Studio Policies
Lesson Time
Students reserve a specific lesson time slot for 20-60 minutes. Since other students may have reserved spots before or after yours, Melanie cannot extend lesson minutes if students are early or late to a lesson, or have additional questions once time is up (please use your lesson time or email, or consider booking longer lessons if you'd like more time). For studio lessons, students should arrive at the scheduled time (and be picked up on time). In home lesson start times may vary +/- 5 minutes (due to travel) and Melanie will teach the full lesson length. Note: occasionally, Melanie may ask a student to fill an earlier lesson slot due to a cancellation--your flexibility is appreciated, but your regular slot will still be available to you.
Online/Zoom Lessons
Please make sure your device is set up for the lesson at least 5 minutes prior to the lesson start time. If you have issues with Zoom, we can also use Duo or Google Meet Up. In the event of a snow day or illness, Zoom lessons can be used as an alternative to studio lessons.
For Parents
To keep distractions at a minimum, only the teacher and student are permitted in the lesson room during lessons. Parents should make sure children are prepared to sit through an entire lesson (short attention spans are normal and expected, but behavioral issues may result in dismissal from the lesson). Parents should arrive 5 minutes before the end of the lesson so Melanie can discuss what the student is working on. Melanie cannot be responsible for supervising any children before or after their lesson, so please do not drop off your child early and make sure you are on time for pick up.
Scheduling
New students may schedule their first lesson at any time. After the initial lesson, students schedule lessons month-to-month. Scheduling preference is given to students who schedule a weekly lesson slot for the entire upcoming calendar month. Lesson slots are not reserved until paid for and time/dates cannot be changed once confirmed.
Payment
Payment for next month's lessons is due the last day of the current month (i.e. October lesson payment is due by September 30) . For new students, payment is due 24 hours before the initial lesson. Pay by Venmo. No refunds or credits once payment is processed.
Student Cancellations
To cancel a lesson, please text Melanie. You may not change your reserved lesson date/time for any reason. There are NO refunds, credit toward future lessons, or "make up lessons" (lessons done at an alternate date/time) offered if you cancel or are absent. Illness is not an exception to this policy, but as a courtesy to Melanie and her other students, please cancel your lesson if you are contagious.
Teacher/Weather Cancellations
All lessons canceled by Melanie will be rescheduled. In the case of a declared snow emergency, school weather cancellation, or if Melanie is not comfortable travelling in inclement weather, Zoom lessons will be offered as an alternative (otherwise students will be credited toward next month's lessons). For Winter in home lessons, please make sure your driveway/front steps are cleared of snow/ice so Melanie can safely get to your door!
Discontinuing Lessons
Students who choose to discontinue lessons will not be refunded for lessons already paid for. Melanie reserves the right to discontinue lessons for any reason and will refund the student for any untaught lessons, except in cases where the student failed to follow these studio policies.
Agreement To Terms
By scheduling and paying for lessons, you/the student agree to the studio policies. Lesson policies are subject to change, and any changes will be posted here.