Studio Policies & Family Agreement

Lesson Options

Weekly Students

Weekly students receive one 30-minute private lesson each week at a reserved recurring time.

Tuition is $100 per month and includes four lessons. If a month contains a fifth lesson day, that date may be used for a bonus lesson, makeup lesson, studio break, or teacher planning time. Families will be notified of that month’s schedule in advance.

Weekly enrollment is recommended for students who want consistent vocal and musical development.

Single-Lesson Coaching

Single 30-minute lessons are available for $30 per lesson, as scheduling permits.

This option may be used by students who:

• Cannot commit to weekly lessons
• Need help with a specific song
• Are preparing for a choir, theater, solo, or audition
• Would like an introductory lesson
• Want occasional coaching

Single lessons do not include a permanently reserved weekly time. Payment is required when the appointment is booked.

Tuition and Payment

Monthly tuition reserves the student’s regular weekly appointment and is due before the first lesson of each month.

Tuition is based on enrollment and reservation of the student’s time—not solely on attendance. Monthly tuition is therefore not reduced when a student misses a scheduled lesson.

Music books, sheet music, accompaniment tracks, audition fees, costumes, and other special materials are not included in tuition. Families will be notified if any purchase is required.

Cancellations and Makeup Lessons

Please give at least 24 hours’ notice when a student will miss a lesson.

With at least 24 hours’ notice, one makeup lesson may be offered per month, subject to availability. Because the studio maintains a small and limited schedule, a particular makeup time cannot be guaranteed.

Lessons canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged and are generally not eligible for a makeup. Exceptions may be made for emergencies or sudden illness at the teacher’s discretion.

Repeated cancellations may result in the loss of the student’s recurring lesson time.

If I cancel a lesson, the family will receive a makeup lesson or tuition credit.

Illness and Vocal Health

Please do not bring a student to the studio when the student has a fever, vomiting, a contagious illness, or is otherwise too unwell to participate.

If a student is experiencing hoarseness, vocal pain, or significant voice loss, the lesson may be modified to focus on musicianship, rhythm, music reading, interpretation, or other non-strenuous activities.

Singing should not be painful. Lessons are educational and are not a substitute for medical evaluation or treatment. Persistent pain, hoarseness, or voice loss should be evaluated by an appropriate medical professional.

Weather and Emergencies

Families should use their own judgment about travel during severe weather.

When possible, please contact me at least one hour before the lesson if weather will prevent attendance. Depending on availability and circumstances, the lesson may be rescheduled, credited, or completed virtually.

If I close the studio because of unsafe conditions, affected families will receive a makeup lesson or credit.

Practice Expectations

Progress is most consistent when students practice between lessons. Practice assignments will be adjusted to the student’s age, experience, goals, and schedule.

Rather than requiring long practice sessions, students are encouraged to practice for a manageable amount of time several days per week. For many beginning students, 10–20 focused minutes at a time is enough to establish a healthy routine.

Younger students may need a parent or guardian to help them remember assignments and establish a regular practice time.

Students will not be punished or embarrassed for an imperfect practice week. Lessons will meet the student where they are while encouraging responsibility and steady progress.

Music and Materials

Students should bring their assigned music and lesson materials to every lesson.

Students may be asked to obtain legal copies of sheet music, songbooks, or accompaniment tracks. Copyrighted music must be purchased or accessed through an authorized source.

Students may bring appropriate songs they are interested in learning. Final repertoire choices will consider the student’s age, vocal development, comfortable range, goals, and the suitability of the material.

Home Studio Expectations

Lessons take place in the living-room piano studio of my home.

To maintain a safe and productive environment:

• Students should arrive no more than five minutes before their lesson.
• Parents and guardians are welcome to observe lessons.
• A parent or responsible adult must remain onsite for younger children.
• Students should be picked up promptly when the lesson ends.
• Students and accompanying family members should respect the home and teaching equipment.
• Food is not permitted near the piano.
• Water in a closed container is welcome.
• Siblings must remain supervised and should not interrupt lessons.
• Household pets will be secured away from the teaching area during lessons.

I am not able to provide childcare before or after a student’s scheduled appointment.

Parent and Student Communication

All scheduling, billing, and other administrative communication concerning minor students will take place through a parent or legal guardian.

Students may contact me about music or assignments only when the parent or guardian is included in the communication.

Families are encouraged to ask questions and share relevant information about the student’s goals, school performances, auditions, illnesses, or concerns.

Physical Guidance

Vocal instruction sometimes involves demonstrating posture, breathing, jaw release, facial movement, or other physical coordination.

I will primarily use verbal explanation, visual demonstration, and student-led exercises. I will explain any proposed physical guidance beforehand and obtain permission before making physical contact. A student may decline physical contact at any time.

Recordings, Photographs, and Social Media

A student will not be photographed, recorded, or identified on social media without written permission from the student’s parent or legal guardian.

Families may also be asked for permission before lesson recordings are made for educational or practice purposes. Permission may be declined without affecting the student’s enrollment.

Performances

Recitals or informal performance opportunities may be offered as the studio grows. Participation will be encouraged but will not be required unless a family agrees to a specific event in advance.

Any related costs, dates, clothing expectations, or accompaniment requirements will be communicated before registration.

Ending Lessons

Families should provide at least two weeks’ written notice before discontinuing weekly lessons.

Tuition already paid is nonrefundable, but the student may continue attending lessons through the paid enrollment period.

The studio may discontinue lessons because of unpaid tuition, repeated absences, unsafe or disrespectful conduct, or an ongoing inability to follow studio policies. Whenever practical, concerns will first be discussed with the parent or guardian.

Agreement

By signing below, the parent or guardian confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to the studio policies.