Studio Life
Our shared commitment
Commencement of lessons serves as an agreement to the following studio policies. We believe that clear communication between the instructor, the student, and the family is the foundation of musical success.
Student and parent responsibilities
Students are expected to arrive for lessons punctually and with all necessary music and materials.
We encourage parents to stay informed about weekly assignments and to communicate any life changes at home or school that may affect a child's learning. This allows the instructor to remain sensitive and adaptive to the student's needs.
Instruments: Students must have a functional instrument at home for daily practice.
Performance: Students are encouraged to participate in studio recitals and local festivals to build confidence and community.
Health and safety
To protect our musical community, students must stay home if they have experienced a fever, vomiting, or contagious symptoms within the last 24 hours. If a student arrives visibly ill, the instructor may ask to transition the lesson to a video format or reschedule to keep the studio a healthy space.
Tuition and enrollment
Verse Music School operates on a flat monthly tuition model based on a guaranteed minimum of 44 lessons per calendar year. This provides families with a consistent monthly rate, regardless of how many weeks fall in a specific month.
Trial lesson: New students begin with a one-time introductory lesson: $25 for 30 minutes, $35 for 45 minutes, or $45 for 60 minutes. After the trial, monthly tuition begins. If you start mid-month, that first month is prorated.
Monthly rates: Founding student rates are $150/month for weekly 30-minute lessons, $225/month for weekly 45-minute lessons, or $300/month for weekly 60-minute lessons. Spots are limited. Families who enroll lock in this rate for as long as they remain enrolled. Ending enrollment means losing Founders rate eligibility; re-enrolling later is at the full studio rate.
Annual Materials & Performance Fee: A $50 Annual Materials & Performance Fee is applied at enrollment (and renews yearly). This covers your required method books, sheet music, and recital fees for the full year so you are not asked to purchase those materials separately.
Non-refundable policy: Tuition is based on your reserved time slot and will not be adjusted for missed lessons or early withdrawals. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Annual update: A small tuition adjustment occurs each year to ensure the continued quality of studio resources.
Payment and fees
Automated Billing: All tuition is processed through automatic payments on the 1st of each month.
Late Payments: A 48-hour grace period is provided for declined payments. Payments settled after the 3rd of the month will incur a $20 late fee.
Attendance and cancellations
When you enroll, you are securing a specific time slot that is reserved exclusively for you.
Punctuality: Lessons conclude at their scheduled time. If a student is late, the lesson cannot be extended. If a student is more than 10 minutes late, the instructor reserves the right to consider the lesson forfeited.
Teacher absences: To ensure consistent progress, any lesson missed due to a teacher's professional obligations or illness may be covered by a qualified substitute. If a substitute is unavailable, the lesson will be made up via a rescheduled session.
Inclement weather: In the event of dangerous travel conditions or studio closures, families will be notified as early as feasible. Lessons may be held virtually or rescheduled when it is safe to do so.
Options for missed lessons
While we do not offer refunds for missed lessons, we provide several ways to ensure your child's progress remains a priority. To qualify for a Makeup Credit, at least 24 hours' notice must be provided (except in cases of emergency or illness).
1. Immediate Alternative
- Remote Sessions: We can pivot an in-person lesson to an online session at your regularly scheduled time.
2. Flex Week Makeup Sessions
- Flex Weeks are dedicated solely to makeup lessons; no regularly scheduled lessons occur during these weeks.
- The Guarantee: Every student is guaranteed one (1) Flex Week makeup slot at their regular lesson day and time that week, to use a Makeup Credit.
- Registration: To ensure fairness, slots for Flex Week open exactly one week prior. For example: Monday Flex Week slots become available for booking on the Monday evening prior, immediately following the final lesson of that day.
- Open Slots: Any Flex Week slots not claimed by students with makeup credits will be opened to the studio for additional scheduling.
3. The Makeup Credit "Cap"
- Credit Limit: Students may accrue a maximum of three (3) Makeup Credits at any given time.
- Forfeiture: If a lesson is missed while a student already holds three credits, the lesson is forfeit and will not be credited. We encourage families to use their credits during the nearest Flex Week to avoid hitting this cap.
Studio calendar
| Fall Flex Week | Nov 16 – 22, 2026 | Makeup Lessons Only |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Break | Nov 23 – 29, 2026 | Studio Closed |
| Winter Flex Week | Dec 14 – 20, 2026 | Makeup Lessons Only |
| Winter Break | Dec 21 – Jan 3, 2027 | Studio Closed |
| Spring Break | Apr 5 – 11, 2027 | Studio Closed |
| Spring Flex Week | May 24 – 30, 2027 | Makeup Lessons Only |
| Summer Flex Week | June 28 – July 4, 2027 | Makeup Lessons Only |
Ending Enrollment
We understand that families' schedules and needs can change, and we want every student's experience at Verse Music School to be positive, supportive, and meaningful.
If your family decides to discontinue lessons, please notify us by email to [email protected]. No further tuition is charged after the month you give notice.
Monthly tuition already paid for the current month is non-refundable, but your student is welcome to attend all remaining lessons scheduled in that month. No additional billing continues beyond the paid month.
We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of your student's musical journey and appreciate the trust you place in us. We hope every student leaves Verse Music School feeling encouraged, confident, and inspired by their time making music with us.