Student Policies
I require post-dated cheques dated to the first of every month from Sept to June. The amount for lessons for the 2008-2009 year is $78 per month, per student. I do not teach in the summer unless a student is preparing for an August exam.
Lessons are paid for by the month, similar to how private school is paid by the month. This is based on 4 lessons per month, although occasionally you will receive 5. I do not charge more for these months, but I do take a paid Christmas and Spring Break. Monday lessons are cheaper because I do not teach holiday Mondays. This year's Monday rate is $70.00 per month.
Regarding make-up lessons, I WILL make-up lessons if I am sick or away, just like a regular teacher would call in a sub. I also choose to make-up lessons for mandatory school events like band/choir concerts in which the student will lose marks if they cannot attend, or if they need to miss a lesson due to a funeral. Just like school, if a student misses because their family goes on vacation, or they are sick, a refund of tuition is not issued… Likewise, I do not make up lessons or issue refunds in this case.
Birthday parties, school dances, and extracurricular activities/sports do not constitute a refund/make-up. If you would like me to give extra work to your child because you will be missing a lesson, just let me know, and I can incorporate a second lesson plan into a single lesson so they can continue to move forward! I appreciate notice when you are going on vacation or have a sick child (and most of you are very courteous this way, thank-you) but I am not able to fill that spot, and am available to work regardless during that time, so I hope you understand the reasons behind these policies.
Books, CD's and other materials are a cost I assume, except for exam materials and advanced theory books which you may need to purchase if your child(ren) are pursuing this route. If you lose or severely damage any loaned materials I will be billing you for the replacement cost. It is advisable that your student carries their materials to lessons in a book bag to avoid "mud-puddle" accidents etc. Regular wear and tear is expected, and occasionally the cover will come off an old book – this type of thing will not be billed to you.