Policies

As a teacher for over 20 years, I've found it important to have a set of rules and policies when teaching. This not only helps make me a better and more efficent teacher, but helps to eliminate misunderstandings and incidents in the teacher - client relationship.

Missed or Cancelled Lessons

Teacher - initiated: I have scheduled in two sick days during a full year of lessons in case I am too ill or unavailable to teach. If we have to cancel additional lessons, we will work hard to reschedule them at your convenience, at no charge of course, or we will provide a rebate for the missed lessons. To avoid any confusion, please keep in mind that tuition fees have been calculated for a total of 37 scheduled lessons, but there are 42 weeks during the school-year session.

Student - initiated: I follow the BC Registered Music Teachers' policy that states that all students are full responsible to be on time for lessons, and that they should show up for all lessons. All partly or totally missed lessons will be charged at the full rate. Make up lessons will be provided only at the teacher's discretion. Please note: do not base the calculation of "missed lessons" on your child's notebook, as there have been occasions where notebooks have been forgotten at home. Should your child be too ill to attend their lesson, please contact me ASAP to postpone the lesson. Your child will not benefit from a lesson when they are not well. It will also help prevent the spread of the illness to others. (including me!)

Termination

It is presumed that all students will continue lessons for the whole academic year. Should a student or parent wish to withdraw, one month's notice is required in lieu of one regular month payment of tuition fees. If you decide to discontinue lessons immediately, one month's payment is required.

Phone Calls

Out of consideration to other students, please refrain from calling me at the studio during teaching hours (usually 2:00 pm - 9 pm) unless it is an emergency or you are making a cancellation. Please refrain from phoning me after 10 pm. I am available for telephone calls most mornings, and I try to return messages promptly if I am not available when you call. Otherwise, I can be contacted by email.

Schedule

My current teaching year generally follows the school year from Tuesday, September 5th , 2006 to Sunday, June 24th, 2007 for a total of 42 weeks. This year, summer session will commence as of Monday, July 3rd, 2006 and finish August 25th, 2006.

There are 37 scheduled lessons during these 42 weeks. There are no lessons scheduled during a 2 week Christmas break, and no lessons during the school Spring Break. Extra lessons might be scheduled during these time periods depending on my personal plans and available time. The remaining extra two "weeks" are actually 2 "sick days" I have set up in the schedule, to be taken if I am too ill or have an emergency to deal with.

Changing Scheduled Times

Please note that last-minute changes will be considered cancellations. The last minute changes means that I cannot call someone else to take the time slot even with a few minutes or hours notice. (most people go to school or work) A missed make-up lesson will not be rescheduled for a make-up lesson.

Picking Up Students

For the safety of your children, they are not permitted to wait outside. Your child is not permitted to leave, without prior consent from you. (you can phone me or give them a note) Please ensure that you pull into the driveway completely as a courtesy to other drivers, and avoid blocking construction next door. Please inform me of any extended delay in pick up, (more than 10 minutes) and avoid arriving more than 5 minutes early for class. Your cooperation is much appreciated!