STUDIO POLICIES
OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
We will teach students the language of music in a positive and enthusiastic environment. It is our goal to empower each student to influence their music education with input based on their interest and long-term goals. We will tailor the curriculum to match each student's specific learning needs.
STUDENT & FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES
Students agree to arrive at each lesson punctually, well-prepared, and with their assignment books, music, and/or instrument. To make good progress, daily quality practice is necessary. Please ask questions about home assignments so that the student and parents can completely understand the assignments and goals. Assignment details will be emailed after each lesson.
Parents: If something is happening at home or school that is affecting your child please let us know. The more information we have, the more we can be sensitive to the needs of your child.
All students are encouraged to play at the studio recitals and take auditions for local ensembles and competitions. If an opportunity arises, please bring information to the next lesson so that we can help your student prepare.
Students must have their own instrument to practice at home. If you have questions or would like input on the purchase or upgrade of an instrument, please let me know. We are happy to set appointments to meet the student and their family for instrument trials and make specific recommendations.
TUITION AND SCHEDULE
*Please note that tuition reserves the weekly time slot, but may not directly correlate with lessons received if the student does not attend the scheduled lesson times.
Flat monthly tuition rates are based on the number of guaranteed lessons in the calendar year. There will be a minimum of 44 lessons offered throughout the year, and the weeks where lessons are not held, (due to holidays or personal performance opportunities) will be communicated in advance.
All payments are non-refundable. After the first payment, invoicing and payments will run automatically on the same day. Tuition will be drawn on the 1st day of each month from the method on file. All automatic payments will be run through My Music Staff & Stripe.
In the event that a payment is returned or declined, a 48 hour window will be provided to adjust the payment method and resubmit payment. Any payments not received by the 3rd of the month will receive a $20 late fee. Recurring late payments may result in termination of the student’s enrollment.
In order to cancel lessons and tuition, written notification must be received via email 2 weeks in advance. In the case that notice is not received by that deadline, the full tuition amount will be run automatically on the first of the month and students have the option to attend all paid lessons that month. Lessons will then cancel for the following month.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Lessons canceled with under 24 hours notice will not be provided a makeup lesson. Lessons canceled with 24 hours notice will be credited a makeup lesson for that month. Makeup lessons do not count as credit for the next month’s tuition.
A maximum of three makeup lesson credits will be given in a semester. Credits are only guaranteed when the proper notice is provided.
Lessons canceled by the instructor will be given as much notice as possible. Cancellations outside of the guaranteed 44 annual lessons will be rescheduled within 30 days.
Tuition is based on the number of lessons the studio schedules and will not be altered. Planned vacations or other conflicts that will require more than one lesson to be rescheduled will need to be communicated a minimum of one month in advance to receive makeup lesson credits for that month.
COVID-19
If the county health department issues a statement that COVID-19 cases have become very high and are recommending indoor masking, lockdown, or other precautions, all lessons will continue either in person with masks and other precautions or online via Zoom or FaceTime. If the studio holds lessons, a makeup credit cannot be given if a student opts out of attending their online lesson unless they are too ill to participate.
MUSIC & MATERIALS
Each student is responsible for purchasing the required music and materials for lessons. Materials will be assigned by the teacher and the student will be expected to have the materials no later than two weeks after the materials have been assigned. Advanced notice will be provided whenever possible.
COMMITMENT
When students enroll, they are reserving their place in the studio for the entire term. Changes to weekly schedules may be made on a case-by-base basis each month before tuition is due.
If the student decides to pause lessons during the course of a semester, tuition for the remainder of the semester still applies. Alterations to this policy are on a case-by-case basis.
Fall Term - September through December
Spring Term - January through May
Summer Term - June through August
Please note that a student's spot will not be guaranteed for the fall term if they were not enrolled in lessons during the summer term.
RESPECT FOR THE STUDIO
Students and parents are expected to show respect for the studio and our animals in the home. Families will be charged for any damage to studio property or injury to our pets.
Parents: Aside from the child currently in their lesson, children under the age of 11 are not to be left unsupervised in the studio. Please plan to stay with your other child(ren) or take them with you if you leave.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
We will be offering two recitals per calendar year - one in the Spring and one in the Winter. Dates will be given well in advance and students will be prepared in all aspects of performance. Recital participation is included in your monthly tuition. Performances will be open to the public and free of charge.
PHOTO AND VIDEO RELEASE
From time to time we use photos and short videos of my students around the studio, on the studio website, or in social media posts. These videos and posts are encouraging to other students and helpful to other teachers. If you do not want your child's image(s) to be used, please let us know. The students are identified only by first name.
By enrolling and paying tuition for my child in The Yamamoto Music Studio, I certify that I understand and agree to the studio policies for the 2023 calendar year.
