2018-2019 STUDIO POLICIES AND STUDENT HANDBOOK

What you can expect:  Our teachers are trained professional musicians with extensive teaching experience. All students are taught music literacy, including theory and creative expression specific to their instrument. Private lessons are prepared in advance and tailored to the individual learning needs of the student. Performance opportunities are available and students are encouraged to participate whenever they like.  

What teachers expect:  Students are expected to be punctual, well-prepared, and bring their music and instrument. To make good progress, quality practice at home on most days of the week is necessary. Please let your teacher know if there are any special circumstances or needs to be aware of when preparing your lessons. 

Cancellations:  All scheduling must be done through the Studio Office, not your teacher.  Please keep in mind, our teachers are often fully booked and cannot accommodate rescheduling. Select a lesson time in which you feel confident. Cancellations must be made with 24 hours notice.  Lessons cancelled with short notice cannot be rescheduled and the lesson fee is due. This includes cancellations due to illness. Frequent absences may result in the student being asked to book single appointments, instead of holding a weekly lesson slot.    

• Single Lessons (or Trial Packages): Must be cancelled with 24 hours advance notice. Lessons will be rescheduled subject to teacher’s availability.         
• School Year Lessons: Teachers offer makeup sessions at the end of each semester for lessons cancelled with a minimum of 24 hours advance notice. Each student is permitted 2 makeup lessons per semester, and must be taken during the designated makeup period.            

Teacher Absences:  Should a teacher need to cancel a lesson, the student will be given advanced notice and either scheduled for a makeup or a credited for the teacher’s absence. Makeups and credits will be assessed at the end of the semester, and are subject to teacher makeup availability.        

Holidays:  The Studios will be closed for Labor Day Weekend, Halloween, Thanksgiving Break, Christmas Break, Spring Break, and Memorial Day Weekend. These holidays have been excluded from the 36-Week School Lesson Program, and no makeup or price adjustment is needed. Please see our current Studio Calendar.     

Inclement Weather:  Many times, a morning snow storm can be cleaned up in time for afternoon lessons. Therefore, school closings do not necessarily mean we are closed for the day.  Announcements are made by email, text, on our website, and by calling: (845) 225-3224. For snow closings, either a makeup will be scheduled, or your account will be credited. Makeups and credits will be assessed at the end of the semester, and depend on teacher availability.    

Books/Supplies: Instruction material is not included in tuition prices. Students receive 10% off books and accessories.

Student Drop-off + Waiting Area:  A parent or guardian is expected to be present in the waiting area for the duration of the lesson for children under 12. Teachers and staff are not responsible for children left unattended, and students must be picked up promptly at the end of the lesson. Please be courteous of others and help us maintain a clean and comfortable area for everyone. Parents and other guests are welcome to sit in on lessons, as long as there are no distractions.

Parent Interest = Student Success!  When parents are genuinely excited about their child's progress, it shows in home-practice sessions and their lessons. Instead of reminding your child that it's time to practice, try asking them what they're working on and tell them you'd love to hear them play something for you! Learning to play an instrument isn't easy. Positive feedback and encouragement can make all the difference!