Policies and Procedures
In 2024, Smart Singer Studio will offer both In-Person and Virtual Voice Lessons.
In-Person Lessons
Students are expected to show up on time for their lesson, prepared, with all music and materials, ready to sing at the appointed time. (See Lesson Conduct)
Virtual Lessons
Zoom is the preferred digital lesson platform for Smart Singer Studio. A 15 minute tech call prior to the first lesson is offered on an as needed basis at no charge in order to get the student set up or resolve technical/sound issues. Once a student is enrolled, they will receive a Zoom invitation, log on and ID. Online lessons are effective and students are encouraged to prepare in the same way they would for an in-person session (see Lesson Conduct).
Non-Discrimination Agreement
Smart Singer Studio is all-inclusive and does not discriminate based on age, race, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or disability.
Payments and Invoicing:
Fees for 2024 are as follows:
1 Hour Session $80
45 minute session $60 (only available for children under 10 years of age)
If a student wishes to pay for package lessons, they may do so at the following reduced rates:
Package of 10 lessons 10% off of base price - $720
Package of 20 Lessons 15% off of base price - $1360
If a student opts to pay for single lessons, Smart Singer Studio will provide an invoice at the beginning of each month for the number of scheduled lessons within that month. If the student opts to purchase a package, the invoice will be provided for the package chosen. Invoices are sent by email to the address we have on file. They are also available to view on the student portal (see Student Portal Section). Payments for lessons MUST be submitted in full prior to teaching. Smart Singer Studio accepts cash, check and electronic payment through Venmo (@stonini), PayPal (Smart Singer Studio) and Zelle (sarahtonini@yahoo.com). A 2.9% plus $0.30 convenience fee will be charged for any transactions made via PayPal.
Miscellaneous Fees
On the occasion that the student chooses to participate in recitals or studio classes offered at the teacher’s discretion, the cost per event will be made known to the student prior to the event and an invoice will be sent to the student or parent. Payment of fees must be paid prior to registration. Fees in question are to cover venue rental, accompanist and teacher fees.
My Music Staff Student Portal
Smart Singer Studio uses My Music Staff software where all student notes, billing and schedules are maintained. Students are encouraged to log on and familiarize themselves with the site, log practice time, check schedules, etc. Email the teacher for information on how to log on.
Cancellations and Makeups
If the student is unable to attend a scheduled lesson, they must contact the teacher no less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled lesson or they will be responsible for the full cost of the lesson. Refunds or make-up lessons will not be issued for students who miss their lesson without 24 hour notice. Paid lessons canceled with proper notice can be made up or rescheduled.
● Make up lessons: In the case of a make up lesson, 3 options of an open time slot will be given to the student. If none of the available times work, the lesson will be forfeited.
● No Shows: No shows of regularly scheduled or makeup lessons, regardless of reason, will be charged in full and will forfeit that lesson for a makeup. Fees will not be refunded.
● Rescheduling: If a student needs to reschedule their regular lesson on occasion, they may do so via the calendar on the student portal. All open slots for the week are listed on the site and any available may be requested for a swap. Swaps may be requested/ granted at no additional charge. However, all swaps must be requested no later than 24 hours before the original scheduled lesson or cancelation fees will apply.
● Teacher Absence: If Teacher cancels a lesson due to illness, family emergency, or any other reason, a make-up lesson will be granted to the student. Make up lessons will be scheduled on a mutually agreed upon time.
Student Illness/Emergency
Emergencies do happen. In case of emergency, please notify the teacher and the lesson will be rescheduled, if at all possible. As well, we ask that if a student exhibits cold-like or flu-like symptoms, they not attend their lesson for the health and well-being of the teacher and other students. Online lessons are strongly recommended in the case of mild symptoms. If a student is ill and proper notice is given, every effort will be made to reschedule. However, if a student arrives for a lesson exhibiting such symptoms, we reserve the right to send the student home, and will charge the student as if a full lesson occurred.
Tardiness
If the student is tardy, the student will only be given a lesson that lasts for the duration of their pre-arranged time slot, on the specified date. For example, if the student’s lesson is from 4:00-5:00 on a Monday, and the student arrives at 4:15; the student will only be given a lesson until 5:00. No make-up lesson will be granted for tardy students and fees will not be adjusted.
Lesson Conduct
Each student will be given one 45 minute or 60 minute lesson at a prearranged day of the week and time slot. Students are expected to arrive on time, with any requested materials (notebook, pencil, water, assigned music, recording device) ready to sing. If online, please arrive in the Zoom Room at your scheduled time. In-person students may feel free to enter through the back door without knocking as there may be another lesson in progress. If a student arrives while another lesson is in progress, please come down to the studio and sit in the waiting area with as little disruption as possible. Be respectful of your fellow studio members.
Misbehavior
If the student becomes disruptive, disrespectful, or otherwise misbehaves, Smart Singer Studio reserves the right to terminate the lesson without refund. The student’s parent/guardian will be held responsible for any damages caused including but not limited to, equipment, home furnishings, or time lost caused by the student and/or parent/guardian. The teacher is the sole determiner of what constitutes misbehavior.
As well, students are an extension of Smart Singer Studio, which represents kindness, inclusion and professionalism. Therefore, any bullying behaviors, negative or critical commentary about other singers either within or out of our studio will not be tolerated. If Smart Singer Studio is made aware of this type of behavior (by students OR parents/guardians) in our studio or community it is grounds for immediate dismissal.
Termination Policy
If Client wishes to cancel lessons, they must notify the teacher in writing/email no less than 7 days prior to the beginning of the next calendar month. Any fees received will not be refunded
Modifications
Modification of the Agreement must be written.
Limitation of Liability
Client agrees that it shall not hold Teacher or their agents, relatives, or employees liable for any incidental or consequential damages. Client hereby holds harmless Teacher of any and all claims, demands, actions and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained, whether caused by the negligence of Teacher, or otherwise, while participating in lesson, or while in, on, or upon the premises where the lesson is being conducted.