Private Lesson Program Policies
Payment
Payment in full for the month in advance is due at the first lesson of each month, including payment for any week during which you may have an absence requiring a make-up lesson.
Fall Lesson Registration and Deposit - Returning Students
A deposit of $160 is due in June of each year for all returning students to register and reserve a spot in Carmen's schedule for the coming academic year (beginning in September). The deposit will be credited to your October invoice and is non-refundable should you choose to withdraw from lessons before October.
Fall Lesson Registration and Deposit - New Students
A deposit of $160 is due at the time of registration (July or August) to reserve a spot in Carmen's schedule for the coming academic year (beginning in September). The deposit will be credited to your October invoice and is non-refundable should you choose to withdraw from lessons before that time.
Mid-Year Lesson Registration and Deposit - New Students
A deposit of $160 is due at the time of registration to reserve your lesson time in Carmen's schedule. The deposit will be reflected on the invoice for your second month of lessons and is non-refundable should you choose to withdraw from lessons before the end of the two-month time period.
Withdrawal
After the deposit period, one month's written notice is required to withdraw from lessons. If less than one month's notice is given, you will be billed in full for the remaining month of lessons.
Weekly Lesson Time
The lesson time you select upon registration is yours and reserved for you throughout the entire academic year (September - June). You may change your lesson to a different day or time during the academic year. However, Carmen can not guarantee the availability of an alternate lesson time in her schedule.
Please note that Carmen's summer availability differs from her academic year availability. She releases her summer (July and August) availability in June, and students interested in summer lessons can schedule classes accordingly.
Attendance
By enrolling in the private lesson program, you agree to attend and pay for one (1) weekly lesson from September to June. In most instances, this will result in four (4) monthly lessons. However, during months that your lesson day occurs five (5) times, you will be expected to attend and pay for five (5) lessons.
Exceptions apply during December and March for Winter and March Break. Carmen follows the Toronto District School Board Winter and March Break schedule. Any missed lesson occurring outside the Toronto District School Board break schedule will not be credited and must be made up.
Exceptions apply for statutory holidays. The studio is closed on all statutory holidays, with no lessons running.
Exceptions apply during July and August when summer lessons are in session. There is no requirement to take lessons over the summer months. Those who would like to take lessons are welcome to do so at a frequency that fits their schedule.
If you have a conflict with your scheduled weekly lesson, it is your responsibility to contact Carmen and arrange an alternate make-up lesson time. You may cancel if you do not wish to have a make-up lesson. However, you will be required to pay for the cancelled lesson in full.
Any cancelled or rescheduled lesson must be made up within the originally scheduled month. Any lesson not made up within the month will not be credited or rolled over into the following months.
Students are limited to one (1) make-up lesson per month. Any lesson absences beyond this will not be eligible for a make-up lesson. Carmen may allow additional make-up lessons at her discretion in the case of extenuating circumstances.
A minimum of twenty-four (24) hours notice is required to cancel or reschedule a lesson. Any lesson cancelled with less than twenty-four (24) hours notice will not be eligible for a make-up lesson and will be fully billed.
Carmen is not responsible for making up lost lesson time due to student lateness. Late students will only be entitled to the remainder of their regularly scheduled lesson time.
Students must bring all lesson materials (instrument, shoulder rest, music, notebook, metronome, etc.) to every lesson. Carmen is not responsible for lost lesson time due to unpreparedness, nor does she have extra instruments or music for student use.
Inclement Weather
In the case of inclement weather, a minimum of four (4) hours notice is required to cancel a lesson and still receive a make-up credit. Lessons cancelled with less than four (4) hours notice will not be given a make-up lesson and will be billed in full.
Virtual Lessons
Carmen is fully set up for in-person and virtual lessons (via Zoom and Skype). All students are given a Zoom or Skype link for virtual lesson use should they choose.
Virtual lessons are an excellent option for days with inclement weather, busy after-school scheduling that does not allow travel time to the studio, sickness within the student household, out-of-area travel, and if a student moves or lives outside of the Greater Toronto Area.
In-person students are kindly asked to notify Carmen at least three (3) hours before class if they want to have their lesson virtually.
Carmen is not responsible for making up lost or missed class time due to internet or device connectivity problems on the part of the student. Carmen will make up lost or missed lesson time due to connectivity or device issues on her part.
Teacher Cancellation
Carmen is dedicated to consistently teaching her students every week; however, sometimes, she needs to cancel or reschedule lessons. If she needs to cancel/reschedule, she will do her best to give as much advanced notice as possible (generally one (1) week or more) unless extenuating circumstances are involved. She will offer the option of either a make-up lesson or lesson credit reflected on the following monthly invoice for any lesson she cancels.
Student Practice
Lessons are a wonderful way to learn, grow, explore a new instrument, and experience music-making. However, students can only progress in their studies if they practice consistently outside lessons.
Carmen expects her students to commit to a consistent practice schedule in addition to their weekly lessons. The details of this plan are personalized to each individual. However, students should be able to dedicate at least five (5) days a week to practice outside their scheduled lessons.
Students unable to maintain adequate weekly practice may be asked to withdraw from lessons.
Exams and Auditions
Before registering or entering, students/parents must notify and discuss all exams, auditions, festivals and competitions with Carmen. Students are only permitted to register or enter upon teacher approval.
Carmen does not guarantee, nor is she responsible for, the outcome of exams, auditions, competitions or festivals. She encourages parents and students to speak with her regarding exam and audition goals. She will do her utmost to prepare students to meet those goals.
