Private lesson policy
Lesson fees for the entire month must be paid on the first lesson of each month. Fees are based on 4 weeks (100.00) or 5 weeks (125.00) in the current month. Fees are not reduced in the case of child's absence due to illness, vacation, or choosing to miss a lesson for another activity. You are purchasing a slot on your teacher's schedule, and must make every effort to attend your lesson time. If lessons are not paid by the 10th of the month the lesson fee will increase to cover the late fee to 27.50 per lesson.
To put this in a humorous comparison, Comcast doesn't refund a portion of your bill if you don't watch TV one night a week. Also, please note that you do not get a refund on your little league fees, private school tuition, daycare etc.
Makeup policy & Bad Weather
If I (Sandie Apuzzo) must cancel a lesson, I can at my discretion choose to give you a credit on your account Makeup lessons will be offered if time permits. I currently have a private lesson schedule of 71 students. Please understand that if a lesson is missed due to the student, I can only fit in makeups if someone else cancels. This is why notice to me in a timely fashion is so important. I will no longer be able to add students to the beginning or end of my schedule day for makeups. If two makeups are offered and not accepted you forfeit the makeup. It is the students responsibility to check in periodically to inquire about a makeup spot.
For inclimate weather, please call the studio voicemail, check the website www.musicboxwithsandie.com, watch Channel 8 (WTNH). Credits will not be issued for inclimate weather cancellations if the studio is open.
Student Policy
Private lesson students are required to practice. Taking lessons for taking lessons sake only is discouraging to the child, parents and teacher. Students who repeatedly do not practice will be given a 30 day written warning, and if improvement is not made will be removed from my schedule.
Summer lessons
Lessons with Sandie are a year round event. Please understand that if you make the choice to take the summer off, your lesson time will not be held. Only families who continue lessons through the summer, or choose to continue to pay for lessons throughout the summer are guaranteed their school year time held. Sandie will work around summer schedules as makeups this time of year are easier to plan for. You are maintaining an educational slot on your teacher's schedule, and practice and lessons year round are for the benefit of the student. Please compare this to your child's school studies. Schools send home packets of math work and reading lists to maintain the level your child was in when they left for summer holiday. It is discouraging for children who have not maintained their level of study in ANY form (reading, sports, music) to have to take a step back in September to relearn what they've lost.
Kindermusik and Piano Encounters policies
* Tuition refunds or credit vouchers may be given only in the case of extenuating circumstances requiring withdrawal from class. Prorated tuition is only offered due to pregnancy or moving out of the class range (25miles or farther one way) within the semester. All refund requests will be considered on an individual basis. Kindermusik with Sandie is a private entity and not affiliated with any other Kindermusik programs. If canceling prior to the session starting, the materials fee of no less than $75.00 for your program plus a $20 processing fee are non-refundable. If canceling after the session has started, for whatever reason, only the tuition fee unused will be considered for refund or credit.
* Make-up Class Lower levels (Village, Our Time) can attend another lesson in the current week if they must miss their lesson. Higher levels (Imagine That, Musical Imaginings, Piano Encounters and all Young Child Semesters) must assume that there is no makeup, and know that we review each previous lesson in the current lesson. In the case of class cancellation by studio, a class will be added to the end of the session. Please remember, your nursery school and or daycare does not refund fee’s if your child is absent. Kindermusik with Sandie follows the same policies as these establishments
. * In case of a snow emergency, check the Home page of our website www.musicboxwithsandie.com for any important announcements. You can also check www.wtnh.com OR www.wfsb.com , and watch News Channel 8 for Kindermusik with Sandie. Of course, feel free to phone the studio at 203.265.1500
Non-enrolled Siblings· Are welcome for family time, but please remind the visiting child that the shelves, bins etc. are not to be played with. Your child’s safety is our utmost concern.
Tips and Hints for Making the Most of Your Child's Music Classes·
Plan to arrive about 5 minutes early for class. Arriving a little before class provides time for your child to settle into the musical environment. Also, please make sure you are ON TIME for parent involvement time. It is very upsetting to a child to not have his parent arrive with the others.
· Be sure to dress comfortably and keep in mind that we ALL we be on the floor at some point. Shoes can be removed at your discretion!·
During class, the most important thing you can do for your child is to be an active and patient role model. It is not uncommon for a child to attend several classes before feeling comfortable in class. Don’t be discouraged – what a child is absorbing in class is often evidenced in the comfort of the home environment rather than in a certain level of participation in class. The understanding and consistency of the parent or caregiver in class and at home is key to facilitating musical learning and growth. ·
Because we strive to facilitate a supportive, caring environment and community, we love for parents to visit before or after class, but not during class time, please!
When you are an active, focused, enthusiastic participant in the class activities, your child will imitate your actions and focus more fully as well. Always arrive for parent time promptly!· You and your child will benefit enormously from your music experience, especially if you frequently reinforce what you and they learn at home throughout the week. This makes all the difference in a child’s comfort and participation in the classroom, as well as her long-term growth.