Music with Lindsey Studios

Policy and Contract
2023-2024

Welcome! I appreciate your interest in joining/continuing in my music studio. Please read all the sections below that apply to you. You are responsible to know and abide by these policies in order to register for class.

This Policy is organized by:

  1. One-on-One Lessons
  2. Group Classes (Home Studio & On-Site)
  3. Home Studio: Parking, Entering & Etiquette
  4. Materials, Home Practice & Learning Roles

1. One-on-One LESSONS (piano, voice, beginner ukulele):

     A. TUITION PAYMENT AND COMMITMENT

1. TUITION

         2. COMMITMENT  (You will sign up for either a 9 or 12 month commitment.)

      • 12 Month Lesson Commitment Tuition Payment Plan (receives priority in scheduling)
          • 41 lessons
          • 2 recital opportunities December & April/May = 1 lesson value
          • Total 42 lessons x $35 =$1,470 value/12 monthly installments = $123/month
      • 9 Month Tuition Payment Plan (non summer lessons)
          • 35 lessons
          • 2 recital opportunities December & April/May = 1 lesson value
          • Total 36 lessons x $35 = $1,260/9 monthly installments = $140/month
      • 12 Month Lesson Commitment Explanation.  This plan offers 41 lessons of the 52 weeks/year. (August 19 , 2024-August 18, 2025). $123 is the monthly tuition installment due each month (even in the summer), regardless of the number of lessons in that month. Some months may have 2 lessons, while others might have 5. This consistent monthly tuition plan is set to eliminate confusion on tuition due in any given month and provides families a predictable budget plan.
      • 9 Month Lesson Commitment Explanation. This plan offers 36 lessons of the 52 weeks/year. (September 1 - May 31st respectively: see calendar for details.) $140 is the monthly tuition installment due each month, regardless of the number of lessons in that month. Some months may have 2 lessons, while others might have 5. This consistent monthly tuition plan is set to eliminate confusion on tuition due in any given month and provides families a predictable budget plan. 

     

     B. LESSON ATTENDANCE

    1. Scheduled Lesson Time: You will sign up for a lesson that occurs weekly on the same day & time, unless otherwise scheduled or agreed upon. Your lesson time is set aside for you. If you are late, unfortunately it’s lost time. Lesson time will not be extended beyond the originally agreed upon time. If I start a lesson more than 5 minutes late for any reason, I’ll make up the time in the future.
    2. Calendar. I will provide you with a calendar in print/email/text. Please refer to the calendar regularly, especially for weeks where lessons may not take place (holidays, etc.). Lessons missed, due to neglect of consulting the calendar will not qualify for a make-up lesson.
    3. ONE Make-Up Lesson/Semester. Each One-on-One lesson student may give 24+ hours notice to cancel one lesson/semester and qualify for one make-up lesson. Missed or canceled lessons less than 24 hours prior to the lesson do not qualify for a make-up lesson. No extensions or exceptions. Semesters are from August-December and January-May. The number of Summer lesson make-ups have more leniency but the 24 hours notice rule still applies for make-up qualifications. 
    4. Make-up Lesson Week. At the end of each semester, December and May (respectively), qualified students will sign-up for one make-up lesson within the offered TBD times in Sign-up Genius. If none of the times offered in the make-up week window work, the make-up lesson is unfortunately forfeited. I will try my best to accommodate your make-up.
    5. Teacher Cancellation. If I cancel a lesson, I will make it up at a mutually agreed upon time. No refunds will be given. If I am sick and need to offer a lesson virtually, I will communicate this information in a timely manner. If the student chooses not to accept the offered virtual lesson, it will be counted as a missed lesson. Make-ups will not apply. 
    6. Lessons In Person or Virtual. Lessons are offered both in person and virtually. They are the same tuition. I’m experienced in both teaching formats. If you regularly meet in person and need to meet virtually, please let me know so we can decide on a compatible platform (Zoom or Facetime).
    7. Illness. Reasons to keep in mind for keeping a sick student home are: the student's comfort and the possibility of infecting others. Parents should be sure children are feeling well before sending them to lessons. Students who are contagious are not allowed to have in-person lessons for studio safety. Thank you for your courtesy and honesty.

Students are not invited to return to lessons until being fever and symptom free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines. Symptoms may include:

      • Fever: a temperature of 100 or higher
      • Sore throat, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, earache, irritability, or confusion.
      • Diarrhea: runny, watery stools. 
      • Vomiting
      • Respiratory trouble, sore throat, swollen glands, loss of voice, hacking or continuous coughing.
      • Frequent scratching body or scalp, lice, rash, or any other spots that resemble childhood diseases.
      • Irritable or continuously crying.

If an in-person student is unwell but still able to participate in a virtual lesson, please let me know and we can make arrangements. 

Masks and mask mandates will be matched to the local public school policies.

