Joyful Noise Music Academy: Private Lessons Policy Statement & Contract
Please read all policies carefully. By submitting this form, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to all policies for private music lessons.
Instructor: Mrs. Lauren Polvado
Phone: (512) 965-9430
Email: lauren@joyfulnoisecoastal.com
Website: joyfulnoisecoastal.com
SECTION 1: Attendance Policy (UPDATED)
Punctuality: Students should arrive on time. Late arrivals will not extend the scheduled lesson.
Late Pickup: Parents must pick up promptly. A $10 fee will apply if a student is not picked up within 5 minutes after the lesson ends.
No-Shows: Lessons missed without prior 24-hour notice are charged in full and are not eligible for a makeup or credit.
Rescheduling (NEW): Each student is eligible for 1 rescheduled lesson per month, including illness-related absences. Make-up lessons will be on 2 scheduled days of the month chosen by the instructor. If you cannot make either day, I will try to fit in reschedules for lessons missed by other students. If neither works, lessons will still be charged. If the instructor misses a lesson, the parent will be eligible for a full refund if make-up days do not work.
Illness/Emergencies: For the safety of all students, if your child is ill (including but not limited to vomiting, fever, etc.), please keep them home and notify the instructor as soon as possible. Illness-related absences may be credited or rescheduled with a doctor’s note.
SECTION 2: Payment Policy
Payment Deadlines: Payment is due on the last day of each month for the following month, unless prior arrangements have been approved. Bi-weekly payment plans may be arranged upon request. Lessons may not be attended without prior payment.
Payment Method: A secure invoice will be provided for card payments. Recurring payments are optional. If you wish to pay in cash, please speak with the instructor privately. Payment requests will be sent several days in advance. Families enrolled in private lessons will receive a combined invoice.
Late Payments (NEW): Payments received more than 3 days late will incur a $10 late fee PER DAY PAYMENT IS LATE.
Rates:
SECTION 3: Practice Expectations
Student Responsibility: Students are expected to practice at LEAST 15 minutes daily (depending on age/level). A small practice journal is required to record progress and will be checked during lessons for incentives. This will be provided by the instructor.
Parental Support: Parents are encouraged to establish a structured practice routine and offer encouragement. Consistent practice ensures lessons remain productive and meaningful.
SECTION 4: Materials & Equipment (NEW)
Students must bring all required materials (books, binder, practice journal) to each lesson. All materials will be provided by the instructor for a one-time fee of $50 per student. All parents are required to pay a $10 sheet music fee per semester. This is included in the $50 book fee for new students.
Required Supplies:
Black 3-ring binder (provided)
Practice journal for assignments and practice log (provided)
All sheet music, books, and homework from previous week (provided)
Students MUST also have regular access to a well-maintained piano or keyboard at home.
SECTION 5: Studio Etiquette
Behavior: Students and parents are expected to conduct themselves respectfully. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. Parents are welcome to wait in the car, make themselves comfortable in the living area, or drop their kid off as long as pick-up is on time.
Guests: Siblings or additional guests may wait in the designated area but must remain quiet to avoid distractions.
SECTION 6: Studio Calendar & Holidays
Breaks: Lessons will not take place during major holidays or school breaks, unless otherwise stated (e.g., Spring Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas).
Weather: Lessons canceled due to severe weather will be credited on the following month’s invoice.
SECTION 7: Illness Policy
Student Illness: Students with fever, cold, or contagious illness should not attend. Notify the instructor so the lesson can be rescheduled or credited.
Teacher Illness: If the instructor is unwell or has an emergency, lessons will be credited to the following month.
SECTION 8: Recitals
End-of-semester recitals are optional but highly encouraged.
Recitals: Held in Spring and Winter (no summer recital). Dates and details will be provided in advance.
SECTION 9: Withdrawal Policy
Enrollment is considered a semester-long commitment.
If a parent/guardian withdraws a student before the semester ends, a withdrawal fee equal to 70% of the remaining scheduled lessons will be due. Example: If a parent unenrolls one child from lessons with 7 weeks left in the semester, parent owes $195.
This fee is due immediately upon notice of withdrawal and is non-negotiable. This ensures fairness, as lesson times are reserved and cannot easily be filled mid-semester.
