Studio Policy

Carol Wallis Studio

Math and Music 

Policies and Opportunities, 2025-2026

Welcome to our studio!  I’m excited to have the privilege of working to help you reach your goals and dreams this year!

Goals:  It is important that I know your goals for our study together: please let me know what is important to you! In general, I aim to impart and/ or strengthen a balance of skills. For the musician, we learn to read music, play by ear, understand music theory, play expressively, and learn a variety of styles. For the math student, while aiming to bring clarity to current homework and prepare for tests, we work for mastery in the rudiments of arithmetic, such as “fast facts,” elementary calculations, and other foundational understanding.  A strong foundation in these skills opens up current study in an amazing way.

Daily Practice/ Homework:  While we accomplish much together in lesson time, your best and most secure results will be attained with regular practice and review. A regular time for musical work, just after a regular daily event, such as snack time, will make your practice seem almost effortless.  You are building mental habits, and in the case of playing an instrument, you are building muscles, physical habits, and “muscle memory” as well.

**Please be prepared to work daily and carefully on the work I send home with you!  This is the secret ingredient for your success, and you will be blown away by all that this “secret strategy” will accomplish for you!**

Virtual Lessons:  Virtual lessons remain a popular option this year.  Please feel free to request a virtual lesson if you are feeling ill, or have recently been exposed to Covid. We aim to hold our activities in-person.  While Covid variants are still flourishing, we watch trends and practice strict protocol, including hand-washing and masking.  Please feel free to inquire.

Tuition:  Tuition is calculated either as a monthly flat rate or per visit, depending on the preferences of the student.  The flat rate is discounted and averaged throughout the calendar year, and four holidays are calculated “off.”  This means some months will include five lessons, while others include four or only three (on a holiday month).  For Music Students, Recitals are included in this rate. The flat rate is discounted to encourage students to come on a regular basis to ensure quick, solid progress, as well as to simplify my billing process.  Some students’ needs are only for occasional coaching, and I am glad to offer that when my schedule allows!

Payment:   Payment is requested by the first of the month (or on lesson day for per-visit sessions.)  Check, Zelle, CashApp, PayPal “Friends and Family”, cash and Step Up for Students Service Orders are accepted. Please note: any fees required by an online payment method are the responsibility of the student.  An administrative fee of $15 is requested for tuition that has not been received by the 5th of the month, to offset my increased admin time.  Step Up for Students families are requested to submit a Service Order prior to beginning a month of lessons.

Holidays:  The weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Spring Break are calculated into our flat rate.  Three other holidays fall on Mondays during the school calendar, and the studio is open during those times.  If your lessons are slated on Mondays and you are unable to attend, please let me know and I will extend your choice of either a Summer* Make-Up Lesson or Asynchronous  Make-Up Lesson for any of the affected dates!  *Summer weeks are June through the first half of August, when school resumes.

Missed Lessons:  Please let me know as soon as possible if you need to miss a lesson.  Although I cannot guarantee replacement lessons, I will be glad to offer one upon request if there is an available spot within a month’s time, or to offer an Asynchronous Make-Up Lesson (see below). Missed lessons are not carried over past one month.  I cannot make lessons up that are missed with less than an hour’s notice, and will need to be paid for that time if you are on the per visit plan.  Please also note that if a student persistently misses lessons, I may need to give that spot to another student.

Asynchronous  Lessons for music students!!  If you need to miss a scheduled lesson, please let me know immediately, and request this option.  You are then invited to record and send me a video of your present pieces, along with photos of any assigned theory work, and I will send you a video back with compliments and instructions for next steps needed in developing your song(s), along with new assignments!  This will allow us to continue our pace!!

If I cancel a lesson, you will have a choice to either make up the time (if available); to share in an Asynchronous Make-Up Lesson (see above); or to receive a refund for the lesson.  (Since Recitals are also folded into the Flat Rate, the refund rate is 25% of the monthly tuition.)

Fall Enrollment and Choice of Schedule: The shift of schedule for the Fall usually is a smooth one for us.  First priority is given to students who have seniority in the studio and to those who have attended during the current summer.  If further clarification is needed, priority is also given to students or student/parent teams who have demonstrated commitment to growth in their practice and/or homework.

Preferred Learning Styles and Needs: Please let me know of any particular needs you or your child have that could help me serve you best!! Everyone is unique!!

Recitals:  For Music students, Recitals are typically offered twice yearly.  They are offered either at my home, through a shared on-line venue, or even a favorite Retirement Community! 

Group Lessons and Trios:  Group Piano Lessons and Guitar Trios are offered, and are amazing! All levels from absolute beginner to intermediate are included, with score in 5 levels to create compelling Ensemble music. We offer the option to attend 3 private lessons and 1 group lesson ("3:1" lessons), combining the advantages of both settings.   We also occasionally combine keyboards and guitars to create  worship or popular music.

These synergetic experiences are great opportunities, and I see good growth in my students through their participation.  I recommend you make every effort to avail yourself of them when offered!

Withdrawal from lessons: In the event that a student discontinues lessons, please give a month’s notice, to allow time for the next student to enroll and adjust their schedule.    

Communication is valuable!  Please let me know whenever you have questions, needs, or concerns!  My goal is for you to be deeply blessed in our work together!  Thank you for giving me the privilege of sharing in your journey!