STUDIO POLICIES
I. Philosophy and Pedagogy.
A. General Approach
Play…Learn…Perform… is the core motto and philosophy of the Studio of Musical Arts, LLC. My studio is a unique place where students of all ages and abilities can reach their full potential as a person and a musician.
B. Pedagogy and Methods
The goal is for my students to perform music that they really enjoy playing. Beginning students are given a solid foundation in note reading and technique. Once the basics of playing their instrument are learned, students are encouraged to actively participate in the selection of the songs or pieces that they will study as they grow as a musician. For an idea of the types of up-to-date instruction books that I use, please visit the on-line Store (in association with Amazon.com) on my web site.
II. Terms Regarding Rates, Schedule, Payment and Offerings
A. Studio Tuition
The basic Tuition rate for music lessons at the Studio of Musical Arts, LLC is $25.oo per half-hour music lesson for beginning students or $50.00 per hour music lesson for more advanced students who require longer lessons. A one half-hour music lesson per week is recommended for all beginning students. Because of the longer songs and pieces played by intermediate and advanced students, the option of taking a one-hour music lesson per week is recommended.
B. Schedule
The regular Studio Year generally runs from mid-September through mid-June (just like the typical school year). Students may register for/begin music lessons at any time during the year. During the full, nine-month Studio Year, there will be 36 music lessons, or an average of 4 music lessons per month. Studio Year tuition is payable in nine monthly payments of $100.00 for half-hour music lessons and $200.00 for hour music lessons. Summer music lessons are also offered. Music lessons given during the summer months are paid for at the per lesson rate of $25.00 per half hour or $50.00 per hour.
C. Tuition Due Date
Tuition is due at the first music lesson of each month. If the student is not at the first music lesson of the month, payment should be mailed to the Studio address. If payment is made after the 15th of the month, a late fee of $7.00 may be applied. Any late payments may include the $7.00 late fee.
D. Recitals
The Studio of Musical Arts, LLC, holds two public recitals, one in January and one in June.
E. Returned Checks
There will be a $32.00 fee if your check is returned for insufficient funds.
III. Practice
A. Recommended Length of Practice.
Every effort is made to inspire my students to practice daily for a length of time appropriate to their level of training. It is recommended that beginners practice 15 minutes per day and that advanced students practice up to one to two hours per day. No matter how long a student practices, the key is consistent, daily practice at least five days per week. It is also highly recommended that at least once a week a student perform a short “concert” for Mom and/or Dad or any other significant adults who may happen to be available. These “concerts” count as a practice session and they can become an important part of your child’s development and become a cherished family tradition. Important Audience Guideline (especially for parents of beginners):
Be Very Encouraging!
Absolutely NO criticism!
B. Guided Practice Sessions
A student’s lack of practice is never an acceptable reason for canceling a music lesson. If the student has not practiced adequately during the previous week, their music lesson will merely be a guided practice session. Consistent lack of practice is a strong indication that a student should stop taking music lessons.
IV. Canceling/Rescheduling Lessons
A. Missing Music Lessons
It is understood that a student may have to miss a music lesson due to vacations, family emergencies or illness. For all planned absences due to vacations, please notify Mr. Byrne in writing by the 20th of the previous month, and all reasonable attempts will be made to reschedule any missed music lessons. Additionally, every reasonable effort will be made to reschedule music lessons missed due to illness and/or family emergencies. When it is impossible to reschedule music lessons missed due to illness and/or family emergencies, the missed lessons will be credited.
Music lessons missed for any other non-illness, non-emergency personal reasons (such as a party, a sporting event, company from out of town, etc.) will be rescheduled subject to the discretion/available of Mr. Byrne. Whenever possible, if you plan to miss a music lesson, please notify Mr. Byrne well in advance.
Other than music lessons canceled by Mr. Byrne or a student’s illness and/or family emergencies, students are only allowed to reschedule two make up music lessons per year. Missed make up music lessons will not be rescheduled or refunded.
B. Inclement Weather
Music lessons are not automatically canceled due to inclement weather even when local elementary schools have declared a snow day. Road conditions often greatly improve by late afternoon or early evening when most music lessons are scheduled. When in doubt, please call or email Mr. Byrne.
Since we live in Wisconsin: If the Studio is forced to close for one Snow Day per year due to severe weather the missed music lessons will not be rescheduled or credited. If the Studio is closed for more than one Snow Day, the music lessons for the additional Snow Day will be rescheduled or credited.
C. Teacher Absence
Except in the case of illness, if Mr. Byrne needs to a cancel a music lesson(s) for any other reason (such as a professional engagement or gig as a piano player) the student will be notified in advance, and the missed music lesson(s) will definitely be either rescheduled or credited.
D. Non-payment
In the event of non-payment, Mr. Byrne reserves the right to refuse to provide music lessons and to cancel music lessons or suspend a student until their account is brought up to date.
E. Discharge From/Termination of Lessons
Mr. Byrne reserves the right to discharge a student at any time for inappropriate behavior, which includes, but is not limited to, disrespectful or uncooperative behavior, abusive verbal or physical conduct, or violation of studio rules or policies.
V. Studio rules
A. Promptness
Please be prompt for your music lesson. Music lessons are generally scheduled back-to-back so it is usually impossible to make up any “lost time”. While there is a comfortable waiting area at the Studio of Musical Arts, LLC, it is recommend that you not arrive more than five minutes prior to or be picked up more than five minutes after your scheduled music lesson time.
B. Discontinuing Lessons
If you wish to discontinue musc lessons either temporarily or permanently, please give a 30-day advance notice in writing.
C. Food
Please do not bring food, beverages or snacks of any kind to your music lesson. Please also ensure the student’s hands have been washed prior to their music lesson.
D. Accidents Happen
Music lessons should not necessarily be discontinued due to a hand or arm injury. Please consult with your physician. Unnecessarily discontinuing music lessons may only add a further feeling of personal loss to a student’s physical injury.
E. Parent Auditors
Parents may sit in on music lessons. However, music lessons with adolescent students are generally more productive without the parents being present. For very young, lower-elementary students, parents are encouraged to actively participate in their child’s music lessons so that the parent understands completely what their child should be doing when they practice at home. Of course, parents, other family members and friends visiting the Studio are expected to be quiet during the music lesson.
F. No-Smoking Policy
The Studio of Musical Arts, LLC is a smoke-free environment.
G. Parking
Ample parking should be available in the driveway as well as on Glacier Pass. Parking is not allowed on Glacier Pass from November to April.
Please be considerate of our neighbors. Also, please try not to block the driveway for those taking music lessons before and after you/your student.
H. Dropping Off Students
If a student will be dropped off for a music lesson please wait for your child to actually enter the front door before driving away. Please also be prompt in picking up your child at the end of their music lesson. In times of inclement weather when your child may not be able to wait for you outside of the Studio, please call them or Mr. Byrne (262-893-1759) to inform him that you are outside waiting.
I. Risk and Waiver of Liability
Parents/Students should understand that learning to play a musical instrument includes physical movements. As is the case with any physical activity, the risk of injury, even serious or disabling, is always present and cannot be entirely eliminated. If I/your child experience any pain or discomfort, please immediately inform Mr. Byrne. I hereby agree to irrevocably release and waive any claims, whether for myself or my child, that I have now or hereafter may have against Patrick Byrne/Studio of Musical Arts, LLC.
J. Change of Terms
Please note that any or all of these Studio policies are subject to change without prior notice. The current, revised Studio Policies are always posted on the Studio of Musical Arts, LLC, web site. Students and parents are encouraged to subscribe to this web site in order to stay up to date.
