Policies and Tuition

boy_pianoA mutual respect between a teacher, student and parent(s) is critical for the student to progress. AJ’s Music Factory’s lesson policies exist as a structure that supports a relationship of integrity in order to support you or your child in growth as a musician.

Lesson Expectations

The calendar year for the studio starts the day after Labor Day and runs through part of June. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to attend their child’s lessons occasionally to keep in touch with their progress, accomplishments and difficulties. 

School Year Session (Sept-June): 

Guitar and Ukulele Students: Instructor will be available to teach 35 private lessons within the 2023-2024 academic year. Both online and in-person lessons are available. One flex week is built into the year. See below for details. 

Piano and/or Vocal Students: Instructor will be available to teach 36 lessons within the 2023-2024 academic year. One flex week is built into the year. See below for details. Lessons will be in studio only with the exception of occasional online lessons due to sickness or the student being out-of-town. 1-2 group lessons may be in lieu of private lessons per year at the teachers discretion. 

Flex Week: Instructors can use one flex week within the calendar year where they choose to be absent from lessons. This may be used for illness, family, extra vacation or personal matters.  This week is built into the tuition pricing and students are not charged for this week. E.g. Andrea’s calendar has 37 lessons scheduled, but the client is paying for 36 lessons allowing one week to be “flexed.” 

Recitals and Events: Each school-aged student is encouraged to participate in at least two performances per year, though all performances are optional.  Please see calendar for specific dates.

Investment

Registration: The annual enrollment fee due July 1st includes all performance and recital costs, monthly credit card transaction fees, technology fees, administrative fees, sheet music, music books, theory books, and incentive programs. Registration fees will be pro-rated by 10% per month missed if a student starts mid-year. Registration fees are non-refundable. 

Registration fees for the 2023-2024 Annual Year per student are $125/instrument of study. 

Tuition:  Monthly payments do not reflect a certain number of classes in any given month. Tuition is divided into 10 EQUAL monthly (Sept-June) payments at the following rates:

*Please check with instructor to advise on length of lesson appropriate for student

  • 30 minute lessons (guitar, ukulele and preschool students only) – $130 monthly tuition
  • 30 minute one-on-one lesson with instructor + lab time – $150 monthly tuition
  • 45 minute one-on-one lesson with instructor + lab time- $205 monthly tuition 
  • 60 minute one-on-one lesson with instructor + lab time – $260 monthly tuition
    • Either the 45 min or 60 min must be chosen for students combining vocal and piano instruction

At this price the student is guaranteed that the instructor will be present to teach their set number of weeks (see above) of the school year (September-June). Tuition is not merely an hourly fee for services rendered. Each student is paying not only for high-quality music instruction at the instrument, but also for a guaranteed place in the studio and preparatory planning for each lesson. 

Tuition covers the following: time spent with students in private and group lessons, lesson preparation time, teacher training and experience, recital costs and preparations, professional organization memberships, professional journals, studio expenses, property taxes, self-employment taxes, insurance, business licenses, retirement, continuing education, and certification costs. The commitment to your child’s musical advancement is a full-time effort, and goes above and beyond an hourly fee.

Missed Lessons

Because specific times are set-aside for specific students, a student who does not attend a lesson will miss the benefit of that lesson.  There are no refunds, discounts or makeups given unless the instructor is unable to teach the promised number of lessons.   However, flipped classroom lessons or online lessons are always available. See below. 

Taped Video Lesson: Instructors will happily video record a lesson if notified in advance that the student will not be attending at their regular time. 

Illness:  Students who are ill (or families with illness) should not come to lessons.  The instructor reserves the right to send a student home if they arrive sick. We will gladly set up an online lesson with you for your lesson time. 

 Online Lessons: Zoom, FaceTime, Skype and WhatsApp lessons are available if you choose not to physically attend lessons due to slight illness, inclement weather, being out of town or lack of transportation. Set-up and tear-down of online equipment will be part of the allotted lesson time. 

 

Dismissal and Termination

Should you want to discontinue lessons, you can opt out of classes at any time by providing written notice via e-mail 30 days before the 1st of any month. Tuition for the next full month will be due if notice is given mid-month. Regrettably the instructor will have to dismiss a student from lessons if any of these situations occur:  Failure to pay tuition on time, uncooperative attitude, lack of progress due to insufficient practice or absences.

Photo and Video Release

AJ’s Music Factory has permission to take photo and video of students to be used for marketing and website content. If names are used, it will be first names only.

Communication

Open communication between students, parents and teachers is essential for optimum success. Please keep in contact with me regarding your child’s progress and practice habits.

Phone: Andrea: 612.275.1895

E-mail: andrea@ajsmusicfactory.com

Website: ajsmusicfactory.com

AJ’s Music Factory recognizes the important role an educator plays in a student’s musical journey. Being invited to share in the musical development of a student is a great privilege, and we honor the responsibility to create a positive environment in which they can learn. Thank you for entrusting your child’s musical interests into our care.