Studio Policy
MY TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES
I will teach students in a positive and enthusiastic environment, build their confidence, and tailor the curriculum to match each individual student's needs and goals.
STUDENT AND FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES
Students will arrive at each lesson on time, well prepared, and with their materials (assignment books, sheet music, and instrument). Students must have their own instrument to practice at home. If you have questions or would like input on the purchase of an instrument please let me know, I am happy to make specific recommendations. To make good progress, daily quality practice is necessary.
I strongly encourage open communication between me and the student/parents to ensure that I am providing curriculum that is well suited for the student, enjoyable, and effective. Parents, if something is happening at home or school that is affecting your child, please let me know. The more information I have, the more I can tailor our lessons to the needs of your child and create a comfortable, fun environment for them to thrive.
All students are encouraged to play at studio recitals and audition for local ensembles and competitions.
TUITION AND SCHEDULING
*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.
All payments are non-refundable. After the first payment, invoicing and payment will run automatically on the first of the month. Tuition will be drawn on the 1st each month from the method on file. All automatic payments will be run through My Music Staff & Stripe. Automatic payment is required for all students. Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle will not be accepted.
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. Payment received after the third of each month is subject to a $10 late fee. Payment received after the 10th of the month is subject to an additional $10 late fee and the lesson time for that student may not be reserved for the next month. Recurring late payments may result in termination of the student’s enrollment.
In the case that there is a 5th weekly lesson in the month, this has been factored into the flat-rate tuition. Pre-planned absences and holiday breaks have also been factored into the rate and will be communicated well in advance.
Flat monthly tuition rates are based on the number of guaranteed lessons in the calendar year. There will be a minimum of 45 lessons offered throughout the year. Two additional lessons will be built into the calendar, for a total of 47 lessons during the year. In the case of teacher illness, these two additional lessons can be canceled short notice. These weeks are complimentary in the case that no illness cancellations occur.
In order to cancel tuition, written notification must be received via email 30 days 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. Tuition payments are non-refundable.
CANCELLATION AND ILLNESS POLICY
Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will not be provided a make up lesson. Lessons cancelled with 24 hours notice will be credited a make up lesson for that month. Each month, one day will be offered for make up lessons. This date will be announced at the start of each month via email. If the student is unable to attend a lesson on this designated day, the credit may be forfeited. Make up lessons do not count as credit for the next month's tuition. Lessons cancelled by me will be given as much notice as possible, and will be rescheduled within 30 days.
Planned vacation or other conflicts communicated in advance receive a make up lesson credit for that month. Monthly invoices are based on the number of lessons the studio schedules that month and will not be altered.
If the student or a family member is ill or not feeling well for any reason, the student should not attend their lesson in person. If the student comes to the studio with any of the following symptoms (excessive coughing, sniffling, sneezing, fatigue), student will be sent home immediately and the lesson will be forfeited.
If the student is well enough, the lesson will be held during their normally scheduled time via Zoom. If the student is not well enough to attend their lesson virtually, at least 24 hours notice is required to guarantee a makeup lesson.
MUSIC AND MATERIALS
Each student is responsible for purchasing the required music and materials for lessons. Materials will be assigned by my and the student will be expected to have the materials no later than one week after the materials have been assigned. Advanced notice will be provided whenever possible.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Administrative hours of operation for the studio are Monday-Thursday from 10am-5pm and Friday 10am-12pm PST. Emails or texts sent during the weekend will not be seen until Monday morning.
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-case 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.
PHOTO AND VIDEO RELEASE FORM
From time to time, I use photos and short videos of my students during lessons 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 me know. In general, the students love to see their pictures and videos on my website or around the studio, as they find it motivating to think that others want to know what they are learning. The students are only identified by first name.
By enrolling and paying tuition for my child in Kim Nguyen's studio, I certify that I understand and agree to the studio policies for the 2024 calendar year.