What are the studio policies?

Studio Policies

The following policies are in place to create a positive learning and teaching environment for all students and the teacher. Please read through the policies before checking the box on the registration page to recognize that the policies are understood and will be followed.

Registration

No registration fees!
Students from the age of 2.5 (and up) and all abilities are welcome to join our studio family based on availability year round.
Lesson requirements: For ages 2.5-4, weekly 30 minute lessons. For ages 5 and up, weekly 45-60 minute lessons.
New students may register online by clicking the Register Here! button at the top of the page.

Payments

Tuition is based on a yearly calendar and reserves your weekly time slot and studio membership. The yearly tuition total is split into 12 equal monthly payments, no matter the amount of lessons scheduled in a month. Please see the pricing page for current tuition fees. Tuition fees are subject to change at any time with advance notice, to account for materials and cost of living increases.

Tuition payments are due by the first lesson of the month.
Cash, checks, and online payments are accepted.
A $30 late fee will be added to accounts not paid by the 10th of each month.
Students will be removed from the schedule if payment is not made by the 20th of the month.
A $30 fee will be added for all NSF checks
Should something come up where you cannot financially fulfill your commitment to your lessons, please talk with me to possibly work something out.

Please Note: There are no make ups or credits for missed lessons and tuition is never adjusted unless the teacher cannot provide a lesson outside of the two flex days. See “Missed Lessons” for more details.

Calendar
Please click on the calendar link to view. Dates marked "no lessons" are already calculated into the tuition schedule so no make ups or credits will be issued. Other holidays not marked on the calendar will be scheduled normally, but may be moved to a different time or day to accommodate family traditions as the schedule allows.

Missed Lessons

Lesson times are standing appointments; a student’s lesson time is reserved for only them each week. Because specific times are set aside for specific students, a student who does not attend a lesson simply misses that lesson.

Students who are ill SHOULD NOT attend lessons. If you are too sick to attend school/work, you are too sick to attend your lesson in person. Please notify the teacher by 10 am if you cannot attend.
There are NO refunds or credits for missed lessons or classes of any kind.
Make up lessons are not guaranteed! If there is an opening or other cancellation, the teacher may offer it to student(s) that missed a lesson recently.
No show lessons are forfeited and two weeks of no shows will result in removal from the schedule without tuition reimbursement.
There are two flex days built into the tuition schedule in case of teacher illness/emergency. If the teacher needs to use the flex days, there will be no credits/make ups. Extreme circumstances will be dealt with in those instances.
Weather cancellations do not coincide with school closings. If the weather is severe, lessons will be held virtually.

Options for missed lessons:

Zoom/FaceTime/Skype: Mildly sick? No way to get to lessons? This is a valuable way to keep your individual lesson time and avoid missing lessons. Notice of missed lesson must be received by 10 am.
Video Lesson: Create video of pieces/songs and other work and send to Cocklin Music Studio by your lesson time. The video will be reviewed during lesson time and student will receive video and/or written instructions for what to work on until the next lesson.

Extended vacations: Students are of course welcome to take extended periods of time off. Students are required to pay to hold their time slot open. Otherwise, the time slot will be opened to students on the waiting list. Upon returning from a break, students will have to check with the teacher to schedule their lesson. There is NO guarantee that the original time will be open upon return if student has not paid to hold time. Returning students will be added to the waiting list if there are no spots available.

Tardiness
Tardiness will result in a loss of lesson time missed and will not be made up, as it is important to other students that the schedule is adhered to.

Discontinuing or Suspending Lessons

Minimum of two weeks notice is required to discontinue or suspend lessons. Students who have made tuition payments must finish out the month. No refunds will be given. Students starting a new month will be responsible for two weeks of payment and attendance.

Arrival Procedures

Drop off and pick up may be done in the driveway, but please park on the non-hydrant side of the street while waiting or if coming in to attend lessons/lessons with a student. Students and families may enter no more than 5 minutes before their

lesson time and are expected to wait quietly for the current lesson to be completed.

Practice
Students are encouraged to practice their instruments daily. Students will have songs/skills to work on throughout the week. All piano students must have an instrument to practice on at home. Acoustic pianos give the best experience for technique, but keyboards with hammer graded action or weighted keys are also acceptable. Voice students are encouraged to have a piano or keyboard at home to aid in practicing. Guitar students will need a guitar that is the correct size for them.

Books and Supplies
Students will be responsible for the purchase of their books, sheet music and other supplies. Teacher will give a list of needed lesson books and supplements after the first lesson. Please purchase books within the first two weeks of lessons beginning.

Recitals
The option for performing in a recital will be available to all students twice a year. Other performance opportunities will be announced if available. Recitals are not mandatory, but highly encouraged.