When You Can’t Make It
Life happens, and I know schedules shift. If you need to miss a lesson, please give at least 48 hours’ notice. That way we can look for a make-up or just move on to the next week. If no make-up works, your lesson fee will be removed from that month or if already paid, credited to the next invoice.
If less than 48 hours’ notice is given, the lesson is paid in full. Thank you for respecting the time that’s reserved just for you and keeping the studio running smoothly.
In June: If you miss a lesson with notice and we can’t find a make-up, the fee can be used for a summer lesson in July or August. Credits expire in September so the studio can start fresh in the fall.
If You’re Sick
No one plans to get sick, and your health always comes first. I never want a student pushing through when they should be resting. When you are sick, it's not always possible to give 48-hours notice. If this is the case then:
Weekly Students (High School or Younger):
If you’re under the weather, you can:
Switch to a Zoom lesson at your regular time
Book a make-up within one month (credit expires if not used)
Request a personalized video lesson with guided activities and encouragement
Adult Students:
Same choices as above, plus the option to roll over your lesson fee into the next month.
These choices are here so you never feel penalized for doing the right thing and staying home when you’re unwell.
If I’m the One Who Cancels
Sometimes life throws curveballs my way too. If I cancel for any reason, I’ll give you options: we’ll either book a make-up, I’ll remove the lesson fee from that month’s total, or I’ll roll it into the next month. In June, it can also be applied to a summer lesson.
If You’re Running Late
We’ve all had those days where everything runs behind. Please arrive on time when you can. Lessons finish at the scheduled time even if you’re late, since the next student is waiting.
This helps keep everyone’s day on track and makes sure each student gets their full focus.
Vacations, Busy Seasons, and Conflicts
I love hearing about your travel plans, and I understand that busy months at work or school can pop up too. A little time away can even refresh your music practice.
If you’ll be away for three or more consecutive weeks, a 50% holding fee reserves your spot. Make-ups during long absences aren’t guaranteed, but if we do find a time, that week’s holding fee won’t apply.
If you decide not to continue after your time away, the usual mid-year withdrawal policy (three weeks’ notice) applies.
Your weekly lesson time is reserved just for you, so I can’t do lesson time swaps mid-year if other activities (like hockey, soccer, or dance) conflict. Please keep that in mind when booking extracurriculars - music time is part of your weekly rhythm and progress.
Regular holiday breaks (December Break, March Break) are already built into the calendar and billing, so this doesn’t apply there.
If You Decide to Stop Lessons
Sometimes life moves in new directions, and that’s okay. If you’re thinking of finishing lessons, let’s chat first. I’d love to celebrate your progress and end on a positive note.
For mid-year (September-June) withdrawals, I ask for three weeks’ written and paid notice. This allows for a smooth transition and gives me time to offer your spot to someone on the waitlist.
If We Need to Part Ways
I may need to de-register students in cases of:
Ongoing unpaid tuition
Frequent absences or excessive rescheduling
Lack of preparation or consistent disengagement
That said, communication is always open. If something isn’t working, please reach out so we can find a way forward. The goal is always a happy, functioning studio - not surprises.
Snow Days
Canadian winters can be unpredictable. If the school board cancels classes for weather, lessons will still happen unless you hear from me directly. My commute is pretty fantastic so I will usually be available regardless of the weather!
If you don’t feel safe traveling, just let me know and we can swap to zoom or reschedule. Safety comes first!
Having the Right Instrument
Having the right tools at home makes practice easier and more enjoyable.
Piano students: need a piano at home for practice.
Best: a tuned acoustic piano
Also Acceptable: a digital piano with 88 weighted, touch-sensitive keys and a pedal
Voice students: should ideally have access to a keyboard.
All students should also have a metronome (or app). Even small upgrades here make a big difference in progress.
Recordings and Privacy
Recordings are a big part of learning. They help track growth, celebrate milestones, and prepare for performances. Examples include:
Practicing full-length pieces
Creating audition or gift recordings
Building comfort with performance skills
Privacy first: I’ll never share recordings publicly without written permission.
Student recordings: You may record your own lessons for personal use, but they must not be shared online.
Storage: Lesson videos are kept private and deleted each July.
Practice tracks: Personalized tracks are for enrolled students only and should not be shared publicly.
This balance lets us use technology as a learning tool while keeping your privacy fully protected.
Parents and Guardians
Parents are always welcome in lessons, but everything is designed so students can take ownership of their learning. Your role is simply to encourage practice at home.
Even my youngest students benefit from working independently - it builds pride, confidence, and a sense of responsibility. (And don’t worry, you’ll still hear every note from the hallway!)
Practice at Home
Progress happens between lessons. I’ll provide weekly homework sheets tailored to your goals, and for beginners we focus on consistency over duration — short, regular sessions are most effective.
Here’s a general guide:
Ages 4–5: 5–10 minutes per session
Ages 6–7: 10 minutes
Ages 8–10: ~15 minutes
Ages 10–13: ~20 minutes
Older or advanced students: we’ll create a custom plan together
Even small, steady effort adds up to real progress. Think of practice like watering a plant — frequent little sips keep it thriving more than the occasional flood.