Policies & Philosophy

Studies have shown that it takes at least 90 days to acquire a new habit. Therefore, the first three months may be considered a trial period and we ask that you commit to completing them.    We require that students make a minimum of one semester commitment.  Think seriously if you will be able to keep up with the daily practicing schedule recommended by your teacher.  Our faculty are serious and committed to their students.  It is a matter of respect for you to be a serious student. 

In the words of a fine local musician and friend, Kevin Collins: "Commitment is the secret to success." 
TuitionThe difference between Full Time Students and Part Time Students is the student's level of commitment to learning their particular instrument.  

Full Time Students participate in the recitals in June, September and January.  They participate in the various jam sessions and concerts.  They have signed a "contract" stating their desire to learn their instrument of choice and are committed to making it happen.

Part Time Students generally can't commit to a regular schedule of lessons (weekly), or cannot commit to recitals or other events.  

Full Time Students 

Students who register as full time members of the studio may pay every four weeks according to the following fee scale:
  • Children and adults (12 and above) $55 a lesson
  • Current College Students with valid ID, $45 an hour
  • Senior Citizens 65 and holder, $50 an hour
  • Children under 11, 30 minute lessons are available from 3pm-5pm for $30

Part Time Students 

Students who cannot register as full time members of the studio must commit to at least one semester of lessons minimum (17 weeks),  at least one recital, and pay according to the following fee scale:
  • Children and adults (12 and above) $60 a lesson
  • Current College Students with valid ID, $55 a lesson
  • Senior Citizens 65 and holder, $50 a lesson
  • Children under 11, 30 minute lessons are available from 3pm-5pm for $55 a lesson

Our Mutual Commitment

Student: What does "Mutual Commitment" mean?

Teacher: When you sign up for lessons, we make a commitment to each other. I am committing to be a good teacher and help you learn what you want to learn efficiently, which involves getting to know your specific goals and particular learning style. This includes in-lesson time as well as time put in outside the lesson to learn tunes for you, and keep you informed of opportunities to play and hear music. You are committing to show up for the whole session of lessons and classes, to keep your instrument in good repair, and to play the instrument in between lessons. 

Lesson Times & Attendance  

LESSON TIMES: Lessons are about 55 minutes. A few minutes at the end of each lesson are reserved for transition and business matters. Students are asked to arrive five minutes before their lesson and to knock at their lesson time.

ATTENDANCE: You are responsible for attending all of your lessons. All lessons scheduled must be paid for whether or not the student attends. Our teachers make their living teaching lessons, and must be paid for the reserved time regardless of whether the student is there or not.

MAKEUPS:  The last 2 weeks of the year (December 21-31) are make-up weeks for students who have missed one or two lessons for any reason. Unfortunately the teachers may be unable to make-up additional missed lessons. However, if they are sick or have an emergency, efforts will make up any lessons that they have missed.  

Cancellations 

Cancellations
  1. Lessons will be made up if at least 24 hours notice is given.  
  2. If less than 24 hours notice is given,  the student is responsible for paying for the time missed, and whether the lesson is made up or not is up to the discretion of the teacher
  3. There is a Mandatory $10 cancellation fee, regardless of 24 hours notice given.
  4. In case of cancellation due to teacher absence, make-up lessons will be offered at a mutually convenient time. 
  5. Lessons missed by choice (i.e. after school games, extended vacations, tests, shopping, parties, "I haven't practiced", "I forgot!", etc.) may not be made up. 
  6. If an instrument is being repaired, students may have a lesson using a loaner.  

Rentals, Repairs & Retail

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Rentals: You can rent most musical instruments through us.  The rental rate includes string replacement and minor repairs.  100% of the deposit can be applied to the purchase of the instrument within the first year.  Any damage to the instrument comes out of your deposit.  Talk about rentals with your teacher during your first lesson.

Repairs: Any instrument rented from us will be repaired at no additional charge if the repair is from normal use.  Check with your teacher to find out what normal use means, also remind them to talk about the care and feeding of your instrument.  All instruments may be repaired by our luthier friends.  

Retail: Buying or renting an instrument: If you need an instrument, our advice is to rent one initially. Buying one is difficult and expensive. Talk to your teacher about it during your lesson.