Studio Policy and Agreements
This Studio Policy and Agreement is a legal contract between Studio and Student for private, individual music lessons and class instruction provided by Studio to Student. Student agrees to enroll with Studio for such lessons and abide by the provisions of the Studio Policy, as a condition to Studio providing music lessons to Student.
I care very much about every single student. Your success is my first priority! Even if you never play an instrument past high school, you will have important tools to be successful in whatever you do. Besides developing the discipline of practicing every day, the joy of being able to play a musical instrument well is worth every bit of time and money spent.
Private Music Lessons
A 30-minute lesson is scheduled weekly. Additional lessons can be scheduled (as time is available) to help prepare for an important audition or performance. At this time, a make up lesson schedule is not available. A missed lesson is simply missed with no worries!
Calendar
Letha’s Music Studio offers lessons year-round. Holidays are determined by the McKinney ISD school calendar. Discount summer lesson packages will be available to easily work lessons in around vacations and summer camps. Summer Lesson Packages will be available in May so you can plan ahead. Please choose your Summer Lesson Package by June 1. If for some reason you must withdraw for all or part of the summer, a $35 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your day/time in the fall. This is due by July 1 st . I will always do everything I can to accommodate your schedule. I understand about soccer, homework etc.
Attendance
Students should arrive at their lesson on time and prepared. Your lesson time will not be extended because you are late.
Please arrive no more than 5 minutes prior to your lesson and you should be picked no later than 5 minutes after the lesson has ended unless prior arrangements have been made. If you are running late because of unforeseen circumstance, please call or text at 940-390-0807.
Parents are responsible for making sure their child makes it safely from their car to the front door and that the child returns safely to the car and Letha’s Music Studio is not liable for any injury or damage that may occur going to/from your car. If you know you have a conflict with a specific lesson date coming up, let me know as soon as possible.
Parents/Siblings/Guests at Lessons
Parents and siblings are welcome and encouraged to attend and quietly observe the lesson in the waiting area provided by the Studio. However, if there is any disruption to the concentration and efforts of the Student, arrangements may need to be made to prevent the distraction from happening in the future.
Studio Expectations
Be prepared!! Students are expected to practice their warm-ups everyday and to practice repertoire for the amount of time that is determined for you during your lesson. Required practice time will be adjusted for each student for their level of ability and performance. It is suggested that practice times are consistently at the same time daily. For example, if your student is required to practice for 30 minutes daily, they can practice a full 30 minutes at once or it can be divided into (2) 15-minute sessions. Practice time is increased as you advance. Remember, you get out of it what you put into it so practice as much as possible. This is the only way you will improve. Being diligent will be rewarded!!
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. - Aristotle
Quality practice time is a must!! Sometimes students should be playing through a piece of music from beginning to end, but more often students need to isolate problem spots within a piece and work on those, always remembering to “put the music back together” in the end. I will teach practice techniques during the students lesson to assist in having productive practice sessions at home.
Students Responsibility to the teacher
- Be fully prepared for each lesson. (Practice material you have been assigned to work on.)
- Bring your folder and spiral to each lesson for handouts and sheet music (Note: You can decorate your folder and spiral however you want!)
- Bring a pencil with you to each lesson to take notes as new ideas, songs and or assignments are introduced.
- All children/students need help with structure and self discipline. Expect to have to remind and encourage your child/children to practice. Students and parents both need to be accountable for consistent quality practice. If you have any questions or there is something your child does not understand never hesitate to call or email me. It is my sincere hope that the music lessons can be a rewarding experience that will last a lifetime!
Music/Materials
Students will be informed of the music and materials required at lessons. I will purchase all music and materials.
The cost of materials and fees for participation in festival evaluations, competitions, concert attendance (see below) and any other activities is separate. Students are encouraged to bring in any music they would like to work on. However, I reserve the right to decide whether the music is appropriate for the student’s ability level.
Payment
Tuition is due at the first day of the month for Fall and Spring Semesters. For Summer Session, tuition is due June 1. Acceptable methods of payment currently are Venmo, Paypal and Zelle. A $35 late fee is charged on the 7th of each month.
If a new student begins mid month, fees will be prorated.
Withdrawal from Lessons
Lessons are continuous and ongoing, effective as of the date of this Studio Policy and Agreement written above. Student may terminate lessons for any reason. To terminate lessons, Student must provide at least 2 weeks notice to Studio, during which time the tuition has been paid in full. Studio may also terminate lessons for any reasons, at the sole discretion of the Studio. If Studio terminates lessons, tuition will be pro-rated up to the last lesson taken and a refund will be provided if applicable.
Please see Ms. Pilgrim for a copy of the handbook and forms that need to be signed and returned to Ms. Pilgrim.