Policies 

Introduction ​

    Private lessons are dedicated to providing a fun and fulfilling learning experience for every student. Learning an instrument/voice or any other music/art subject can be challenging, but it should also be joyful. We strive to create an enjoyable environment where students feel supported, motivated, and inspired.

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To ensure a smooth and positive experience for everyone, please take a moment to review the policy outlined below. Students/parents must read and sign the studio policy upon enrollment, agreeing to follow the policies. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to reach out.

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Calendar

2026 Semesters:        

•       Spring Semester: January-May        

•       Summer Semester: June-August        

•       Fall Semester: September-December 2026

 

Recital Dates:        

•       Spring Recital: TBD        

•       Fall Recital: TBD

 

Studio Closures (No Classes):        

•       December 31 – New Year Eve        

•       January 1 – New Year’s Day The studios observe major holidays and seasonal breaks. Any additional closures or schedule changes will be communicated in advance.

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Tuition & Fees       

•       Tuition is charged as a flat monthly fee, based on an average of 4 lessons per month.        

•       Payment is due on the last lesson of each month.        

•       Tuition is non-refundable and cannot be transferred between months or semesters.        

•       No credits or refunds are given for missed or canceled (by student) lessons.        

•       Monthly tuition reserves a weekly lesson time. If full monthly tuition is not paid timely, the reserved lesson time will be released and offered to another student.        

•       For those who prefer a more flexible schedule, single lessons can be booked individually at a higher per-lesson rate, as availability allows.        

•       The first trial lesson is available at discounted price.        

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Recitals

•      Participation in recitals, competitions, ABRSM exams and other events is encouraged, but not required.        

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Additional Costs

•      Families are responsible for the cost of music and other necessary learning materials.

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Attendance & Missed Lessons

Lesson Schedule:

•       Lessons usually take place once per week at your reserved day and time. Consistent attendance is important for steady progress.

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Arrival & Punctuality:        

•       Students should arrive on time and bring all required materials.        

•       Students should arrive no more than 2–3 minutes before their scheduled lesson time. Early arrivals may interrupt the previous student’s lesson and cannot be accommodated. Families arriving more than 5 minutes early may be asked to wait outside until the scheduled lesson time.        

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Late Arrivals:

Lessons will not be extended to accommodate late arrivals. Any missed time due to tardiness will not be made up or refunded.

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Cancellations

•       Cancellations: At least 24 hours' notice is required to qualify for a make-up lesson.        

•       Cancellations must be communicated by a parent or guardian via text (WhatsApp) or email.        

•       Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice are not eligible for a make-up, credit, or rescheduling and will still be billed.        

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Make-Up Lessons

•       Make-up lesson is allowed as long as student is continuously enrolled in the Studio within the same school year (the public holidays and teacher’s vacation, if applicable, counted as continued enrollment).        

•       Make-up time slots are posted online on shared google-drive document daily and marked in green color.        

•       Make-up requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance online and confirmed by text or email.        

•       Make up lessons can be scheduled with any instructor/studio of the Elite Academy (who has available time openings).        

•       Private makeup lessons cannot be credited toward other educational products provided by the Elite Academy (such as group lessons, online courses and etc.)        

•       Make-up lessons are the subject to availability.        

•       Unused make-up credits do not roll over to the next school year and are non-refundable.        

•       Bonus Weeks: In months with five lesson weeks, the fifth lesson is counted as a bonus lesson or may be used as a make-up if needed.    

   

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Travel & Planned Absences

•       Planned absences due to travel are treated the same as other cancellations and are subject to the studio’s cancellation and make-up policies. A make-up lesson may be used if available.        

•       Tuition is based on reserving a weekly lesson time and is not adjusted for personal travel or vacations.        

•       At the instructor’s discretion, exceptions may occasionally be offered as a courtesy. Such exceptions are not guaranteed and do not set a precedent for future lessons.      

 

•       Illness: If a student is unwell, please stay home.

         You may:        

•       Switch to a virtual lesson at your scheduled time        

•       Send a video for feedback        

•       If a student arrives visibly ill, teacher reserves the right to cancel the lesson, and the lesson will still be billed.

 

•       Teacher Absences: If teacher need to cancel a lesson, a make-up will be offered at a mutually convenient time.        

 

•       Online lessons - if lesson cannot be accommodated due to internet or third-party failure (application) the 50% of the lesson fee will be credited toward the future lessons in the case, if less than 50% of lesson time passed; and it will be billed full amount, if more than 50 percent of lesson time has passed.

Practice & Instrument Guidelines        

 

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Practice Expectations

Consistent, focused practice is essential for musical progress. Students are expected to practice at least 4 times per week.        

•       Beginners (young students): Aim for 10–15 minutes of focused practice daily.        

•       Intermediate/Advanced: Practice time will increase gradually based on the student’s level and goals.        

•       Parents are encouraged to support younger students by helping them build a regular practice routine and maintaining a positive learning environment at home.        

•       Instrument Requirements: To support effective learning, students must have access to an appropriate instrument at home.        

•       An acoustic piano (upright or grand) is strongly recommended. Regular tuning twice a year is advised to maintain sound quality.        

•       A fully weighted, touch-sensitive 88-key digital keyboard is acceptable for beginners. However, students are advised to transition to an acoustic piano as they advance.        

•       The right instrument is critical for developing proper technique, tone, and musical expression.

Performances & Opportunities        

•       Students are invited to participate in 2 studio recitals each year, held in the fall and spring (available for in-person students). These events offer a meaningful chance to build confidence, celebrate progress, and share music with family and friends.        

•       Participation in ABRSM exams, festivals, and competitions is strongly encouraged for students who are interested and ready. These opportunities are discussed individually, based on each student’s goals and level of preparedness.        

•       While not required, these experiences can be highly motivating, enriching, and a valuable part of musical development.

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Risk Assumption & Studio Etiquette (for in-person lessons)        

•       Studio operates from a private home. By enrolling in lessons, families acknowledge and accept that participation is at their own risk. Studio is not responsible for the loss or damage of personal belongings, nor for any injuries, claims, or damages that may occur during lessons, recitals, or other studio-related activities.        

•       By attending lessons or events, clients agree to release Studio and Elite Academy from any and all liability.   

 

To maintain a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment, students and their accompanying

guests are expected to:  

•       Treat the space and furnishings with care (no jumping on furniture or handling personal household items).      •       Follow basic hygiene and safety practices.        

•       Remain in designated areas unless otherwise instructed. Restroom use is available by exception and is not intended as a routine part of each visit.        

•       Respect the studio space as both a professional teaching environment and a private home.        

•       Failure to follow studio etiquette may result in lessons being paused or discontinued at the instructor’s discretion.        

Thank you for your cooperation in helping create a welcoming and respectful environment for all.

 

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Media Release

        •       Unless a written request is submitted, Studio has permission to photograph or record students during lessons, recitals, and studio events. These images and videos may be used for marketing and promotional purposes across all platforms.

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Elite Academy of Western Arts

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