Online Studio Policy

Purpose and Goal.

The purpose of an educator is to guide students in building knowledge, skill, and discipline. The focus, concentration, creativity, and consistency necessary to succeed in music study can be applied to all areas of life. Benefits of music study may include improved independent problem solving skills, increased comprehension of abstract ideas, creative expression, self-confidence and a sense of well-being. My goal is to instill awareness of the importance of music, teach students how to create, understand and appreciate music, and have an enjoyable musical adventure. 

Lessons

All private lessons will take place at a time arranged by parent, student and teacher. Group classes, when available, will be scheduled  and posted on the calendar, that is visible in your student portal.

Devices and Technology

Please be certain that any devices you use for online lessons are fully charged the night before lessons. Additionally, keep essential apps up to date according to the developer's  recommendation. I encourage you to research online, before applying new updates, in case data loss, bugs or crashes are being reported by other users.

Materials

Students must bring all current books to each lesson. This includes method books, supplemental materials, in paper or digital format. We will use a digital notebook, which is visible in your student portal. The digital notebook is an essential part of the lesson – It allows the student and teacher to keep record and review concepts being covered. It also serves as a guide for your work, during the week. Being prepared is an important part of music study.

Tardiness

Please be punctual – in music, timing is everything! If you are late, you are encouraged you to attend the lesson for the remaining time, given that the lost time cannot be added to the end of your lesson. This rule must be followed in order to maintain a regular lesson schedule. 

Please be courteous to those taking a lesson after you, as they are looking forward to every minute of their lesson. Because of this, we ask you to address questions you have at the beginning of your lesson. You are also welcome to send an email before or after your lesson and I will be happy to answer your questions as soon as I am available.

Online Lesson Etiquette

Please be aware of background noise levels, as much as possible. I fully understand that quiet in a full house may be difficult to maintain at times, but whenever possible please create an environment that is conducive to learning.

No food or candy is to be consumed during the lesson. Please have clean hands when you come to your lessons. Remember, we are practicing the art of learning, so the more consistent you are, the sooner you will master what you practice. Keep in mind, the current global atmosphere is one where clean hands are mandatory for our safety and health, and that of others. So this is a great time to establish this habit, along with the habit of keeping hands clean and being aware of when we may contaminate ourselves or our surroundings.  

Students may not chew gum while having a lesson.

Audio and Video Recording

Lessons, classes or workshops may not be recorded in any form. This includes audio or video. In addition to potential copyright infringement issues, recording can be counterproductive for students. However, if you think it would be important or beneficial for you or your student to record a portion of, or all of your lesson or class, don’t hesitate to ask to do so. We can discuss the advantages and/or disadvantages and decide together, how to proceed. There are certain instances when a short audio or video, that do not violate copyrights, may help.

Absences and Missed Lessons

Make up lessons are not guaranteed. However, with sufficient notice lessons certainly can be rescheduled. The new online format allows more flexibility for rescheduling lesson time due to schedule conflicts. (Hint: It's much easier to reschedule with plenty of advanced notice.)

Missed Lessons – You can now be notified by email or text messages every week before your scheduled lessons. Lessons that are missed, forgotten, or cancelled within 24 hours of the lesson by the student will not be made up. 

Please Note: Credit for missed lessons, notified or not, will not be applied to future tuition. 

Student Planned Absences – If you plan on missing a lesson, please provide notice in writing*. This notice can be submitted by text message or by email. You can also submit an absence notice on the Contact page.

Please provide your teacher the following information: 



• Date Notice is submitted: 


• Student’s Name: 


• Exact Date(s) and Time(s) of lesson that student will not attend (not the period of time that you will be gone): 


• Optional days and times that the student is available for rescheduling a missed lesson:

*This notification does not guarantee a make-up lesson.

Extended Lessons

Extended Absences – You must notify me in writing in order to reserve a lesson time on the schedule during any absence longer than two weeks. If you are reserving a spot for an extended absence of any kind, your tuition payment will secure your regularly scheduled lesson time.

If you choose not to reserve a lesson time, you may ask to be placed on the waiting list. Placement on the list does not guarantee that a lesson time will be open when you return. If you are placed on the waiting list, you will be contacted when a lesson time is available.

Teacher Absence

If I miss a lesson, it will be rescheduled at a mutually convenient time.

Summer Session

Summer Session includes the days June 1st – August 31st. Summer Session lessons are required in order to reserve a lesson time in the fall. If you are planning a summer vacation please notify me, in writing, a minimum of two weeks in advance of the absence. I will reschedule up to two lessons during the summer session that you miss due to vacation. Lessons that are rescheduled during the Summer Session must be completed by August 31st. Absences beyond two lessons must be paid in full if you wish to reserve your lesson time, and are subject to the make-up policy. If you are taking a longer vacation and choose not to pay for the additional days you are absent, your assigned lesson time may be forfeited. (Please see Extended Absences.)

Tuition and Fees

Please submit all payments for tuition and applicable fees digitally only. Preferred method of payment is Apple Pay. If you choose, an Apple Pay request can be sent to you when invoices are sent out. Let me know if this would be helpful for you. All tuition and applicable fees are due by the 26th of each month for the upcoming month. You will receive an invoice for tuition and applicable fees via email on the 15th of each month. Please pay the exact amount stated on the invoice. Please do not recalculate the amount due. If you have concerns regarding your invoice balance, please contact me immediately, before submitting tuition..

Late Payments – A $20.00 fee will be applied to your next invoice, if your payment is received after the due date. If you are planning an extended absence please notify me, in writing, least one month before the planned extended absence, when possible, or you may be billed for the time you will not be attending lessons. (Please see Extended Absences.)

Registration Fee – When you register for lessons, a one-time, non-refundable registration fee of $25.00 will appear on your invoice. Only one registration fee per family will be charged.

Questions and Concerns

Every moment of your lesson is valuable. If you have questions or concerns, please address them at the beginning of your lesson. Your lesson time is yours to use as you wish. If you choose to discuss something in particular, this time counts as part of your lesson. I recommend sending an email or setting up a meeting outside of lesson time when possible.

A Special Note to Parents

Music study is a worthwhile experience that offers many challenges and rewards. Your support and encouragement is essential for your student’s success. It is my hope that you facilitate a disciplined and structured process for music study and practice at home. By engaging in the subtle aspects of musicianship, one begins to see and experience the richness that music can bring to so many aspects of life. I am pleased work with you and appreciate the opportunity to be a part of your learning. I look forward to celebrating your success throughout our time together. 

Together, we will add value to life through music!

Ignacio Diaz, Jr., BM, MM
Instructor of Music - Educator