2014-2015 TEACHING POLICY
1. A Lesson is defined as “time spent receiving tuition”. This accounts for individual instruction, ensemble coaching and assistance with an accompanist. A comprehensive attendance register is kept detailing how much tuition time each student has been given and for which purpose.
2. Lessons will take place at my apartment in Saskatoon. Inquire within for details (as a move within Saskatoon is on the horizon).
3. Fees will be charged at the following rates:
30 minutes: $25 45 minutes: $40.00 60 minutes: $50
4. Payment Post-dated cheques are required to cover the full study time. These cheques are provided at the beginning of instruction and are for the same total each month. Cheque totals are calculated by the total number of lessons you will receive in your study (ex. 35 lessons) divided by the total number of months for the duration of instruction (ex. 10 months). The teaching fee includes my time to lesson prep, plan for recitals, answer emails & phone calls from parents & student's, correct theory homework, and teach.
Please see the table below for accurate monthly amounts (subject to change only for weeks of stat holidays and Xmas, February, and Spring Break, starting in September).
30 Minute Monthly Fee (4 Lessons)- $100.00
45 Minute Lesson Monthly Fee (4 Lessons)- $160.00
60 Minute Lesson Monthly Fee (4 Lessons)- $200.00
Lessons will not be given if payment has not been received in advance – no exceptions. A student’s preferred time can only be guaranteed when post-dated cheques are supplied (or monthly cash or cheque before that month of lesson's begins).
Each cheque should be dated the 1st of the month and made payable to Heidi Pankratz.
5. Missed Lessons are lessons when the student has not been present for a scheduled lesson time and/or provided insufficient notice for conflicting event or illness.
If insufficient notice is given (less than 7 days for conflicting event) the lesson will be charged.
Your arranged lesson time is reserved exclusively for you each week. If lessons are cancelled without adequate notice, I do not have the ability to make your spot available for another student. This means I lose the opportunity to make up the cost of your lesson by teaching someone else. As well, I take the time to plan all lessons in advance in order to ensure that our shared time is enjoyable and well spent. If you do not attend your lesson, I have still done the work necessary to prepare. Therefore, I reserve the right to charge a lesson that is missed with insufficient notice. In order to reschedule, a period of 7 days notice is required. If sufficient notice is given, the lesson will be made up at a later date, not refunded. Any lessons missed by the teacher will be made up at a mutually convenient time.
Although I am an independent instructor, this does not mean that I will allow students or parents to take advantage of my time. I try to be flexible when it comes to emergencies and illness, but because of many unfortunate instances in the past, this policy must be understood and enforced.
This policy is consistent with those in use at Music Studios and Conservatories around the country. Please keep in mind that most Studios or Conservatories will not allow ANY makeup sessions.
Illness:
If the student is ill and unable to attend their lesson, as much notification as possible is appreciated. I understand that this is not always possible, but at least 2 hours notification is necessary in order for the student to receive a makeup lesson.
If you are unsure if the student is well enough to attend their lesson, I ask you to please play it safe, and keep the student at home. I do not want to catch the student's sickness and would much rather make up the lesson for you at a later date than have to cancel all my lessons the following week because I am ill myself.
If a student has a minor ailment rendering them physically unable to play (ex. cold sores, cut finger, dental work), but they are still well enough to attend school/work, their lesson will be scheduled with ear training, theory or music history – important elements of music education.
6. Drop-In Lessons are casual lessons preferable for those students with irregular personal schedules.* These lessons are purchased in 4-Lesson programs, the dates of each lesson to be decided by the student with Teacher approval. An attendance sheet will be kept to ensure that students receive each lesson purchased and are up to date on payments. Drop-in Students are still required to provide 7 days notice in order to cancel a scheduled lesson. If sufficient notice is provided, drop-in lessons will be made up at a mutually convenient time, not refunded.
*Drop-In Lessons are not recommended for students between the ages of 10-18. Those in a regular school setting should treat music lessons as another course with regular homework, practice time and weekly sessions.
7. If you wish to cancel lessons permanently four weeks notice must be given in writing. For students under the age of 18, notification must be given by a parent/guardian. On receiving notice, all remaining postdated cheques will be returned and adjustments made, if necessary.
8. Punctuality: In order to ensure you receive the full amount of time purchased, please arrive on time for your lessons. Due to compact scheduling, I will not be willing to extend lessons past their reserved time. In addition, because I teach out of my apartment and not in a public space, please do not arrive more than 5 minutes early for lessons. Not only can you cut into the lesson time of the student before you, but also you may cut into time scheduled for me to eat dinner, practice, or prepare for your lesson. In order to maintain a strict policy, students who arrive more than 5-10 minutes early will not be admitted into the building until their scheduled lesson time.
The 2014-2015 policies are in effect in order to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship between Teacher and Student. Please retain a copy of these policies for your records. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 306-477-1076 or [email protected]
Thank you for your enthusiasm and interest in the study of music. I look forward to spending a great year together!
