ONLINE  ATTENDANCE  POLICIES

Your student's lesson time is reserved exclusively for them, at the same time every week, for the full school year.

Need to miss an online lesson? Here are your options:

Video Exchange

Use the chat in Practice Space app
Confirm before 2:00 PM
​
Send videos of your student's assignments BEFORE their regular scheduled time. The lesson time is used to view and send feedback.

Reschedule

For severe illness only
Maximum 2 per student
Must notify by 9:00 AM​
Available on Theory Club weeks, or Catch-Up Week (see studio calendar.) Unused lessons expire January 1/April 1/June 30.​

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

WHAT ARE THE PARENT'S RESPONSIBILITES DURING ONLINE LESSONS?

• ​Children under age 8 should have a "teacher's helper" available during the lesson to help with connecting to the class, finding books/pages/pencils, etc. and to help redirect and focus the student if necessary. This can be a parent, grandparent, or older (responsible) child. 
• Parents are responsible to provide good internet connectivity and a charged-up, functional device. Lesson time lost to internet problems or low battery will not be rescheduled.
• Your teacher will work with you to determine what gear is necessary for a quality lesson experience. In some cases, an external microphone, headphones,  or a different device may be necessary to provide reasonably accurate sound.

I SCHEDULED A CONFLICTING ACTIVITY. WHAT CAN I DO?

​​​​Use Video Exchange (send videos in the chat of Practice Space app before your student's scheduled lesson time.) It is not possible to reschedule lessons missed due to parties, sports events/practices, vacations, school activities/field trips, extra-curricular activities, doctor/dentist appointments, etc.

MY STUDENT IS ILL OR HAS AN INJURY. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

• Online lessons can continue as usual if the student feels able to learn. Rescheduling (maximum 2 per year) or Video Exchange are available if they are feeling too unwell to concentrate.
• Hand/arm injuries: if the student has one functioning hand/arm lessons will continue as scheduled. This is a great time to focus on new concepts and skills that do not need two hands.
• IMPORTANT: notify by 9:00 AM to qualify for rescheduling. Video Exchange is available if notified after 9:00 AM.​

DID YOUR TEACHER CANCEL? WHAT ABOUT POWER OUTAGES OR TECH ISSUES?

• Student or teacher power outages / teacher emergency / teacher tech issues: lost lesson time greater than 10 minutes will be rescheduled to a mutually convenient time, or to Theory Club week or Teacher Catch-Up Week (see studio calendar.) If you prefer, you may use a Video Exchange lesson to stay current.
• Tech issues on the student's end: Before you begin lessons your teacher will provide an initial orientation session to help you get set up. During your first two weeks of lessons we will work together to troubleshoot any new issues that arise. After this point, no refunds or reschedules are available for student error. Your teacher can work with you during the lesson time to resolve most problems. Your lesson will always end at the regular time so that the next student's lesson is not affected.

OH NO, I'M GOING TO BE LATE!  (OR I FORGOT...)

• If you will be late, please text. Your teacher will be waiting for you in the virtual studio. The lesson will end at the scheduled time, in respect for the next student.
• Student lateness, no-shows, or same-day cancellations after 9:00 AM will not be rescheduled or refunded.

I WILL BE AWAY DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

• Online lessons can happen anywhere you can connect to the internet! If you will not have access to a piano at your lesson time I can prepare a "no piano" lesson with 24 hour notice.
• Video Exchange is available if your student has progress to share, but cannot meet at their regular lesson time.
• Music Lab is available anywhere you can access internet. Assignments are updated once weekly. This is a great option for continuing to build skills in reading and listening no matter where you are!
• Lesson spots cannot be held for students who are absent without payment. For absences of 4 or more consecutive weeks during the school year, you may hold your lesson time by paying 50% of the tuition for that time.

ARE CATCH-UP CLASSES AVAILABLE FOR THEORY CLUB?

Rescheduling to a private lesson is not available for missed group classes. There are multiple options available; you may sign your child up for any class that is suitable for their age/level.  You may also alter your sign-up to a different class if an emergency arises, space permitting.

WHAT ABOUT LONG WEEKENDS AND PRO-D DAYS?

• No private lessons following MONDAY long weekends. Students will attend Theory Club group class.
• The studio is closed during Christmas Break and March Break. See studio calendar for details.
• Private lessons follow the regular teaching schedule for all other holidays and Pro-D days.

I NEED TO WITHDRAW FROM PIANO LESSONS...WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

• ​PLEASE NOTE: Our contract agreement is for the full school year. Your student's spot has been reserved for them for that whole time. However, sometimes things do happen that make it difficult to continue. Here's what you can do:
• First, contact your teacher as soon as you know there is a problem. If it is a matter of motivation, scheduling, or finances there may be ways to make it possible to continue piano lessons. You never know until you ask!
• If you must withdraw mid-year, four lessons notice is required. Tuition must be paid for those four weeks, whether or not the student attends the lessons. It is always my preference to teach the student right to the end, so that we can finish well and celebrate their musical progress together.
• No withdrawals are accepted after April 15. You will be responsible for the remaining time in your contract, except in the case of health emergency (doctor's note required).

​*Enrollment/attendance in this program is evidence of the parent's/student's agreement to the terms of this document.