Studio Policies

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Scheduling

A new schedule (calendar) of lessons is provided on a semester, or session basis (Fall & Spring semesters, and Summer session). All students are bound by this calendar of events (including official 'breaks' in the schedule) for lesson scheduling.
The Raynham Studio operates only on the specified Friday p.m. / Saturday a.m. schedule as arranged with the teacher; advance notice will be given for any exceptions to this rule.
The Poughkeepsie Studio normally operates on the basis of two 12-week semesters (Fall & Spring) and a short Summer Session (usually 6 weeks) covering May & June until public schools are released. There is not normally a teaching schedule during July and August; students are assigned summer homework for these months.
Included in the Poughkeepsie Studio calendar are options for "make-up lesson" possibilities. A teaching schedule and instructions for lesson 'swap' opportunities is also provided and updated regularly on the Studio web-site.

A change of appointment may be REQUESTED at any time. However, as rescheduling is dependent on the schedule requirements of each student/parent in the studio, scheduling a change may not be possible.

There are no refunds for GROUP lessons.
There are no refunds for lessons missed by the student AND the teacher is under no obligation to make up lessons missed by the student, but MAY do so when unavoidable life issues (illness, serious family issues) are involved.
NOTE: "Convenience" or to accommodate other extracurricular events is not a sufficient reason to warrant a make-up; a "swap" arrangement should be attempted for such circumstances instead. Parents may also "swap" with unscheduled appointment blocks on the current schedule with appropriate discussion with the Teacher.
Lessons canceled by the teacher for any reason will be made-up at the soonest available time. Parents are obliged only to be as flexible as possible to accommodate the make-up lesson scheduling. Under certain conditions, the teacher may offer a refund for the canceled lesson.

Make-ups are only considered for lessons missed with notice received by the teacher no later than 5pm the night before the lesson. The restrictions listed under 'Missed Lesson Policy', apply in all cases. Make-ups for bad-weather cancellations made by (or approved by) the teacher are treated as lessons canceled by the teacher.
Make-ups must be scheduled within 3 weeks of the missed lesson. If a make-up lesson cannot be scheduled during that 3-week period, then the make-up privilege is revoked.
Make-up appointments for lessons missed by the student are only offered on the days and times presented on the current studio calendar & teaching/swap schedule.

Performing skills are an essential part of a complete musical instrument experience and can only be taught in a performing situation. For this reason all students, both VOICE and PIANO and regardless of age or level, are expected to attend and perform at the scheduled studio recitals.
Studio recitals are offered a minimum of twice yearly, more often at the teacher's discretion. Any recital over and above the minimum two will be an "optional" event.
A concert fee is required of all students to cover the cost of the regularly scheduled studio recitals. The concert fee amount is designed to pay for the various expenses incurred to produce the recital, including (but not limited to): hall rental, piano tuning, program printing, etc.

By AGE:

Under 3 years old (Voice Only):
Group lessons are the first recommendation whenever possible. When, due to current Studio enrollment, Group Lessons are not possible, Individual Lessons may be arranged if discussed with the teacher in advance.
PARENTS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE VOICE LESSON and are involved in ALL singing activities for all ages under 4½ yrs old.
3 years old (Voice Only):
30-minute lesson recommended; lesson typically includes parent discussion period.
PARENTS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE VOICE LESSON and are involved in ALL singing activities for all ages under 4½ yrs old.
3½ years old:
PIANO: 30-minute lesson is suggested with a 20-minute lesson also possible, depending on the developmental and maturity level of the individual child; lesson typically includes parent discussion period.
4 years old:
PIANO & VOICE: minimum 30-minute lesson.
5 years and above:
PIANO & VOICE: minimum 30-minute lesson.

By VOLUME LEVEL:

Equivalent to Suzuki Volume One level -
PIANO & VOICE: minimum 30-minute lesson.
Equivalent to Suzuki Volume Two level -
PIANO: minimum 45-minute lesson (but can require 60-minutes depending on the individual).
VOICE: minimum 30-minute lesson (possibly 45-minute lesson if the child is older).
Equivalent to Suzuki Volume Three level -
PIANO: minimum 60-minute lesson recommended, but 45-minute lesson is acceptable depending on the parent's financial condition.
VOICE: minimum 30-minute lesson, but 45-minute lesson may be recommended depending on the age of the child.
Equivalent to Suzuki Volume Four level & above -
PIANO: minimum 60-minute lesson REQUIRED.
VOICE: recommendation according to individual circumstances (the age of the child being a foremost consideration); discussion with the teacher is required.