Studio Policy

This policy exists to protect the student, the parent, and the teacher, and serves to ensure that lessons run smoothly and without conflict. It is our goal that, while taken seriously, music lessons are enjoyable as well as educational. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy or your child’s lessons, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Lessons
  • Enrollment for lessons can occur at any time.  After the second lesson, the student is expected to remain enrolled for the entire academic year.
  • Lessons will be given at the Chromatic Music Conservatory’s studio or online (as arranged by the teacher and parent).
Scheduling
  • Lessons will be held weekly for the Fall Session (September through December) and the Spring Session (January through May).
  • Students are encouraged  to take lessons during the Summer Session (June through August) while both the teacher and student are in town and available.
Tuition
  • Tuition reserves the student’s weekly time slot in the teacher’s schedule throughout the year and is required regardless of the student’s attendance. Lessons occur once per week.
Rates
  • In alignment with our mission of creating a more equitable space in music, tuition rates and payment plans are customized per our students’ specific needs. Please inquire about our rates and how we may assist you in acquiring a scholarship or financial aid.
Payment
  • Tuition is to be paid in advance by the time of the  last lesson of each month. Tuition is payable by cash or check. Checks should be made out to “Chromatic Music Conservatory”. Late payments will incur a $15 fee, which will be waived once a session. There will be a $30 fee for returned checks.
Tardiness
  • The student or parent will contact the teacher by phone if they expect to be late for a scheduled lesson.
  • If the student arrives after their scheduled lesson time has begun, the teacher will complete the remaining time left in the student’s time slot. Additional time for student tardiness cannot be guaranteed.
  • If the teacher arrives after a scheduled lesson has begun, the teacher will give additional time past the time slot or arrange for a longer lesson at a later date to compensate for their tardiness with mutual acceptance of the student’s schedule.
Rescheduling
  • Students needing to reschedule a lesson should let the teacher know at least a week in advance to ensure a time slot.
Cancellations
  • Students or parents must cancel lessons by phone or email with at least 24 hours notice. Cancellations are considered excused for illness, family emergency, or severe weather (public school closures).
  • Excused cancellations with sufficient notification will be given a make-up lesson within the month or lesson credit towards the following month.
  • No-shows, or cancellations without sufficient notification will not be given make-up lessons or lesson credits.
  • The teacher may need to reschedule or cancel a lesson due to illness, family emergency, or performance engagements. In this case, the teacher will provide a make-up lesson within the month or lesson credit towards the following month.
Make-Up Lessons/Lesson Credits
  • Only 3 excused cancellations will be allowed per academic year.
  • Excused cancellations will be given make-up lessons within the month or lesson credits towards the following month. If a student cannot attend a scheduled make-up lesson, the lesson will be considered forfeited. Make-up lessons are not guaranteed and are subject to availability. If a make-up lesson is not possible, a lesson credit will be applied toward the following month. After 3 excused cancellations, further cancelled lessons will be considered forfeited and will not be given make-up lessons, or lesson credits.
Withdrawal
  • Students should consult with the teacher if they are considering discontinuing lessons to make sure there are not areas that can be resolved. If the student still decides to discontinue lessons, one month’s notice is required. The lessons remaining in that month will be finished out, or held for 6 months as credit in case of return.
  • There are no refunds for withdrawals.
Materials
  • Instruments and additional materials are not included in tuition.
  • Students are expected to bring all necessary materials to their lessons. This includes their instrument, shoulder rest, rosin, cleaning cloth, assigned music, lesson notebook, and a pencil.
  • Recommended local establishments  for instrument rentals  and lesson materials are:  Austin Music Center (6815 W North Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302) or at Michael Becker Fine Violins (28 3rd St, Park Ridge, IL 60068). 
  • Online resources for materials other than instruments can be found at www.sharmusic.com 
  • If a student is considering purchasing an instrument or graduating to a larger size instrument, the teacher must be consulted to ensure a proper instrument for the student.
Parental Involvement

Students 10 years and younger must have a parent or guardian present at the lesson unless otherwise discussed. The parent will take notes to aid in the student’s continued learning outside of the lessons. Parental involvement is welcomed and strongly encouraged for all students, but not required for students 10 years and older.

Recitals

There will be two studio recitals given per year (one during the Fall Session and one during the Spring Session). Participation is required with the exception of unforeseen conflicts. A potluck reception will follow each recital. Additional fees will include hall rental and accompanist rehearsal time. Specifics will be provided closer to the recital date.

Summer Lessons and Festivals
  • Students are expected to continue with lessons during the summer as long as the teacher and student are both in town. With school not consuming the majority of the student’s time, the Summer Session is an incredible opportunity for musical growth. Regular practice is still expected, though conditions where an instrument is not available due to travel are understood. Students are expected to take their instrument with them to practice on long trips if at all possible.
  • Students are encouraged to participate in summer music programs and festivals. The student is expected to consult with the teacher for their expert opinion regarding potential programs to ensure that the best decisions are made for the student’s education.

Signing this document acknowledges that you have read the studio policy and fully understand and agree to the terms and conditions stated above.