Policies and Key Information
The policies outlined below are subject to change or tweaking from time to time. Scheduling lessons with me indicates that you have a working knowledge of the below and that you understand that this is truly how my studio operates.
I’ve written it here so I can save my head space, with love, for teaching — my very favorite thing.
What You’re Buying
Your Spot(s) in the Calendar
Tuition guarantees the named person a weekly lesson in its scheduled spot but does not guarantee the ability to reschedule. All lessons are reserved and paid in advance and can be managed from within the emailed appointments. Lessons are not transferable to others.
In addition to your lessons, tuition covers an annual recital, other performance opportunities, my increasing years of experience, education, and love for teaching music, and whatever else I can possibly imagine and provide. And I’m always imagining.
Instrument Choice
Instrument options are piano, guitar, and voice. Students may change their instrument of study or expand to an additional instrument within my studio, but I do not alternate instruments by week or split lessons between instruments as those approaches lack effective momentum. The minimum weekly lesson time per instrument is 30 minutes (45 for voice).
Lessons include instruction on your instrument and a healthy dose of music theory and history as we go. The theory and history will be relevant to the student’s current repertoire and/or expressed interest.
Whatever your chosen instrument (singers, this is your whole body), your progress is up to you. I will hand you big beautiful oars, but you have to do the rowing -- and oh, what vistas you'll see! What beauty awaits you!
Tuition
Monthly tuition is based on a calendar year of lessons divided into twelve equal installments. Detailed info can be found on the Pricing page.
Overpayments carry forward, so if you prefer to pay by term, feel free to do so. Otherwise, tuition is due at the beginning of each month in which you plan to take lessons. Lesson slots are secured with tuition.
The studio year begins each August. If your lessons stop mid-year, you are not responsible for any further tuition after the paid month. If a spot opens up mid-year and you join my studio in some month other than August, tuition picks up at the then-current monthly rate on your first month.
Past due invoices are subject to an automatic late fee. Regular or egregious lateness may lead to losing your spot in my studio.
Write checks to Lauren Bales Music LLC or pay electronically (ACH from the invoice is my preference, but I’m not very picky).
Holidays & Terms
Holidays
If your lesson day falls on an observed holiday, you will not have a lesson that week. Observed holidays and other upcoming breaks are listed on the Dates page and are not included in tuition calculations.
If you have been sent an appointment, you have a lesson. If not, no lesson.
Terms (Semesters)
The academic year starts in August and is divided into three terms. The two long terms mirror the traditional school year: fall semester and spring semester. Summer term covers June and July to finish out the academic year.
Non-Teaching Weeks
My studio will observe various breaks and holidays as listed on the Dates page. Some non-teaching weeks are administrative work weeks for me, and I will be available in all the usual ways. I will not be available on break. Work weeks and break weeks are indicated on the current academic calendar on the Dates page.
Partial Year
I do not hold lesson slots for unpaid months. If you join the studio mid-year, tuition picks up at the then-current monthly tuition.
Conflicts & Illness
Rescheduling is subject to availability, is not guaranteed, and is up to you. Like you, I have other commitments and need down time, so what’s listed is available, and unlisted times are not available.
Rescheduled lessons take place at my home studio.
By using the link in your appointment at least 12 hours in advance, you can attempt move any scheduled lesson to any available slot within the current term. Rescheduling automatically updates my calendar.
Lessons do not roll over to the next term, so plan ahead when possible.
Planned Events
If you have a known upcoming conflict (like concerts, weddings, tournaments, or vacations), please remove that lesson from the calendar as early in the term as possible. I'd always rather see you, but if you cannot reschedule, please remove appointments from my calendar as soon as you know you will not be attending.
You do not have to offer a reason for your reschedule, but you can if you like.
Canceled or missed lessons are not made up in any way. Missing lessons may result in losing your spot in my studio.
Illness
Please do not come to your in-person lesson if you are ill (or mask up).
If it’s too late to reschedule online when illness reveals itself, please contact me as soon as possible.
Emergencies
You will probably know if you are having an emergency. The nature of your emergency does not have to be disclosed, but you are safe in my studio no matter what. Just let me know how I can help.
If travel is treacherous due to weather or flying monkeys, let’s meet online rather than in person. Or you can have a real snow day and I’ll see you next time.
Teacher Cancellations
If I fall ill or must cancel lessons for some other reason, I will give as much notice as I can. Read about the buffer week on the Pricing page.
Goals
Most of the work of learning music (and everything else) falls to the learner. That means most of the work happens between lessons on your own, and that’s where to find the joy, too. But I will guide you with your cooperation. So if you are not already in my studio but are ready to rock, get on the wait list.
I have so many goals and hopes for you as you study and embrace music. Mostly, I hope you learn to express and appreciate nuance and humanity. I truly hope you find refuge, love, art, precision, community, empathy, and life in your music.
Make your music. We all need it.
most recently updated May 2024