assignments, encouraging consistent practice, and celebrating progress at home can make a tremendous difference in a student's success and enjoyment of piano.
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Whenever possible, I encourage parents to join us for the last few minutes of each lesson to hear assignments, ask questions, and better support practice at home.
Arriving for Lessons
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Please arrive on time so that each student receives their full lesson.
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Lessons will end at the scheduled time, even if a student arrives late.
Materials
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Students should bring all assigned books and music to each lesson.
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Families are responsible for purchasing required lesson books as needed. We use Alfred's Premier Piano Course. Most students will need a Lesson Book and Theory Book for each level. The average cost is approximately $20–25 per level.
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Most beginning students complete one or two levels during a school year, though every child progresses at his or her own pace.
Performance Opportunities
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Students will have the opportunity to participate in an optional spring recital each year. Recitals are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate progress, share music with family and friends, and build confidence as performers.
Ending Lessons
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If you decide to discontinue lessons, I ask for 30 days' written notice so I can offer the lesson time to another family.
Communication
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Questions are always welcome! Please feel free to contact me by text or email between lessons if you have questions about practicing, assignments, or scheduling. I generally respond within one business day.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of teaching your child. I look forward to making music together!