Your piano will need tuning twice a year. You may not think that your piano needs tuning, but it does. Your piano may need other maintenance, too. I always advise my students to go with a tech. Cheap isn't the way to go on your piano.
Education commands a higher fee.
Follow the studio policy. This is particularly important in arranging make-up and rescheduled lessons. Things will go smoothly if you follow the rules the teacher has set up . If you are in doubt about how to handle a situation, call the teacher and ask. Make practice a regular activity.