Studio Policy

Tuition

Tuition is due on the first lesson of each month. Tuition covers four lessons per month. Months with five weeks in it will be used for potential makeup lessons. If tuition is not paid by the end of the month, a late fee of $5 will be applied. I accept cash, personal checks, and Venmo payments. Please make checks out to Elizabeth Smith.

Lessons

Lessons are 45 minutes long consisting of a 30 minute one-on-one private lesson and 15 minutes on music theory software and keyboarding-- including practicing lead sheets, composing, or sight reading.

Materials

I require that students purchase books, a metronome or app for practicing and spiral bound notebook. Students should bring their notebook and books to every lesson. These materials are not included in tuition.

Attendance

Lessons that are missed for sickness or family emergencies can be made up if I am notified before the student's lesson. For family vacations, at least two weeks notice needs to be given and either the monthly fee can be reduced or the lessons can be made up. Any other reasons are considered unexcused and will not be made up or deducted. If a student arrives late, I will not make up the lesson time missed.

Students should NOT come to lessons if they are sick. If a student comes to a lesson sick, I will send them home.

Teacher Absences

If I miss lessons due to illness, family emergencies, or vacations, lessons will be made up or tuition will be reduced for that month. For vacations and other events, I will give you at least two weeks notice.

Summer Lessons

I require that students take lessons at least two-thirds of the summer in order to keep their spot. If you decide to take the whole summer off, I cannot guarantee the space will be available in the fall.

Practice

I require students to practice at least five times a week. If a student misses more than one week of practicing in a row, parents will be contacted.

Recitals

Students are required to participate in one recital every year in May or June depending on scheduling a venue. Their piece is required to be memorized.

Each December, students are also able to participate in Festival of Trees. This is optional and they are allowed to play with their music in front of them.

Termination of Lessons

Students who no longer want to take lessons should give at least two weeks notice before quitting. It is very disruptive to my studio for a student to quit without notice.