Studio Policies 2017-2018
General Information: Private lessons are offered weekly for either 30 minutes, 45 minutes or 60 minutes based upon the age, level and goals of the student.
Preparation: Students are expected to practice a minimum of 5 days per week. Regular, shorter practice sessions are far more effective than practicing once or twice a week for a longer period of time. Students are expected to arrive on time or early with all of their materials ready. Students should have their nails trimmed appropriately for playing. Please place your shoes on the boot tray and coats on the hooks provided. Students should wear socks in the lesson. Parents and families may either: wait in the car, play in the park down the street, sit on the porch or sit quietly in the living room during the lesson.
Calendar and Schedule: Tuition rates are determined based upon a schedule of 43 teaching weeks. The teacher will not teach during the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas and the week after Christmas. Additional time away will be scheduled with advance notice given to families for the teacher’s family time, professional development and conferences. Should the teacher need to cancel due to emergency or illness the teacher will use this time as well. If the teacher does not need to use all of the weeks, the student will receive the additional lessons for free.
Attendance: Students are expected to attend their weekly lessons regularly. However, when conflicts arise, please alert the teacher of the absence as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours in advance out of respect to the teacher’s time. In the case of sudden illness or emergency, please alert the teacher when able. Makeup lessons may not always be guaranteed due to limited availability. However, if the student desires a makeup lesson, the teacher will do their best to provide a time that works for both the student and the parent.
Tuition and Payments: Tuition is divided into equal monthly payments and is due by the 8th of each month. Tuition may be paid by either cash or check (credit card option coming soon). There is a 4-day grace period after which a $10 late fee is applied to the account. The teacher reserves the right to raise tuition costs at the beginning of each academic year. The tuition rate is determined on a 12-month calendar and students are expected to take lessons throughout the year. All tuition is non-refundable.
Registration Fee: There is an annual $75 registration fee required for all students. The registration fee defrays the cost of the studio recitals, covers the cost of new games and materials used in lessons as well as studio maintenance costs. The registration fee is due every year by July 1 to guarantee lessons for the following year. When students begin lessons, they will be charged the full registration fee if beginning in July-December and a prorated registration fee of $50 if joining the studio in January-June. The registration fee is non-refundable.
Photo/Video Release: The teacher may take photos and videos during lessons, studio classes, performances and other events. This is to keep a record of student accomplishments and for educational review. The teacher may use the photos/videos on her website, Facebook page or promotional materials but will NEVER use any names or identifying information.
Discontinuing Lessons: While the teacher hopes students will enjoy their time taking lessons, at some point the students will be ready to discontinue. If the student or parents are considering discontinuing lessons or if they have concerns, the teacher encourages them to discuss this with her so that everyone will feel good about the final decision. The student and family reserve the right to discontinue lessons at their own discretion but the teacher requires one month’s notice. The teacher also reserves the right to discontinue lessons at any time due to missing payments, lack of preparation or excessive absences.
Communication: Parents are welcome to communicate with the teacher regarding any questions about their student. Parents are welcome to talk with the teacher during the last 5 minutes of their student’s lesson. The teacher may be contacted via email, phone or text. Students may also contact the teacher during the week if they have any questions.