TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES
To provide a professional, challenging, and encouraging learning environment.
To provide a curriculum for each student’s unique interests and learning style.
To provide evidence-based instruction and sound fundamental training.
To prescribe appropriate and effective practice methods.
To regularly communicate student progress to parents and guardians.
To organize and coordinate individual and group learning opportunities such as trombone ensemble or guest artists master classes.
STUDENT AND FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES
To provide an appropriate practice space free of distractions.
To provide a well-maintained instrument.
To practice consistently each week according to the teacher’s suggestions.
To demonstrate regular attendance and punctuality at lessons.
To take advantage of performance and group learning opportunities.
To provide punctual payment of tuition and fees.
CALENDAR
Students are guaranteed 41 lessons per year. The calendar is divided into three terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Students are expected to enroll for an entire term. If a student elects to skip a term they can re-enroll in the following term, however their spot in the studio can not be guaranteed. If there are no time slots available students will be given the option to be added to the waitlist, and will be giving preference when space becomes available.
Fall Term - 19 weeks/17 lessons
First week of school through week before Christmas
One make up lesson in case of illness/emergency/religious observance
$130 monthly
Siblings rate $115 monthly
Spring Term - 19 weeks/17 lessons.
First week of school through second week of May
One make up lesson in case of illness/emergency/religious observance
$130 monthly
Siblings rate $115 monthly
Summer Term - 10 weeks/7 lessons
Memorial Day through first week of August
Multiple make up lessons offered in case of illness/emergency/religious observance
Flexible scheduling in case of student travel or family vacation
$130 monthly
Siblings rate $115 monthly
Make up Lessons
Although students are guaranteed 41 lessons per year from Fall to Summer, 48 possible lesson weeks are listed on the studio calendar. This builds in time off for the teacher in the case of illness, emergency, or unavoidable schedule conflicts. Make up lessons will be added during the final weeks of the term. If the teacher does not use all of the allotted time for makeup lessons, students benefit by receiving lessons during those weeks at no cost
SCHEDULING
Lesson times are secured at the beginning of each term. Every effort will be made to accommodate scheduling requests, however, scheduling is ultimately dictated by the Spartanburg district 5 band class schedule. Should a student need to change their lesson time mid-term, the teacher will try to accommodate the change but a slot cannot be guaranteed.
CANCELATION AND MAKE-UP LESSONS
STUDENT ABSENCES
Students are guaranteed one make-up lesson per term. Make-up lessons occur either during an available time slot in the teacher’s schedule or during the extra weeks at the end of the term. Make-up lessons are offered in the event of student or family illness, an emergency, religious observance. Make-up lessons are not offered for lessons canceled due to conflicting activities (e.g., sports, dance). Twenty-four hours’ notice of absences is greatly appreciated. Tuition is not reduced for unexcused student absences.
TEACHER ABSENCES
In the event that the teacher must cancel a lesson, a make-up lesson will always be offered. If a make-up lesson is not possible due to schedule conflicts, a lesson credit will be applied to the next tuition payment.
TUITION
A flat-rate system is used for tuition. Monthly installments are structured so that regardless of the number of lesson weeks in each month, the tuition remains a flat, predictable amount. Pre-planned absences and holiday breaks have also been factored into the rate.
Tuition can be paid in one, three (August, February, June), or twelve (monthly) installments due by the 8th of each month. Invoices will be sent on the 1st of each month.
Tuition reflects all teaching weeks for the entire school year, including summer weeks.
Additionally, tuition covers participation in masterclasses with guest artists and summer trombone ensemble.
RATE INCREASES
Tuition is subject to small increases at the beginning of each academic year. Prior notice of rate increases will be given at least one term in advance.