HFM Private Lessons Policy | Hillcrest Family Mus

Hillcrest Family Music Private Lesson Policy

Welcome to Hillcrest Family Music! We’re thrilled to guide you (or your child) on a musical journey. These policies help us provide the best instruction while keeping things fair for students, families, and teachers.

1. Lesson Scheduling

Private lessons are scheduled weekly at an agreed-upon day and time.
Your teacher reserves this time exclusively for you. Consistency builds musical progress!
Lessons typically run 30, 45, or 60 minutes, depending on the student’s level and goals.

2. Attendance & Cancellations

Student-initiated cancellations:
- Please provide as much notice as possible if you must miss a lesson. That may be several weeks for something already booked in the calendar (a trip or conflicting event), or it may be that morning in case of illness. The more warning you can give, the easier it is to get your makeup lesson scheduled.
- In case of a missed lesson, for whatever reason, your teacher will send you a short video lesson based on your most recent progress. You are welcome to send back a video with the student’s progress that week, and the teacher can provide feedback.
- If a makeup lesson cannot be arranged within 2 weeks, this video lesson will be considered instruction for that week and a refund will not be issued.
- That said, every effort possible will be made to schedule a makeup lesson, as in-person lessons provide the most value to the student.
Teacher cancellations due to sickness will be treated the same way: the teacher will send a short video lesson once they are well and also will make every effort to reschedule the lesson within two weeks. If a makeup lesson cannot be arranged within 2 weeks, the video lesson will be considered the instruction for that week and no refund will be issued.
Inclement weather: If LRSD is closed, private lessons will be converted to zoom if at all possible (i.e., if the power/internet is not out). Your teacher will email you a link for the lesson.
If an online lesson is not possible, the process will be the same as all other cancellations- the teacher will record a short video lesson, you are welcome to send a video back with the student’s progress. If a makeup lesson cannot be scheduled within 2 weeks, that will be considered instruction for the week and a refund will not be issued.
Special circumstances: please contact HFM Director Crystal Graves and she will do her best to come up with an equitable solution that respects both the teacher’s time and the student’s investment.

3. Tuition & Payment

Tuition is billed monthly (or by semester, if preferred) and reserves your time slot.
Lessons for the regular school year start the day after Labor Day and the last day is the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. There will be 4 weeks without instruction:
- The week of Thanksgiving (for 25-26, Nov 24-28)
- Two weeks of Winter Break (for 25-26, Dec 22-Jan 3)
- Spring Break (for 25-26, March 23-28)
All months will be billed at the same rate. Some months will have 5 lessons, some will have 3, most will have 4, so it all evens out.
Payment is due on the first day of the month (or by invoice due date).
Late payments may result in a late fee or suspension of lessons until paid.
Tuition is not prorated for missed lessons unless pre-arranged with the HFM Director.

4. Practice Expectations

Progress comes from consistent practice—students should aim for the practice goals set by their teacher.
Parents of younger students are encouraged to assist with daily practice and communicate regularly with the teacher.

5. Materials

Students are responsible for purchasing required books, sheet music, and supplies.
Please bring all materials and instruments (where applicable) to every lesson.

6. Communication

We welcome open communication about goals, concerns, or scheduling needs.
Studio-wide announcements (recitals, closures, events) will be sent via email. Please make sure we have your current contact information.

7. Studio Etiquette

Please arrive on time. Lessons will end on schedule even if you arrive late.
Be respectful of other students, teachers, and studio property.
Food, drink (except water), and gum are not permitted during lessons.

8. Discontinuing Lessons

If you wish to discontinue lessons, two weeks’ notice is appreciated so we can wrap up with a positive conclusion.
Prepaid tuition for unused lessons is non-refundable unless the teacher cancels permanently.

9. Recitals & Performance Opportunities

We encourage participation in recitals, festivals, and studio events to build confidence and celebrate progress.
Performance dates will be announced well in advance.

Acknowledgment

By enrolling in lessons at Hillcrest Family Music, you agree to these policies. These guidelines protect your investment, value the teacher’s time, and help every student succeed.