Mrs. Hopkins’ Education and Experience
Mrs. Hopkins has maintained a private piano studio since 1991. She has a Bachelor of Music degree in Pedagogy and a Master of Education in Teaching Music from Bob Jones University. She has served in church music ministry since she was a teenager. She has also taught violin, handbells, choral music, band, and general music in private schools.
Weekly Private Lessons
Piano (beginner to advanced), Lever and Pedal Harp (beginner to intermediate), and violin (beginner to intermediate). Harp students are required to take a 45- or 60-minute lesson. Intermediate to Advanced level piano students are encouraged to take a 45- or 60-minute lesson.
Studio Benefits
Lesson Instruments: Bösendorfer Grand Piano, Lyon & Healy 23 Concert Grand Pedal Harp
Online Music Studio Account for Families and Students (log practice, view notes, attendance, resources, account)
Piano Maestro (iPad App) Unlimited access for home and studio use
Performance Opportunities at the Studio Recitals
Achievement Opportunities with the Royal Conservatory of Music, and the National Piano Guild Auditions
Lesson Etiquette at Hopkins Piano, Shrewsbury
To respect each student’s lesson time, please arrive no earlier than two minutes before your lesson time. Due to limited seating, one adult guest is invited to attend lessons with the student.
Tuition Rate per Weekly Private Lesson: 30-minute – $22, 45-minute – $33, 60-minute – $44
Tuition is charged by the month in advance and is based on the number of weeks in the month (see Studio calendar). Payment is due by the last lesson of each month to reserve the lesson time for the upcoming month.
A payment plan with equal monthly payments is available. Please inquire with Mrs. Hopkins to set this up.
Tuition Rate per Individual Private Lesson: 30-minute – $35, 45-minute – $52.50, 60-minute – $70
Individual Lessons may be scheduled for those wanting a-la-carte lessons. These are subject to availability in the schedule.
Attendance Policy
- Students are encouraged to attend all lessons on time and with their music to ensure steady progress.
- A student who does not attend a lesson will miss the benefit of that lesson. There are no refunds, credits, or make-up lessons; however, there are six Master Classes scheduled throughout the year that students may attend. Payment reserves the student’s lesson time and place in the studio.
- A credit or refund will be given for any lesson that the teacher cancels.
- Any lesson that cannot be attended in person due to mild illness, inclement weather, or other circumstances may be taken by Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, or FaceTime. Mrs. Hopkins’ Skype username is shellydhopkins. Please use 717-577-2693 for FaceTime. Zoom Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7103324473?pwd=OE1sQXphNFIwczkxMDh4R0FGT2cxUT09
Practice Policy
- Consistent practice is necessary to make steady progress. Regular practice yields steady improvement, which in turn leads to greater satisfaction and enjoyment of music study.
- Students are encouraged to practice at least 5 days a week, the length of their weekly lesson time.
Needed Materials
Instrument: Harp or violin students need a harp or violin. Piano students must have a piano available to them for practice (a well-tuned acoustic piano that is in good condition or an 88-key digital piano with weighted keys).
Metronome: Students need a metronome for home practice. There are many free metronome apps available.
Music: Students are responsible to pay for the music needed for lessons.
Master Classes at Hopkins Piano Studio
There are six, hour-long master classes during the year. These six Master Classes provide an opportunity to make up for missed lessons. Students must register online or with Mrs. Hopkins if they would like to attend. Master Class activities include a chance to perform for peers in a relaxed setting.
Photo and Video Sharing
Please let Mrs. Hopkins know if you grant or do not grant permission for Hopkins Piano to post pictures and/or videos of your child or children on the Hopkins Piano FaceBook Page, hopkinspiano.com, Instagram, and YouTube.
Payment Methods
Invoices will be sent each month by email. Payment is due by the last lesson of each month, or by the 1st of the month to reserve the lesson time for the upcoming month. Please note that there is a $15 late fee if payment is not received by the 7th. Lessons will be suspended until the tuition and late fee are paid. Your timely payment is appreciated. For your convenience, several payment options are available.
Cash: Exact change is appreciated.
Check: Please make checks payable to, “Shelly Hopkins.” Returned check fee is $35 plus any additional bank fees incurred.
PayPal: There is a 4.5% processing fee added to each transaction. Please use the email, shellydhopkins@gmail.com for payment. A PayPal card reader is available if you choose to pay in person.
Venmo: Venmo is a mobile payment service owned by PayPal. Please use @Shelly-Hopkins.
Stripe: There is a 4.5% processing fee added to each transaction
Zelle: Please use the email, shellydhopkins@gmail.com for payment.
Online Bill Pay: Bill Pay is quicker and easier than writing and mailing paper checks, and you have the assurance of knowing your payment will be received on time every month. To add Shelly Hopkins as a Payee, sign into your online bank account and select the “Bill Pay” tab. Enter the payee’s name (Shelly Hopkins), address, and ZIP code under “Add New Payee.” No account numbers need to be exchanged. The payment information is listed below. Shelly Hopkins, 10 Crosswind Drive, Shrewsbury, PA 17361
Email: shellydhopkins@gmail.com, Cell Phone: 717.577.2693
Enrollment
By enrolling in Hopkins Piano Studio, you are agreeing to the policies and information for the 2023-2024 term. Failure to follow the policies will result in discontinuation of lessons.
Discontinuing Lessons
Lessons are a month-to-month commitment. If you decide to discontinue lessons, a two-week advance notice is appreciated.