Studio Policy
2017-2018
Philosophy Statement
The Studio Connection is an independent music studio devoted to promoting a love of music to students of all ages within the local community. For students who desire to learn, our musically trained, professionally qualified instructors strive to educate, motivate and guide them to discover and develop their potential as a creative musician. The goal is to nurture life-long skills, enabling students to think critically, independently, and become musically self-reliant. Recognizing the unique learning style of every individual, we are committed to tailoring a well-rounded curriculum presented in a positive and supportive environment.
Private Lessons
Lessons are available in increments of 30, 45 or 60-minute sessions. Most students will begin at 30 minutes and increase lesson length upon recommendation of the instructor. During individual lessons students will concentrate primarily on solo repertoire, while incorporating proper technique and other necessary areas of musicianship. This includes sight-reading, ear training, theory, transposition, basic improvisation, performance and accompaniment skills.
Enrichment Sessions
Each 60-minute session consists of students grouped by age. The group classes are scheduled four times throughout the year, as noted on the studio calendar. The scheduled class replaces the private lesson for that week. Students are expected to come to their chosen group times, prepared to perform their assigned piece.
Missed Lessons (Attendance Policy)
Prompt attendance is expected in order to establish routine and maximize investment in the personal attention of private lessons. If you wish to cancel a lesson, please call 419-419-3355 before the day of the lesson. There will be no refunds given for missed lessons. Failure to attend scheduled lessons without notice will forfeit that week’s lesson. However, with at least 24 hours notice, students will be given the opportunity to schedule a makeup time within their teacher’s normal schedule. These should be limited to illness and family emergencies. Every effort will be made to adjust lesson times for those conflicting with a band, orchestra, or choir concert at school, when notified well in advance.
Please assume the studio will be open on official school “Snow Days.” A Level Three Emergency Status issued by Wood County would warrant completely closing the studio for business. Students will be contacted if the instructor is unable to attend due to inclement weather, and make-up lessons will be arranged. Teachers will be granted up to three flex days, which are not included in tuition payment. Flex days allow teachers to cancel lessons for personal reasons without needing to make up the missed lessons. The studio will try to give as much advance notice as possible. The studio also reserves the right to provide a substitute teacher when necessary. Although Enrichment Sessions cannot be made up, advanced notice of schedule conflicts is greatly appreciated.
Number of flex days that will be allotted
Lessons started August - November 3 Flex days
Lessons started December - March 2 Flex days
Lessons started April - July 1 Flex day
Please assume the studio will be open on official school “Snow Days.” A Level Three Emergency Status issued by Wood County would warrant completely closing the studio for business. Students will be contacted if the instructor is unable to attend due to inclement weather, and make-up lessons will be arranged. Teachers will be granted up to three flex days, which are not included in tuition payment. Flex days allow teachers to cancel lessons for personal reasons without needing to make up the missed lessons. The studio will try to give as much advance notice as possible. The studio also reserves the right to provide a substitute teacher when necessary. Although Enrichment Sessions cannot be made up, advanced notice of schedule conflicts is greatly appreciated.
Number of flex days that will be allotted
Lessons started August - November 3 Flex days
Lessons started December - March 2 Flex days
Lessons started April - July 1 Flex day
Financial Responsibilities
Based on a yearly schedule of 41 lessons divided equally into twelve months (August-July), tuition is as follows:
1 Instrument 30 – minute lessons $97 per month
1 Instrument 45 – minute lessons $145 per month
1 Instrument 60 - minute lessons $189 per month
2 Instruments* 30 – minute lessons $180 per month
2 Instruments* 45 – minute lessons $270 per month
*Students studying more than one instrument should plan to attend only one group class during the Enrichment Session Week, as all students of all instruments will be combined.
Payments will be automatically processed on the 15th of each month. Like a gym membership, tuition fees are paid through automatic monthly deductions from credit/debit cards. Monthly invoices will not be sent.
Please expect tuition to be adjusted annually.
Tuition will include the involvement fee, administration fee and any books needed throughout the year. Outside studio performance opportunities (festivals, contests, auditions etc.) may include a separate application fee or accompanist fee.
Additional costs involved in piano lessons will include the purchase of a metronome and upkeep of an acoustic piano, including regular tunings. Recommendations of piano technicians will be given upon request.
1 Instrument 30 – minute lessons $97 per month
1 Instrument 45 – minute lessons $145 per month
1 Instrument 60 - minute lessons $189 per month
2 Instruments* 30 – minute lessons $180 per month
2 Instruments* 45 – minute lessons $270 per month
*Students studying more than one instrument should plan to attend only one group class during the Enrichment Session Week, as all students of all instruments will be combined.
Payments will be automatically processed on the 15th of each month. Like a gym membership, tuition fees are paid through automatic monthly deductions from credit/debit cards. Monthly invoices will not be sent.
Please expect tuition to be adjusted annually.
Tuition will include the involvement fee, administration fee and any books needed throughout the year. Outside studio performance opportunities (festivals, contests, auditions etc.) may include a separate application fee or accompanist fee.
Additional costs involved in piano lessons will include the purchase of a metronome and upkeep of an acoustic piano, including regular tunings. Recommendations of piano technicians will be given upon request.
Communicating with your Instructor
Communication is essential in creating a positive and successful learning environment. If you are dissatisfied with an instructor, please call and speak to the studio director. Complaints are taken very seriously and compliments are deeply appreciated. Every effort will be made to resolve problems before discontinuing lessons, whether it is a personality conflict, boredom with lessons, or financial need. In the event that it is still necessary to withdraw from lessons, one month’s notice is required to allow the studio to prepare for this absence. You must come in to sign a withdrawal form and pay any balance due. The studio website has become a valuable tool for communication. There you will find student spotlights, calendars, event flyers, recital registration, and other important updates. Text updates are available; please ask the front desk if you are not receiving them and would like to. A monthly newsletter is also sent out to keep you informed.
Parental Involvement
Parental involvement is extremely beneficial to the success of the student. The establishment of a regularly scheduled practice time must be enforced and encouraged by the caregiver. Practicing is the means to realizing the student’s potential, and coming prepared to each lesson is crucial. Students under the age of ten should have someone, preferably an adult, who can regularly supervise their practice at least twice a week. All instructors are hired because of their expertise in teaching and their advanced musical skill. They can help establish realistic practice goals for optimal musical progress. Please keep in mind that teachers do not arrange scheduling, billing, or make-up lessons, but this is handled solely through the front desk.
Final Considerations
It is our privilege to work with families of the community as we find joy in seeing students progress in their love and understanding of music. While these policies are meant to establish clear goals and expectations on our end, we hope you will find us accommodating and easy to work with. It is our pleasure to have you as a part of The Studio Connection!
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