Studio Policies

GENERAL POLICIES

Calendar: The following dates are built-in days off.

• Thanksgiving Break (Monday, November 25, 2024 through Friday, November 29, 2024)

• Winter Break (Monday, December 23, 2024 through Friday, December 27, 2024)

• Spring Break (tbd)
  *All other holiday/vacation conflicts will be handled on a case-by-case basis

The following dates are planned recital and event dates.

• Spring Recital- tbd

• Winter Recital- Tuesday, December 31, 2024

• Summer Piano Camps- June - August 2025

Policy & Rate Updates: The policies and tuition rates are subject to change on an as-needed basis.

Photo Release: Black Cat Beats Music School may use photos, videos, and audio recordings of the student(s) for online and print promotional materials. To opt out, please submit your request at brooke@blackcatbeatspiano.com

Referrals: We are honored each time you refer us! When your referral signs up for their first month of lessons, you earn a $20 credit applied to the following month's invoice. Referrals do not apply to siblings or members of the same household.

TUITION & PAYMENT

Flat Rate Tuition: Monthly tuition amount remains the same regardless of how many lessons are given in the month. Tuition is not adjusted for missed lessons. This set amount accounts for reasonable absences due to illness, vacations, periodic excused absences, and/or studio holidays. Rescheduling is often not possible, however; exceptions may be made for sudden illness. Tuition reserves your time slot for the same day and time each week and includes: weekly lessons, lesson planning, studio resources, access to a private Facebook membership group, and student participation in all workshops, programs, and performances affiliated with Black Cat Beats Music School. For current tuition rates for this policy term, please contact the studio director.

Payment: Invoices will be sent at the end of each month, and are due on the 1st of the upcoming month. Payments can be made via credit, debit, or ACH withdrawal either manually by the responsible party, or set up on monthly autopay to be charged on the 1st of each month. Payments that are either declined or not made by the 7th of the month will incur a $15 fee. If tuition is still not received by the 10th of the month, lessons are suspended until payment is received in full. Serial late payments may result in the student(s) being dismissed from the studio.

Books and materials: All books and music are included in the student’s tuition*. Hard copy books will be mailed directly to the student's home, and digital copies will be uploaded to the student’s Google Drive folder. Printing copies of digital music is the responsibility of the student/parent. The student/parent is responsible for replacing lost, missing, or damaged books & materials.

*A la carte packages do not include books. Adult students are responsible for purchasing their own books and music.

Lesson setup: Students must have a piano or keyboard (full 88 keys strongly encouraged), a computer or tablet capable of running Google Chrome, and a pair of headphones. The student is responsible for bringing all of their books/music to every lesson. Having writing utensils close at hand is also encouraged. The student will make every effort to do their lesson in a quiet room with minimal background noise. The student will make every effort to set up their camera as directed by their instructor. The student will ensure there is adequate lighting around the piano (i.e., not in a dark room).
All students are required to use headphones during online lessons. If you need assistance finding a pair of adequate headphones, your instructor can make recommendations.

Lesson Discontinuation: To discontinue, pause, or make any changes to lessons, written notice must be sent via email to brooke@blackcatbeatspiano.com at least one (1) month in advance. Failure to give proper notice will result in being charged for the coming month. Lesson time slots will not be held once lessons are paused or discontinued. If/when students begin lessons again, they will be charged the most current tuition rate. Credits or refunds will not be issued for any reason. The studio director reserves the right to dismiss a student at any time.

SCHEDULING

Absences: Please communicate all absences directly to the studio director at the contact information listed below, or simply cancel the lesson through the student portal. A minimum of 48 hours notice is required for any schedule conflicts or changes aside from illnesses or emergencies. If less than 48 hours notice is given, the lesson will be considered a missed lesson. Make-up lessons are offered once a month and operate on a first come, first served basis. The student/parent is responsible for registering for a make-up lesson. In lieu of a makeup lesson, the student may record themselves playing their assignments and the instructor will provide feedback.

Tardiness: The instructor will wait 1/3 of the total scheduled lesson time for student(s) to arrive before the lesson will be treated as a missed lesson. Instructors will do their best to arrive on time for lessons, and if the instructor is delayed for any reason, all efforts will be made to give the student their full lesson time.

Lesson Transfers: Lessons are not transferable between students of the same household unless previously agreed upon at least 48 hours in advance, with notice given to the studio director. Last-minute lesson transfer attempts may result in missed lessons.

Illness: The instructor reserves the right to cancel a lesson if the student is not well and/or appears to be ill. Please give as much notice as possible for cancellations due to illness, and we will do our best to provide a make-up lesson.

Emergencies: Exceptions to our policies due to illness, emergencies, and/or extenuating circumstances will be made at the discretion of the instructor and studio director.

OUR AGREEMENT

BY SIGNING, I AGREE TO…

• Adhere to and respect all of the policies & procedures outlined in this document for virtual lessons.

• Purchase and/or provide all necessary materials required for lessons such as instruments, a laptop/tablet, headphones, internet upgrades, computer stands, microphones, speakers, folders, writing utensils, etc. in a timely manner.

• Foster a nurturing and supportive environment in our home and allow the student’s musical journey to unfold at their own pace.

• Practice and/or assist with practice on a regular basis according to the instructor's guidelines. Respect the time and efforts of all parties involved in lessons - studio director, instructors, parents, and students alike.

• Have an open mind about different tools, techniques, approaches, and music genres presented by the studio and instructor.

STUDIO CONTACT INFORMATION:

Phone: 515-337-2161

Email: brooke@blackcatbeatspiano.com

Website: www.blackcatbeatsmusicschool.com