Policies for Acton Piano Studio/Music School

STUDIO POLICIES 2023 –2024
The teaching schedule will follow the school year for schools in Owen Sound  (Tues. Sept. 5th/23 to June 27th/2024)  Christmas & March break will follow the school calendar. There will be no lessons on the following Mondays:  - Sept- Labour day - Oct - Thanksgiving -  Feb - Family day-  May - Victoria day  Lessons can be scheduled another day those weeks.  There are lessons on  Easter Monday.    Lessons are also offered on a week to week basis during July.
Practice expectation / Parental involvement
A main purpose of each lesson is to prepare the student for home practice. Parental support is critical in aiding a child's success. Parents can help with regards to practicing by: * trying to schedule a consistent practice time that fits with other family activities * encouraging your child to discuss
their lesson with you * listening to your child practice & acknowledge improvement * encourage playing for others*  Practicing in small time slots on a regular basis is more effective than trying to cram .
Recitals/Festivals/Exams
Students do not have to take part in these events but are strongly encouraged to get involved in at least some of these performance opportunities.
* Recitals are not as formal as competitions, memory is not required, and they are open to all students with a small participation fee. 
* Other festivals/competitions are held spring & fall, are more formal, cost more than recitals, memory is mandatory and are scheduled during school hours.
* Exams are a great way to build tools for success" discipline, confidence & time management " There is extra work & cost associated with taking exams & extra lessons may be required. High School credits can also be earned for Grade/ Level 7 & 8.
Payment Schedule   - Payments are on a  Month to Month basis. 
Lesson fees are to be paid Monthly by the First Lesson of the Month.  Depending on your lesson day, there will be 3, 4 or 5 lessons in a month.

Current fees are $ 25 per private 1/2 hour lesson ( $ 50 per hour ) for all levels up to level 8 .   Please inquire about rates for Level 9 & up.
Payment may be made by either Cash, Cheque or E transfer . 

Music books
I encourage you to check out music stores when you can : there is something for every musical taste. If your prefer , I am able to order in music. If a payment for lessons is due within the month, please add book money to it, if not, please send payment the week of, or after receiving new books.
Missed Lessons
*I would like to have 24 hours notice of any non emergency cancellations (more if you know ahead)
*Make-up lessons will be arranged if one is canceled for an acceptable reason. These lessons will be rescheduled either during the month, on PA days, or at the end of the term. *Occasional weekends, a few days during Christmas break & the 1st week of July are also available for makeup lessons.
*Lessons canceled due to illness or family emergency will be re-scheduled at a mutually agreed on time.
*Lessons canceled by me will be re-scheduled or the money refunded or credited.
*Lessons that are missed by a students, without sufficient notice, or for an unsuitable reason ( i.e.too much homework, lack of practice, forgot etc. ) will not be made up & no refund will be given.  However,  payment is appreciated on the first week of the month whether student attends that week or not.
Contact information
As most lessons are held between the hours of 3:30 p.m. & 9 p.m. it is Not advisable to call during those hours  ( avoids disruption of students lessons.)

    Any change to a lesson that evening would be an exception.
To discuss your child's progress or any other matters, please feel free to pop in at any time during their lesson, email for information or call during the day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 9 to 9:30 p.m.  Phone #  226-664-1993  Email  -  jatugus@gmail.com

Please call ( do not  just email ) if you need to reschedule on your lesson day .  Thank you for your co-operation, Jennifer Culpeper ARCT