Studio policies & frequently asked questions.
Everything you need to know before you enroll — and a few things that will come in handy once you do.
"Teaching the skills necessary to provide a lifetime of music making."
The essentials
Lesson lengths
30, 45, or 60-minute lessons available. Choose what fits your schedule and goals.
Tuition structure
Calculated annually by lesson weeks, divided into 10 equal monthly payments.
Registration fee
$40 per family annually, due with August tuition.
Make-up policy
Make-ups provided only for lessons cancelled by Nicki. Virtual lessons available when you're unwell.
Studio calendar
Follows the local school district calendar. Open on Professional Development days.
Referral bonus
$50 off your tuition for every new student you refer who completes their first lesson.
Tuition & fees
How tuition is calculated
Tuition is structured to give you a predictable monthly amount regardless of how the school calendar falls in any given month. Here's how it works:
The total number of lesson weeks in the school year is counted.
That number is multiplied by your per-lesson rate to get an annual total.
The annual total is divided by 10, giving you 10 equal monthly payments spread across the school year.
Monthly tuition that doesn't change with the calendar means no surprises — no big months with five lessons and no small months with two. You pay the same amount every month, and the annual cost reflects the full scope of lessons provided.
Additional fees
Annual registration fee: $40 per family, due with August tuition. This is a once-yearly fee — not per student.
Sheet music: All music is purchased by the student from their preferred music retailer. Nicki provides recommendations for what to buy. Beginning-level books typically cost between $16 and $29 and last approximately six months to a year, depending on how quickly the student progresses.
Know someone who'd love lessons?
For every new student you refer who enrolls at Up Scale Music and completes their first lesson, you'll receive $50 off your next monthly tuition payment.
There's no limit — refer as many students as you like. Each referral that results in an enrolled student earns you another $50 credit.
Referral credit is applied after the referred student's first lesson is complete.
Studio calendar & closures
The Up Scale Music studio calendar changes on an annual basis and is provided to students at enrollment. The full calendar for the current studio year is available in the student portal.
The studio follows the local school district calendar for holiday closures. If the local schools are closed for a holiday, the studio is closed too.
However, the studio remains open on Professional Development (PD) days that fall on regular lesson days. If schools are closed for a PD day but your lesson day is a regular studio day, your lesson is on.
Make-up lessons
Make-up lessons are provided only for lessons cancelled by Nicki. There are no exceptions to this policy.
If a student is too unwell to attend school, they are considered too unwell to attend their piano lesson. If you need to miss a lesson due to illness, virtual lessons are available as an alternative — just let Nicki know in advance.
Virtual lessons are always available as a substitute when attending in person isn't possible.
Ending lessons
If you decide to discontinue lessons, two weeks' notice is appreciated. This allows Nicki to manage the studio schedule and offer the spot to a student on a waiting list.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a piano at home to take lessons?
Yes — regular practice between lessons is essential to making progress. You don't need a concert grand, but you do need access to a keyboard instrument at home. A quality digital piano with weighted keys is a perfectly good starting point. Nicki can offer guidance on what to look for if you're shopping for an instrument.
What ages do you teach?
Nicki teaches students of all ages — from young beginners to adults at any stage of life. If you're wondering whether your child is ready, or whether you're too old to start, the answer is almost certainly: come find out. Age is rarely the barrier people think it is.
I'm an adult who has never played. Is it too late?
Absolutely not. Several of Nicki's most enthusiastic and motivated students are adults who came to the piano later in life. Adults often progress quickly because they bring focus, musical taste, and a genuine desire to learn. Don't let the myth of "you have to start young" stop you.
I took lessons as a kid and quit. Can I come back?
Yes, and you're in good company. Returning adult students often find that the foundation from their childhood lessons comes back faster than they expect. Nicki will meet you where you are and help you rediscover why you wanted to play in the first place.
What styles of music do you teach?
Nicki teaches across a wide range of styles — classical, jazz, blues, pop, musical theater, and more. Lessons are tailored to each student, so if you come with a specific style or repertoire in mind, that's a great place to start. You bring the music you love; Nicki builds the skills to get you there.
Are lessons in person or online?
The studio is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, CA, and in-person lessons are the primary format. Virtual lessons are also available — both as a regular arrangement and as a substitute when attending in person isn't possible (illness, travel, etc.).
How long are lessons?
Lessons are available in 30, 45, or 60-minute formats. The right length depends on the student's age, attention span, goals, and budget. Nicki can help you figure out what makes the most sense when you get in touch.
How often are lessons?
Lessons are weekly. Consistent, regular lessons are the most effective way to build skills and make steady progress.
What is the annual registration fee for?
The $40 annual registration fee (per family, not per student) covers studio administration costs for the year. It is due with August tuition at the start of each studio year.
What happens if Nicki has to cancel a lesson?
If Nicki cancels a lesson, a make-up lesson will be scheduled. Make-up lessons are only offered for cancellations on Nicki's side — not for student absences, with the exception of offering virtual lessons as a substitute when a student is unwell.
Are there recitals?
Yes — and they're one of the best parts of the program. The studio holds two formal recitals and two informal peer performance sessions each year. Recital dates and details are shared with enrolled students through the student portal. See the Events page for more about how performances work.
How do I get started?
Reach out via the contact form or give Nicki a call at 831-334-1215. Tell her a little about yourself or your student — goals, experience level, preferred lesson length, and schedule. She'll respond personally and take it from there.
Still have a question?
If something isn't covered here, just ask. Nicki responds personally to every inquiry.
831-334-1215 · pianonicki88@gmail.com