Studio Policy
The following lists the policies for music lessons at Farmhouse Music Studio.
Teacher's Responsibilities
Our purpose is to give the student the most comprehensive music education available. Students will be exposed to a whole range of music, technology, styles and creative outlets.
All lessons are created to suit the individual goals of each student. We encourage students to be independent musicians by giving them the tools to learn quickly and efficiently.
The teacher will provide necessary communication and be available to parents to answer questions. Communications may often have to take place over email or text, as our studio is a busy studio!
Student/Parent Responsibilities
Students are responsible for arriving at lessons on time, with a notebook and their music books.
Students shall go directly to their piano and begin playing their assigned songs.
Students who pass their songs will be given new songs, which they will practice on site.
Students who distract from the learning environment will be gently redirected twice during the lesson. The third time that a redirect is needed, the parent will be notified. We value all students' learning time, so if a student is a chronic disruption to other students' learning, the teacher reserves the right to cancel the student's membership at Farmhouse Music Studio.
Studio Calendar
There are 40 weekly lessons from September-July. August is reserved for special sessions, camps, and teacher development. Time off will be given over holidays, spring break, and other events.
Parents and students will have access to the studio calendar through the parent portal.
Payment
Tuition covers not only the actual lesson time spent with the student, but for lesson preparation and administrative costs.
Tuition is the same each month.
This means that whether there are 5 or 2 lessons in that month, the tuition fee is exactly the same.
Books, digital apps, camps, and event registration fees are extra.
Payment methods will be set up by parents via the portal.
Missed Lessons
Students who are in The Allegro Program will receive unlimited make up lessons. Students must sign up for a make up spot in advance through the student portal. Sign up is critical so that we don't have more students than pianos.
It is the responsibility of the parent to arrange cancellations and reschedule lessons.
With dozens of students and families active at the studio, do not call the teacher to ask for open make up times.
If the teacher is sick or has to cancel a lesson, additional lessons will be added to the schedule or a Zoom lesson will be arranged.
Performances
Performances give reason for all the hours of practicing and provide a unique platform for demonstrating new skills.
Students perform at a formal Spring Recital. Other performance opportunities are based off of availabilities of venues.
Competitions are available for select students who wish to study a piece intensively and perform for judges. Music is introduced in the summer and competition season is January - March.
Exams
Farmhouse Music Studio is a participating member in the Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA) and working toward certification as a Royal Conservatory of Music school.
Exams are optional for students. It is a great experience for students who wish to take a deep look into technical playing and music theory. Please contact your teacher for more information.
Terminating Lessons
If you wish to finish lessons, please provide written notice by email. Students will continue to receive the lessons they've paid for until the end of the monthly cycle when the termination will take effect. Auto-pay will be cancelled at the end of the first full month of the notice. For instance, if you cancel on January 2nd, your auto-pay will end on Feb 28th. If you cancel on January 31st, your auto-pay will end on Feb 28th. You may continue taking lessons until your auto-pay ends. No refunds will be given.
Contacting Teachers
Parents and students may contact teachers via email or by phone. If you have a conflict with a teacher that is unresolved despite your best efforts, you may email the director at Sonja@farmhousemusicstudio.com . She will contact you at her earliest availability.
Media Release
From time to time photos and short videos of students are used on the Farmhouse Music Studio's website and social media. These videos and posts are meant to be informative only. If you do not want your child's image(s) to be used, please let me know by email. In general, students love to see their pictures and videos on the website or social media pages. They find it motivating and exciting to think that others want to know what they are learning. Students are identified only by their initials. The commencement of lessons is deemed acceptance of these terms.