Sierra’s Studio Policies

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Missed Lesson Policy

Make-up lessons or refunds are not offered for any lesson a student/parent misses, regardless of the reason. A parent has the option of attending a lesson or meeting in place of the child during the lesson time. Alternatively, you may request an email with a practice plan from your teacher. Teacher-cancelled lessons will be made up by June 30 at your regular lesson time, or at a prearranged alternate time, during designated makeup lesson weeks. Any lessons not made up in that time will be refunded or moved to summer lessons upon mutual agreement.

 

Inclement Weather Days

If Public and Catholic school boards have closed due to inclement weather (not just buses), private lessons will be moved to an online platform. In the case of power outages or internet connectivity issues, lessons will be cancelled and not made up. In the case of a student-missed lesson due to inclement weather please see missed lesson policy. 

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Student or Family Illness & Covid Protocol

If a student or attending caregiver has a fever or has vomited within 24 hours please do not come to your lesson or group class in person. We will be following the COVID-19 guidelines provided by the Region of Waterloo. Online lessons may be available in the case of student or family illness. Missed classes will not be made up or refunded.  It is imperative that you refrain from spreading illness through our school.

 

Online Lesson Policy

When lessons occur online; lesson time lost due to poor connectivity, power outages, battery failure, etc. will not be made up. Lesson etiquette still exists for online lessons. Cameras must remain on. Please check your camera and audio before each lesson. Please ensure the student’s body including bow arm and full instrument including your hand are visible during the lesson. Arrive on time, prepared with your music, resources and instrument tuned to the best of your ability. Please keep surrounding noise down and other distractions minimal during your online lesson.

 

Group Classes

Participation in group classes is mandatory for students 18 years of age and under, unless a high school graduate, if an appropriate class is being offered at a student’s level. People with special needs will be given consideration and included in our program whenever possible. Group activities are an integral part of our Suzuki program.

 

Supervision

STEW and/or its faculty are not responsible for the supervision or care of children during their classes or between classes. Students age 12 and under must have a parent or designated childcare provider responsible for them during group classes and events.

 

Studio and School Fees

Fees will be invoiced monthly, due by the 5th of each month. Preferred payment method is e-transfer or credit card. If cheque or cash is needed, or if you prefer to pay in a lump sum for the year or term please speak with our administrator.

 

Withdrawal from STEW

• When notice of withdrawal from the school is given between July 1st through December 1st inclusive, parents/adult students will be required to pay an additional four months of school fees from date of notice.

• School fees for January 1st through June 30th inclusive will be waived if notice of intent to withdraw is received in writing to the Board of Directors by December 1st of the previous year.

• No refund of school fees for the remainder of the school year will be given in the event of a student's withdrawal during the months of January 1st through June 30th inclusive.

 

Graduation Recital Costs

Since twinkle and book graduations are an optional event, there may be a small fee to cover costs for trophies and overhead for participants.

 

Kiwanis Music Festival Fees

STEW teachers recommend and encourage student participation where appropriate in our local Kiwanis music festival.  Please note that a STEW teacher’s attendance at one rehearsal (or equivalent coaching if online) and up to two performances in lieu of is in lieu of a lesson.  Students are responsible to independently cover the cost of registration as well as piano accompaniment, and piano rehearsals for Kiwanis Music Festival.

 

Injury, Damage or Loss

STEW and its faculty are not responsible for any injury to yourself, illness contracted by attending and participating in a program, or for any damage or loss of your property that occurs during private lessons, STEW groups or events. 

 

Practice and Listening Requirements

Students are asked to regularly practice their instruments as instructed by the teacher. Please speak regularly with your teacher about how to structure and personalise your practice routine. Listening to the Suzuki repertoire recording is integral to Suzuki method learning and is an expected part of your practice routine. 

 

Parent Participation

I understand that for students under the age of 13, the designated practice parent is expected to attend and participate in lessons and assist in at home practice. This includes lessons that take place in the online platform. I will speak with my teacher if special circumstances arise. This is an integral part of a Suzuki program.