Jennifer’s Music Studio Policies
The following lists the policies my music studio. Please read them carefully and let me know if you have any questions. The commencement of lessons indicates agreement to these policies.
My Responsibilities
It is my responsibility to provide my students with a comprehensive, holistic music education in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. All lessons are customized to match the students’ specific needs, goals and learning styles. I encourage my students to be curious and creative, and in this way, they develop their reading and technique. I will be prepared for your lesson and available at the assigned lesson timeslot. I welcome questions and feedback.
Student and Family Responsibilities
Students are responsible for arriving at their lessons on-time (no earlier than 5 minutes), with correct books and having completed their practice. Late arrival times cannot be made up. Students must be picked up promptly at the end of their lesson time. Lesson times are standing appointments and students are expected to be available every week for their assigned lesson time.
Parental Support is an extremely important factor in musical training. Students whose parents take an active role in their progress tend to be more enthusiastic and productive.
Parents/guardians are responsible for letting me know about any medical conditions (asthma, allergies, epilepsy etc) or any special behavioural and/or learning needs, as well as a reliable contact method.
Tuition and Material Fees
Students’ tuition reserves their weekly time slot and studio membership and also includes customized lesson planning and fun projects throughout the year. Tuition will be charged at $18/30 minute lesson for private piano or voice lessons. If there is a price change, it will take place at the beginning of the teaching year. Each student is also responsible for an annual $25 materials fee. The materials fee covers extras such as studio and individually licensed sheet music, printing fees, teaching materials etc. The materials fee does not include the cost of books.
Payment Options
I accept cash, credit card, debit, cheques and e-transfers. Tuition is due by the first lesson of the month. If payment is not received by the second lesson of the month no lesson will be given and a $10 late fee will be applied.
Instrument Requirements
Piano students need to practice on a decent instrument. Acoustic pianos must be well maintained and tuned annually. Electric pianos must be modern digital with 88 keys and a weighted hammer action and include a pedal and a padded bench. The 61 key keyboards sold at most large retail stores are not satisfactory for the continued study of piano. A keyboard is recommended, but not necessary for voice students.
Practice Expectations
A student’s progress is determined by dedicated practice, not by simply attending lessons. Ideally, students should practice at least 4-5 days a week. Specific amounts of practice time are not assigned to each student. Instead, students should practice long enough to complete their weekly assignments. The quality of practice time is more important than the quantity of practice time.
Missed Lessons
Missed lessons due to forgetfulness, illness or holidays will not be reimbursed. Exceptions will be made for extenuating circumstances on an individual basis. Students who are ill (cold or flu-like symptoms, communicable illnesses etc) SHOULD NOT attend lessons and will be sent home immediately and the lesson will not be reimbursed. Please notify me asap if the student will miss a lesson for any reason. Early notification allows me to fit in make-up lessons for students who have had to miss a lesson.
No-Show” Lessons are Forfeited - Repeat “no shows” will result in removal from the schedule without tuition reimbursement.
Lessons missed by me, or in the event of severe weather will be made up or refunded.
As studio owner, I reserve the right to remove students from the schedule if they have poor attendance, poor practice habits, or if they repeatedly break any studio policies.
Lesson Withdrawal
Music is a lifelong pursuit, but lessons are not always possible for a multitude of reasons. If you are unsatisfied with your lessons for any reason, please speak to me about your concerns. Withdrawal from lessons requires a 2 week notice in order to wrap up any current projects and discuss how the student can continue to follow their music goals. This also allows me the necessary time to fill that empty lesson slot.
Questions? Need to talk?
Open communication is an essential component to successful music lessons. Some questions can be handled during lesson time, but I would be happy to arrange a meeting or phone call outside of lesson time. Feel free to call during the day, text or email any time and I will respond as soon as I am able.