Policies
Tuition and Fees
Payments and Due Dates
Payment is due on the first lesson of the month.
$65 Registration Fee​
$125/month - Four 30-minute lessons
$175/month- Four 45-minute lessons
Books and Materials
Books and Materials are required. The instructor will send the correct website link for the required books. This will give you the correct title, level, etc. for the book needed. You are welcome to buy these book from any website or store. Students may also purchase their own non-required music but it will be the instructor’s decision whether to use it during lessons.
Recital and Festival Fees
The recital fee is $50 per family attending.
Ask the Instructor about any fees regarding the NC Federation of Music Club's Festival.
Payment Options
Payment for tuition and fees can be made with cash, Venmo, Zelle, or check (payable to South Charlotte Music Studio). For Venmo, use private/friend setting. Do not Venmo or Zelle before receiving the correct ID information. Invoice/receipt is available upon request.
Refunds and Unpaid Tuition
No refunds are given for students who miss lessons or discontinue lessons before the end of the month. Students who choose to drop lessons should inform the instructor before the 25th of the month. The instructor may discontinue services if tuition remains unpaid. ​
Recital and Fesitval
Francis Music Studio Recital
There will be one formal recital a year. Friends are welcome. The recital date will be announced in March. Students are not required to attend but strongly encouraged!
Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the annual recital held in the spring each year. If your student is reticent to participate, we will discuss the best course of action for that student.
NC Federation of Music Clubs Festival
This contest occurs on the last Saturday in February each year. Students prepare two pieces and play for a judge to receive a rating of Superior, Excellent, Satisfactory or Fair. Students who receive ‘Superior’ three years in a row will receive the Gold Cup Award.
This is NOT a competition. Students are striving for their personal best. Students will be acknowledged and receive a ribbon for their hard work at the annual recital. Ask the instructor about the current fees for this event as the fees do change every year.
Schedule
Academic Calendar Year
The studio is open Monday through Friday and follows a basic school calendar year.
Please call or email for available time slots.
Holidays
Lessons are not given on major holiday breaks. Lessons may be given on minor holidays.
If your student is still in school, be aware that this studio may or may not follow your student’s school schedule. Please call/text the studio if there is any confusion on closures
Summer Lessons
All students are expected to take at least 4-10 summer lessons or pay $125/$175 to retain their spot for the following school-year lessons. All payments are due by June 15.
Make-up Lessons Policy
Sick Days
Make-up lessons are granted for student sickness provided that the make-up lesson is requested within 3 days of the missed lesson. A day and time will be agreed upon by both the instructor and the client. No more than 3 make-up lessons will be given within a three-month time period.
Instructor Cancellation
When a lesson is cancelled by the instructor due to sickness or emergency, a make-up lesson will be granted. A day and time will be agreed upon by both the instructor and the client.
Vacations and Student Absences
No make-up lessons are given for lessons missed due to vacations or other student absences. This includes but is not limited to sport events, birthday parties, dentist/doctor appointments, parent work schedule conflicts or other special events. Parents may request a lesson before going on a personal vacation if there is a time slot available. If no time slot is available, the lesson will be missed and no make-up lesson will be given.
Virtual Lessons
Virtual lessons are also an option when a student is only mildly sick or if there are transportation issues.
Extenuating Circumstances
Make-up lessons will be granted for a death in the family or other family emergency situations. No make-up lessons are granted for inclement weather or other ‘acts of God’ including but not limited to power outages and school closures due to snow.
Student Requirements
Lesson Preparation
Students are required to be prepared for every lesson on the material assigned to them at the previous lesson. All students should practice 5 days a week or more. The instructor will discuss how much time is appropriate for each student.
This time requirement increases as the student progresses. Students are not expected to be perfect, only progressing at a pace appropriate to their age level and talent abilities.
Instrument
Piano students must have access to a piano or keyboard 5 days a week.
Fingernails
Piano students must keep their fingernails short and clean. This is to facilitate the correct finger technique needed to play the piano correctly.
Parent/Guardian Requirements
Interview
A parent or guardian is required to attend an interview with the instructor and their student. The policy sheet is reviewed and possible schedule times are discussed. A short aptitude test is given to students in K-1. There is no fee for this meeting.
Lesson Attendance
While not required, parents are encouraged to attend the first 2-6 weeks of lessons and then, only occasional attendance is necessary.
Policy Sheet
It is the client’s responsibility to fully read and understand the policy sheet and sign it as part of the registration process. Parents are responsible for overseeing practice times, fingernail length, schedule and payment of lessons, make-up lessons and summer lessons.
POLICY AGREEMENT SHEET
I have read and understand the policies of the Francis Music Studio. I agree to comply with these policies. I understand that the policies are subject to change at any time and I will be informed of any changes via email.
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I agree to help my student maintain a regular practice time to comply with the “Student Requirement” portion of this policy sheet.
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I agree to pay monthly fees for tuitions, books, Festival fees, competition fees, recital fees or any other costs that the owners of Francis Music Studio and I have agreed upon.
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I agree that Francis Music Studio and any of its employees will not be held responsible or liable for any damages to personal property or loss of personal property while at Francis Music Studio.
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I agree that Francis Music Studio and any of its employees will not be held liable for injuries sustained to myself, my child or other family members or friends that I bring with me while at the studio or on the surrounding property.