POLICIES

                                      LEWIS MUSIC STUDIO ----- STUDIO POLICY (revised 6/17)

                          625 Circle Drive          Bryan, OH   43506-2231         PH: 419-519-2237             

                            E-mail: judy@lewismusicstudio.com    www.lewismusicstudio.com

It is YOUR responsibility to read, know & understand all policies stated herein.

Greetings and welcome to music lessons! In this outline you will find information about me, my teaching experience, procedures and policies of the studio and related topics. Please take a few moments to carefully read through these important guidelines. 

Music is a language--and like any language, there are many basics which must be mastered prior to advancing to more complex applications. Students will be introduced to a variety of repertoire, technique, theory, sight reading, ensemble playing, composition, ear training, musical games, music history, recordings & performance opportunities at a level appropriate for their level of expertise. Please bear in mind that no two students are exactly alike, and learn at different rates of speed.  I approach students as individuals and attempt to challenge each according to their own unique potential. 

No food, gum or drink (except water) is allowed in the studio! 

REGISTRATION: A student registers for a particular number of lessons or hours of instruction for a term.  A contract signed by the person responsible for payment on the student’s account may be requested and returned to LMS BEFORE lessons may begin each term. Other appointments or events should not interfere with the time you have saved for your instruction. Piano lessons continue during the summer months. This is a private piano studio, and does not follow any particular "academic school year".

LESSON SCHEDULE/ ATTENDANCE: Regular attendance at lessons & consistent practice outside the studio according to the instruction given at lessons will insure musical success. This is an issue of responsibility and choice on the part of parents and students. A student shall not study the same instrument concurrently with another teacher. All lessons shall be completed within thirty days of the official end of the term or unused lesson time is forfeited. All lessons shall be scheduled at LMS unless arrangements are made with the instructor for an alternative location. Parents are encouraged to attend lessons as frequently as possible. Please remember that you are paying for the instructor’s time & expertise. 

MISSED LESSONS: If a lesson must be missed, call LMS at least 24 hours in advance. Students may reschedule private lessons at the instructor’s availability IF the 24 hour notice has been received. If the proper notice has not been given, the lesson & instructional time shall be forfeited. 

When emergencies occur, such as a sudden illness or death in the family, notice of cancellation should be given to LMS as soon as possible. Consideration will be given on a case-by-case basis for making up the lesson up to 10% of the contracted lessons per student per term. If an instructor must cancel a lesson, you shall be contacted immediately with as much notice given as possible. Any lesson canceled by the instructor (for any reason) shall be made up at a time agreeable by all parties involved. 

TUITION: Upon confirmation of intent to study at LMS (by phone or in person), an invoice and a contract is prepared for the term & mailed, emailed, or personally delivered with appropriate enclosures to the student’s home before the term begins. Adjustments such as financial aid, scholarship awards & discounts will be applied to the tuition. No refunds will be made for lessons missed by the student (see paragraph concerning missed lessons). 

OTHER FEES: A non-refundable annual registration fee is assessed for each student at the time of enrollment. There is a $10 charge on all checks returned by the bank to our office for insufficient funds. A late fee is added to the student’s account for each tuition payment which is not received by the tenth of the month in which it is due. A default charge per month will be assessed on any unpaid balance until payment is received in full.                                   

TERMS OF PAYMENT: A minimum of the first installment of tuition plus registration & materials fees for the term are due BEFORE the first regularly scheduled lesson or class. LMS accepts personal checks, money orders, cash & credit cards (MasterCard, VISA and Discover). All fees from a previous term must be paid in full before a new term of instruction may begin. Installment payment amounts & due dates are listed on the invoice. LMS reserves the right to suspend students for non-payment of fees. If, in the judgment of the LMS director or her counsel, it becomes necessary to engage in the services of a collection agency, small claims court or attorney to effect collection or to settle any dispute in connection with the above terms, the responsible party shall pay such fees, reasonable expenses & costs that are incurred in pursuit of payment. 

INSTRUMENTS, EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS: Practice/home instruments should be kept in top mechanical condition. Pianos should be tuned at least once per calendar year as playing on a well-tuned instrument is vital for developing a keen sense of pitch. A list of piano technicians & tuners is available in the office. A bench and/or stand at the correct height should be provided. Food or drink MUST NOT be near a piano or keyboard at any time. Care must be taken to protect the property occupied by LMS, the studios, music, equipment, furnishings & instruments in them. 

