1. Lesson Schedule and Payment
Payment Terms:
The student agrees to pay either:
• In full upon signing this agreement (for upfront payments), or
• In installments of monthly payments per month for the duration of the package. Payment is due from the date of first purchase each month.
Booking and Scheduling:
Lessons are to be scheduled in advance through Acuity, and students will receive confirmation for their selected time slots.
Commitment Period:
Packaged lessons must be used within the period from the date of first payment period. Unused lessons do not roll over unless agreed upon in writing.
- Flex package lessons do not expire
2. Cancellation and Rescheduling
Cancellation Policy:
If a student needs to cancel or reschedule a lesson, 24 hours’ notice is required. Failure to provide 24 hours’ notice will result in the lesson being forfeited and non-refundable.
Make-Up Lessons:
Missed lessons due to illness or emergency may be rescheduled at the discretion of the teacher, subject to availability. The student must notify the teacher as soon as possible to request a make-up lesson. Make-up lessons will be scheduled during designated “flex weeks” or added to the next available lesson time slot.
Subscription-Style Policy (if applicable):
For students on the subscription plan, lessons are treated like a gym membership—you are billed monthly regardless of whether you attend lessons. Missed lessons may be made up during designated flex weeks or upon special arrangement, but there are no refunds for missed lessons.
3. Package Changes or Cancellations
Early Termination:
Should the student wish to cancel the package before the end of the agreed period, written notice must be provided. The student will be responsible for the cost of all lessons used up to the cancellation date at the full hourly rate of [$150 per lesson]. If the student has already received lessons at a discounted rate under this package, any difference will be billed.
Refunds:
No refunds are provided once a package is purchased unless the teacher cancels lessons. In that case, any unused portion of the package will be refunded.
Involuntary Cancellation by Teacher:
The teacher reserves the right to terminate the agreement at any time if the student exhibits unprofessional behavior, fails to comply with policies, or repeatedly misses lessons. In such cases, the unused portion of the package will be refunded.
4. Studio Policies and Expectations
Studio Etiquette:
Students are expected to arrive on time and prepared for lessons. Repeated tardiness or unpreparedness may affect the student’s progress and could lead to discussions regarding the continuation of lessons.
Materials and Resources:
Students are responsible for bringing any necessary materials (e.g., sheet music, water, etc.) to each lesson. The teacher may recommend additional resources, which the student is responsible for purchasing separately.
5. Liability and Disclaimer
Liability:
Petersen Voice Studio is not responsible for any injuries or damages incurred during or resulting from lessons. Students are encouraged to practice proper vocal care and technique as instructed.
Disclaimer:
Vocal progress varies depending on the individual, commitment to practice, and attendance. Results are not guaranteed, but consistent effort will yield improvement.
6. Studio Breaks and Holidays
Scheduled Breaks:
The studio operates for 44 weeks per year, allowing for 8 weeks of scheduled breaks. These will be during July/Christmas and other dates as announced, and no lessons will take place during this time.
Holiday Cancellations:
If a lesson falls on a holiday, a make-up lesson will be scheduled.
7. Online Lessons and Technology
Platform:
Online lessons will be conducted using Zoom. Students are responsible for downloading and familiarizing themselves with the platform before the lesson. A stable internet connection is required to ensure lessons run smoothly.
Technical Setup:
Students should have the following ready for online lessons:
- A device with a working camera and microphone (preferably a computer or tablet for better audio/video quality).
- A quiet, distraction-free space with minimal background noise.
- Earphones or external speakers are recommended for better sound quality during lessons.
Technical Issues:
In case of technical difficulties (e.g., internet failure, audio/video malfunctions) during the lesson:
- If issues occur in the first 10 minutes, we will attempt to reconnect and resume the lesson.
- If technical issues cannot be resolved, the lesson will be rescheduled at no additional charge.
- If technical issues arise on the student’s end after the first 10 minutes, the lesson may continue by phone or email consultation.
Online Lesson Etiquette:
Students are expected to treat online lessons with the same respect as in-person lessons. Please ensure you are prepared, on time, and have all necessary materials (e.g., sheet music, notebook) readily available.
Make sure your camera is positioned so that both your face and torso are visible, as this helps the instructor provide better feedback on posture and breathing.
Recording Lessons:
With consent, online lessons may be recorded for personal review. These recordings are for student use only and should not be shared publicly.
8. Communication Policy
Primary Contact Methods:
Students (or parents) may contact the instructor via email or text. Email is preferred for scheduling and administrative matters, while text can be used for urgent issues.
Questions related to lessons, assignments, or scheduling are always welcome, but please be mindful of timing and necessity.