     C. REFERRALS,  QUITTING AND SETTLING UP

    1. Referral Gifts. Thanks for your referral! I offer referral gifts to any student who refers a friend and that friend enrolls in taking lessons. Referral gifts are $7/new student.
    2. 30 Days Written Notice to Quit. You are committing to taking music lessons for the time period of your chosen lessons. And, I know. Things happen. So, you are also free to quit taking lessons at anytime and for any reason. However, you are under obligation to give 30 days written notice to quit and are responsible for paying tuition until the 30 days is past from the first day of “notice to quit.”  Giving 30 days notice provides adequate time to secure a replacement student from the waiting list.
    3. Settling Up. Due to the nature of the 9 and 12 month Lesson Tuition Installment Plans, you may have paid more/less than the actual number of lessons that you have received. You will consult your records and I will consult mine to make sure we are square. Students are obligated to pay any remaining tuition amount due. Similarly, if the student has paid for more lessons than were taught, I will offer the remainder of the lesson value in lesson time services. No monetary refunds will be given. 

2. GROUP CLASSES (Home Studio & On-Site):

     A. TUITION PAYMENT, COMMITMENT & REFERRALS

    1.  Tuition Payment. All payments on www.musicwithlindsey.com with a credit card. See website for payment options.
      • Home Studio Group Classes:
        • The Music Adventures: Piano, Xylophone, and singing Classes (ages 5-9)
            • 8 month Class ($20/hour/student)
            •  Tuition:
              • $640/year x 1 
              • $320/semester x 2
              • $80/month x 8 
            • 30 Lessons
              • 26x group lessons (13 per semester)
              • 2x 15 minute private lesson assessments (1 per semester)
              • 2x recitals (1 per semester)
            • Registration and materials fees extra (see website for prices).
            • Registration and materials fee is processed immediately upon registration. Semester and monthly tuition options are processed on the first of each month beginning in September.
        • My First Music: Beginning Music Classes (0-4yo +Caregiver)
            • 14 week Class
            • Student + Caregiver = $161; 14, 30 minute classes ($11.50/ class)
            • Student + Sibling(s) +Caregiver = $242: 14, 30 minute classes ($17.25/class)
      • ON-SITE Classes:
          • 0-2 year old Littles Music (see registration for prices)
          • 3-5 year old Group Music 
    2. Commitment. When you sign up for a class, you reserve your spot for the entire class term. No refunds will be given.
    3. Referral Gifts (Home Studio Classes only). Thanks for your referral! I offer referral gifts to any student who refers a friend and that friend enrolls in taking lessons. Referral gifts are $7/new student.

     B. LESSON ATTENDANCE/ CALENDAR/ NO MAKEUPS/ ILLNESS

    1. Scheduled Class Time: Classes will begin and end promptly. Please be on time. (See C. PARKING, ENTERING AND STUDIO ETIQUETTE)
    2. Calendar: You will be given a class calendar whether in print, text, or email. Please consult that calendar and store the dates in your personal calendar.
    3. No Makeups Offered for Student Absence: Due to the nature of these group classes, unfortunately makeup classes are not possible when a student is absent.
    4. Illness: Reasons to keep in mind for keeping a sick student home are: the student's comfort and the possibility of infecting others. Parents should be sure children are feeling well before sending them to lessons. Students who are contagious are not allowed to have in-person lessons for studio safety. Thank you for your courtesy and honesty.

      Students are not invited to return to lessons until being fever and symptom free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines. Symptoms may include:Fever: a temperature of 100 or higher

            • Sore throat, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, earache, irritability, or confusion.
            • Diarrhea: runny, watery stools. 
            • Vomiting
            • Respiratory trouble, sore throat, swollen glands, loss of voice, hacking or continuous coughing.
            • Frequent scratching body or scalp, lice, rash, or any other spots that resemble childhood diseases.
            • Irritable or continuously crying.
            • Masks and mask mandates will be matched to the local public school.
    5. Teacher Absence/Cancellation. In the rare event that I cancel a class I’ll make it up at the most convenient available time for the group. I will contact members of the group to figure out when that will be. For Home Studio Classes: I may offer lesson(s) virtually if I am ill and contagious. If virtual lessons are needed, I will contact you and make sure you know the Zoom link within a reasonable time. 

