Studio Policies • Tuition • Academic Plan
Kaufman Music Center • 129 W 67th St, New York, NY 10023 • In-Person & Online Instruction
Mission & Overview
We provide high-caliber voice and piano instruction with a student-centered, conservatory-informed approach. Our curriculum emphasizes healthy technique, musicianship, literacy, artistry, and professional habits. Lessons are offered in person at Kaufman Music Center and online.
- Weekly lessons: 30, 45, or 60 minutes
- Two enrollment paths: Regular Academic Session (Sept–May, 36 weeks) or À la Carte / Packages
- In-person lesson rates include room rental at Kaufman Music Center
- Performance opportunities, progress evaluations, optional juries/recitals
Scheduling & Cancellations
- All lessons must be booked and paid for in advance.
- 24+ hours’ notice is required for cancellations or rescheduling to receive a full refund or credit.
- Late cancellations (within 24 hours) or no-shows may receive only a partial refund or be charged in full, at the instructor’s discretion.
- If a student is late, the lesson ends at the originally scheduled time.
- If the instructor is late, the student will receive a full lesson or a reschedule at no extra cost.
- If the instructor must cancel, the student may select a refund or reschedule at the student’s convenience.
Lesson Rates
In-Person (Kaufman Music Center – Room Included)
| Lesson Length | Rate |
|---|---|
| 30 minutes | $54 |
| 45 minutes | $78.50 |
| 60 minutes | $103 |
Rates include rehearsal room rental at Kaufman Music Center.
Online Lessons
| Lesson Length | Rate |
|---|---|
| 30 minutes | $45 |
| 45 minutes | $65 |
| 60 minutes | $85 |
Regular Academic Session Tuition Plan
September – May (36 Weeks)
The Academic Session reserves a weekly lesson time across the school year. Tuition reflects the full 36-week program and is divided into nine equal monthly payments for simplicity and consistency.
| Lesson Length | Annual Tuition (36 Lessons) | Monthly Tuition (9 Payments) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | $1,651 | $183.45 / month |
| 45 minutes | $2,401 | $266.78 / month |
| 60 minutes | $3,145 | $349.44 / month |
Sibling/Family Discount: 5% off total tuition for additional family members.
Room Rental Included: In-person rates include Kaufman Music Center fees.
Tuition Plan Rubric
- Consistency: A weekly cadence supports continuous skill-building and retention.
- Scheduling Security: Your time is held across the session.
- Predictable Payments: Equal monthly installments simplify budgeting.
- Professional Structure: Mirrors conservatory and academic models.
Holidays and studio breaks are built into the calendar; monthly tuition remains constant. Make-ups or rescheduling are available with at least 24 hours’ notice. No refunds are issued for student absences.
À la Carte & Packages (Optional)
If the Academic Session isn’t feasible, students may choose single lessons or pre-paid packages.
| Package | # Lessons | Discount | 60 min | 45 min | 30 min |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 1 | — | $103 | $78.50 | $54 |
| Monthly | 4 | 5% | $391.40 | $298.30 | $205.20 |
| Semester | 12 | 10% | $1,109 | $707 | $583 |
| Annual | 36 | 15% | $3,145 | $2,401 | $1,651 |
Payment Policy
- Payment is due at the time of booking. Lessons are not held without confirmed payment.
- Accepted methods: Stripe, PayPal, or Square (via website).
- Missed lessons are non-refundable; rescheduling is available with proper notice.
- Invoices not settled within 5 days of due date may incur a $15 late fee.
Student Expectations
- Arrive on time and prepared with assigned materials and music.
- For online lessons, ensure a reliable internet connection, camera, and microphone.
- Communicate goals and concerns openly; parents/guardians are encouraged to participate for minors.
- Practice consistently and keep a practice log if assigned.
In-Person Lessons
Location: Kaufman Music Center, 129 W 67th St, New York, NY 10023.
- Follow all venue health and safety protocols.
- Arrival, room numbers, and check-in details are provided upon booking.
- Please respect spaces, instruments, and posted facility rules.
Communication
- Use email or the booking platform for scheduling, materials, and general questions.
- Text/phone is reserved for time-sensitive matters during reasonable hours.
- Lesson notes and assignments may be shared digitally after lessons when appropriate.
Trial Lessons
New students are invited to a free 15-minute trial lesson. Longer trials may be booked at standard rates.
Attendance, Make-Ups & Emergencies
- Attendance is essential to progress; repeated no-shows may result in loss of a reserved time.
- Make-ups are offered with 24+ hours’ notice and subject to schedule availability.
- Severe weather or facility closures: lessons move online or are rescheduled/credited.
Curriculum & Evaluation
Instruction combines technique, theory/reading, repertoire, musicianship, and performance skills. Students may opt into juries, studio classes, or recitals as scheduled.
Student Progress Rubric (Guideline)
| Category | Indicators of Mastery |
|---|---|
| Technique | Efficient posture/breath/support (voice) or alignment/touch (piano); relaxed mechanics; increasing range/velocity; reliable intonation/articulation. |
| Musicianship | Rhythmic accuracy; expressive phrasing; dynamic nuance; stylistic awareness across periods/genres. |
| Literacy/Theory | Fluent note-reading; interval/chord/Roman numeral familiarity; form and harmonic awareness applied to repertoire. |
| Preparation | Assigned goals met weekly; clean memory (when required); readiness for performance checks. |
| Professional Habits | Punctuality, materials organized, constructive communication, consistent practice (per plan/log). |
Internal scale: 4–Outstanding • 3–Proficient • 2–Developing • 1–Emerging
Materials & Practice
- Students obtain scores, method books, and recordings as assigned. Digital copies may be provided where permissible.
- Recommended practice: 30–45 minutes (beg/intermediate) and 45–60+ minutes (advanced), 5–6 days/week, adjusted per level.
- Bring a notebook or digital device for lesson notes; keep a practice log when assigned.
Media, Recording & Privacy
- Short audio/video recordings may be used for pedagogical feedback with consent.
- Public use (website/social media) of student images/audio requires a signed media release.
- Student information is kept confidential and used only for educational/administrative purposes.
Accessibility & Accommodations
We welcome students with diverse learning needs. Please share any accessibility considerations so we can implement appropriate supports (e.g., pacing, materials format, scheduling, physical access at Kaufman).
Location & Acceptance of Policies
In-Person Venue: Kaufman Music Center, 129 W 67th St, New York, NY 10023.
By enrolling and submitting payment, students (and parents/guardians for minors) acknowledge they have read and agree to these policies.
Last updated: October 2025