POLICIES
TUITION
1) Contract & Billing:
Private piano students are on a month-to-month contract. Tuition includes 4-Lessons per month, held once weekly. Payment is due on the 1st of every month to guarantee your lesson slot. Lessons will be temporarily suspended until all charges and fees are resolved.
2) Lesson Schedule:
Each month includes four lessons. In months with five weeks (e.g., 5 Mondays), the 5th week will serve as a break.
3) Public Holiday Make-Ups:
If your lesson falls on a public holiday, you will receive a make-up lesson or rescheduling, arranged in advance or within the same month.
4) Deposit:
A one-month tuition deposit is required at the start of enrollment/registration. This deposit will be applied toward your last month of lessons if you decide to withdraw. This deposit will be applied to your final month of lessons in case of withdrawal, ensuring a seamless transition.
5) Proration:
Monthly tuition is only proated in the first month of lessons. Tuition is NOT proated at any other time of the year.
PAYMENT OPTION:
E-transfer (via ZELLE).
Pay to: pinemusicacademy@gmail.com
Click for Zelle QR Code
SCHEDULE REQUESTS
Please be mindful of the instructor’s schedule and of other families in requesting frequent changes to the schedule. We will do our best to accommodate requests, but as most lessons occur after school hours and on weekends, it is best to reschedule well in advance to secure the most suitable time slot for your child.
ASSIGNED LESSON TIMES
Students are expected to keep their assigned lesson day/time throughout the school year. If a change is necessary, it may be done no more than once during the school year.
WITHDRAWAL OF LESSONS
Withdrawal of Lessons:
1) A 30-day notice is required to withdraw from lessons. The deposit paid at enrollment will be applied toward the final month of lessons during the notice period.
2) Your final month includes four lesson credits, covering the weekly lessons during the notice period. Unused lessons will be forfeited, but may be gifted to a family member or friend.
3) No refunds are offered. Once payment is made, the student must commit to the purchased lessons.
4) Lessons cannot be discontinued mid-month, and unused credits will be forfeited if the 30-day notice is not followed.
CANCELLATION, ILLNESS & MAKE-UP POLICY
1) Notice Requirement:
Non-illness cancellations require 7 days’ notice to qualify for a makeup lesson.
Illness-related cancellations require at least 24 hours’ notice to qualify.
2) Illness Guidelines:
Students should not attend lessons when sick (e.g., fever, nausea, vomiting). If a student arrives exhibiting symptoms, they will be sent home, and the lesson will be considered a missed lesson with no makeup offered.
If the student feels well enough but should avoid in-person contact, an online lesson can be arranged during the regular lesson time with advance notice.
Lessons missed due to failure to provide required notice or attend the scheduled online lesson will be forfeited.
3) Make-up Lessons:
All permitted makeup lessons must be scheduled and completed within 4 weeks of the missed lesson.
Makeup credits do not roll over beyond the 4-week window.
Scheduled makeup lessons cannot be rescheduled. If missed, the lesson will be considered forfeited.
4) Instructor Cancellations:
If the instructor cancels a lesson, it will be rescheduled as soon as possible or at a mutually convenient time.
5) Public Holiday Make-Ups:
Lesson falling on public holidays will be rescheduled in advance or within the same month.
6) Make-Up Lessons Are a Courtesy:
Makeup lessons are offered as a courtesy and are not guaranteed. Regularly scheduled lessons take priority.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Students must have their own instrument(s) by the start of enrollment to ensure effective learning and practice.
PIANO/KEYBOARD: All piano students must have a piano or an 88-key keyboard with weighted keys. The piano should be tuned and maintained regularly. A metronome (or an app with a metronome feature) is also required. Piano students must keep their fingernails short to ensure proper technique and prevent clicking or sliding on the keys.
VOICE: Voice students should have access to a piano or keyboard at home for practice purposes. A music stand and a notebook for taking notes during lessons are recommended.
UKULELE/GUITAR: Students must have their own instrument of appropriate size and quality. A tuner, capo (for guitar), and extra strings are recommended.
DRUMS: Students must have a drum kit or practice pad with sticks. Consult the instructor for guidance on appropriate equipment for your level.
General Materials:
All books and lesson materials required for the course of study must be purchased by the parent. If additional materials are necessary, the instructor may purchase them, and the parent/student will be billed accordingly.
If you are unsure about which instrument to purchase, please consult the studio or your assigned instructor for advice before buying an instrument. We are happy to provide recommendations to ensure you have the best setup for success.
TARDINESS & PARENTAL EXPECTATIONS
1) Punctuality:
Students must arrive on time to make the most of their lesson. A 10-minute grace period is allowed, after which the instructor may leave. Missed time due to tardiness will not be made up.
2) Pick-Up Time:
Parents are kindly asked to arrive a few minutes before the lesson ends to receive updates on weekly assignments and check in on progress.
3) Parental Privacy During Lessons:
In-Studio Lessons: Parents are not permitted to sit in during lessons to maintain focus.
In-Home Lessons: Parents should leave the lesson area, such as the living room or music room, to ensure a productive learning environment.
4) Instructor Delays:
If the instructor is late, any missed time will be rescheduled at a mutually convenient time.
5) Parental Involvement & Support:
Parents play a vital role in their child’s musical progress. Showing interest in your child’s journey, encouraging consistent practice, and providing patience and support are critical for success.
For younger or beginning students, set aside 15–20 minutes daily to assist with practice and review assignments.
For older students, help them establish a regular practice schedule to stay on track.
Celebrate their efforts and progress, as encouragement helps them stay engaged and motivated.
6) Professional Boundaries:
We kindly ask parents to trust and respect the expertise of our instructors. Providing unsolicited teaching suggestions can disrupt the learning environment and hinder the instructor’s ability to effectively guide the student.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT & AGREEMENT
By enrolling at Pine Music Academy, you agree to follow our policies to ensure a smooth and positive experience for all students and families. These policies are designed to support students’ success, maintain a productive learning environment, and foster mutual respect between instructors, students, and families.
Thank you for being part of the Pine Music Academy community. We look forward to supporting your musical journey!
CALENDAR HOLIDAYS
We are closed on the following days:
2024
May 27 Memorial Day
Jul 4 Independence Day
Sep 2 Labor Day
Nov 28 Thanksgiving Day
Dec 23 - Jan 5: Winter Break
2025
Jan 6: Classes Resume
May 26: Memorial Day
Jul 4: Independence Day
Aug 25–30: Summer Break
Sep 1: Labor Day
Nov 11: Veterans Day
Nov 26–30: Thanksgiving Break
Dec 22–Jan 4: Winter Break