Studio Policies

Enrollment in the studio assumes acceptance of all policies outlined below. These guidelines ensure consistency, fairness, and a positive learning environment for everyone involved.

Lesson Format & Location

In-person lessons are the standard format and take place at my home studio in the North Druid Hills area of Atlanta. Specific address and parking instructions will be provided upon enrollment. 

Online lessons are not part of the regular studio offering but are available in limited circumstances for students outside Metro Atlanta or for occasional make-up lessons when in-person instruction isn’t possible.

Scheduling & Commitment

Fall and Spring Terms include approximately 16-18 weekly lessons each. Summer sessions offer flexible scheduling—students may register for 4-10 lessons based on their availability and travel plans.

Students register for complete terms with weekly lessons expected throughout each semester. The studio schedule is designed around committed students who maintain regular attendance and demonstrate measurable progress toward their stated goals.

Getting Started

All new students begin with a free 30-minute trial lesson where we will assess your current playing and discuss your goals, determine if my teaching approach aligns with your learning style, and review scheduling, materials, and policies. This trial helps ensure we’re a good fit before making a commitment.

Tuition & Payment

Monthly invoices are sent at the beginning of each month and payment is due by the 10th of each month. Accepted payment methods include Venmo, Zelle, cash, or secure online payment through the Studio Portal. Lessons will not continue if the previous month’s tuition remains unpaid.

Tuition Discounts

Early Payment Discount: Pay your complete Fall or Spring semester tuition by the second lesson and receive a credit equivalent to one free lesson for that term.

Referral Credit: When you refer a new student who enrolls for a full term and completes at least three lessons, you’ll receive a $40 credit toward your next semester’s tuition. Referral credits apply only while the referring student remains enrolled and are not paid as cash.

Enrollment Renewal

Students are contacted 4 weeks before each semester ends to confirm enrollment for the following term. Students who do not confirm renewal by 2 weeks before semester end are not scheduled for the next semester. Verbal or text notifications cannot be accepted for enrollment decisions.

Serious audition preparation takes structure. I’ve created a free guide for motivated players working to improve their consistency and confidence. Download the Audition Guide

Attendance & Make-up Lessons

Student attendance: Student attendance is expected weekly throughout the enrolled semester (Fall/Spring) except for holidays and approved absences. Note: Summer sessions are more flexible and do not require weekly attendance.

Parent attendance: Parents are welcome to attend the trial lesson, but regular weekly lessons are conducted with students only. Siblings may not attend lessons due to space limitations and the need for focused instruction. Parents may observe lessons occasionally by prior arrangement, particularly for younger students or when discussing progress toward specific goals.

Illness Policy: If you’re feeling unwell, please stay home. Make-up lessons will be arranged for reasonable illness-related absences at the instructor’s discretion.

Instructor Illness: If I am unable to teach due to illness, affected students will be notified as soon as possible via email, text, and through the studio portal. Make-up lessons will be scheduled at the earliest mutually convenient time, typically within the same week when possible.

Other Absences: School trips, family events, and other planned absences require at least 24 hours advance notice. Cancellations with less notice are charged in full and are not eligible for make-up lessons.

Make-up Scheduling: When offered, make-up lessons are scheduled at mutually convenient times. Fridays and weekends are reserved specifically for make-up lessons and are not available for regular weekly slots.

Weather & Emergency Closures

The studio generally follows DeKalb County Schools for weather-related closures. When weather conditions create safety concerns, lessons may be canceled or temporarily moved online. Notifications are sent via email and posted in the student portal.

Practice Expectations

Students are expected to maintain consistent practice habits between lessons. This typically includes focused practice sessions at least 5 days per week, implementing lesson assignments and practice strategies discussed during instruction. Students should come to lessons prepared with assigned materials and be ready to demonstrate progress on technical exercises, etudes, and repertoire. Progress timelines are based on individual development and consistent practice rather than external deadlines.

Materials & Books

Students are responsible for purchasing required method books, etudes, and solo repertoire as assigned. I will provide specific recommendations based on each student’s level and goals. Educational copies of select materials may be shared through the studio portal for reference, and I regularly post additional resources and exercises developed specifically for studio students. Supplemental materials such as practice exercises, fingering charts, or reference materials will be provided by the studio as needed. Students should bring all assigned music, a notebook, and a pencil to each lesson.

Recording & Media Policy

Lesson recordings are encouraged as a practice tool and may be made with prior consent from both student and instructor. I may occasionally record lessons for educational purposes with advance notice. Photos or videos may be taken for studio promotional purposes with advance notice and parental permission for minors. Students and families are welcome to share their musical achievements on social media but should not post content that identifies the studio address or includes other students without permission.

Studio Conduct & Safety

Student information remains strictly confidential and is never shared with outside parties. Students should plan to arrive no more than 5 minutes before their scheduled lesson time. At the conclusion of the lesson, students should remain in the studio area until their transportation arrives, and parents should arrange prompt pickup at the conclusion of each lesson.

Questions & Communication

For questions about policies, scheduling, or any studio-related matters, contact me directly via email or through the studio portal. I typically respond to non-urgent communications within 24-48 hours.