Studio Policies
Payment
Lessons are $30 per half hour. Cash/Check/Venmo/Paypal/CashApp/Zelle are accepted.
All lessons must be paid for in advance by the first week of every month
Late payments may result in a student losing their spot within the studio
Attendance/Cancellation Policy
Students are expected to arrive to their weekly lesson on time. If a student should arrive late, their lesson will still end on time to honor and respect the students after.
Student lesson times are given at the beginning of each semester (fall/spring) or as soon as a student begins lessons. Students are expected to attend their weekly lesson time for the remainder of the semester. Some exceptions may be made with prior notice, pending schedule availability.
Any cancellations or reschedules must be made 48 hours in advance. I will always do my best to reschedule lessons when needed, but those asked to be rescheduled with less than 48 hours notice are not guaranteed a makeup. Lessons cancelled after the 48-hour deadline must be paid for in full.
I completely understand that conflicts, family emergencies, and illness can arise without warning. Students will be allowed two “freebie” lessons per semester (fall/spring), where a cancellation may be made without needing to pay. After both freebie lessons have been used within a semester, any lessons cancelled after must be paid for in full.
Any scheduled lesson that a student does not attend without prior notice (“no call-no show”) must be paid for in full.
Lessons are highly encouraged, but not required during holidays or school breaks.
Flexible scheduling will be available during summer/winter break/spring break.
Any lessons cancelled by Sammy will be rescheduled. If a reschedule is not possible, the lesson will be prorated for the following month.
Required Materials
Spiral notebook
Pencil with eraser
Cleaning rod/cloth
Metronome (free apps available on smartphones)
Additional music and method books will be selected by Sammy to suit each individual student’s needs. All music is requested to be purchased within 2 weeks of time. Please notify me if you have any questions or concerns on how to order music/where to order music from/if you have concerns regarding the price of any additional materials.
Expectations
Students should arrive on time and prepared for their lesson. What does prepared mean? This means the student has practiced their music/scales/exercises assigned by Sammy several times throughout the week. Practice logs may be implemented to help promote healthy practice habits. Sammy will discuss practice expectations with each individual student, for different practice expectations may vary based on age/ability/goals/schedules/etc.
Students will come to lessons with an open mind, eager to learn and try new ideas.
Students will inform Sammy when they are confused or are unsure.
Students will inform Sammy if they are uncomfortable or unhappy with how lessons are going. This is a team effort, so both members of the team (teacher and student) need to have an open dialogue in order to continue to grow together!
Student will inform Sammy if they are feeling overwhelmed or underwhelmed by the musical selections picked after a week of practicing.
Both Sammy and the student will treat one another with kindness and respect.
Format
Online and In-Person lessons are available based on student location and availability.
Student Testimonials
"I learn so much every week, it's amazing! I get to play and work at my own pace and we get to play awesome music. I love it!" -Andrea, 7th grade
"I’m almost 60 and decided to learn how to play a musical instrument for the first time. Sammy has been a wonderful coach and cheerleader. She never makes me feel awkward or uncomfortable in this brand new endeavor. Highly recommend her!" -Vicque
"I love Sammy's teaching style! She is always so positive and patient, and she always encourages me to work at my own speed." - Luke, high school