When You Can’t Make It

Life happens, and I do understand that the occasional conflict comes up. I send a monthly lesson list and studio newsletter before (or on) the 1st of each month, outlining all scheduled lessons. If you notice a conflict at that time, it’s the perfect opportunity to book a make-up or let me know you’ll need to cancel so adjustments can be made before you send an eTransfer. 

If you do need to miss a lesson, a minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required, and as much notice as possible is always deeply appreciated. That way we can look for a make-up or simply move on to the next week. A make-up is always the first choice, but 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 for helping keep 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, and that’s completely understood.

Weekly Students (High School or Younger):
If you’re under the weather, you may choose one of the following:

• 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

Once a make-up lesson is booked, that credit is considered used. If you’re unable to attend the scheduled make-up for any reason, the credit is forfeited rather than rebooked. This helps keep availability fair and the schedule workable for everyone.

Adult Students:
Same choices as above, plus the option to roll over your lesson fee into the next month.

Quick December Note:
December is a short and very full teaching month (concerts, recording projects, and an impressive amount of being under the weather!!). Because of this, December make-up lessons must be booked and used by the final day of lessons and cannot carry into January. If a make-up time isn’t available at this super busy time of year, Zoom lessons or practice videos are always welcome and often the best way to keep momentum going into the new year.

These options 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.