3. HOME STUDIO: PARKING  & ENTERING 

     A. PARKING

    1. Home Studio Parking/Drop-Off.  
      • NO DRIVEWAY PARKING/DROPPING OFF, PLEASE. ONLY STREET PARKING/DROP-OFF IS ALLOWED. Once upon a time, I went to prom with a young man who’s mom taught piano. He accidentally backed into a student’s car who had pulled up behind us. So: The Judd family driveway use is strictly reserved for the Judd family use only please. 
      • Street parking/drop-off is available. Please be cautious and courteous of other students and neighbors--thank you! Drop-off lessons are allowed as long as the student is capable of entering and exiting unassisted. 
    2. Drop-Off or Stay. Parents/Caregivers of students are welcome to: 
      1. Drop-off.
      2. Sit in on the Lesson.
        • Parent/caregiver lesson observation is encouraged regularly or occasionally to be better informed on how to support home practice. 
        • No siblings or children, aside from the student, are allowed to observe the lesson in the teaching room, to maintain focus. If a parent/caregiver observes the lesson in the teaching room, they should not cause distractions. 
      3. Wait in the basement studio waiting area.
        • Family members who wait in the studio basement waiting area are welcome to use the restroom, kitchen table, couches, and activities (if they clean up after themselves and keep noise to a minimum).
        • Free wifi is available, see the bulletin poster for the password.
        • No eating is allowed in the basement studio. Water is the only acceptable drink, thank you.
    1. Studio Entrance Routine. Consider how long it takes to come in and settle before your lesson. I encourage students to wash hands and use the restroom before the lesson. If a student is early to a lesson, they will wait in the studio foyer for their turn. Please don’t arrive earlier than 5-10 minutes for your lesson. The studio routine is: 
        1. Enter through my front door (ringing/knocking is optional.) PLEASE BE AWARE!~The door handles get HOT to the touch in the afternoon sun. 
        2. Remove and store shoes in the entryway.
        3. Walk to the basement.
        4. Sanitize/Wash hands in bathroom/kitchenette. This helps with germs and sticky piano keys.
        5. I will let the student know when it is his/her turn.
        6. After the lesson, students are welcome to wash/sanitize again.
        7. Students will be responsible to take all materials with them and exit. If the student needs help getting out the door, please make sure that supervised help is provided. Unfortunately, due to my teaching schedule, I cannot supervise students as they come and go.
    1. Cleaning Routine. I will provide a clean studio for music education. I try to sanitize the piano keys between students and wipe the handrails regularly. 

4. Materials, Home Practice & Learning Roles

    1. Materials. I will let you know which supplies you need to buy. I usually text an Amazon link. Please make these purchases in a timely manner so the student can keep learning. I have used many method books and found value in all of them (while still having my favorites). I am happy to use any books you already have on hand to reduce costs. If you buy any supplies from me, you will pay for them before receiving them. Please protect any copyrighted materials I share with you. If I loan you any materials, you are responsible to return them in the same condition as when they were loaned. Fees will be charged if items are not returned in the same condition as when loaned, to help offset repair/replacement.
    2. Instruments (Piano Students). Instruments for home practice are required. I prefer: 
      1. Acoustic pianos that are tuned annually.
      2. Electric keyboards with Weighted Keys--replicates dynamics based on touch.  
        • Non-weighted keyboards are acceptable in the beginning but weighted keyboards allow better musicianship to develop. 
        • Weighted keyboards typically cost more. Weighted keyboards give students an immediate response that if they strike the key hard, it sounds loud, and likewise soft for soft. It trains sensitivity, awareness and builds finger strength. 
      3. I recommend checking for used pianos/keyboards on Facebook Marketplace.
    1. Music Education Roles and Responsibilities = Success
      • Teacher's Role:
          • Stay up to date on the best methods of instruction.
          • Provide an educational, safe and motivational lesson.
          • Communicate with parents and students in a timely manner.
      • Parent's Role:
          • Be an advocate for your child/Communicate with teacher
          • Pay tuition 
          • Provide timely transportation to and from lessons/online access
          • Provide an adequate instrument at home
          • Offer encouragement to child to practice at home 
          • Piano Parents: Remind child to keep fingernails clipped short for best piano hand position on the keyboard.
      • The Student's Role:
          • Attend lessons prepared to learn and demonstrate assigned materials.
          • Practice all of the assigned lesson outline at home between lessons. 5 days of practicing/week is ideal. Practice time will depend on the length of the assignments given. 
          • (Piano Students) Keep fingernails short enough to play with correct hand position.
    1. (Private Lessons) Practice Outline. I create a Google Document for each student. Each week I add what we worked on in that lesson and what needs to be practiced at home. I will share this with you, as a commenter. Please refer to this outline regarding what to practice during the week. For students who prefer physical lesson outlines, notebooks are a good alternative to track practice.
    2. Practice and Lesson Incentives. Many students thrive when setting and achieving goals. I encourage families to establish incentive programs to motivate students in practicing. At the end of each lesson, I offer a small lollipop for lesson attendance. Please let me know if you prefer your child not to participate in this incentive. 

~THANK YOU!~

It's an honor for me to teach music. I highly value my students and their families. I see the efforts you make and applaud you for those efforts. I am constantly impressed, inspired, and blessed by the good I see in you. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be part of your music education journey. It takes courage to develop a skill and I am cheering you on!

My son and I recently finished a book. This passage applies: 

"Give yourself permission to fail. If you only try the things you believe you can do, you'll only accomplish the things you already knew you could do. But if you give yourself permission to fail, you're free to try the things that seem completely beyond your reach. And that's when the magic happens" (J. Scott Savage, Cove: Gears of Revolution, pg. 293-294).

I've seen this magic happen during lessons. It's among my favorite moments. Learning music has so many benefits but one of my favorites I've seen, as a mother of five children, is how the tenacity and discipline that comes from learning piano, singing, and other instruments translates beautifully into other areas of our lives. We gain invaluable grit, skills, and confidence that we can work through hard things.