STUDENT LIST: Student information in our files is for use by the staff of LMS only & will not be provided to anyone else.                                                    

MUSIC/MATERIALS: Music, an appropriate instrument, a metronome & other equipment are necessary for successful lessons. These may be purchased through our music division, obtained through your instructor or from other sources. All music & materials needed for the lesson should be brought to LMS in a tote to protect contents from the elements. Please note that we support the United States Copyright Laws prohibiting the use of unauthorized photocopied music. 

PRACTICE & PARENTAL SUPPORT: Sufficient scheduled practice time on a daily basis is the best guarantee that you will experience consistent progress. Learning the necessary skills to become proficient at the keyboard will not occur by simply going to piano lessons. It takes committed practice on a daily basis during the week to put skills covered at the lesson into motion. (Imagine the baseball player who doesn’t warm-up, or go to batting practice and only shows up at games…….) Practice is necessary for success in all areas of learning.

Parental support is an extremely important factor in musical training. Children whose parents take an active and honest interest in their child's progress tend to be more enthusiastic and productive. With commitment to learning the art of music come the decision to practice on a regular basis. Consistent progress results in pride, satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment! A student or parent should contact their instructor with questions concerning an assignment. 

SPORTS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Lewis Music Studio is a private studio and is not affiliated with any school district. However it is no less an educational institution and must be regarded as such. We believe that lessons are to be treated with the same level of importance as any other subject you may be studying in school or elsewhere. Sporting events and other extracurricular activities are not considered valid excuses for not practicing during the week. If another time for lessons needs to be discussed, please see me. Sports and music may not always be mutually compatible, but need not be mutually exclusive. I am committed to your musical education and hope that you are, too.

INSTRUCTORS POLICIES: In addition to the policies listed here, the instructor may have additional requirements. He/she shall have control over scheduling, the method of instruction & conduct of lessons. In some cases, a parent will be required to attend lessons with their child. If you are uncomfortable with ANY aspect of your lessons, please discuss the matter with your instructor and/or the director of LMS before making any hasty decisions, especially the decision to stop valuable training.

WITHDRAWAL: In order to withdraw mid-term/semester, a responsible adult must submit a WRITTEN withdrawal request to Judy Lewis, director of LMS at least TWO weeks before the last lesson/class in order to finish up assignments and discuss withdrawing. VERBAL notice to the instructor or director is NOT sufficient. Nonattendance does not constitute withdrawal. Regardless of when appropriate notice is given, such student/parent shall be financially responsible for the following two weeks/lessons, whether the student/parent chooses to attend or be absent. There are no refunds.

LIBRARY: LMS has an established lending library of music & recordings for our students & staff. When borrowing said music, treat it carefully, returning it as soon as you are finished with it so that others can use it. If an item borrowed has been lost or damaged you may be asked to replace the book. 

CALENDAR: A calendar of events, holidays, cancellations, performance opportunities, contests, conferences and other dates are provided on the studio calendar which is updated monthly on our website.  Check it often.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES: Students are encouraged to perform at school, church, for friends & family in recital or at opportunities arranged for students. Students are also encouraged to attend live performances.  

ADJUDICATIONS, SYLLABUS, FESTIVALS AND COMPETITIONS: Each year, the various organizations of which I am a member provide educational and competitive opportunities for prepared students. An invitation to participate in such events may be offered to those students who seem ready to participate in such events. If a student/family is interested in attending any event in order to help with making committed decisions, please let me know and I will provide you with pertinent information. Bear in mind that these opportunities require a high level of determination, more serious practice habits--and the ability to perform with a high level of confidence and intensity as well as additional participation fees.  

CODA: As a teacher, I support and care for all of my students and their families in a very special way. One-to-one education is very concentrated, and the bond between teacher and student can grow quite strong. If you should arrive early for your scheduled lesson time, please come in and wait quietly. Also, please be prompt in picking up your student after his/her lesson if you must be absent during that time. Lesson time must remain as focused as possible--siblings are welcome to attend provided they remain still and quiet. Please help me to keep the atmosphere of the lesson time free from interruptions.

If you have any questions, please call (419-519-2237) at any time. Leave a voicemail if necessary. I'll return your call as soon as possible. 

Thank you for taking the time to read and understand what I expect from myself, my students and their families. I look forward to our musical journey together!