LESSONS
Lessons are typically held weekly following the yearly calendar that is published on the studio website. Please be on time for your lesson. If your lesson is from 4:00-5:00 PM and you come at 4:15, the lesson will still end at 5:00 PM. This ensures that none of the other lessons for the day will run behind.
We do use iPads and computers occasionally as part of your child's music education experience. We also use various instruments to help teach them rhythms, notes, ensemble skills, theory, composition skills. Students are expected to respect all instruments and technology. You will be charged replacement cost and the student will no longer have use of the equipment. Normal wear is expected.
Students are expected to participate in lessons year round. In the summer we offer regular music classes but also offer camps, workshops and specialty classes such as composition, improvisation or bucket drumming for a varied experience as well. We do this so we can accommodate busy summer schedules. Summers lessons are always fun, intuitive and a great way to beat the heat and boredom!
Students who study during the summer get first choice at scheduling options for the fall.
TUITION
Yearly tuition is divided into 9 equal payments (beginning September 11th) that can be paid with different payment options listed on the registration form.
The studio runs much like a private school; Tuition remains the same each month and is based on enrollment - not attendance - and reserves your child's exclusive lesson time throughout the piano year, whether he/she attends lessons or not.
A commitment for a minimum of 1 semester (4 months for Fall 2023, 5 months for Spring 2024) is required with a one month written and paid notice before the semester ends should you decide to discontinue lessons. Tuition does not change regardless of the actual number of lessons per month, This policy covers both semesters for the school year. Every semester must be registered for by paying the $35 registration fee. If you are not returning for the next semester we must receive notice prior to the first day of the last month of the semester (December 1st for Fall and April 1st for Spring) If full payment is not made by the 5th of the month a $15 late fee will be assessed and lessons will not be continued until the amount is paid in full. There is a $35.00 fee assessed for NSF checks.
Attendance
A student who does not attend a lesson may have to forfeit seeing the instructor. A makeup may be scheduled IF the instructor has an opening sometime that week. A Face Time or Skype lesson can be arranged at the regular lesson time with advanced notice. If the teacher misses a lesson it will be made up, no refunds are issued.
Discontinuing Lessons
Every student stops taking lessons at some point. That is just the way life is! (much to our dismay) Please make this decision thoughtfully with plenty of discussion between the teacher, parent and student so that lessons can cease with a positive sense of closure. Because tuition includes much more that the reserved lesson time the studio requires a one-month written and paid notice before the semester ends. The student must finish the remainder of the semester paid in full or forego any unused lessons as there is no refund given. (ie: Fall Semester: one month notice by Dec 21st; Spring Semester: one month notice by May 1st) If appropriate, a parent/student/teacher conference may be scheduled before the notice to establish if this might be a temporary setback that can be resolved. Many times our students are overwhelmed with issues and communication may help to resolve these. Sometimes it doesn't, though, and we totally understand and want them to feel welcome to come back in later semesters. We realize that life happens and that children like to try new things. Having said that, the best way to grow musically is to have ongoing music lessons. But we always welcome our returning students back with open arms!
Dismissal & Termination:
Should any of the following situations occur after parental notification has been made along with time provided to correct the situation, dismissal will result:
Failure to make payments promptly.
Persistent unexcused absences or tardiness.
Repeated neglect on the student's part to take responsibility for bringing materials, following assignment and practice directions.
Failure to maintain practice standards.
Failure to honor studio behavior policies.
Communication
Email or text is the best way to reach the teachers at NMA. If you need to cancel a lesson at the last minute, please text. Many times during the day we are either teaching or accompanying. If a phone call is necessary, just shoot us a text and we can call when we are available to talk. Please contact Brittany Nugent at (318) 730-0632 if you're unsure of how to contact your teacher.
Instruments
Anyone taking lessons on a musical instrument should also be in possession of a musical instrument! There are many affordable options to get you started. Be certain your instrument is tuned and in good condition. It is very discouraging to play on an inadequate instrument. Nugent Music has the names of some reputable piano tuners and repairmen for band instruments. String instruments can be repaired at Nugent Music, and there are always great deals on guitars, keyboards, and accessories.
Photos/Videos
During student and group gatherings and performances the teacher reserves the right to use video recording or to take photographs of students for use in the studio facebook page, website, advertising materials, or lesson demonstration. Photos taken by the teacher OR that are shared with the teacher by other parents or students of gatherings or performances become the property of the studio and can be used at the discretion of the teacher in regards to the studio.
Liabilities
Nugent Music Academy, Nugent Music & Audio, Herbert, Tanya and Brittany Nugent and all Teachers associated with this business are released from any liabilities, accidents or injuries that may occur to the enrolled student in the participation of music lessons, group classes, music parties or music events.