Piano lessons in The Pinery studio offering lessons for children

Welcome to Piano in the Pines

Music Lessons In The Pinery
Offered by Juls Payne

Currently One Spot Available: Monday @ 6:30pm

My Story With Music

My name is Juls Payne, and music has been with me for as long as I can remember. I was born in Alameda, California, and began playing piano at eight years old. Later, I studied fine art and music at the College of Alameda before transferring to the University of Colorado Denver to continue my education in painting and performance-based music.

Alongside the piano, I taught myself the Celtic folk harp, whose voice carried me into countless churches, weddings and gatherings. I also played in memory care and hospice homes, where music became a kind of quiet language of comfort.

Teaching Music

I have been teaching piano since 1996 and harp since 2004, and it has been one of my greatest joys in my life. Over the years, I have watched students grow from little fingers learning their first scales into confident musicians - some pursuing degrees in music, others keeping it as a lifelong joy. Nothing delights me more than when a student visits years later to share their journey; it reminds me why I love teaching.

My philosophy is simple: lessons should be fun, engaging, and welcoming. Every student deserves a friendly, judgment-free space to learn, explore, and grow. I use both standard teaching materials and custom resources to fit each student's unique needs and goals.

Life in the Pines

I live with my husband, our two children, a golden doodle named Miss California Pumpkin, and a buff cat who is quite sure he's a mountain lion. Alongside teaching music, I am also an artist, baker and writer - threads you can follow through the other pages here or through my social media links. In my spare time, I love reading, gardening, hiking, and of course, playing music for the joy of it.

General Information

When and What:

Instructions consist of weekly private piano lessons in which repertoire, note reading, technique, practice skills, musical literacy and artistry are taught with an emphasis on fun!

Tuition:

Tuition is calculated at the rate of: (Please contact me for current rates) $_______ per month - 4 weeks - 30 minutes lessons per week. No lessons will be held during the last week of a month with 5 weeks, unless there is a holiday or school break. Then, the week of that holiday or school break will be scheduled off and the last week of the month a lesson will be scheduled. I will always communicate these changes to our schedule the prior month and work with you to complete 4 lessons every month.

Tuition rates may be adjusted from time to time and shall become effective only after having given the student and parent 30 days prior written notice.

Tuition does not include the cost of music books.

Tuition includes recital costs at my home. There may be recital fees should there be a performance hall rental or music festival entry application. Any recital or festival participation outside the teacher's home is always optional.

Payment:

Monthly payments shall be made in advance by the 7th day of the month or by the first lesson of the month. Acceptable forms of payment include: Venmo/Square/Cash/Check.

Schedule of Lessons:

Lessons are scheduled for a specific day and time. If the lesson time falls on a holiday, a make-up lesson will be offered. The last week of a 5 week month will be time-off for teacher and students.

Cancellation of Lessons by the Student:

The student may cancel a lesson by giving a 24 hour prior notice. In which case, a make-up lesson will be offered. Make-up lessons are offered at the date and time of the teacher's discretion. Make-up lessons must be taken within 2 months of the cancellation. The teacher does not offer make-up lessons for missed make-up lessons.

No make-up lessons are offered without prior communication from a missed lesson by a student or parent.

Cancellation of Lessons by the Teacher:

From time to time, lessons may need to be cancelled by the teacher. Notice will be given in the form of an email or text within

24 hours. In the event of an emergency, notification will be given in the form of a phone call or text. Lessons will be rescheduled at a time agreeable to both parties.

Late Arrival:

Tuition is calculated according to the time stipulated and no adjustment shall be made for time lost due to late arrival by the student. In the event that there is a proceeding student cancellation, the late student may continue with the lesson until 30 minutes have been achieved.

Obligation of the Teacher:

The teacher undertakes all preparation prior to lessons and commits to structure lessons to optimize the benefit of the student while creating a fun learning environment.

The teacher commits to offering a minimum of two performance opportunities throughout the calendar year.

The teacher shall keep all information of the student confidential. The teacher will keep open lines of communication with parents at all times.

Obligation of the Student:

Mastering the piano and developing musical skill and excellence requires commitment. The student must be committed to daily practice as recommended by the teacher. It is the parent's responsibility to ensure students are well practiced and prepared for their weekly lesson.

Recitals:

Performing publicly is a vital element in mastering the piano. Performing in recitals provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the advancing skills of the student. All students are encouraged to perform in all studio recitals. Students are expected to be well practiced and prepared. This includes memorization of their performance pieces. Students that do not demonstrate the ability to perform their recital pieces with proficiency within two weeks of the recitals will not be awarded the opportunity to perform.

Discontinuation of Lessons:

Should the student wish to discontinue lessons, a 30-day notice is requested. Discontinuation of lessons mid-month will not be refunded. The student's time slot is reserved through the end of the month regardless of attendance.

The teacher reserves the right to discontinue lessons with the student for habitual lack of attendance and/or serious lack of practice. Prior communication with the student and parent will occur before any such decision.