Studio Policies
Lesson Time
Students reserve a specific lesson time slot (both online and in person lessons are scheduled back to back) so Melanie cannot extend lesson minutes for any reason. Students will not be given extra lesson time if they are early or late to a lesson. For studio lessons, students should arrive at the scheduled time (and be picked up on time) as Melanie cannot accommodate students before or after their lesson time. In home lesson start times may vary +/- 5 minutes (due to travel) and Melanie will teach the full lesson length. Note: occasionally, Melanie may ask a student to fill an earlier lesson slot due to a cancellation--your flexibility is appreciated, but if you can't do the earlier time, your regular slot will still be available.
Online/Zoom Lessons
Please make sure your device is set up for the lesson at least 5 minutes prior to the lesson start time. A good internet connection is key! If you have issues with Zoom, we can also use Duo or Google Meet Up. ALL students (even those who are doing in-person lessons) should have the capability to do virtual lessons--in the event of a snow day or illness, Zoom lessons can be used as an alternative (please note that Melanie cannot do last minute Zoom lessons if she is travelling between locations).
For Parents
Only the teacher and student are permitted in the lesson room during lessons. Parents should make sure children are prepared to sit through an entire lesson without them and can listen and follow directions (short attention spans are normal and expected, but behavioral issues may result in dismissal from the lesson). Parents should support their child's practice sessions at home. Melanie cannot be responsible for supervising any children before/after their lesson time (parents will be charged an additional fee if their child is not picked up at the studio immediately after their lesson).
Home Practice Time
In order to get the most out of lessons and make steady progress, all students should practice on their own at least 3 times per week. If this isn't possible, please opt to schedule 2 lessons per week.
Scheduling
New students may schedule their first lesson at any time. Returning students schedule lessons month-to-month. Scheduling preference is given to students who schedule a weekly lesson slot for the entire upoming calendar month. Lesson slots are not reserved until paid for and time/dates cannot be changed once confirmed.
Payment
To reserve lessons slots, pay for lessons by date due. Payment for next month's lessons is due the last day of the current month (i.e. October lesson payment is due by September 30) . For new students, payment is due 24 hrs before the initial lesson. Pay by Zelle or Venmo. No refunds or credits once payment is processed.
Student Cancellations
To cancel a lesson, please text Melanie so she knows you will not be attending. You may not change your reserved lesson date/time for any reason. There are NO refunds or "makeup lessons" (lessons done at a later date/time) offered if you cancel or are absent. Illness is not an exception to this policy (but as a courtesy to Melanie and her other students, please cancel your lesson if you are ill). A Zoom lesson (at the regularly scheduled date/time) may be offered in place of an in person lesson at the studio - with sufficient notice and at Melanie's discretion - but is not always possible.
Teacher/Weather Cancellations
All lessons canceled by Melanie will be rescheduled. In the case of a declared snow emergency, school weather cancellation, or if Melanie is not comfortable travelling in inclement weather, Zoom lessons will be offered as an alternative (otherwise students will be credited toward next month's lessons). In Winter, please make sure your driveway/front steps are cleared of snow/ice so Melanie can safely get to your door!
Discontinuing Lessons
Students who choose to discontinue lessons will not be refunded for lessons already paid for. Melanie reserves the right to discontinue lessons for any reason and will refund the student for any untaught lessons, except in cases where the student failed to follow these studio policies.
Agreement To Terms
By scheduling and paying for lessons, you/the student agree to the studio policies. Lesson policies are subject to change, and any changes will be posted here.