THE TINTURIN MUSIC STUDIO – GUITAR POLICIES
The Tinturin Guitar Studio

REGULARITY OF LESSONS
It is our goal for our students to progress toward their ultimate objective. Most of the learning process actually takes place during the lesson. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that the  lessons be taken at regular weekly or semi-weekly intervals. Your teacher has reserved the time of your lesson for you. Please do not schedule any other activities at that time. Lessons may be 60 minutes, 90 minutes, or longer if you desire, as long as they are scheduled in advance.

PRACTICE
Playing a musical instrument is a skill and an art form that requires a significant investment of time, dedication, and patience. To achieve sufficient progress and enjoyment, a minimum daily practice time must be maintained. The amount of practice time will be recommended by the teacher, and agreed upon by the student and parents, and should be scheduled into the daily routine. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that he or she does concentrated practice for the specified amount of time, at least six days per week. Failure to practice can lead to a lack of progress, frustration, and loss of interest, and may be grounds for dismissal.

WORKSPACE
It is very important to have a quiet space, free from distractions (i.e., television, radio, telephone, siblings, friends, etc.) during practice time. Parents are requested to provide a quiet atmosphere in which to work.

PERSONAL LIKENESS
Students (and parents) agree to allow The Tinturin Music Studio/Glenn Tinturin/Guitar Artistry Club to use photographs and videos of the student for promotional purposes, both in print and online.

TUITION
Tuition is $95/hour due one week in advance of the beginning of each month. If the month has an extra week, please consider that when calculating your monthly tuition payment. Discounts may be available for multiple family members. Payments may be made via Cash, Check, Zelle (preferred), Venmo, or PayPal [Friends & Family] (which allows credit cards, debit cards, and ACH). Tuition payments received after the 5th of the month will incur a $50 late charge. Missed lessons are not credited toward the regular lessons. However, if a student is to have an extended leave (due to vacations, etc.) and will be missing two or more consecutive scheduled lessons, those lessons missed may be credited if the teacher is notified before the first of the month. If you plan to terminate the lessons for one or more months, or permanently, please notify the studio two weeks before the first of that month. If a check is returned from your bank, you must pay all bank charges associated with the transaction. If this occurs on more than one occasion, you will be required to pay in cash from then on.  There may be a rate increase once a year.

MAKE-UP LESSONS
Make-up lessons shall be made online during the current month only. If the student is ill, they are NOT to attend in person! If they are well enough to play the guitar, let your teacher know right away, and then we will initiate an online video call at the time of the lesson. The student is also welcome to attend online group lessons when available.

ONLINE LESSONS
If they wish, students may have all their lessons via live, one-on-one, online video calls, which have many benefits over in-person lessons. We’re thrilled to offer online lessons moving forward, as it will enable more students to take lessons. Online lessons are an amazing alternative and a highly effective way to have lessons with us. Just like in-person lessons, online lessons offer:

• Private, online lessons give you the full attention of your teacher and allow you to move at your own pace, setting yourself up for success.
• Your teacher will be able to focus on your individual learning style. Everyone learns in a different way, and when you’re able to connect with a teacher in a personalized learning environment, you’re way more likely to absorb information, build your technique, and reach your goals.
• Your individual interests are unique! In a private lesson, you can choose the genres you connect with, even focusing on a specific song as your goal. The more you enjoy the music you’re learning, the more motivated you’ll be!
• In a one-on-one setting, you also will feel more accountable, which means you’re more likely to practice! Practice is so important in learning music, and there is no better feeling than when your practice pays off and you can finally play that song you’ve always wanted to play!
• Save time. Online lessons eliminate commute times, which means they’re easier to fit into a busy schedule.

Additionally:

• Save travel costs
• No transportation concerns
• Learn from the comfort of your own home
• Ability to record and review
• Eco-friendly option
• Be free to be anywhere in the world with your favorite teacher

Here is what the student should have ready for their online lesson:

–  Video calling software account (currently ForteLessons.com [I must invite you to join this first] or  Zoom.us)
– Broadband Internet
– A laptop or tablet and headphones; an external mic is a plus
– A stool or table to hold the device next to you so I can see your face and both your hands
– And lesson materials

RECITALS
Students will be invited to play in occasional recitals when they have demonstrated their readiness for performance, which is usually after a minimum of six months of study. Recitals will be announced well in advance.  Recitals frequently have a fee.  The fees and application deadlines will be announced and posted on the website well in advance.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
If any challenges arise concerning your lessons, your practice, the music, technical or emotional difficulties, or blocks, please do not hesitate to speak with your teacher about it right away. Problems, if ignored, can escalate and create more and bigger problems. Thank you for adhering to all our studio policies, as it enables us to be effective and prepared teachers for our students.

I/we have read, understand, and agree to the above policies.

Signed by:  Student ____________________________

And Parent (if the student is a minor)____________________________ Date ______________