Studio Policy

Studio Information and Policies
Welcome to The Melody House. We are pleased to welcome you and look forward to a long fun-filled relationship. Lessons include traditional piano lessons as well as interactive lessons using a midi and computer. Songwriting will be used to learn theory and explore creativity.

In order to help the studio run smoothly and maximize the benefits to the students, please read the following policies and sign the last page. Please return a signed copy to the studio. It is your responsibility to read all of the following information. Failure to comply can result in dismissal from the studio.
General Policy
      Lessons run from September 8th until May 30th. We have continuous enrollment throughout the year.
    New students must have an interview before starting lessons. This will give the student/parents and the teacher a chance to make sure this is the right fit.
    There are no lessons on the following dates for 2009-2010:
Oct 12 – Columbus Day
Nov 26-27 - Thanksgiving
Dec 24 – Jan 2, 2008 – Winter Break
Jan 18 – MLK Birthday
Feb 15 – George Washington Birthday
Mar 29-April 2 - Spring Break
May 31 – Memorial Day
·       Please call, check the website or email on snow days.
·       The performances will be held Dec and May (Dates TBA)

We conduct group classes during the summer.
      Students must show up prepared to take their lesson. All students must have their books and other materials at each lesson. Parents, please buy a tote in which to keep their books. If books are lost, you will need to replace them ASAP. It is nearly impossible to conduct lessons without their books.
      Please set aside time to practice. Parents, please make sure that your student has time and a quiet place to practice. I do not require a fixed number of hours for daily practice. However, a short but consistent time is necessary if you/your student expect to see progress. I will try to send home reports if I have concerns or comments. If the student is not making progress or there are behavior problems, I will send a notice home. If this is not corrected promptly, lessons will be terminated. This is at the sole discretion of the teacher. The student may not be ready or have any interest. Nothing is more frustrating for a child than to come week after week without making progress. Call me if you want more specific advice for your child. There will be no refund of fees.
        Practice = Progress=Pride and Accomplishment.
      All lessons begin and end at the scheduled time. It is important to respect the time and schedule of parents, teacher, and students. If a student is late, the lesson will end on time and that time will not be made up. The only exception would be an unforeseen and unavoidable emergency such as sudden illness, flat tire, etc… In which case, the lesson could be rescheduled. Do not bring the student early and drop them off. If the teacher is late for any reason, a lesson will be rescheduled at a time that is convenient for the student and teacher.
    All students must be picked up on time. There are neither facilities nor supervision for unattended students, siblings or friends. We will not be responsible for any injury that occurs and parents/students will be held responsible for any damage caused. If there are continued problems with this issue, the student may be dropped as a student.
                                                        Dismissals
Dismissals may occur for the following reasons:
      Failure to follow studio policy
      Student is not making adequate progress
      Coming to lessons without materials
      Inappropriate or disrespectful behavior toward teacher/other students
      More than one no show
      Excessive rescheduling
      Mistreating equipment or causing damage to property in my home or studio (parents of minors and students over 18 will be held financially responsible)

Payment Policy
      Make payments to the Carroll McCarthy
      All fees are due the first of the month. There will be a late charge of $21.00 for any payments not made by the 10^th of each month.
      Fees are as follows:
$52.00 non-refundable registration fee*
$88.00 per month for half-hour lessons
$132.00 per month for 45 minute lessons
* Time slot for lessons is considered reserved with payment of the registration fee. This fee will not be refunded if lessons are terminated early.
      I will keep a supply of books for purchase. This is a convenience offered to help you save time. Payment is expected by the beginning of the next month. If prompt payments are not made, I will no longer offer this service for that particular student.
      There are no refunds. All missed lessons must be made up within 30 days of the missed lesson and it is the responsibility of the parent to call and make an appointment.
     Cancellation and Attendance Policy
      In case of emergency or illness, lessons can be made up. The student / parent are responsible for contacting the teacher regarding the make-up date and time. Generally, Friday or the first Saturday morning of the month will be the makeup days. Lessons need to be made up within 30 days. Any lessons not made up within 30 days will be forfeited. The student / parent will be charged for “no-shows”.
      If the teacher needs to cancel, as much notice as possible will be given and the lesson will be made-up.
      There will be a $21.00 service charge for any returned checks.
             Thank you and feel free to call me if you have further questions.