Studio Policies

Thank you for choosing Armstead Music Studio LLC (AMC)! To ensure a creative, consistent, and effective learning environment, we kindly request that all students and their families review and adhere to the following studio policies.

📅 Attendance

  • Consistent attendance is essential for musical growth and progress. Students are encouraged to attend all scheduled lessons.

  • If you know in advance that you will miss a lesson, please notify us promptly.

  • Missed lessons will not be credited or refunded. Tuition remains the same regardless of attendance and reflects the value of securing your time slot in the studio schedule.

  • We understand that absences are sometimes unavoidable, which is why we have Missed Lesson Friday.

  • Late arrivals will receive only the remaining portion of their scheduled time, as lessons cannot be extended to accommodate tardiness. Please arrive promptly to make the most of your session.

❄️ Teacher Absences & Scheduling

  • Your instructor may occasionally need to cancel lessons due to illness, inclement weather, or professional commitments.

  • While we strive to provide a consistent schedule, an exact number of lessons per year cannot be guaranteed.

  • These rare occurrences have already been factored into the tuition rates.

🎤 Performance Opportunities

While not mandatory, participation in studio recitals, festivals, competitions, and community events is highly encouraged. These experiences help students:

  • Build confidence and stage presence

  • Develop leadership and problem-solving skills

  • Share their music with others in meaningful ways

Performance opportunities are designed to enrich each student’s musical journey and foster personal growth that extends well beyond the studio.

💳 Tuition Policies

Invoices & Due Dates

  • Tuition invoices are sent one week before the due date.

  • Tuition is due on the date of your first lesson each month, as indicated on your invoice.

  • Tuition secures your reserved weekly lesson time. 

  • Please note: There are no tuition reductions for missed lessons.

  • To hold your reserved lesson time during an absence longer than two weeks, tuition must be paid in full.

Monthly Tuition Rates

  • 30-minute lessons: $110/month

  • 45-minute lessons: $155/month

  • 60-minute lessons: $220/month

  • À la carte lessons: $40 per 30-minute session (subject to availability)

Payment Options

  • Payments can be made online at www.amusicstudio.org
    – A $3 transaction fee applies to all online payments

  • Checks and cash are also accepted
    – Please make checks payable to: Armstead Music Studio, LLC

Late Payments

  • A $25 late fee will be applied if payment is not received by 11:59 p.m. on the due date.

  • If tuition is not received by the 7th of the month, all lessons will be temporarily suspended until payment is made.

  • If payment is still not received by 30 days past due, the student will be considered withdrawn from the studio and will lose their reserved time slot. Re-enrollment will be required based on availability.

Please note: No other makeup options will be available outside of this designated time.

 

📘 Books & Materials

  • Students are responsible for bringing all necessary books and materials to every lesson.

  • Without materials, lessons may not meet quality standards—though instructors will still strive for a productive session.

  • Instructors reserve the right to decline a lesson if materials are not provided, and no refunds will be issued.

  • Lost items must be replaced at the expense of the parent or student.

🎯 Practice

  • Consistent practice is essential—regular, frequent sessions are more effective than occasional long ones.

  • Instructors guide students in developing good practice habits and focus on how to practice, not just how long.

🎹 Lesson Formats & Scheduling

  • In-studio (on-site) and virtual lesson options are available. 

  • In-studio students wishing to switch to a virtual lesson must provide at least 24 hours’ notice before their scheduled lesson.

New Make-Up Lesson Option: “Make-Up Fridays”

To ensure consistency and fairness for all students, we are no longer able to offer individual makeup lessons due to high enrollment.

However, we’re excited to introduce Make-Up Fridays—a dedicated opportunity to make up missed lessons in a structured setting.

Here’s how it works:

  • When: The first Friday of every month

  • Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

  • Where: At our studio

  • How: Sign up in advance on our website — space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis

Please note: No additional makeup sessions will be available outside of Make-Up Fridays.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to supporting our students through this new format!

📤 Withdrawal Policy

To discontinue lessons, a 30-day written notice is required. During this 30-day period:

  • You are expected to continue attending lessons.

  • Tuition for the final month is still due in full and must be paid on your regular billing date.

  • If you choose not to attend your final lessons, you will forfeit the tuition—no refunds will be given.

This policy ensures a smooth transition and allows time to offer your spot to another student.

❌ Dismissal Policy

A student may be dismissed from the studio at any time, without refund, for any of the following reasons:

  1. Excessive absences or chronic tardiness

  2. Repeated late or missed tuition payments

  3. Lack of preparation, effort, or consistent practice

  4. Disruptive behavior, disrespect, or a consistently negative attitude

    Dismissals are made at the instructor’s discretion and are intended to maintain a positive and productive learning environment for all students.