Studio Policies

  • Registration

    • There is a one-time, non-refundable $65 registration fee for all new students.

    • For new students registering for September during July and August: A deposit of your September lesson payment is required upon registration to secure your booking and reserve your lesson time. The deposit will be credited toward your September invoice and is non-refundable if you withdraw from lessons before that time.

    • At the end of each academic year (June): Current students will have the option to continue their lessons for the upcoming year. You may keep your current lesson time or change to another available time slot. To secure your booking for the new academic year, a deposit of your September lesson payment is required by the registration deadline. The deposit will be credited toward your September invoice and is non-refundable if you withdraw from lessons before that time.

    • The lesson time you select upon registration is reserved for you throughout the entire academic year (September - June). You may request to change your lesson to a different day or time during the academic year; however, alternate times are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. If you do change your lesson to a different day or time, the new slot will become your permanent recurring lesson time.

    Billing

    • Payment is due on the 1st of each month, in advance, by cheque or e-transfer. Students are billed for all lessons that fall on their regularly scheduled lesson day during that month.

    • Monthly billing includes all scheduled lessons, regardless of student absences whether planned or unplanned.

    • Lessons cancelled due to studio closures or holidays (as communicated in advance) will not be billed.

    • Late payments (two weeks or more past due) will incur a $40 late fee, and the student will not be permitted to participate in further lessons until the outstanding balance is paid in full.

    Academic Year, Summer, and Holiday Breaks

    • In general, the studio operates on an academic year schedule, with lessons starting in September and ending in June. The year is divided into two semesters: Fall and Spring. However, newstudents are welcome to join at any time throughout the year, subject to availability.

    • The studio follows the Toronto District School Board calendar for Winter and March Breaks, with no regular lessons during these times or on Statutory Holidays.

    • Summer lessons are available in July and August, depending on Carmen's availability, and are subject to more flexible scheduling policies.

    Student Attendance, Absence, and Make-up Lessons

    Upon registration, your scheduled lesson time is reserved exclusively for you.  Monthly lesson payment covers not only your lesson but also preparation time outside of class.

    Unfortunately, it is not possible to reserve additional time for make-up lessons beyond what is outlined below.

    • A make-up lesson is a request to reschedule a lesson to a different date or time other than your regularly scheduled (weekly) slot.

    • Students are permitted one (1) make-up lesson per academic semester.

    • The make-up lesson must be completed within the same semester as the missed lesson and cannot be carried into holiday breaks or future semesters.

    • Once a make-up lesson is scheduled, it cannot be rescheduled. If a student is unable to attend the agreed-upon make-up lesson time, the lesson will be considered forfeited.

    • Every effort will be made to accommodate the allowed make-up lesson; however, availability is not guaranteed.

    • Any additional missed or cancelled lessons beyond the one permitted make-up will be billed in full and are not eligible for rescheduling or refund.

    • Withdrawing from lessons results in the forfeiture of any outstanding make-up lessons.

    • Exceptions may be made in the event of serious prolonged illness or injury or for compassionate reasons.

    Lesson Withdrawal

    Students who wish to withdraw from lessons must provide a minimum of four weeks' written notice prior to their final lesson.

    Teacher Absence

    Carmen is a dedicated teacher who values her students’ time and weekly lessons.  In the event that she needs to cancel a lesson, she will arrange a make-up lesson within the same semester. If a make-up cannot be scheduled, the missed lesson will be credited or refunded.

    Weather-Related Cancellations

    Regularly scheduled lessons continue during severe weather unless notice of cancellation is provided. Please note that Carmen does not follow school board closure announcements. If a lesson is cancelled due to weather-related conditions, Carmen will notify students/parents by email and arrange an alternate time for a make-up lesson. Students who are unable to attend in-person are encouraged to request a virtual lesson option when possible.

    Illness

    If a student is feeling unwell but is still able to attend their lesson, they are kindly asked to either wear a mask for in-person classes or request a virtual lesson.  This helps protect the health of other students and Carmen.

    Lateness

    Students who arrive late will only receive the remaining time of their scheduled lesson. Lesson time will not be extended to compensate for time lost due to lateness.

    Virtual Lessons

    In the event of technical difficulties, internet issues, or device malfunctions on the student's end, the lesson will continue whenever possible, and any lost time cannot be made up. If the student is unable to reconnect, any remaining time will be forfeited and cannot be made up. If technical issues occur on Carmen's end, make-up instructions or alternative arrangements will be provided for any lost lesson time.

    Lesson Recording

    Students are allowed to record their lessons for personal practice purposes only. These recordings are solely for individual use and are not to be shared on social media, public platforms, or with others.

    Exams, Festivals, Competitions, and Auditions

    • Students must consult with Carmen before registering for any for exams, festivals, competitions, or auditions.  This allows time to discuss goals, review materials and rules, and ensure the student is well-prepared for the event.  While Carmen will do her utmost to prepare students, specific outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

    • Please note that students participating in exams, festivals, competitions, or auditions may require additional lesson time and piano accompanist rehearsals beyond their regularly scheduled lessons. Students are kindly asked to discuss these additional requirements with Carmen before beginning preparation.

    Lesson Materials

    • Students are responsible for providing their own instrument (either rented or purchased) for lessons. In addition, students are responsible for purchasing all music and books needed for lessons.

    • Students are responsible for remembering to bring all materials to each class. Unfortunately, Carmen does not have any extra materials for student use.

    Student Expectation

    Carmen is committed to supporting each student's unique learning journey. In return, students are expected to demonstrate dedication and professionalism in their musical studies.  All students enrolled in private lessons are expected to maintain a practice schedule outside of class.  As student level progresses, so too will the amount of practice needed outside of class.

    Studio Etiquette

    • If the studio door is closed, students arriving early are kindly asked to wait in the hallway. If the door is open, they are welcome to come in and begin their lesson early.

    • Parents are welcome to observe lessons but are asked to help maintain a quiet, distraction-free environment.

    • Siblings may sit and wait during a student's lesson if accompanied by a parent or guardian and remain quiet throughout.

    • Students are expected to treat the studio space and teaching materials with respect.

    • Disruptive behaviour, aggressive communication, or inappropriate conduct by students, parents, or guardians will not be tolerated and may result in the termination of lessons.

    Duty of Care

    Parents or legal guardians are responsible for students under the age of 18 while they are attending lessons or participating in activities on the studio premises or at designated studio performance event locations. Carmen is not responsible for students who arrive early or remain at the studio building or event location after their scheduled lessons, activities, or events have concluded.

    Personal Property

    Carmen does not assume responsibility for personal property (including but not limited to clothing, cameras, cell phones, purses, wallets, instruments, and other valuables) that is lost, damaged, or left unattended on studio premises, the common areas of 1560 Bayview Ave., or at studio performance event locations.

    Acknowledgement of Studio Policies

    Please read this section carefully. By enrolling in lessons at Cavatina Violin Studio, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms above. For students under 18, this agreement must be acknowledged by a parent or legal guardian on their behalf.