MY RESPONSIBILITIES
I offer in-person individual lessons, virtual lessons, and monthly studio classes.
I will teach students the language of music in a positive and enthusiastic environment. It is my goal to empower each student to influence their music education with input based on their interest and long-term goals. I will tailor the curriculum to match each student's specific learning needs.
STUDENT & FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES
Students agree to arrive at each lesson punctually, well-prepared, and with their assignment books, music, water and a straw. To make good progress, quality practice of home assignments is necessary. The amount of time and framework of this practice will be tailored to the individual student. These assignments will be noted in My Music Staff on the student profile. Please ask questions about home assignments so that the student and parents can completely understand the assignments and goals. My wish is to help build an easy at home practice routine that is fun and productive.
If something is happening at home or school that is affecting the student, please let me know. The more information I have, the more I can be sensitive to the needs of my students.
All students are encouraged to perform at the studio classes, recitals and take auditions for jobs/gigs and competitions. If an opportunity arises, please bring information to the next lesson so that I can help the student prepare.
Students must have their own devices to record lessons, play practice tracks or other recordings to practice at home. If you are on a virtual lesson you must have one device for zoom and a separate device for playing tracks. If you have questions or would like input on the purchase of an such devices, please let me know. I am happy to set appointments make specific recommendations.
ENROLLMENT
When students enroll in lessons, they are reserving their place in the studio for a 4-month term.
There are three terms per year.
Fall Term - Sept through Dec
Spring Term - Jan through Apr
Summer Term - May through Aug
A student's spot will not be guaranteed for the fall term if they were not enrolled in lessons during the summer term.
TUITION
*Please note that tuition reserves the weekly time slot but may not directly correlate with lessons received if the student does not attend the scheduled lesson times.
Flat monthly tuition rates are based on the number of guaranteed lessons in the calendar year. There will be a minimum of 44 lessons offered throughout the year, and the weeks where lessons are not held (due to holidays, illness, or my personal performance opportunities) will be communicated in advance.
After the first payment, payment of tuition must be through an automatic payment method kept on file in the My Music Staff and Stripe system. You may use a credit card or ACH Bank Payment. Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle will not be accepted.
Tuition invoices will be sent on the 1st of the month for all enrolled students. The invoices will reflect the flat rate for tuition and will list the lessons scheduled for the upcoming month. It will also notate any studio closures.
The payment method on file will be charged the amount on the tuition invoice on the first of the month at the same time the invoice is sent. All payments are non-refundable.
Tuition is flat-rate for each month and includes lessons scheduled in that month based on the studio calendar. In the case that there is a 5th weekly lesson in the month, this has been factored into the flat-rate tuition. This remains true for a month like December where only 2 or 3 lessons are scheduled. My pre-planned absences, holiday breaks, and teacher illness cancellations have also been factored into the rate and will be communicated in advance.
PAYMENT
In the event that a payment is returned or declined, a 48-hour window will be provided to adjust the payment method and resubmit payment. Any payments not received by the 3rd of the month will receive a $20 late fee. Recurring late payments may result in termination of the student’s enrollment.
In order to cancel tuition, written notification must be received via email 2 weeks in advance. In the case that notice is not received by that deadline, the full tuition amount will be run automatically on the first of the month, and students have the option to attend all paid lessons that month. Lessons will then cancel for the following month. Tuition payments are non-refundable.
INDIVIDUAL LESSON CANCELLATION POLICY/MAKE UP
Individual lessons that are cancelled with at least 24 hours ahead of the lesson will receive a makeup lesson credit. If notice is given less than 24 hours in advance, no makeup credit is provided.
If you are ill, but still able to sing, I humbly ask that we switch to a virtual lesson for that week. There is a lot of work that can be accomplished without singing. Working on musicality, dramatic interpretation, or many other things is equally as important as singing aloud.
One makeup lesson per student will be approved and accommodated per month. The make up lesson must be completed within 14 days of the cancellation. If there is more than one cancellation I will do my best to accommodate a make up, but I cannot guarantee there will be availability.
You may not ask for a missed lesson to be deducted from the following month as a bill credit.
Lessons canceled by me will be given as much notice as possible and will be rescheduled within 30 days. I am happy to do in-person or virtual options for these.
Planned vacations or other conflicts communicated at least 24 hours in advance receive the studio class credit for that month.
VIRTUAL LESSONS
In the case of mild teacher illness, mild student illness, severe weather, or other conflicts, lessons may be held online virtually. When virtual lessons are offered, make up credits will not be offered. If the student opts out of the virtual lesson that lesson and tuition will be forfeited. Tuition is non-refundable.
VIRTUAL LESSON POLICIES
The same attendance, cancellation, and make up lesson policies apply for all virtual lessons. Makeup lessons or extensions to the reserved lesson time cannot be guaranteed in the case of student technical difficulties. It is strongly recommended that students have a backup device available when possible. In order to use tracks via our zoom lesson, students must have a second device available on which to play tracks. External microphones are preferred for optimal sound quality. Please contact me for microphone recommendations.
MUSIC & MATERIALS
Each student is responsible for purchasing the required music and materials for lessons. Materials will be assigned by me, and the student will be expected to have the materials no later than two weeks after the materials have been assigned. Advanced notice will be provided whenever possible. This will all be communicated through the My Music Staff Portal where student and parents have their own logins.
COMMITMENT
When students enroll, they are reserving their place in the studio for the entire term. Changes to weekly schedules may be made on a case-by-case basis each month before tuition is due.
In order to cancel tuition entirely, written notification must be received via email 2 weeks in advance. In the case that notice is not received by that deadline, the full tuition amount will be run automatically on the first of the month, and students have the option to attend all paid lessons that month. Lessons will then cancel for the following month.
From time to time, I use photos and short videos of my students around the studio, on the studio website, or in social media posts. These videos and posts are encouraging to other students and helpful to other teachers. If you do not want your child's image(s) to be used, please let me know. In general, the students love to see their pictures and videos on my website or around the studio. They find it motivating and exciting to think that others want to know what they are learning. The students are identified only by first name.
By enrolling and paying tuition for lessons with Renée Heath’s studio,
I certify that I understand and agree to the studio policies.