Sincerely,
Heidi Jayne Pankratz
RCM/.B.A/TESOL/Sound Tech
306-477-1076
1. A Lesson is defined as “time spent receiving tuition”. This accounts for individual instruction, ensemble coaching and assistance with an accompanist. A comprehensive attendance register is kept detailing how much tuition time each student has been given and for which purpose.
2. Lessons will take place at my apartment in Saskatoon. Inquire within for details (as a move within Saskatoon is on the horizon).
3. Fees will be charged at the following rates:
30 minutes: $25 45 minutes: $40.00 60 minutes: $50
4. Payment Post-dated cheques are required to cover the full study time. These cheques are provided at the beginning of instruction and are for the same total each month. Cheque totals are calculated by the total number of lessons you will receive in your study (ex. 35 lessons) divided by the total number of months for the duration of instruction (ex. 10 months). The teaching fee includes my time to lesson prep, plan for recitals, answer emails & phone calls from parents & student's, correct theory homework, and teach.
Please see the table below for accurate monthly amounts (subject to change only for weeks of stat holidays and Xmas, February, and Spring Break, starting in September).
30 Minute Monthly Fee (4 Lessons)- $100.00
45 Minute Lesson Monthly Fee (4 Lessons)- $160.00
60 Minute Lesson Monthly Fee (4 Lessons)- $200.00
Lessons will not be given if payment has not been received in advance – no exceptions. A student’s preferred time can only be guaranteed when post-dated cheques are supplied (or monthly cash or cheque before that month of lesson's begins).
Each cheque should be dated the 1st of the month and made payable to Heidi Pankratz.
5. Missed Lessons are lessons when the student has not been present for a scheduled lesson time and/or provided insufficient notice for conflicting event or illness.
If insufficient notice is given (less than 7 days for conflicting event) the lesson will be charged.
Your arranged lesson time is reserved exclusively for you each week. If lessons are cancelled without adequate notice, I do not have the ability to make your spot available for another student. This means I lose the opportunity to make up the cost of your lesson by teaching someone else. As well, I take the time to plan all lessons in advance in order to ensure that our shared time is enjoyable and well spent. If you do not attend your lesson, I have still done the work necessary to prepare. Therefore, I reserve the right to charge a lesson that is missed with insufficient notice. In order to reschedule, a period of 7 days notice is required. If sufficient notice is given, the lesson will be made up at a later date, not refunded. Any lessons missed by the teacher will be made up at a mutually convenient time.
Although I am an independent instructor, this does not mean that I will allow students or parents to take advantage of my time. I try to be flexible when it comes to emergencies and illness, but because of many unfortunate instances in the past, this policy must be understood and enforced.
This policy is consistent with those in use at Music Studios and Conservatories around the country. Please keep in mind that most Studios or Conservatories will not allow ANY makeup sessions.
Illness:
If the student is ill and unable to attend their lesson, as much notification as possible is appreciated. I understand that this is not always possible, but at least 2 hours notification is necessary in order for the student to receive a makeup lesson.
If you are unsure if the student is well enough to attend their lesson, I ask you to please play it safe, and keep the student at home. I do not want to catch the student's sickness and would much rather make up the lesson for you at a later date than have to cancel all my lessons the following week because I am ill myself.
If a student has a minor ailment rendering them physically unable to play (ex. cold sores, cut finger, dental work), but they are still well enough to attend school/work, their lesson will be scheduled with ear training, theory or music history – important elements of music education.
6. Drop-In Lessons are casual lessons preferable for those students with irregular personal schedules.* These lessons are purchased in 4-Lesson programs, the dates of each lesson to be decided by the student with Teacher approval. An attendance sheet will be kept to ensure that students receive each lesson purchased and are up to date on payments. Drop-in Students are still required to provide 7 days notice in order to cancel a scheduled lesson. If sufficient notice is provided, drop-in lessons will be made up at a mutually convenient time, not refunded.
*Drop-In Lessons are not recommended for students between the ages of 10-18. Those in a regular school setting should treat music lessons as another course with regular homework, practice time and weekly sessions.
7. If you wish to cancel lessons permanently four weeks notice must be given in writing. For students under the age of 18, notification must be given by a parent/guardian. On receiving notice, all remaining postdated cheques will be returned and adjustments made, if necessary.
8. Punctuality: In order to ensure you receive the full amount of time purchased, please arrive on time for your lessons. Due to compact scheduling, I will not be willing to extend lessons past their reserved time. In addition, because I teach out of my apartment and not in a public space, please do not arrive more than 5 minutes early for lessons. Not only can you cut into the lesson time of the student before you, but also you may cut into time scheduled for me to eat dinner, practice, or prepare for your lesson. In order to maintain a strict policy, students who arrive more than 5-10 minutes early will not be admitted into the building until their scheduled lesson time.
The 2014-2015 policies are in effect in order to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship between Teacher and Student. Please retain a copy of these policies for your records. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 306-477-1076 or [email protected]
Thank you for your enthusiasm and interest in the study of music. I look forward to spending a great year together!
Sincerely,
Heidi Jayne Pankratz
RCM/.B.A/TESOL/Sound Tech
306-477-1076