Lesson Policies

A. Attendance

Students are expected to meet lesson and class schedules promptly and regularly.

1. Excused Absences

An absence will be considered excused if the instructor is notified of the absence at least twenty-four (24) hours before the student’s scheduled lesson or class time, and the reason for the absence is deemed unavoidable or necessary by the instructor. The following are a few examples of acceptable reasons for excused absences:

  • Doctor or dentist appointment
  • Illness
  • Death in the family
  • Student is performing
  • School field trip
  • Family vacation
  • Car trouble

Some school related rehearsals may also be excused. Please discuss the situation with the instructor prior to scheduling non-mandatory rehearsals. For excused absences efforts will be made to reschedule. Lessons may be made up by extending a future lesson or rescheduling the lesson on a different day of the week.

2. Unexcused Absences

An absence will be considered unexcused if the instructor is not notified of the absence at least twenty-four (24) hours before the student’s scheduled lesson, or the reason for the absence is deemed unacceptable by the instructor. The following are a few examples of reasons for unexcused absences:

  • Hair appointments
  • Homework
  • Rain
  • Going shopping
  • Not wanting to come
  • Forgot lesson

There will be no make up lesson nor credit offered for unexcused absences.

A discussion with the student and parent is typically requested by the instructor at the time of his/her second unexcused absence. The instructor may also request this type of discussion if the student is chronically late or absent.

3. Inclement Weather

If lessons need to be cancelled for an emergency such as bad weather, the instructor will communicate this with the parents using contact information available. Make up lessons will be offered for these situations.

4. Holidays

Should a holiday fall on a lesson day the parents and instructor will decide if a make up day or reduction in that month’s number of lessons will be most appropriate.

5. Instructor Availability

Due to performance schedules, travel, etc. it may be necessary to occasionally reschedule lessons. Lessons may be made up by extending a future lesson or rescheduling for a different day of the week. The instructor will make significant effort to reschedule at the student’s convenience.

B. Lesson Policies

1. Behavior

Students are expected to treat each other, the instructor and the facility with courtesy and respect. If students are awaiting rides after the completion of a lesson they are expected to do so quietly.

2. Practicing

Students are expected to practice the recommended material assigned by their instructor each week.

3. Progress Reports

The Instructor will be happy to speak with the student and/or parents at any time (advance notice is appreciated) to evaluate progress and to set future goals.

4. Instruments

Students are responsible for the maintenance and care of instruments. Students are expected to arrive for lessons with instruments in good working order. If there is an instrument failure and repair cannot be made in time, the lesson will be continued focusing on music theory.

5. Music and Materials

Students are expected to arrive for lessons with all necessary music and materials. Students are responsible for returning any loaned materials in the condition in which they were received.

C. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

Your support and encouragement are very important to the success of the student. Your student and his/her instructor count on you to ensure that he/she

  • is able to meet lesson schedule commitments
  • arrives on time for lessons.
  • is prepared for lessons with music and instrument
  • practices lesson materials at home
  • is picked up promptly following his/her lesson

D. Payment

1. Rates

Private lessons are $50 per forty-five minute lesson, or $40 per thirty-minute lesson. 45-minute lessons are recommended for advanced students and those learning theory/improvisation in addition to technique/repertoire. Ensemble coaching rates depend upon the size of the ensemble. Please contact me for more information.

2. Payment Policies

Monthly payments are due at the first lesson in each month. There may be four or five lessons in the month depending on the calendar. Payment would be $50 (or $40 for 30-minute lessons) times the number of lessons in that month. Example 1: Your 45-minute lesson is on Tuesday and there are five Tuesdays in the month, the fee would be $250. Example 2: Your 30-minute lesson is on Tuesday and there are four Tuesdays in the month, the fee would be $160.

3. Late Payment Policy

If monthly payment is not received by the second lesson in any month a $10 late fee will be applied. If payment is late due to financial hardship please speak with me. I will treat the conversation as confidential. Our aim is to provide quality instruction first and foremost. We will not let this kind of situation impact the student’s progress.