Studio Handbook

About the Studio

Tyler Andreae Music is a Minneapolis-based private piano studio dedicated to helping students build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of music.

Founded by Tyler Andreae, an experienced and energizing piano teacher and artistic mentor, the studio offers personalized instruction for students of all ages and experience levels. Tyler studied music at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and currently serves at The Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis, where he works in liturgy and sacred arts.

Passionate about cultivating beauty through music, community, and the arts, Tyler brings a thoughtful, encouraging, and personalized approach to each lesson.

 

Studio Philosophy

Music is about much more than learning notes on a page.

Students develop discipline, creativity, confidence, listening skills, and artistic expression that enrich every area of life. Every student progresses at a different pace, and success is measured by consistent growth, not perfection.

The studio seeks to cultivate:

  • Musical excellence

  • Creativity

  • Curiosity

  • Confidence

  • Joy

  • Lifelong appreciation for music

Lesson Schedule

Tyler Andreae Music operates as a year-round piano studio.

Students reserve a weekly lesson time that continues throughout the year.

The studio calendar includes scheduled holidays and vacation weeks. These dates are published well in advance.

Lessons are available in:

  • 30 minutes

  • 45 minutes

  • 60 minutes

Lesson length is determined by the student's age, experience, and musical goals.

 

Trial Lessons

Choosing a piano teacher is an important decision.

Prospective students are invited to schedule up to three trial lessons before enrolling.

  • 45–60 minutes

  • $60 per lesson

Trial lessons allow both student and teacher to determine whether the studio is a good fit before committing to ongoing lessons.

 

Tuition

Your monthly tuition reserves a dedicated lesson time and supports the many hours of preparation that occur outside each lesson.

Monthly Tuition

Weekly Lesson

Monthly Tuition

30 Minutes

$190

45 Minutes

$275

60 Minutes

$360

Tuition is due by the 7th of each month.

Payments may be made by:

  • Zelle

  • Personal Check

Books, music, MMTA fees, festival registrations, and other materials are billed separately as needed.

A $10 late fee applies to the first late payment.

Subsequent late payments incur a $25 late fee.

Annual Studio Calendar

An annual studio calendar listing holidays, planned studio closures, recitals, and special events will be provided each year. Tuition remains the same each month regardless of the number of lessons in a particular month, as it is based on continuous year-round enrollment rather than individual lessons.

 

What Tuition Includes

Tuition includes far more than the weekly lesson itself.

It supports:

  • Personalized lesson planning

  • Individual instruction

  • Music selection

  • Theory curriculum

  • Ear training resources

  • Practice assignments

  • Studio administration

  • Continuing professional development

  • Membership in MTNA and MMTA

  • Studio equipment and materials

  • Recital planning and preparation

 

Practice Expectations

Learning piano is a partnership between student and teacher.

Consistent practice is the greatest predictor of success.

Recommended Practice

Level

Daily Practice Time

Beginner/Early Intermediate

20–30 minutes

Intermediate

45-60 minutes

Advanced

60+ minutes

Thoughtful, focused practice is always encouraged over simply spending time at the piano.

Each lesson includes individualized practice goals to help students make steady progress.

 

Instrument Requirements

Students should have access to a quality instrument for daily practice.

Recommended instruments include:

  • An acoustic piano tuned regularly

  • An 88-key digital piano with weighted keys and sustain pedal

Portable keyboards without weighted keys are not appropriate for long-term study.

Students should also have:

  • Proper piano bench

  • Good lighting

  • Quiet practice space

  • Assigned music at every lesson

If you are purchasing an instrument, I am happy to help you select one that fits your needs and budget.

 

Attendance & Missed Lessons

Tuition reserves your weekly lesson time.

If illness, travel, or weather prevents an in-person lesson, a virtual lesson is encouraged whenever possible.

Because your lesson time is reserved exclusively for you:

  • Missed lessons are not refunded.

  • Makeup lessons cannot be guaranteed.

  • Schedule changes are accommodated whenever possible.

If I must cancel a lesson, a makeup lesson or tuition credit will always be provided.

 

Weather Policy

Lessons will generally continue during inclement weather.

When travel is unsafe, lessons will move online via Zoom or FaceTime.

 

Performance Opportunities

Students are encouraged, but never required, to perform.

Performance opportunities may include:

  • Studio Recitals

  • Minnesota Music Teachers Association Festivals

  • Community Performances

  • Informal Studio Classes

These experiences build confidence, musicianship, and performance skills.

 

Communication

Email is the preferred form of communication. (tyler@tylerandreae.com)

Text messages are welcome for scheduling changes or urgent matters. (715-820-2613)

Studio calendars, recital information, and important announcements will be shared electronically.

 

Discontinuing Lessons

Enrollment continues until written notice is received.

Please provide 30 days' written notice if you wish to discontinue lessons.

Tuition remains due during the notice period.

The studio reserves the right to discontinue lessons due to repeated absences, unpaid tuition, or behavior that interferes with a positive learning environment.

 

Media Release

Students may occasionally be photographed or recorded during lessons, studio classes, recitals, or performances.

These images may be used by Tyler Andreae Music for educational or promotional purposes, including print, the studio website, and social media.

Permission is assumed unless declined in writing.

 

Physical Touch Policy

Healthy piano technique occasionally requires physical guidance.

Touch is limited to:

  • Hands

  • Wrists

  • Forearms

  • Shoulders

  • Upper back

Physical contact is always explained beforehand and used only for educational purposes.

Students are always welcome to ask questions or decline physical guidance.

 

Studio Values

At Tyler Andreae Music, we strive to cultivate beauty through music.

Students are encouraged to:

  • Arrive prepared.

  • Practice consistently.

  • Ask questions.

  • Celebrate progress.

  • Encourage one another.

  • Pursue excellence with humility and joy.

Together we build not only musical skill, but confidence, discipline, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for creating beautiful music.