Private Harp Studio Policies
Thank you for your interest in the Private Studio of Caitlin Mehrtens! Below are some policies and expectations to ensure that the student and the teacher engage in the highest quality education. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Goals and Objectives
Private lessons are an opportunity for students to work one-on-one with an expert in their instrument. Consistent lessons will improve focus, problem solving, harp technique, musicality, and a deeper understanding of music. These weekly meetings are intended to teach new information, build the necessary skills, and guide the student in their individual practice. Lessons are not a substitute for time spent in individual practice. For this reason, practice outside the lesson is required. The time per day will depend on the age and level of the student, but at the very least 15-30 minutes 4-5 times a week is necessary for forward motion, and more is always better.
Students are expected to keep track of what is assigned in their lessons, so the use of a dedicated harp notebook to keep track of those assignments is recommended. When assignments outside of private lessons are given, the student is responsible for sending the music to the teacher before their next lesson. I am available all week via email/call/text for any questions and am more than happy to help with anything regarding my student’s music assignments.
Scheduling and Cancellation
24 hours’ notice is required from both student and teacher for all scheduling and cancellations.
Notice of cancellation from a student with under 24 hours of the planned lesson will result in the full lesson fee being charged. The cancellation policy will be excused in the case of sickness or emergency, but as much notice as possible is still requested. Any communication planning lessons must also be confirmed at least 24 hours before the lesson date.
The teacher is required to give the same notice. With adequate cancellation notice, make-up lessons can be scheduled as needed. No more than 3 make up lessons every 2 months may be used by either the teacher or the student.
All students must have a consistent lesson day & time.
Payment
Virtual, monthly payment is preferred. I accept payment through PayPal, Zelle, and Venmo, but personal checks and cash will also be accepted. If payment in advance at the beginning of each month will be a problem, another schedule of payment can be arranged. Payment must be received the day of the lesson at the latest, and if payment is over a week late the teacher is not required to teach the following lesson.
A $10 Driving Fee will be added to the fee if lessons are conducted at the student’s home.
Lateness
If a student is late, the teacher is not required to continue after the scheduled ending time. If the teacher is late, they will work with the student to make up the time. In the case of technical difficulty or outside interruption, the teacher may continue if possible. Make-up time can be requested by the student or family if desired.
When a student is over 10 minutes late and has not reached out to the teacher, the teacher will count the lesson as a late-notice cancellation and is not responsible to wait further.
Virtual Lessons
Lessons over an online platform are always available instead of in-person lessons. Zoom is my preferred platform, but a student may request an alternative. Pricing for virtual lessons is the same as in-person. The teacher has committed to a strong internet connection and high-quality external microphone to ensure the quality of the lessons. This is not required of the student, but they should research and adjust the audio settings of the platform to ensure it is more well-suited to music lessons.