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Private Studio Policy Handbook for 2021-2022

Please save this for future reference!

Calendar

Fall lessons will begin on Monday, August 30, 2021. After our Winter break, lessons will begin on Monday, January 10, 2022.  No lessons will be taught during the following days:

*Thanksgiving Holidays, November 22-26, 2021

*Christmas Holidays, December 20-January 10, 2022

*Spring Break (HEB) March 14-18, 2022

*July 4

Tuition

Lessons for the year will be divided into three semesters: winter, spring, and summer. The full month’s tuition is due on the first day of each month. If you are absent for the first lesson of the month, tuition should be paid by the first electronically via VENMO.com, check or cash.  Tuition does not include the cost of music or workbooks. Monthly tuition remains constant regardless of the number of lessons received in any given month. Although one month may have five (5) lessons and another may have three (3), the average number of lessons is four (4) per month. Please notice that the winter, spring, and summer recitals will take place in a performance venue and will count as one lesson since the educational process is continuing on stage. 

This year the winter term has 15 lessons in it and the spring term has 17 lessons. These numbers reflect one recital in each term. Attendance is required for each recital. You may choose to pay in full at the beginning of each semester, or you may pay monthly tuition as shown below:

30-minute lessons $116.00 monthly tuition (includes tax) Grades K - 6 only.

45-minute lessons $140.00 monthly tuition (includes tax)  Grades 7 - Adults.

Summer Lessons

Summer lessons begin the first week of June often with special attention given to Broadway and showtime music during these six weeks. The summer session is June 1 - July 31. A July recital will feature music studied during the summer session. Participation in summer lessons will also guarantee a place in the studio for the fall semester. Lesson times are flexible during the summer in order to complement family vacations and other summer events like camps for the students. Summer students will be given top priority for lesson times in the fall. Regular tuition rates apply. Lessons can be given the month of August by special request and approval only. Please note: If you choose NOT to study the summer session, a $75 non-refundable pre-registration fee will be required by July 1, 2022 in order to reserve you or your child's place in the coming Fall schedule. 


Makeup Lessons

Each student is allowed one (1) make-up lesson per semester. The date/time of the make-up lesson will be determined by the teacher's schedule and will be planned for one day toward the end of the semester, usually the Saturday before a recital. Your private lesson time is considered a standing appointment. Twenty-four-hour notice is required whenever possible for an illness- or emergency-related absence.


Regarding the issue of absences, I will be very straightforward and clear. You are "renting" a period of time in my schedule for you or your child's music education, as well as my educational expertise. If, at any time, the teacher is unable to teach a lesson, the teacher will either forfeit tuition for that lesson or reschedule the lesson before the next recital, if at all possible.  REMEMBER, students are allowed ONE make-up lesson per semester.

My commitment to you or your child is semester-based. When you enroll, plan for a minimum of one full semester's training in order for the student to experience the beginning process of learning to play piano or vocal coaching. If, for some reason, you determine you or your child will NOT be continuing lessons during the semester to come, please give one month's notice so I can notify someone on the waiting list of the coming vacancy. If the decision is made by you NOT to complete lessons during any month, you will forfeit the remainder of the tuition for that month. Please remember to give 30-day's notice. Studio in the Oaks is a business. I treat it like a business. I give you my best and I appreciate it when you respect my time and schedule as I do yours. Thank you.

Your courtesy and consideration concerning this information will allow me to continue to serve our local talent in a concise, professional manner. I will supply to you a copy of this make-up lesson policy for you to sign and date at the first lesson of each year so there will be no future confusion.

Return Check Fee

As in other businesses, a $37.50 fee will be assessed for a returned check, plus the cost, if any, assessed by my financial institution as a result of the returned check. If your choice of payment is something other than cash, money order, or check, the fee to pay tuition will be your responsibility. 

Performances

There will be a one recital scheduled each semester; one in December/January; one in May, and one in late August. Students are encouraged to take advantage of performing opportunities in all workshops, recitals, festivals, and school competitions for which the teacher, student, and parents feel they are prepared. Students are also encouraged to be enrolled in many music activities through their school or church to foster a greater love for this art form.

All students will participate in two special events during the Spring semester. In February, students will participate in a Fine Arts Theory test given at the Fine Arts Academy in Keller. Certificates, ribbons, medals, and trophies will be awarded at the Spring recital held in May to those students who have earned high grades on this examination. Students will also participate in a Music Festival in April. Students will prepare one piece to be performed by memory before a two-judge panel. Special awards will also be given for achieving success in this festival activity. The tuition for each of these two events is $15.00 and should be paid with the tuition for the month of the event, or at the registration desk at the event.

Recitals for adults arescheduled on Saturday mornings to avoid as many school-related conflicts as possible. Each recital is considered one lesson of the semester. If there is a conflict with another activity, let me know, and we will work through the conflict.

Proper recital etiquette and appropriate dress-up attire (no sandals, jeans) are considered a part of the learning experience. Parents and performers are asked to remain for the entire recital to provide encouragement to all students. As our students listen to other students, they develop good listening skills, become inspired to what they can achieve, and get to know one another as part of a special team of young musicians.

Please be certain fingernails are trimmed and neat. Long nails prevent proper hand positions.

Private Voice Students

Voice students will need access to a good-quality recording device and quality apps on your phone for at-home rehearsals. Voice students should also create a habit of drinking 48-64 oz of water on a daily basis. Caffeine in tea and soft drinks dry out vocal folds. Singers should also bring a bottle of water to each lesson and use it during lesson times to avoid singing with dry vocal folds.

Note: It takes about two (2) hours for vocal folds to hydrate enough to be supple during a lesson or time of prolonged singing. Water is a singer's best friend. Drink it often!  

Miscellaneous

Please park on the street in front of my house, but do not block the mailbox. The student should enter through the carport door to the music studio. Be certain your child is inside my house before driving away.

Parent/driver may wait in my living room or the conference room during lessons. You can hear the lesson from there, but your physical presence in the studio during the actual lesson is often distracting to the student.

If ever you have questions or concerns, please telephone me. I do not answer the telephone while I am teaching, so please leave a message. I will return your call at my earliest opportunity.

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