Studio Policy
This is the part of running a studio that I do not particularly enjoy, but have unfortunately found necessary. This is the nitty-gritty part about payment, attendance, coming late, not showing up, etc. PLEASE speak to me if you have any questions, and know that I do not generally resort to these policies unless there has been a repetitive problem.
1) Cancellations/Late arrivals
-Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance (except in a case of an emergency, inclement weather, or sudden illness); failure to do so will require payment for the missed lesson. This allows me time to schedule in other students who may not have the luxury of a weekly time spot due to scheduling restrictions or who need to change their lesson time that week. -Late arrivals will usually not get an extended time slot. For example, if your lesson is an hour long, is supposed to start at 10am , and you arrive at 10:15 , your lesson will still end at 11am . This is because I try to schedule my lessons to be one after the other and extending a lesson would cut into someone elsešs time. In some instances, the lesson will be extended at the discretion of the teacher.
2) Payment
-I will accept payment weekly (at your lesson) or monthly, whichever you prefer. If you choose monthly payment, it is due at the first lesson of each month. If for some reason you need to cancel your lesson (see cancellation policy above) the extra lesson is not refunded, but is pushed over to the next month. For example, if you paid for four lessons in January and cancelled one, then you would only need to pay for three in February.
-My rates are often flexible depending on the fullness of my studio. If you enter a period of financial difficulty, please speak to me before you decide to stop taking lessons, particularly (but not only) if you have been studying with me for some time.
-Forgetting money: I've long since determined I forget things and so do other people. The first time you forget money we will still have your lesson, with the understanding that you will pay the next lesson for both lessons. However, the next time you forget, an additional $5 will be charged at the next lesson. If I do not receive payment for more than two lessons in a row, you will not be able to come to another lesson until I receive payment.
3) Goals
-If you have a specific goal in mind, (a piece of music, joining an orchestra, a recital, talent show, etc) I can not help you if you do not tell me what it is. Even if you think it is too crazy to even mention, let me know. I like to know where my students want to go with their studies, and I may be able to help you refine your goals into something attainable in small steps. It helps both of us to have crystal clear goals that you are working to achieve.