Studio Policies

Trial Lesson:

An introductory lesson is offered to all new students at a discounted rate. During this lesson, we will determine your skill level, how you absorb material, and discuss your musical interests, in order to build an appropriate curriculum or progression of lessons for you. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend.

Tuition:

Marina's Music Studio accepts Checks, Cash, and My Music Staff (online payment).

Invoices are emailed one week prior to payment dates.

Payment is due by the first lesson of each month.

Tuition reserves your weekly time slot and studio membership. It also covers the cost of:

  • Lesson planning and repertoire selection
  • Recital venues and programs
  • Incentive programs and game materials

Tuition does not include the cost of music. Students should expect to spend approximately $50 per year on repertoire.

  • $20 Late Fee for all payments received past the 10th of the month
  • Forgot your payment? Miss the first lesson? Pay online or drop-off/mail payment to avoid the late fee.
  • If payment is not received by the second lesson of the month… no lesson will be given.
  • Should something come up where you cannot financially fulfill your commitment to your lessons, advanced notice and open, ongoing communication is appreciated and encouraged!

Current tuition rates are $20 per half hour

If you have a concern about cost, please contact Marina via email at: malekmarina@yahoo.com


Missed Lessons:

Lesson times are standing appointments; a student’s lesson time is reserved for only them each week, and it is their responsibility to attend.

Dance classes and sports teams do not offer reimbursements if you cannot attend a rehearsal or game – music lessons are no different.

Because specific times are set aside for specific students, a student who does not attend a lesson will simply miss the benefit of that lesson. I will then use that time or other times to plan for the student’s progress, locate materials, etc. Please be assured that tuition pays for far more than the time spent during lessons

  • Students who are ill SHOULD NOT attend lessons. If you are too sick to attend school, you are too sick to attend your lesson. Students who are mildly ill can schedule a FaceTime, Skype, or Google Hangout lesson during their regular time.
  • Please provide 48 hour notice if possible. Reschedules are not for students who miss lessons due to play dates, games, or non-emergency appointments.
  • “No-Show” Lessons are Forfeit: Repeat “no shows” will result in removal from the schedule without tuition reimbursement. (3 Strike Rule!)
  • Exceptions to the Rules: The more notice given, the more flexibility YOU have to reschedule. Look at your schedule in advance! Life can be crazy sometimes – talk to me – open communication is key!

Other Lesson Options for Students:

  • FaceTime/Skype: Mildly sick? No way to get to lessons? This is a valuable way to keep your individual lesson time and avoid rescheduling.
  • Video Lesson: Scheduling conflict? Too sick to FaceTime? I’ll record a short video lesson and send it to you.

Practice Expectations and Instrument Requirements

If there is a lack of progress, there is probably a lack of practice! A student’s progress is determined by dedicated practice, not by simply attending lessons. Ideally, students should practice at least 4-5 days a week. Specific amounts of practice time are not assigned to each student. Instead, students should practice long enough to complete their weekly assignments.

The quality of practice time is more important than the quantity of practice time.

Parental Support is an extremely important factor in musical training. Students whose parents take an active role in their progress tend to be more enthusiastic and productive. Create a quiet space where the student can practice, and schedule a time for practice each day.

Instrument Requirements: Both piano and voice students should have regular access to an acoustic piano or an 88 key modern digital piano with a weighted hammer action. The 61 key keyboards sold at most large retail stores are not satisfactory for the continued study of piano, though they will suffice for voice and beginning piano lessons if necessary. Acoustic pianos should be kept in good working order and should be tuned at least once a year.

Guitar students must have their own instrument, music stand, and guitar tuner.

It is strongly suggested that all students have access to a Metronome or Metronome app.

Holidays / Studio Breaks / Teacher Cancellation

Please Note that the studio is NOT closed on every national holiday. Sometimes Monday students WILL have lessons on a day when there is no school. The studio is ALWAYS closed on:

  • Memorial Day
  • 4th of July
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving week
  • Dec. 20th-Jan. 5th

Additional Studio Breaks or days off may occur during holiday breaks or between semesters, and are always announced well in advance. The calendar is subject to change.

If the Teacher Must Cancel Lessons (this happens very rarely), students will be offered group lessons to make up for the missed lesson(s), or tuition may be prorated.

Additional studio breaks are announced on the studio calendar

Discontinuation of Lessons

Music is a lifelong pursuit, but lessons are not always possible for a multitude of reasons. Whatever the reason, I will never take discontinuation of lessons personally. Remember: if you are unsatisfied with your lessons for any reason or if you are contemplating quitting lessons, please speak freely to me about your concerns.

Discontinuation of lessons requires a 3 week notice – This gives us time to wrap up any current projects and discuss how the student can continue to follow their music goals. This also allows me the necessary time to fill that empty lesson slot so that I can avoid a loss in income. Thank you for your consideration.