Response Time:
The instructor will respond to emails and messages within 24-48 hours during business hours Wednesdays through Saturdays. Please avoid contacting the instructor late at night or on weekends unless it’s an emergency or related to a last-minute lesson cancellation.
Weekend and holiday communications will be answered on the next business day.
Lesson-Related Communication:
For non-urgent lesson-related questions (e.g., clarifying a practice assignment or following up on a lesson topic), students may contact the instructor, but responses may take up to 48 hours.
Parents of minor students are encouraged to reach out regarding progress and goals, but I request that these discussions take place during designated times or by scheduling a check-in, rather than during lesson time.
Emergency Communication:
In the event of an emergency or last-minute cancellation (due to illness, technical issues, etc.), the student should contact the instructor as soon as possible via text (617-213-0877)
Parent Involvement (for minor students):
Parents or guardians of minor students are welcome to contact the instructor to discuss student progress, scheduling, or any concerns. However, we request that parents respect the student’s autonomy in managing their practice and lesson-related responsibilities.
9. Emergency or Inclement Weather Policies
Instructor Emergencies:
In the event of an emergency or illness on the instructor’s part, the lesson will be rescheduled at a mutually agreed-upon time. If rescheduling is not possible within 30 days, the student will receive a credit or refund for the missed lesson.
Student Emergencies:
If a student experiences an emergency (e.g., illness, family emergency) and cannot attend a scheduled lesson:
- Please notify the instructor as soon as possible. If possible, provide at least 24 hours notice before canceling due to illness or emergencies.
- Missed lessons due to emergencies will be eligible for a make-up lesson, provided sufficient notice is given. Make-up lessons must be scheduled within 30 days of the original lesson.
- Last-minute cancellations due to sudden illness will be handled on a case-by-case basis, with consideration for rescheduling if necessary.
Inclement Weather (for In-Person Lessons):
In the event of severe weather conditions (e.g., snowstorms, hurricanes) that make travel unsafe:
- In-person lessons will be moved to an online platform (Zoom, Skype, etc.) at the originally scheduled time.
- If the student cannot attend an online lesson due to weather-related power or internet outages, the lesson will be rescheduled at a mutually convenient time.
- If moving the lesson online is not possible, the lesson will be rescheduled or credited.
- Students should be prepared for potential online lessons during inclement weather as a backup option.
Power Outages or Technical Issues:
In case of a power outage or loss of internet connectivity due to bad weather or emergencies, lessons will be rescheduled once the issue is resolved. If either party loses power or connection and cannot resume within 15 minutes, the lesson will be moved to another time.
Natural Disasters or Extended Emergencies:
In the event of a prolonged emergency (e.g., natural disaster, pandemic), the instructor reserves the right to temporarily move all lessons online or suspend lessons for a period of time. Any suspended lessons will be rescheduled or credited accordingly.
Health and Safety Protocols:
For in-person lessons, if a student or the instructor has any contagious illness, the lesson should be conducted online, or rescheduled, to protect everyone’s health and safety. Please notify the instructor as soon as possible if you are feeling unwell.
Key Notes:
- Online Lessons as Backup: All students should ensure they have the necessary technology set up for online lessons as a backup plan in case in-person lessons cannot be conducted.
- Advance Notice: While emergencies may arise unexpectedly, students are encouraged to provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations due to illness or emergencies when possible.
10. Parent/Guardian Involvement (for Minor Students)
Parent Participation in Lessons:
Parents/guardians are welcome to observe the first few lessons if the student is a minor (under 18 years of age), but regular attendance is not required unless discussed otherwise. Observing the lesson should be done quietly and without interference to allow the student to focus and develop independence in their learning.
Parental Presence During Lessons:
Parents are encouraged to drop off their child and return at the end of the lesson. If you choose to stay, please remain in the designated area and refrain from interrupting the lesson.
For younger students, parents may sit in on the lessons for the purpose of better understanding the lesson content and supporting practice at home, but must allow the student to lead the learning process.
Home Practice Support:
Parents are expected to support the student’s practice at home by creating a conducive practice environment (quiet space, regular practice time). However, the student should take responsibility for completing their practice and preparing for each lesson.
It is important that parents encourage but not pressure the student. Regular positive reinforcement is helpful to maintain motivation and enjoyment.
Progress Communication:
Regular check-ins regarding the student’s progress will be scheduled every quarter, where the instructor will provide updates and discuss the student’s development, goals, and any areas that need improvement.
If parents have questions or concerns about the student’s progress, they are encouraged to address these during the scheduled check-ins or via email.
Boundaries for Lesson Time:
Lesson time is dedicated to the student’s learning. If parents have administrative or progress-related questions, please communicate these before or after the lesson, or arrange a separate time to discuss them.
For any questions regarding scheduling, payments, or other logistical matters, please use email outside of lesson time.