Private Music Lessons that come to you.
Available in the Main Line, South Jersey and Philadelphia. We offer lessons in Piano, Voice, Guitar, Drums and Ukulele!
Tuition + Policy
General Information
School Responsibilities
Paul Michael School of Music teachers will guide each student toward musical independence through a balanced curriculum of music theory, technique, musicianship, sight reading, ear training and performance opportunities. We understand every child is unique in their personality, interests and learning style. We will match you with a compatible teacher who will tailor our curriculum to your child’s needs in order to create an engaging and rewarding musical experience
Concerts and Shows
All students are encouraged to perform in the two recitals we have each year. The Halloween Concert is a fun show where students can gain experience performing in a relaxed setting while also delighting local senior residents. Students are welcome to wear their Halloween costumes to this festive show. The more formal Spring Recital is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your child’s hard work and all that they have achieved throughout the year. It is also a great chance for your child to hear other pianists, support friends, and be inspired by more advanced students.
Safety and Liability
As a safety precaution (should an emergency arise), a parent or guardian must be home during every lesson. Teachers are at your home only to teach music, and are not permitted to provide transportation or childcare.
Covid Protocols for In Person Lessons
As teachers become vaccinated, we will begin offering in person lessons. We will be adhering to CDC guidelines, including but not limited to: wearing masks, hand sanitizing before and after lessons, physical distance as well as any student requested protocols we are able to accommodate.
Teacher Contracts
All teachers have signed a contract agreeing not to independently teach students of the school, or referrals of students of the school. Significant effort has been invested in recruiting and providing special training for teachers, as well as on marketing to attract students.
Tuition (updated for Fall 2023 - Spring 2024)
Tuition is billed monthly. Lesson rates are as follows:
30-minute lessons are $44/lesson*
45-minute lessons are $59/lesson*
60-minute lessons are $72/lesson*
*In person lessons include an additional $2 per trip to your household that goes directly to the teachers. Remote lessons do not include this additional charge.
Payment
Statements will be mailed prior to each month of lessons with a reminder of current tuition charges, as well as any additional material or event fees.
Tuition for each month must be mailed to PO Box 2605, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 on or before the 7th of the month in which lessons take place. For your convenience, a pre-addressed envelope is mailed along with the statement.
Please make checks payable to Paul Michael School of Music or pay via Venmo at @PaulMichaelSchoolOfMusic
Please pay teachers directly for any music they individually purchase for lessons.
A fee may be assessed to any late tuition for the greater of $10 or 5% of tuition for each month late.
A fee of $25 will be assessed for any non-sufficient funds (NSF) or returned checks.
Students should plan to commit to lessons for the full semester. If unforeseen circumstances require a student to terminate lessons mid-semester, one month’s paid notice is required to end lessons.
You are responsible for any legal fees incurred by the school in pursuit of outstanding tuition
Remote Lessons out of Pennsylvania/New Jersey
Lessons must be paid for in advance via Venmo @PaulMichaelSchoolOfMusic
Discontinuing Lessons / Taking A Break
You may choose to discontinue or take a break from lessons at any time in the semester. Students discontinuing lessons as well as students taking a break from lessons must provide one month’s paid notice so we have a chance to fill the opening in your teacher’s schedule.
Attendance
During the school year lessons are offered on a weekly basis. To get the greatest educational value from their lessons, students should attend each weekly lesson. For the occasional unavoidable conflict, we guarantee one makeup lesson in the fall semester and two in the spring. Please provide 24 hours advance notice for any cancellations. Student cancellations are not eligible for credits. In contrast, during the summer semester lessons are à la carte, please see our Summer Policy for more information.
Throughout the school year, there are several holidays for which lessons are optional.
Lessons may be offered at your teacher’s discretion on the following holidays, however you may opt to reschedule without the lesson counting as a makeup, or skip the lesson without it counting toward tuition:
Fall 2023: September 5th - December 22nd
September 15th, Rosh Hashana
September 25th, Yom Kippur
November 23rd-24th, Thanksgiving Recess
December 23rd - January 1st, Winter Recess
Spring 2024: January 2nd - June 14th
January 15th, Martin Luther King Day
February 19th, President’s Day
March 25th-March 29th (may vary by district), Spring Recess
May 27th, Memorial Day
Teacher Cancellations / Inclement Weather
Music is a language, and consistent immersion is essential to progress. We ask our teachers to limit their cancellations, and to reschedule cancelled lessons whenever possible. If a teacher must cancel a lesson and you are unable to reschedule the lesson, your teacher will notify the office and a credit will be applied to the following month’s tuition.
In the event of inclement weather, teachers may need to cancel lessons for their safety. In the same vein, teachers may need to cancel due to a covid exposure for everybody’s safety. Such lessons may be taught remotely, or rescheduled to a later date. If you are not able to schedule a makeup lesson before the end of the school year, a credit will be issued.
Summer Lessons
Summer Lesson Options
Summer is a great opportunity for musical growth, as children are not occupied with homework and school. It is also ideal for trying out lessons for the first time. Many families travel or attend camps during the summer, we understand this so we offer different options to fit your summer schedule.
One option is to schedule lessons weekly, with flexibility to skip two lessons during this two-month period.
Another option is to purchase a block of six lessons, and to divide them up with your teacher in another arrangement. Arranging a block into longer lessons or multiple lessons per week creates a great opportunity to focus in depth on areas such as sight reading or music theory, to explore composition or even to have a recording session to create a CD to share with your family and friends.
Summer Attendance
Lessons are offered from July 5th - August 30th.
If you choose to have weekly lessons, you may skip two lessons with 24 hours advance notice. Additionally, you are guaranteed one makeup lesson.
If you choose to purchase a block of 6 lessons, you are also guaranteed one makeup lesson. Please provide at least 24 hours notice for any cancellations. If you are unable to attend a makeup lesson you have scheduled, the lesson is forfeited.
Students can progress by leaps and bounds in the summer and have fun doing so. Speak with your teacher about summer projects ideas that will inspire your child.
Referrals
We would love to share the gift of music with your friends and neighbors.
Please ask any referrals to contact the school to request the teacher you recommended. You can direct them to our online registration form or they may reach us at (856) 438-0382 for more information.