Studio Policy | the-art-of-violin

Thank you for taking the time to read and understand the ‘Studio Policy’.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

2019 Term Dates (subject to change)

Term 1: Tuesday, January 29th - Friday, April 5th (10 weeks)

Term 2: Tuesday, April 23rd - Friday, June 28th (10 weeks)

Term 3: Monday, July 15th - Friday, September 20th (10 weeks)

Term 4: Tuesday, October 8th- Friday, December 13th (10 weeks)

Should your scheduled lesson fall on a Public Holiday, a mutually agreed to time can be negotiated.

New students are offered an initial, free - ‘meet & greet’ to establish suitability and answer possible questions.

The Music Teachers' Association of Queensland recommend that accredited members charge for all missed lessons, unless the circumstances warrant some special concession, in the teacher's opinion.

Students are required to demonstrate a commitment to their studies, by practicing regularly (commensurate to their age and level of experience) and by arriving to their lessons with all required materials, and a positive work ethic.

In some cases parents will be asked to attend lessons.

Students will only be accepted once a suitable (teacher approved) instrument is made available for at-home-practice.

As a part of a comprehensive music education, older students may be required to participate in group theory lessons, provided on regular basis at teachers studio.

In accordance with the requirements of the Commission for Children and Young People, and as a business regulated by the Commission's Act, I have a current Blue Card, showing a commitment to maintaining the safety and wellbeing of all students. This can be sighted upon request.

Individual Lessons:

$35/30 min session

$50/45 min session

$70/1 hr session.

Extra cost will apply to those who wish for the Instructor to make recording for graded examinations or individual pupil’s learning purposes.

These will be worked out at $35 per 30 minutes, or $1.20 per minute (if less than 25 minutes) of instructor’s preparation/recording time spent.

Here’s what you can expect from The Studio Instructor…

I promise to treat all students and their families with care and respect.
I will always give you my best, when it comes to instruction.
I will always return your call or email in a timely and professional manner.
I will always treat your children as my own.
I will always be ready for lessons on time.
I will always own up to my mistakes (on rare occasion, as I am human.)

Here are a few ways you can help…this Studio asks that you return the favour in your own way!

Prompt arrival and collection (at the appointed lesson start and finish time) not only respects the safety and wellbeing of students, but also shows consideration of my time, and the time of students prior and subsequent.
Do your best to schedule your personal appointments, keeping in mind your child’s lessons and pick up time.
This studio will not look after siblings and pupils must be picked up on time.
Students and their families are expected to demonstrate discipline and respect for themselves, others and their instruments at all times.

What else you will need:

On top of tuition, families may be responsible for additional expenses associated with studio services. Typical foreseeable expenses can be:

Grade pieces books, technical book, other sheet music.
Competition fees - if and when applicable.
End of semester performances - when offered – optional, but recommended!
Notebook, display folder, pencil and eraser.
Studio Instructor may also lend copies of her own music at a cost of 10 cents per page.
More advanced students are encouraged to bring a recording device (i.e. iPhone/iPod/voice recorder) to record each lesson for at-home practice.

Damage to studio stuff or property:

If a member of your family damages property or equipment, out of respect for what I am trying to do, please offer to make it right. We are friends here!

Liability:

There is very little risk involved with music; however we all know that people have accidents and bad things can happen.

Please understand that I work hard to plan for all of this studio’s events so that everyone is as safe as possible.

In the event something bad happens, I will be there to provide support to the best of my ability.

I have an open door policy and will happily address any questions or concerns that arise through open, respectful communication.

SOME ITEMS TO CONSIDER

In order for this studio’s payment system to work best, tuition must be pre-paid!
The form of payment I accept is Electronic Money Transfer, or cash.
I use a studio management software and invoices are issued 2 weeks before school term begins.
There is a penalty of $15 for one weeks late payment and $35 for a fortnight’s late payment.
All studio customers gain a receipt for my services, upon payment received

Cancellations by Studio Instructor

If Studio Instructor cancels for any reason, lessons will be made up, but If I am not able to make up missed lesson fee will be credited back to you.
Decision for the best time for a make-up session will be agreed to on individual bases, however, if suitable time can not be agreed to by the Instructor and/or Parent, missed lesson will no longer be given back, but will remain paid for.
Cancellation and consequently make up of lessons due to unsafe weather, should such occur, will be discussed and agreed to on individual bases.
Typically I will call for extra rehearsal or lessons before a major event, such as examinations and competitions and on such occasions invoices will be issued at half the cost of regular individual lessons.
Failure to respect any conditions outlined in the studio policy may result in cancellation of enrolment without tuition fee being refunded.

Cancellations By Student/Parent

Studio Instructor will not make up any of the not notified and missed by the student lessons for any reason, as teacher’s time is valuable and this policy means to train students to respect my time in exchange for amazing service!

Leaving the studio

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT Relationships will end at some point and all of Studio customers are given an “out”. I Trust not to be hurt by you and you can leave the studio if you wish. However, please consider these:

Sudden cancellation of tuition attendance by student/parent:

Please give a word to Studio Instructor and not just disappear without an explanation, as under such circumstances prepaid tuition will not be refunded.

This Studio considers this policy necessary to protect the Instructor and also allows time to fill the open slot in Instructor’s schedule.

Other cancellation explained (during each Semester only):

notice given 1 week before term begins - 50% of terms tuition will apply.
notice given 2 weeks before term begins - 35% of terms tuition will apply.
notice given 3 weeks before term begins - 25% of terms tuition will apply.
notice given 4 weeks before terms begin - 10% of terms tuition will be charged.
If notice is given during the first 3 weeks of the term - tuition fees will not be refunded under no circumstances.
If notice is given half way through the term - 50% of terms tuition will be refunded.
If notice is given during the last 3 weeks of the term - 20% of terms tuition will be refunded.

Electronic Communications Policy

THINGS TO ADDRESS

Studio Instructor will you communicate with individuals by means of email, phone, or text
Communication to groups via a group SMS is also practised.
Use of Social Media for any of communications is not practised by this Studio.

WHY THIS NOTE BELOW IS IMPORTANT???

In order to create a safe learning environment for all children, ART VIOLIN STUDIO IS committed to putting these measures in place:

During a private music lesson with a student under the age of 18 years, the instructor will teach in a room with a clear view through the window and in a room which can be accessed through front porch.

Parents are always welcome to stay in a waiting area within earshot of a private lesson. If they find it necessary, a parent is welcome to check the window or open door at any time without disturbing the lesson.