Initial Consultation
All potential students receive a free consultation. Topics for this meeting include past experience, instrument, goals, repertoire, methodology, scheduling, payment policy, and expected practice time. Potential students will be interviewed, briefly assessed, and given a trial mini-lesson. Consultations typically last one hour.
Contact Info
Mr. Hutton can be reached at (404) 862-3415 and charleshuttonpianostudio@gmail.com.
Lesson Length and Scheduling
Students receive lessons of 40 or 60 minutes in length, based on age, concentration ability, ambition level, and interest. Most students receive weekly lessons but lessons every other week are best for some people. Lessons are scheduled Monday through Friday with start times as early as noon and as late as 8:15. Sunday appointments are possible in some cases. Charles Hutton does not teach students younger than 5 years old. Students between the ages of 5 and 10 usually require parent help with practicing. Lessons are available in-person at my Suwanee home studio or via FaceTime, Zoom, or Google Duo.
COVID Precautions
The teacher often wears a mask for in-person lessons. If a family member is immunocompromised I am happy to wear a mask at every lesson.
Cancellation
In order to avoid being charged for a cancelled lesson, notice must be given by phone, text, or e-mail two days in advance. “Day of” cancellations will only be accepted for illness and legitimate family emergencies. Please don’t hesitate to cancel or reschedule lessons when contagious, or switch from an in-person to distance session. Unacceptable reasons to cancel a lesson at the last minute include scheduling mistakes, unexpected parties or sporting events, and failing to practice. Forfeiting your tuition fee is expected in those cases.
Summer Scheduling
Students are expected to continue lessons over the Summer when not away on vacation. A minimum of four Summer lessons are required to guarantee a space in the fall. Summer is a great time to make substantial progress at piano and I recommend multiple lessons per week during this season if the student is ambitious.
Payment Policy
Payment is required in advance on a month-to-month basis. For those beginning lessons it can be accepted at the first lesson or at the consultation. Otherwise, it is expected at the last lesson of the month. For example, payment for October is due at the last September lesson. After the 1st of the month, payment is subject to a $10 late fee. The fee rate for instruction is $60 an hour for distance lessons and $70 an hour for in-person lessons. Zelle payment is accepted and can be sent to my (404) 862-3415 number. Venmo and PayPal payment can also be arranged.
Monthly Tuition
Listed below are the rates for 40 and 60 minute lessons. Most months include 4 lessons, so the total for a 4-lesson month is below as well. Adjustments will be made if the month has more or fewer lessons.
| Lesson type | Lesson length (minutes) | Price per lesson | Price per 4 lessons |
| Distance | 40 | $40 | $160 |
| Distance | 60 | $60 | $240 |
| In-person | 40 | $47 | $188 |
| In-person | 60 | $70 | $280 |
Recommended Purchasing Sources for Books and Scores
https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/
Necessary Materials
- A well-maintained piano or touch-sensitive 88-key keyboard. My recommended piano technician is Rick Cooley at (678) 468-5374 and www.RicksPianos.com.
- A notebook and pencil to record recommendations during lessons.
- Piano books and scores.
- A metronome or metronome app, preferably one that lets you tap in a tempo. On the Apple store I recommend Pro Metronome by Xiao Yixiang and Metronome by ONYX Apps.
- For distance lessons with a phone, I recommend the linked tripod stand (I receive a small commission if you purchase through this link). UBeesize 62″ Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick, Camera Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote and Phone Holder https://amzn.to/4gFeaAT
