Private Music Studio Guides by Mimi Butler

Policies

Mrs. Butler's Payment & Lesson Policies (updated 7 /1/10)

1.      As of 9/1/10, private lessons will increase to $27 for 30 minutes, $40.50 for 60 minutes and $54 for 60 minutes. Any musician participating in the monthly chamber classes (including cellists) who does not study with Mrs Butler will pay $250 for 9 classes (September - May).  This does not include the recital fee.  Last lesson increase was 1/1/07.
    A $50.00 (per family) recital fee will be added to the April bill.  This will include the fees associated with the annual recital and other planned performances.
      If parents / students choose to pay for twelve (12) lessons in advance, a 10% discount will be deducted from the total bill. For example:
12 lessons x $40.50 (for a 45 minute lesson) - 10% = $437 (instead of $486); 12 lessons x $54.00 (for an hour lesson) - 10% = $550 (instead of $648).
    Six one-hour music theory lessons are $250.  They must be taken in a six month time period.  Four one hour theory classes will be offered in the summer for $150 a person.
    A credit card can be used for payment by contacting my assistant, Jessie Lee at optimist2020@verizon.net.
    Adult students must schedule a minimum of two lessons a month or one private lesson and one chamber class.
2.     Students in String Builder Book 2 and beyond are expected to take a 45 minute private lesson.
3.     Students will be given 3 or 4 (depending on the number of weeks in a month) private lessons a month and one chamber music class (chamber class will be the same cost as a private lesson). The chamber classes will be offered each month except for  most summer months.  Class levels will include beginner  (45 minute class), intermediate and advanced (60 minute classes).
          •  If you are unable to attend a chamber class, make-up classes will NOT be offered, but you can attend a different class at any time. If you miss a chamber class you can NOT make it up with a private lesson.  Also, a make-up private lesson will NOT be offered during the week of classes.
          •  Students must bring all music and a music stand (with their name on the stand) to chamber classes. The classes will be held in my home. Please try to be on time for the chamber classes since it can be disruptive when a student joins the class after it has started.
          •  During the chamber classes, the following materials will be covered:
         Scales & technique
         Chamber music
         Alternative Styles such as fiddling and rock
         Memorization and performance skill
         Preparation for the annual trip to the Senior Citizen Center, Chamber Music recital and Certificate Program for Strings exam
4.     Only one make-up private lesson will be offered per student per month. Missed lessons must be made-up within thirty (30) days from missed date. If a scheduled make-up private lesson is missed or not made up within thirty (30) days, a second one cannot be scheduled. If lessons are not canceled by 3:30 pm (9:00 am in the summer) on the day the lesson is scheduled,  NO make-up will be offered.
5.     If payment is not received within thirty (30) days of the first lesson of the month, the regularly scheduled lesson times will be forfeited and assigned to the next student on the waiting list. Lessons missed can NOT be deducted from the bill. The monthly payment may be reduced due to planned vacations only if prior notice is given by the first of the month.
6.      If three (3) or more lessons are canceled in a block of time, the student’s slot will NOT be saved.  This can only occur once a calendar year unless there is a family or medical emergency.
7.     If lessons are missed on a regular basis (more than two a month) for more than two consecutive months, lessons will be terminated without refund.
8.     Each year, students will participate in the New Jersey American String Teachers Association's Certificate Achievement Program for Strings  (ASTACAP) in May or June. The cost ranges from $30 - $40. Students will prepare for this performance exam throughout the year and parents are asked to take the students to the location of their choice.
9.     Students are required to perform in the annual chamber music recital in the spring unless there is a serious illness or family emergency.  Preparation for the recital will take place before, during, and after classes.  It is essential that all students remain for the entire performance.
10.     A vacation week will not be offered during midterm and final exams week unless notice is given by the first of the month.
11.     If a check is returned by the bank, you will be charged a $40.00 cash fee. Two returned checks, you will be required to pay cash, money order or certified check only.
12.     NO visitors please in the studio, only students taking lessons & parents.
NO visitors at all during chamber classes.
13.     If lessons or chamber class attendance are terminated before the end of the month, all payments will not be reimbursed.
14.     Please notify me of any health problems that I should be aware of and whom to notify in the case of an emergency.
15.     If a student requires the change of lesson time slot due to sport participation, there must be prior notice.
16.     Summer lessons need to be chosen by July 1 in order to be guaranteed a time slot.
17.     Regularly scheduled lessons will not be available on Fridays or Saturdays (only make-ups).
18.      Students can not enter the studio without footwear.