School Policy

Lessons and classes

Private lessons and classes are given weekly in their allocated time slots. These lessons & classes will focus on the initial criteria given for art, acting and yoga classes. Music disciplines will be primarily on technique and repertoire as well as musicianship and creative skills.

Practice for music disciplines

Regular home practice is essential for student success. Ideally, students should aim for at least 4 days of practice each week.

Short, daily practice sessions are more effective than one or two long sessions per week. The most important time for students to practice is right after their weekly lesson, to solidify what they have just learned. Research has shown that retention of new knowledge drops to 60% after just 24 hours. It’s not a good idea to wait until the end of the week, then “cram” practice right before a student’s next lesson!

Parental involvement in home practice is crucial for student success. Please help your student to establish and stick to a practice routine, and see that practice time is free of distractions. If you are the parent of an elementary age student, please plan to sit with your child for at least a portion of their daily practice time.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend each scheduled week of the semester. When you register for lessons, your time slot is reserved for you for the teaching year. Please keep in mind that our studio operates at full capacity there are no make-ups or refunds for missed lessons.

In the event that your student needs to miss a lesson because of a conflict or illness, please contact the studio with as much advance notice as possible. I will email or contact those that have missed lessons with any opportunities that arise to have an extra lesson.

If your student is unable to attend a group lesson, please contact the studio prior to the week of the lesson to arrange to attend a different group. Missed group lessons will not be made up.

Any lessons missed by the instructor due to illness or emergency will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

Please be prompt – lesson times cannot be extended for students who arrive late. Students should be picked up promptly at the end of their lesson time.

Summer lessons are scheduled on a by-the-lesson basis. Students should try to continue lessons on at least a part-time schedule through the summer to maintain the skills they develop through the school year.

Equipment

Music students must have an instrument of their discipline to practice at home. The quality of your student’s home instrument plays a significant role in their potential for success. Acoustic pianos should be tuned at least once a year, and kept in working order. If you prefer a digital piano, please invest in a full-size keyboard (88 keys) with weighted, touch-sensitive keys and pedals.

Yoga classes will need to bring your own mat and water bottle.
Art classes you have an option to purchase your kit at the start of the course through the school or bring your own supplies from home from the supply list given.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition may be paid in full or monthly installments in the form of post-dated cheques. These need to be collected before commencing your first lesson.

At the beginning of each school year, a nonrefundable enrollment fee of $50 per student is due for each music discipline. This fee covers the cost of group materials, studio lending books, online music, and studio recitals.

Students will need to purchase method books and music occasionally throughout the year. Books may be purchased from the studio. Additional fees may be required for festivals, competitions and other performance events.

Statements with a schedule of the semester events will be emailed before the first week of each semester.

Students should plan to commit to lessons for the entire school year. If unforeseen circumstances require a student to terminate lessons mid-year, one month’s paid notice is required to end lessons.

Tuition Rates & Payment Schedule

Tuition is due before the first lesson in September and January. If paying in monthly installments, all cheques are due before the first lesson in September and January. CHEQUES SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO NELSON STUDIO 88 INC.

A $10 late fee will be assessed on all payments received after the first week of the month.
Fall Term Sept 8-Dec 20
30-minute Private lesson – fall term $575 + annual fee
45 minute Private lesson – $690 + annual fee
60-minute Private lesson – $975 + annual fee
Classes
1 Hour $375
45min $350
Music for Young Children classes 2x $410 (classes run full year) Materials for MYC $185