Private Lessons
This handbook serves as a contract between the instructor and student/parent. These policies have been constructed to protect both the student and instructor and will always be followed strictly – no exceptions. It is the responsibility of each student/parent to read the handbook. There have been no oral or other representations or promises made that are not part of this contract.
Policies and Procedures
General Studio Policies and Lesson Etiquette
All lessons must take place in my studio. For liability reasons as well as consideration for students and instructors engaged in lessons, students are not allowed to roam around the studio unattended. ALL students, parents, and visitors MUST wait in the entrance area unless receiving or observing instruction.
Free parking is provided on the street outside the studio. Students are not to park or block any driveway entrance. No food, drink, animals are allowed in the studio room at any time.
Please arrive 5 minutes in advance of your schedule lesson and wait in the entrance room area. Children under the age of 18 are to be supervised by an adult at all times in the studio.
Registration and Enrollment Procedure:
Registration and lessons scheduling are done on a first come, first serve basis on the order the registrations are received. Registration for all private lessons is completed at the trial lesson. Forms submitted serve as a binding enrollment contract – the only exceptions to this policy are if the student moves to a new location outside a 50 mile radius of the studio during the session (most provide 30 days written notice to the instructor) OR a chronic medical condition directly interferes with the studio continuing instruction (most provide a written doctors note to instructor).
Returning students receive priority in registration and an Early Registration window to complete the enrollment contract. Completion of registration and submission secures a lesson time for returning lessons. New students must submit registration form and first month’s (4 weeks) lessons to secure a lesson time with the instructor.
Sessions and Lesson Fees:
The Landis String Studio has three annual sessions: Fall, Spring, and Summer. The Fall & Spring Session contains 16 to 17 lessons; Summer contains 8 to 10 lessons.
Lesson Fee Calculation:
The Landis String Studio believes firmly in a program of study instead of a month-to-month instruction. A registration for classes is a commitment to an entire session (and hopefully future sessions) of study.
It is Preferred that students pay lesson fees every month. If the student is not able to do so, other arrangements may be made. Monthly fees are for lessons in 4 week increments.
Lesson Fee Deadlines:
Payments must be paid every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks. If other arrangements are made payment can be done at the time of a lesson or in the mail.
Mail Address:
Kristin Landis
404 Steeple Point Way
Verona, WI 53593
Additional Lesson Fee Policies:
In the event that a check is returned for insufficient funds, the student will be charged the lesson fee, late fee of $10.00, and any fees associated with the returned check.
If payments are consistently late, the instructor reserves the right to discontinue study with the student at any time without refund, and the student will remain liable for the remainder of payments for that session.
If outstanding lesson fees are due from a previous session, the student will not be allowed to participate in concerts, and will not be allowed to re-register for the upcoming session until all outstanding fees have been paid.
No refunds. Please do not ask. If a student is put on the waiting list fees will be returned. This is the only case in which reimbursement will occur.
Make Up Lessons and Cancellation Procedures:
Make Up Policy: Please read carefully!
Landis String Studio adheres to a 24-hour make up policy. Lessons canceled at least 24 hours before the lesson time for the following reasons will be made up: illness, family emergency, family vacation, business trips, or severe weather. If a student is ill the day of the lesson, they have a family emergency or there is severe weather; can be cancelled the day of: 9am on weekdays and Saturdays. All other lessons missed without 24-hour notice or 9am the day of, regardless of reason, will not be made up by the instructor. Make up lessons will only be given during scheduled times/weeks and are arranged at the instructor’s convenience. Any lessons missed by the instructor (and every effort will be made for this to be kept to a minimum) will be made up. Make-up lessons can be made-up within thirty (30) days from the missed date.
Cancellation Procedure: All lessons must be cancelled by phone or by email directly with the instructor.
Additional Attendance Policies:
Lesson time missed due to late arrival will not be made up by the instructor. Early arrival to lessons is advised – a waiting area is available for early arriving students.
If a student is more than 10 minutes late to a lesson, the instructor reserves the right to cancel the lesson. However, if the lesson is taught the lesson will not be extended past the scheduled end time. There will be no makeup for time missed or lessons cancelled due to late arrival.
The instructor respectfully asks that students not come to a lesson sick – especially in the case of a fever. It would be better to consider that a missed lesson. Should the instructor deem a student too sick for a lesson, the instructor reserves the right to cancel the lesson without a make up. In the case of disruptive student behavior preventing learning from occurring in the lesson, the instructor reserves the right to cancel the lesson without a make up.
Studio Expectations and Etiquette:
Students must bring ALL music, materials and a mask to EVERY lesson. If something is missing, the instructor reserves the right to cancel the lesson with no make up.
Students must own or rent a functional instrument outfit for instrumental lessons. All instruments purchased from outside the studio must pass a studio inspection prior to use in instruction. There may be times that the instructor deems an instrument unfit for study. In these cases, the student should seek out proper repairs or a replacement instrument. In some instances, repairs can be made in the studio. Instruments will be inspected and approved in the first lesson.
Students are expected to prepare thoroughly for each lesson. The instructor will advise specific practice lengths and goals for each individual student based on their needs. If these are continually not fulfilled, and progress is not being made, the instructor reserves the right to discontinue study.
Visitors are welcome to observe lessons provided that instructors have been notified in advance and approve the observation.
Parents of students under the age of 10 may be required by the instructor to attend lessons and assist with home practice.
Instruments, accessories, and books for lessons are not always provided by the instructor.
Lesson Etiquette
Students should wash their hands thoroughly before and after each lesson. Please make sure that fingernails are trimmed before each lesson as well. Long hair or bangs should be pulled back from the face when playing. Keep an extra barrette or hair elastic in your case.
Student
The student is to arrive at the lesson well prepared and with all necessary materials (violin, books, shoulder rest, notebook, etc.). The student must practice regularly, with the practice time length determined by me. Listening to the Suzuki CD everyday is critical to the student’s progression as a musician.
Parent
Unless told otherwise by me, parental attendance is mandatory. The parent is responsible for getting the student to the lesson on time and with all necessary materials. The parent should help the student organize his/her day to include the required practice time. The parent is required to sit in on the lesson and take notes on what should be practiced at home. The parent is the home teacher and it is crucial that they take an active role in the student’s daily practice.
Teacher
I will work with each student on goals that have been set by me and the student. These goals will vary from student to student. I will communicate at the lesson what is to be practiced and it will also be written in the student’s notebook.
Discontinuing Study:
As stated above, registration indicates a commitment to a full session of study. The only exceptions to this policy are if the student moves to a new location outside a 50 mile radius of the studio during the session (must provide 30 days written notice to the instructor) OR a chronic medical condition directly interferes with the studio continuing instruction (must provide written doctor’s note to instructor).
Students are free to discontinue study at the end of a session by simply not enrolling for the next session. Students may not switch instruments during a session.