Piano study at Kline Klavier Lab runs 12 months (September 2025 through August 2026). New students are considered after completing an audition and conference with stake holders.

By registering to study at Kline Klavier Lab students agree to study music as outlined in this document during the 2025-2026 school year.

An assigned lesson time represents a commitment from both the teacher and the student. Each student must register for either a 45-minute or 60-minute lesson time. Lesson times are not to be shared between multiple students. Missed lessons during the school year are not guaranteed to be made-up although teachers will make every effort to assure students receive the lessons scheduled. If you are not able to attend a lesson, you may contact another student to trade lesson times or work out a zoom lesson with your teacher.

Some weeks will be dedicated to group performance classes. A group learning environment offers a powerful way to advance skills and develop the confidence to perform with ease in a supportive and encouraging environment. Be on the lookout for these dates and times. For students studying in Colorado, a group time will be added Sunday evening. For students studying in Dallas, a group time will be added to Friday evening.

The school year will begin August 25, 2025 and will run through May 22, 2026. During the school year students will have a scheduled time that does not change. The following weeks there will be no lessons and you are encouraged to enjoy your time as a holiday with your family.

Once we establish the lesson time during the school year we ask that students prioritize the lesson time. This time is precious and essential to the continued development. When faced with this choice I encourage you to prioritize piano. My choice will be to attend and teach the lesson.

Training or practice along with rest are the most important factors in achieving success. Practice is the student’s daily contact with his/her instrument. I recommend parents read these three books: The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin and Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin and Atomic Habits by James Clear. It is generally ideal to spend short, focused time at the keyboard several times per day. All students are expected to practice the length of the private lesson five days per week. This allows one day away from the piano, and a day of the lesson. 

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, but a habit.” ~Aristotle

The lesson will begin and end at the time scheduled. The teacher will be responsible for the child only during the scheduled lesson time.

1. Lessons missed by the teacher will be rescheduled at a mutually convenient time or a qualified substitute will be provided during the missed lesson time. The teacher may also offer a Zoom lesson if traveling.
2. A trade sheet will be distributed at the beginning of the year this will include contact information, location and time of the lesson. If you have a conflict with your lesson time, you are encouraged to contact another student to swap lessons. Once a swap is initiated, contact Mr. Kline to inform him of the change. I encourage you to work with the other families. If you can swap, please do it.
3. There are no make-up lessons and no refunds for any lessons missed by the student for any reason. As you make choices to attend or not attend a lesson, know that this is always a choice you make. If you find you are running late and will miss much of the lesson, consider contacting Mr. Kline and asking for a Zoom lesson.
4. Time missed for a late start cannot be made up at the end of the lesson. Please arrive 5 minutes prior to the scheduled start of your lesson to assure your full lesson time.
5. In the case that students or family members are sick, I ask that you avoid in-person contact and opt for a Zoom lesson.

One of the great advantages of living in a large metropolitan area includes vibrant venues for live music. Committing to piano study includes committing to acquainting one’s self with and experiencing live music. Jazz and classical venues are recommended. Additionally, YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and iTunes are all terrific resources to expand your child’s knowledge of music.

For those registering for piano lessons, completing registration form AND non-refundable $125.00 registration fee will secure your space in the studio. A lesson time will be selected after the registration material has been submitted. The registration fee covers the cost of music, materials, participation in local festivals and participation fees associated with securing rental hall for performances as needed. If participating in the Music Development Program, RCM Examinations, students will register and pay the fees separately.

Music will be provided by the teacher as needed, the cost is covered by the registration fee paid at the start of the year.

Students must bring the following to each lesson:

• All books containing current literature and theory
• Piano notebook

Practice equipment should include:

• A good acoustic or high-quality digital piano with an appropriately sized bench
• Metronome

Parents of all students under the age of 8 should attend all private lessons and take notes for practice at home. This allows you to remain informed about the child’s progress while assisting in practice at home. If unable to attend the lessons, parents should consider video or audio taping the lessons.

All students are expected to participate in studio-sponsored recitals, studio classes, festivals, auditions and competitions for which the teacher believes he/she may be successfully prepared. Performance dress is expected at all events with the exception of the studio classes.

Your family can determine the right choice of activities for each child. In observing students over the past 20 years of teaching, students who choose piano and one athletic activity along with school tend to have the most success. Children and adults achieve the most success when time is available to mentally re-charge. Piano study is a significant commitment of time and mental energy. Students who remain focused on the work set themselves up for great success.

In order to produce the best possible sound, the student should have the best acoustic instrument available. If possible, the student should practice on a grand piano. If a grand is not available, a high-quality vertical piano is an excellent alternative.

Your piano is an investment that should be maintained well. Please plan to have your instrument tuned at least two times per year.

Tuition is paid either annually or monthly. Students choosing to pay monthly will pay 12 equal installments due on the 1^st of the month, beginning September 1, 2025 and ending August 1, 2026. I work to make lessons affordable to everyone and will work with anyone committed to the art of learning music through the piano.

If you select to pay annually, the tuition is due with the registration materials. If paying monthly, tuition is due on the 1^st of the month starting August 2025 and lasting until July 2026. Venmo, Zelle, and ApplePay are also options to paying the monthly tuition.

If the payment is not received by the 4^th of the month it is considered late and the account will be charged a $25 late fee for each student registered. Excessive late payment may result in exit procedures and discontinuation of the lessons.

You can reach Matthew Kline in the following ways:

• Phone:  214.770.6203
• Email:  matthew@klineklavierlab.com