Policies and Key Information

The policies outlined below are subject to change or tweaking from time to time, but it stays pretty darn consistent. Scheduling lessons with me indicates that you have a working knowledge of the below and that you understand that this is truly how my studio operates.

I’ve written it here so I can save my head space, with love, for teaching — my very favorite thing.

What You’re Buying

Your Spot(s) in the Calendar

Tuition guarantees the named person a weekly scheduled lesson for the paid month but does not guarantee the ability to reschedule. All lessons are reserved and paid in advance and can be managed from within the emailed appointments. Lessons are not transferable to others, including siblings or other current students.

In addition to your lessons, tuition covers an annual recital; other performance opportunities; my increasing years of experience, education, and love for teaching music; and whatever else I can possibly imagine and provide. And I’m always imagining.

When it is time to part ways — like when the student graduates from high school or wants to switch to an instrument I don’t teach — please give a few weeks of notice.

Instrument Choice

Instrument options are piano, voice, and guitar. Students may change their instrument of study or expand to an additional instrument within my studio, but I do not alternate instruments by week or split lessons between instruments as those approaches lack effective momentum. The minimum weekly lesson time per instrument is 30 minutes (45 for voice).

Lessons include instruction on your instrument and a healthy dose of music theory and history as we go. The theory and history will be relevant to the student’s current repertoire or expressed interest.

Whatever your chosen instrument (singers, this is your whole body), your progress is up to you. I will hand you big beautiful oars, but you have to do the rowing -- and oh, what vistas you'll see! What beauty awaits you!

Holidays & Terms

Holidays

If your lesson day falls on an observed holiday, you will not have a lesson that week. Observed holidays and other upcoming breaks are listed on the Dates page and are not included in tuition calculations.

If you have been sent an appointment, you have a lesson. If not, no lesson. The 24-hour reminder email reflects what’s on my calendar, so if you get a reminder, I’m expecting you the next day.

Terms (Semesters)

The academic year starts in August and is divided into three terms. The two long terms mirror the traditional school year: fall semester and spring semester. Summer term covers June and July to finish out the academic year. Rescheduling takes place only within the current term.

Non-Teaching Days

My studio will observe various breaks and holidays as listed on the Dates page. Some non-teaching days are administrative work time for me or are open for rescheduled lessons. These days are indicated on the current academic calendar. I will not be available on break.

Partial Year

I do not hold lesson slots for unpaid months. If you join the studio mid-year, tuition picks up at the then-current monthly tuition.

Illness & Rescheduling

By using the link in your appointment or reminder email at least 8 hours in advance, you can attempt move any scheduled lesson to any available slot within the current term. Rescheduling automatically updates my calendar, and you’ll get a confirmation email.

Rescheduling is subject to availability, is not guaranteed, and is up to you. Like you, I have other commitments and need down time, so what’s listed is available, and unlisted times are not available.

Lessons do not roll over to the next term, so plan ahead when possible.

Planned Events

If you have a known upcoming scheduling conflict (like concerts, weddings, tournaments, or vacations), please remove that lesson from the calendar as early in the term as possible. I'd always rather see you, but if you cannot reschedule, please remove appointments from our calendar as soon as you know you will not be attending.

As always, you are welcome to tell me anything you like, but you do not have to offer a reason for your reschedule. My calendar will be updated, and I’ll catch you soon!

If your name is on our calendar, I am expecting to see you. No-notice missed lessons are not made up in any way. Missing lessons may result in losing your spot in my studio.

Illness

Please do not come to your in-person lesson if you are ill. Had a fever in the last 24 hours? Stay home and drink some fluids, friend, and I’ll see you next time.

If it’s too late to reschedule online when illness reveals itself, please contact me as soon as possible.

Emergencies

If you have time to let me know you are having an emergency that affects our lessons, please do. The nature of your emergency does not have to be disclosed, of course, but just let me know how I can help.

If travel is treacherous due to flying monkeys or winter weather, for example, let’s have a real snow day and I’ll see you next time. There is a buffer week built in to the schedule for emergencies of any kind or weather events.

Teacher Cancellations

If I fall ill or must cancel lessons for some other reason, I will give as much notice as I can. Read about the buffer week on the Pricing page. I will attempt to reschedule if possible.

most recently updated July 2026