Tracy’s Music Studio
Policies for Fall 2024-Spring 2025
Tuition Rates
30-minute weekly partner lessons: $75/month
30-minute weekly individual lessons: $100/month
45-minute weekly partner lessons: $100/month
45-minute weekly individual lessons: $150/month
60-minute weekly individual lessons: $200/month
Tuition
Tuition is due at the first lesson of the month (September 2024-May 2025). Tuition covers the weekly lessons, Saturday group classes, studio registration fees and any studio recitals. Any tuition paid is non-refundable. I currently accept cash, check (payable to: Tracy Henriod) and Bill Pay. Any additional fees for books, festivals, workshops, master classes, competitions, etc. will be discussed as needed.
Late Tuition
If tuition is not received at the student's first lesson of the month, a $5 late fee will be added unless other arrangements have been made with me for payment.
Calendar
The school year tuition calendar runs August 26, 2024-May 23, 2025. There are NO REGULARLY SCHEDULED LESSONS the following dates. No make-up lessons required:
September 2, 2024 (Labor Day)
November 26-29, 2024 (Thanksgiving week) **Note: There are lessons on Monday of this week in place of Labor Day.**
December 23, 2024 - January 3, 2025 (Christmas/New Year’s break)
There will be an additional week off in the winter/spring. (Tentatively set for March 14-20, 2025 to attend Music Teachers National Association Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota.)
March 31, 2025 - April 4, 2025 (Spring Break) Note: If your Spring Break is scheduled for a different week there is the option to have a lesson this week and take off your Spring Break dates instead.
Missed lessons & Rescheduling policy
Please give as much advanced notice as possible when a student is going to miss a lesson.
If a student misses a lesson, it will not be made-up, pro-rated or refunded. Make-ups are offered at my discretion and are typically for when I am unable to teach a scheduled lesson.
Rescheduling: If a student scheduling conflict arises and I am given at least 24 hours' notice, I will offer another slot for the week (if available.)
Alternatives: A video chat lesson may be a reasonable alternative for when a student is only mildly ill or can't make the lesson due to weather. 3-4 “Saturday Group Classes” are offered throughout the school year that are considered “make-up classes” for any lessons missed. Rest assured that you are paying for more than the time I spend with your child in their weekly lesson (see "Where Does My Tuition Go?", posted on my website.)
Termination policy
Learning to play a musical instrument takes time and commitment. I ask that students commit to learning for the entire school year. However, I understand that extenuating circumstances may arise where continuing lessons is no longer reasonable. Please give 2-4 weeks' notice if you need to discontinue lessons.
Sheet Music, Books & Resources
It is required of all students to purchase sheet music/books for all the pieces they are assigned. I will send links for you to order their books online. I will also sometimes ask for you to download or purchase an app or other resources to supplement their learning.
Communication
Please feel free to contact me via email, text or phone call. (Note: It’s easiest for me to respond quickly to a text versus email or phone call.)
Events & Performances
*Music Literacy Program (Ribbon Festival) - November 2, 2024
Christmas Music Performances – December 2024 (dates/times TBD: I will offer 2 optional performances opportunities at local retirement homes.)
*Music Artistry Program (Adjudications) – March 6-7, 2025
Spring Solo/Ensemble Programs – Sunday, May 4, 2025 (this is tentative, times/location TBD)
*The Music Literacy Program and Music Artistry Program have additional fees for participants, but the other events/performances are included in the tuition fees. All of these events/performances are free of charge and friends and family are welcome to attend. I strongly encourage my students to take these opportunities to perform their pieces in front of an audience. Students will be notified of other performance opportunities and competitions when available/applicable.
Summer lessons
Summer lessons are essential to maintaining progress. Summer scheduling is flexible and you are only billed for the number of lessons you schedule. I require students to attend a minimum of 6 lessons to guarantee a lesson slot for the following school year.
Miscellaneous
Students MUST have a well-maintained instrument at home for practicing, in an appropriate location (distraction free) and access to a metronome. (I suggest having your piano tuned annually.)
Students need to practice 5-7 days per week to progress. Students are expected to practice 20-45+ minutes per day, depending on their skill level (their daily estimated time expectation is listed on their weekly practice sheet.)
Fingernails must be clipped appropriately for playing the piano before lessons and performances.
Students need to bring their assigned sheet music/books to their lesson each week. Students will also bring their piano binder for printouts and practice sheets.
I prefer parents (or friends) not to sit in on lessons. If you have a concern or would like to observe lessons, please discuss with me directly.
Students are expected to be on time for their lessons. Lessons will not be extended due to the student's tardiness. If you arrive early, please wait outside in your car until I call you into the studio. There is a restroom located next to my studio which students may use as needed.
When you come for piano lessons, please stay in the following areas of my home: entryway, stairs, my studio, waiting area and downstairs bathroom. Please respect our privacy/home and consider all other areas “off-limits” during lessons.
Theory assignments (written work) are typically assigned on a weekly basis. I expect these assignments to be completed before the student’s next lesson, otherwise lesson time will be used to do so.
Students are expected to fill out their weekly practice sheet and bring it to their next lesson.
Students will come to their lesson prepared to learn and focus.
Students must practice good hygiene. Examples include using deodorant as needed, changing socks before lessons if their feet have a strong odor, showering before coming after a sport or other physical activity, etc. These smells can linger in the studio even after a student has left. Please understand that it is difficult to focus (as the teacher and for other students) when there are distracting odors.
Students and parents will be respectful of the teacher, other students/parents and studio policies. Any inappropriate behavior will result in a warning, followed by possible termination of lessons if the behavior continues.
By signing up for lessons, students and parents agree to abide by the above studio policies.
I look forward to having a great school year together!