2011-2012 STUDIO POLICY

Fall lesson registration takes place in May. New students are interviewed after returning enrollment is confirmed. 

Occasionally, time slots open during the year.  Please call to check on availability.

TEACHER RESPONSIBILITY: To develop each student’s musical potential to its fullest through a curriculum of repertoire, technique, theory, composition and performance.  To provide a positive and enthusiastic environment for learning. To teach effective practice, memory and performance skills which will promote independence, self-discipline, self-confidence, and above all encourage a love of music and learning.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY: To attend all lessons and classes regularly, to thoroughly practice all parts of the assignment.  To give this the same consideration you give your school homework assignments.  Elementary students should practice 30-minutes daily, intermediate level students 45 minutes daily, and advanced students as long as it takes to achieve the goals set forth.

PARENT RESPONSIBILITY: To create a quiet atmosphere conducive to uninterrupted practice; to help establish and encourage daily practice habits; to assist younger students as needed; to encourage participation in projects and appropriate performance events; to keep instrument properly maintained and in tune.

REGISTRATION: Registration occurs in May for the new school year beginning in September.  A $25 nonrefundable fee due June 1 covers various administrative costs incurred with registration, musicianship classes, lessons, performances and communications; and reserves your place on the schedule.

TUITION/DUE DATES: Tuition includes 30 lessons September 2010 through May 2011 and is payable in three installments. The nonrefundable tuition remains the same regardless of how many lessons are attended. A late charge of $5 is added for payments not received within 10 days of due dates.  Checks are payable to Music for Life. Refer to download for exact fees.

Unless noted otherwise, tuition is payable on the following dates:

Full Year Payment  - Due first lesson of the year.

3 Instlmts. - Due first lesson in September, December, March

ADDITIONAL CHARGES: All books used in the lesson can be purchased through the studio.  (PHOTOCOPYING MUSIC IS ILLEGAL.)  Most festivals, contests and competitions require an audition fee.  Additional charges may be paid as they come due or included in the next tuition payment.

CLASSES are scheduled periodically in place of the individual or partner lessons for that week.  Activities include performance, ear training, history.  Switching classes is not permissible.  Missed classes cannot be made up. 

PERFORMANCE: Students are encouraged to take advantage of performing opportunities in this studio, Reading Music Teachers Association, in school, church or other organizations.  Any music for these events should be brought to the lesson for additional coaching.  However, please consult the teacher before entering your child in any performance event, competition, audition or adjudication.

CANCELLATIONS: There are two options for handling occasional lesson conflicts for individual and partner lessons:  Rescheduling time blocks on the weekly schedule; or, Rescheduling dates on the studio calendar.  If none of the above work, the lesson is forfeited with no refund. No other make-ups are offered nor is credit extended for any reason (including illness, sports, concerts, transportation issues, etc).  It is the parent’s responsibility to handle the rescheduling.  Any conflict must be rescheduled during the term (terms are identified by tuition payment schedule) in which it occurred; and are not carried into the summer or new  year.  Lessons canceled by the teacher will be rescheduled.

SHORT TERM DISCONTINUATION OF LESSONS:  If the student must temporarily stop lessons, the normal tuition must be paid to reserve the time slot.  If tuition is not paid, the time is relinquished.

TERMINATION OF LESSONS: Time on the teaching schedule must be relinquished if it becomes apparent that a student is not progressing satisfactorily.  Repeated failure to adequately prepare assigned material, irregular attendance or disruptive behavior may be sufficient cause for termination.  This action would be preceded with a parent-teacher conference.  If termination is at the recommendation of the teacher, unused tuition will be refunded.

SUMMER LESSONS:  All students are required to take a minimum of four lessons during the summer months to remain in this studio.  This study can be with this studio or another qualified teacher or accredited music camp.  However, please speak to us before enrolling elsewhere.  Summer lesson registration will take place in May.