Lesson Policies

​

Objectives of the Studio

​

●    To use positive reinforcement in a safe and fun learning environment.
●    To match curricula and teaching style to each student with a flexible and individual approach
●    To motivate through “empowerment” - Introducing possibilities, encouraging. boosting
●    confidence and helping students to discover their musical potential.
●    To foster self-expression and creativity

​

Lesson Expectations 

●    Students are expected to be prepared each week and arrive with all materials required for the lesson
●    Calls or e-mails concerning lesson assignments or progress are welcome at any time
●    All lessons are open to observation and parents are encouraged to attend whenever possible.
●    Lesson times may be exchanged with another student to accommodate changes in sports schedules, etc.

​

Lesson Fees and Tuition

●    Monthly tuition is $240/month for weekly 50-minute lessons. It is $75 for a stand alone lesson. There is a $5 monthly discount for setting up autopay. There is a 10% sibling discount.

​

Payment Options

●    Yearly: $2580 ($180 discount)
●    Quarterly: $660 ($120 discount)
●    Monthly: $240 ($235 with autopay, which is a $45 discount). August fees are $120 because I take half the month off. 

​

Payment Reminders
●    Tuition is due at the beginning of each month
●    There will be a late fee of $10 after the 15th of the month.
●    The student is solely responsible for taking care of loaned books/CDs. If materials are lost or damaged, you will be billed for the necessary amount to replace them.

​

Tuition Goes Towards

●    The time spent planning, scheduling, and teaching lessons, researching and obtaining music, and creating materials, and recital preparation
●    Continuing education, professional memberships
●    General studio preparation, management and expenses, such as bookkeeping and insurance 
●    Tuition is based on enrollment, not attendance, in lessons with us. Learning music is a commitment that takes time, and rates are based on our investment in your student’s success over time. 

Additional Fees

●    A non-refundable registration fee of $40 per student is due each school year (in September) to cover costs of assignment folders, miscellaneous handouts, incentives for the year, and recital fees
●    Additional Opportunities that your student may wish to participate in throughout the year, which have a registration fee such as MAP. Music Guild, and Musicianship Theory Exam

​

Teaching Calendar

●    Aligning with the Bellingham schools calendar, one week is taken off for Thanksgiving, two weeks for Winter Break and one week for Spring break. Instead of taking two months off in summer, there will be a break in the last two weeks of August. These two weeks are unpaid, and tuition in August is half of normal tuition. 
●    If you would like take July and August off, you can reserve your spot in September for $100.  

​

Refunds

●    No refunds will be offered for accidentally missed lessons. 
●    If a student needs only the occasional lesson, this can be arranged at the teacher’s discretion. Rates are $70 for a 50-minute lesson. 

Missed Lessons 

●    There is no refund for missed lessons
●    Lessons will be made up if there is a school closure due to inclement weather or your child is ill. Make-up lessons may be offered for a lesson missed for other reasons, should the studio schedule permit - these will be offered as a courtesy, when convenient, and is not obligatory.

 

Practice

●    Please help your child plan and stick to a regular practice session.
●    Students are expected to practice consistently and at least 5 times a week (daily is best!) for at least 15 minutes per practice session. Consistency in practice is much more important than duration. Practice should involve some repetition and some creativity. Writing songs or musical ideas helpful in staying engaged. Applying theory is encouraged. The point is with more skills and more creativity, music can be a lot of fun! 

​

Recitals

●    One or two recitals will be held each year. All students are expected to participate in at least one of the studio recitals.

​

Other Lessons Policies

●    For students under 18, a parent or guardian needs to stay on-site for the first lesson, although they may stay on-site for any lesson afterward. This helps the instructor by having a guardian around to answer any questions that may come up concerning their child. 
●    Parents may join in on a lesson at any time
●    Students who are taking piano lessons must have recently washed/sanitized their hands before touching the piano. There is a hand washing station on site. 
●    Parents can help by asking the instructor what the child is working on, and by spending time with their child regularly on their instrument.
●    If a student demonstrates problematic behavior, the instructor will work with parents to find a solution. If a solution can’t be found, the instructor may end the lessons with that student.
●    Health for students and the instructor is important. Please do not come to lessons if you are sick. If students show symptoms they may be asked to wear a mask or the lesson may be ended early. 
●    Instructor feedback is encouraged! Please let us know if something isn’t working for you. Also, let us know if something worked really well. 
●    Parents are strongly encouraged to sit in on a lesson every three months, to evaluate their child’s progress.

Ending Lessons

●    We request a two-week notice before ending lessons. If less notice is given, a two-week pro-rated amount will be requested from the student. For example, if a student stops lessons abruptly, they will be charged for two more lessons regardless of whether they can attend those lessons. 

Studying music requires
●    Dedication
●    Enthusiasm
●    Persistence

​

There will always be plateaus of non-linear progress which will result in frustration(s) and discouragement. Clear communication between student, teacher and parent can resolve these.

​

However, student dismissal may occur for:

●    Repeated failure to attend lessons due to scheduling conflicts
●    Persistent failure to prepare for lessons
●    Behavior or attitude problems
●    Non-payment of tuition or other expenses

​

If you are enjoying your lessons, please give us a google review, thank you!

​