MY RESPONSIBILITIES

I will teach students the language of music in a positive and enthusiastic environment. It is my goal to empower each student to influence their music education with input based on their interest and long-term goals. I will tailor the curriculum to match each student's specific learning needs. 

STUDENT & FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES

Students agree to arrive at each lesson punctually, well-prepared, and with their assignment books, music, and instrument if applicable (a piano will be provided in the studio for piano lessons). To make good progress, daily quality practice is necessary. Please ask questions about home assignments so that the student and parents can completely understand the assignments and goals.

Parents: If something is happening at home or school that is affecting your child please let me know. The more information I have, the more I can be sensitive to the needs of your child.

All students are encouraged to take auditions for local ensembles and competitions. If an opportunity arises, please bring information to the next lesson so that I can help your student prepare. 

Students must have their own instrument to practice at home. If you have questions or would like input on the purchase of an instrument, please let me know. I am happy to set appointments to meet the student and their family for instrument trials and make specific recommendations. 

TUITION AND SCHEDULE

*Please note that tuition reserves the weekly time slot but may not directly correlate with lessons received if the student does not attend the scheduled lesson times.

Tuition is a flat rate, monthly tuition based on an annual, 52 week cycle with 40 lessons guaranteed beginning from the student’s start date (including the summer). The 40 lessons are divided by 12 months and paid the 1st of the month, leaving 12 unpaid weeks of the year. The 12 unpaid weeks are broken down below.

Teacher Sick Days (2 weeks): The teacher may use 2 sick days per year if necessary. If these days are not used, they become complimentary lessons, potentially bringing the total to 42 lessons. These extra lessons are specifically allocated to cover potential teacher illness cancellations. If no illness cancellations occur, these two complimentary lessons may be canceled on short notice without a make-up lesson being provided.

Studio Closure (10 weeks): The remaining 10 weeks are for studio closure. There are no makeup lessons or adjustments to tuition invoices during studio closure as these weeks are outside the 40-lesson tuition calculation. Every year the studio closure weeks are carefully tracked and available upon request.

Tuition invoices will be sent by the 1st of the month for all enrolled students and payment is due by the 1st of the month. All payments are non-refundable.

Payment received after the first of each month is subject to a $10 late fee. Payment received after the 5th of the month is subject to an additional $5 late fee and the lesson time for that student may not be reserved for the next month. 

All students are required to enroll in auto-payment from your debit or credit card on the 1st of each month in order to avoid late payment. Discuss this with the teacher if auto pay is not an option.

Recurring late payments may result in termination of the student’s enrollment.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Lessons canceled with under 24 hours notice will not be provided as a make up lesson. Lessons canceled with 24 hours notice will be credited as a make up lesson to be used in 90 days. Any make up credits will expire after this time.

Every student receives two, annual “life happens” cards in which they may cancel a lesson under 24 hours and receive a makeup credit. These renew every January to be used each calendar year and do not roll over if left unused.

Availability for make up lessons are available via the studio’s Calendly link with open slots shown up to eight days in advance. If other scheduling options are needed, contact the teacher directly.

Make-up lessons do not count as credit for the next month’s tuition.

Lessons canceled by me will be given as much notice as possible and will be rescheduled within 30 days. 

Planned vacations or other conflicts communicated in advance receive a make-up lesson credit for that month.

MUSIC & MATERIALS  

Each student is responsible for purchasing the required music and materials for lessons. Materials will be assigned by me and the student will be expected to have the materials no later than two weeks after the materials have been assigned. Advanced notice will be provided whenever possible.

COMMITMENT

When students enroll, they are reserving their place in the studio for the entire year. Changes to weekly schedules may be made on a case-by-case basis each month before tuition is due. However, consistent schedule changes in the same semester cannot be honored to maintain a consistent and fair schedule to all parties.

At any time, if a student desires to stop their lessons, two weeks notice are required and two weeks tuition will be due if insufficient notice is given.

PHOTO AND VIDEO RELEASE FORM.

From time to time, I ask students/parents to provide a review for the studio website and a photo may be needed. If you do not want your (or your child’s) image to be used, please let me know. All students and parents are identified only by first name and by “adult” or “child” student/parent. 

By enrolling and paying tuition for my child in Merritt Huff’s studio, I certify that I understand and agree to the studio policies for the 2025/2026 lesson years.

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