Teacher Responsibilities

Troy will teach students the language of music in a positive and enthusiastic environment. It is his goal to inspire each student, and empower them to influence their music education with input based on their interest and long term goals. Troy will tailor the curriculum to match each student's specific learning needs, and their musical goals.

Student and Family Responsibilities

Students agree to arrive at each lesson punctually, well prepared, and with their instrument. To make good progress, regular quality practice is necessary. While some students perform well with a more flexible (irregular) practice routine, it is encouraged that most students practice daily unless otherwise discussed. Students and parents are expected to ask questions about assignments as needed.

Note to Parents: If something is happening at home or school that is affecting your child, please let Troy know. The more information he has, the more he can be sensitive to the needs of your child.

All students are encouraged to perform in studio recitals (in May, August, and December each year), and to audition for local bands, ensembles, and competitions if it is in line with their musical goals. If an opportunity arises, please bring information about the opportunity to your next lesson so Troy can help your student prepare.

Students must have their own instrument to practice at home. If you   have questions, or would like input on the purchase of an instrument, please let Troy know, and if it helps, he can make specific recommendations based on what instrument shapes, sizes, and features would work best for your student and their goals.

Tuition and Schedule

Please note that tuition reserves the weekly time slot, but may not directly correlate with lessons received if the student does not attend the scheduled lesson times.

Flat monthly tuition rates are based on the number of lessons guaranteed by the teacher in the calendar year. There will be a minimum of 44 lessons offered throughout the year, and the weeks where lessons are not held (due to holidays etc) will be communicated in advance. There are an additional two weeks built into the studio calendar to accommodate teacher illness. In the case these are not used, lessons may be scheduled at no extra charge. In the case that there is a 5th weekly lesson in the month, this has been factored into the flat-rate tuition.

Up to date information about studio closures can be found here.

All payments are non-refundable. After the first payment, invoicing and payment will run automatically on the same day. Tuition will be drawn on the 1st of each month from the method on file. All automatic payments will be run through Stripe.

In the event that a payment is returned or declined, you will be contacted by email. Invoices unpaid by the 8th of each month will be charged a 15% late fee. Recurring late payments may result in termination of the student's enrollment.

If you are having trouble making payments on invoices, or need to make alternative arrangements, please contact Troy at your earliest convenience.

Changes to weekly schedules are allowed, subject to availability of desired spots.

 In order to cancel your lessons, written notice must be received via email 7 calendar days prior to the end of the month. In the case that notice is not received by that deadline, the monthly tuition amount will be run automatically on the first of the month, and students have the option to attend all paid lessons that month. Lessons will then cancel for the following month.

Paid for lessons are transferable to another student, but you must notify Troy of this prior to the lesson with the student the lessons have been transferred to.

Cancellation Policy

Lessons where a student has not arrived within 10 minutes of the start of their scheduled lesson, and you have not contacted Troy about running late will be marked as a no show. Students will be allowed to make up the lesson up to one month after the date of the missed lesson. Makeup lessons are subject to teacher availability and are not guaranteed.

In the event of Troy canceling a lesson, as much notice as possible given the circumstance will be given. If Troy cancels a lesson outside of the guaranteed 44 annual lessons, he will refund you for that time, or reschedule the lesson within 30 days.

If a student misses three lessons in a row without communicating why they are absent at any point within that three week period, it is assumed they are not coming back, their regular time slot will be offered to wait listed students, and the student will not receive a refund for the calendar month. To avoid this ever happening, please send Troy a quick email or text if you're going to miss one or more lessons, so he is aware of what's happening.

Music and Materials

Students are encouraged to bring in outside music related materials that inspire them, or that they have questions about. Otherwise, all sheet music and exercises will be provided by Troy during the lesson.

 In the event that a student finds music they would like to learn that Troy does not already have, if the difficulty level of the piece of music is appropriate, Troy will purchase the music and provide it to the student. When pursuing repertoire in this way, students are encouraged to contact Troy outside of their regular lesson time to give him an opportunity to review the piece and prepare teaching notes on it prior to the lesson.

Term Commitment

When students enroll, they are reserving their place in the studio for the entire term.

Fall Term: September to December

Spring Term: January to May

Summer Term: June to August

Please note that a student's spot will not be guaranteed for the fall term if they were not enrolled in lessons during the summer term.

Media and Privacy

From time to time, Troy will use photos and short videos of students on the studio website, or in social media posts. These videos and posts are encouraging to other students, and helpful for parents of prospective students.

Photo and Video Release Form (Adult Student)

Photo and Video Release Form (Child Student)

If you do not want yours, or your child's image(s) to be used, please let Troy know. Students will only ever be identified by first name.

Policy Acknowledgment

 By enrolling and paying tuition for myself or my child in Troy Serson's studio, I certify that I understand and agree to the studio policies established on this page.