MUSIC POLICY 2025
1 Fees payable
Fees are calculated monthly according to the number of planned lessons and are payable monthly in advance.
Materials fee: $30 initially, then individual materials as necessary.
2 Canceled lessons
Please note that you commit to the time-slot allocated to your child(ren.)
Please keep in mind that I cannot fill that time-slot ad hoc.
There is NO credit for absences & cancellations. If notice is given 24 hours in advance, I will make up the lesson. Otherwise, depending on the circumstances, I will see if the lesson can be made up.
However, in the event of your child becoming sick or a lengthy absence ensues, I will make allowances considering each individual case.
You will receive credit when the teacher cancels a lesson. If possible, the lesson will be rescheduled.
A month’s notice is necessary to terminate lessons altogether.
3 Fees
For students under 18 years old:
30-minute lesson: $35 ($30 for siblings)
40-minute lesson: $50 ($40 for siblings)
45-minute lesson: $55 ($45 for siblings)
60-minute lesson: $65 ($60 for siblings)
For adults:
30-minute lesson: $40
45-minute lesson: $60
60-minute lesson: $80
4 Achievement Day and RCM Examinations
Students who wish to participate and who qualify, participate in South Carolina’s Achievement Day in March, as well as the Royal Conservatory of Music examinations during the year.
5 Recitals
I arrange a virtual Holiday recital in December, and an in-person end-of-the-year recital during the month of May.
6 Getting to know the teacher
6.1 My experience
Growing up in South Africa, my interests have always been music, languages, teaching, and travel. After achieving a B.A. in languages (Dutch, Afrikaans, Latin, German, and English) at the University of Cape Town, I obtained two piano teaching qualifications, L.R.S.M (Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music, London) and U.T.L.M. (University of South Africa Teachers Licentiate of Music.) I also studied cello and played in a recorder ensemble and the East London Orchestra.
As my four daughters grew up, I became increasingly involved in pre-primary education, eventually becoming the principal of a pre-primary school and earning a Postgraduate Higher Diploma in Pre-Primary Education.
As my life took me to various provinces in South Africa, I became involved in College training for black people, culminating in becoming a Chancellor. This interest prompted me to complete a Masters in Music Education, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum Development.
Emigrating to the USA and becoming a dual citizen, I continued teaching class music and piano, first at McClellanville Middle School and then, for eighteen years, Ashley Hall Private Girls School. I now focus only on my private piano studio on Daniel Island.
6.2 My travels
As most of you know, I visit my children living in Niagara Falls, New Brunswick, London, and Klosters (Switzerland), and my family in South Africa. I also run a small custom tour company https://travelswithelsa.com/.
6.3 My publications
I am passionate about writing and am quite prolific! Check out my website for blogs and links to my publications (travel articles and two books under my maiden name, Elsa van der Byl) https://travelswithelsa.com/elsa-the-author/.
Hippos, Hotspots, and Homelands is available on Amazon, Kindle, and on this website.