Music Lesson Policy

POLICY LETTER: In effect from August 1, 2026 until July 31, 2027

Scheduling/Reserving a lesson time: Call the studio at 850.231.3199 to talk directly to a person. If no answer, leave a voice message. Emails and texts do not secure nor reserve your lesson time.

TUITION AND FEES

Rates for tuition are structured by the semester. Depending on the day of the week for your lesson and when you commence lessons, the number of lessons (and therefore total price) may vary during our Fall/Winter Semester from August 3rd - December 18, 2026, and the Spring semester from January 5th through May 28, 2027. The Summer session is typically during the month of June, depending on teacher availability.

Parents and students are encouraged to commit to a full semester's attendance. Payments are made in advance and can be completed through full payment, partial payment, or monthly installments.

PAYMENT must be made in advance of lessons: We accept checks, cash, and credit cards. For credit card payment, please visit the "Payment Portal" on our website where you can log into your account (Jack Rabbit Database) and make a secure payment. WE DO NOT ACCEPT NOR RECEIVE VENMO PAYMENTS. PLEASE DO NOT SEND PAYMENT VIA VENMO.

ALL TUITION IS NON-REFUNDABLE for any reason.

1. ADDITIONAL FEES · Registration Fee: $50, valid for one year (two semesters from August until May)

STUDENTS WHO DO NOT OWN or HAVE AN INSTRUMENT TO PRACTICE ON:

Consider your lessons as monitored practice with less instructional time. Devices such as iPads, toys, flat table roll-up keyboards, keyboards with half-size keys, or paper charts do not qualify as an instrument. Payment at our standard rates is still required.

Makeup/Rescheduled Lesson: No makeup lessons available for any reason. No refunds.

IF THE TEACHER CANCELS YOUR LESSON: The studio will re-schedule a makeup lesson within 21 days of the canceled lesson.

EXTENDED PLANNED ABSENCE: All absences more significant than one week must be submitted in writing no later than 48 hours prior to your lesson. Written notes can be placed in the mailbox in the waiting room or emailed to studio237music@gmail.com.

HOLIDAYS: The Studio follows the Walton County Public School System holiday calendar.

Books: Students often need several new books each year. The cost of books ranges from $10 to $20 and should be reimbursed by the next lesson or during the next monthly billing cycle.

PRACTICE:

For those students who own or rent instruments, the required study time will vary based on age and playing level. To achieve progress, a student should aim to practice their instrument four days a week for at least 20 minutes daily (ages 4 to 6) and 30+ minutes (ages 7 and older).

PARENT'S ROLE IN PRACTICE:

When parents dedicate time and effort to help their child maintain consistency in their study, they will generally see progress at an average to above-average rate. For young children, attending lessons can provide insight into what is needed from the teacher and the music/exercises your child needs to practice.

YOUR CHILD’S BOOKS:

1. The studio provides a book bag to store your books/materials.

2. On lesson day, have your child place all books in the bag and keep it by the exit of your home for easy access.

3. If books go missing, they must be replaced. Please notify your teacher so new books can be ordered.

A NO SHOW STUDENT is defined as someone who fails to pay tuition and does not attend lessons for two consecutive weeks without notice. At that point, the lesson time may be made available to new or existing students.

SCHOOL PROPERTY RULES: (Adults and Children)

While on the property:

- No smoking or vaping on site.

- No consumption of alcoholic beverages, legal recreational, or illegal drugs on the premises.

- No profanity is permitted in speech, music content, or behavior. Respect for others is paramount; our studio environment is not suitable for such conduct.

- No destruction of property.

- No running or climbing.

- Clean clothes and shoes should be worn.

- No pets allowed.

- Bathing suits are inappropriate for lessons.

- No one under the influence is permitted on the property.

- No physical or verbal fighting allowed.

- Respectful interaction is expected, failure to adhere may lead to lesson termination.

WAITING ROOM BEHAVIOR: The waiting room serves as the living area. No jumping or running around is allowed. If a child has a tantrum, please take them outside to calm down. 

PHYSICAL GROOMING:

Students should have clean, trimmed fingernails (no longer than 1/4 inch from the cuticle); hair should be tied back. Clean hands and face are a must. For piano students, acrylic nails longer than 1/4 inch are prohibited as they impede playing.

FOOD AND GUM: Eating or chewing gum during lessons is not allowed. Dispose of gum properly to maintain cleanliness on the property.

STUDENT'S CELL PHONE: Phones must be turned off during lessons to minimize distractions.

TERMINATION OF LESSONS: One week’s notice is required to terminate lessons. Please state the exact day your lessons will stop in your communication.

A teacher may refuse to teach a student under certain circumstances, including lack of motivation or inappropriate conduct by the student or parent.

A STUDENT WILL BE IMMEDIATELY DISMISSED IF they engage in physical harm or threaten others while on studio property.

RECITALS:

Two recitals are held each year (one in December and one in May). A Recital Fee of $30 per student applies (families with multiple students receive a discount). Recitals provide motivation and showcase student progress, though participation is encouraged but not mandatory. Prior approval from teachers and parents is required for recital pieces.

OPTIONAL: FFMC FESTIVAL: Students may also participate in the Florida Federation of Music Clubs (FFMC) events, showcasing their talents each February. Participation fees ($28 for one event) are due by November 1st and are non-refundable. Inquiries about participation can be made with Lisa Cyr (event date TBA).

The policy letter remains valid until July 31, 2027.