Studio Policy
The Studio Policy is a list of rules and guidelines for how the studio runs and what is expected of students, parents, and the teacher. There is a sign-off slip at the bottom of the page. Please print and sign the slip and bring it to the first lesson. Thank you :)
Pre-Lesson Meeting
Before beginning lessons, students (and parents of younger students) should meet with the teacher in the studio to go over the studio policy, discuss the student’s interests, and look at any artistic background or talents the student has. This will also give students (and parents) a chance to see the studio space and ask any questions they may have.
Lessons will begin 1-2 weeks after the initial meeting, to allow students time to find and purchase the necessary supplies and for me to customize the lesson-plan.
I will confirm the day and time of the first lesson with you before the end of the initial meeting.
Tuition Fee and Payment
Lessons are available in 1/2 hour increments, up to 2 hours per day, at $25 per hour. Lessons are weekly or twice a week. You will be asked to choose a day (or days) and time during which you can attend lessons every week. This will be your time-slot for the duration of your lessons. (You may change this timeslot once per year. See the "Cancelled Lessons and Makeup Lessons" section below.)
Please see the calendar for available lesson times.
Cash, Checks, and PayPal accepted. (Additional fee may apply for PayPal.)
Tuition is paid monthly. Lessons must be paid for in advance. (For example, tuition paid at first lesson in January covers January’s lessons.)
Tuition is due by the start of the first lesson of the month, but it may be paid before.
If student misses the first lesson of the month, payment should be given to the teacher at the second lesson. That payment should include the first missed lesson.
(If you know more than 1 week in advance that you cannot attend a lesson and will not be able to schedule a make-up time, please see me. I may be willing to make an exception depending on circumstances.)
Tuition is not refunded for missed lessons, but students may request a make-up session at another time for no additional cost.
If full payment is not received before the start of the lesson, no lessons will be given.
An invoice will be sent by email to the student during the last week of the month for the next month’s tuition payment. (For example: an invoice sent in the last week of December will have the total tuition amount for January.)
Security Deposit
A security deposit is necessary at the end of the first month’s lesson in order to continue lessons. This deposit is equal to one month’s tuition and must be paid by the start of the first lesson of the second month.
In most cases: the second month’s payment will be doubled to include the second month’s tuition and a one month security deposit.
When / if a student decides to discontinue lessons, the student’s final month of lessons will come out of the security deposit. Any student who discontinues lessons without 1-month prior notice will lose their security deposit.
Cancelled Lessons and Makeup Lessons
No payment credit will be provided for missed lessons, but make-up sessions may be available upon request.
(Exceptions may be made for students who provide at least 1 week of notice and have extenuating circumstances. See me if you expect to miss a class that you will not be able to make up. You will be responsible for the cost of the lesson unless I agree to waive it due to circumstances.)
Three make-up lessons are allowed per six-month period. If a student is unable to attend their regularly scheduled lesson, they may contact me and ask to arrange a make-up lesson. Students may not schedule a make-up lesson in another student’s time-slot.
Once the three make-up times have been used, students may only reschedule by swapping their lesson with another student. (see Opt-in Swap List below)
Students may, once per calendar year, change their lesson time into another vacant slot. Students must ask for and receive my consent to change their time at least 1 week before the change takes place in order to do this. If more than one student wishes to move to the same vacant time-slot, the slot will awarded on a first-come-first-served basis, and the other student(s) will remain in their original time slot until they select a different time and are approved to switch.
If I cancel a lesson for any reason, make-up lessons will be arranged. These make-up lessons will not count against the three make-up lessons per six month period. In the rare event that I am unable to reschedule the lesson, students will not be charged for that lesson.
For cancellations due to weather, make-up lessons will be arranged. Again, these make-up lessons will not count against the three make-up lessons per six month period.
Opt-in Swap List
The swap list consists of the phone number and email address of every student (or parent) who has opted to be on the list. This list is intended to be used only for swapping lessons and is available only to those students (or parents) who have opted in. Each student (or parent) who has opted onto the list will receive a copy via email at the start of their lessons and will be emailed any changes or updates to that list. You MUST notify me and have my written approval for any lesson-swaps at least 24 hours before the lesson start-time. Students are also welcome to trade contact information amongst themselves.
Please, please, please, make sure everyone is on the same page if you wish to swap your lesson time! If two students arrive for the same lesson-time, and proper arrangements have not been made with the teacher, priority will go the normally scheduled student.
Holidays
There are no lessons on the following holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and the following weekend, and Christmas Eve, and Christmas. There will also be no lessons on February 28th or August 8th and 11th.
Students will not be charged for scheduled lessons that fall on any of the above days.
Summer Schedule
Lessons are year-round, including the summer.
If the student wishes to terminate lessons during the summer and wants to guarantee his/her spot in September, he/she will be charged half price for those missed lessons. If the student doesn’t mind rescheduling in the Fall, the student can do one of two things:
1) The student can let the teacher know a month prior to the summer break and spend the security deposit on the last month. When the student reschedules in the fall, he/she will replenish the security deposit at the first month’s lessons.
2) The student can pay for the lessons prior to summer break, leaving the security deposit intact. If the student decides not to reschedule in the Fall, they forfeit the security deposit.
Materials
Most materials will be the responsibility of the student and/or parents. Material lists and a list of suggested stores will be provided. Substitutions for listed materials may be discussed with me, but students will be expected to have the materials listed unless they have spoken with me and had their substitution approved.
Students who feel that they are unable to get the materials themselves do have the option of requesting that I purchase the necessary materials for them, though this is discouraged and includes a studio-fee. Any student (or parent) who wishes to use this option MUST do so at least 3 days prior to the scheduled lesson, (preferably sooner). The studio-fee will be the total amount necessary for all materials and a $25 flat fee. Students who have not contacted me by the appointed date are expected to purchase and bring all necessary materials to their lessons. Students who arrive without materials will not be taught and the lesson will not be refunded. Students must buy for themselves anything that will require shipping.
Students are also encouraged to find and collect source materials and references to use in their lessons; including photographs, objects, and most anything that interests them. Please bear in mind that lessons are held in a home and students should not bring anything to use as reference that cannot be safely placed on a kitchen table. No toxic substances of any kind, unprotected sharp edges, or otherwise dangerous objects will be allowed into the house. NO LIVE ANIMALS will be permitted into the house.
Lesson Termination
I reserve the right to terminate lessons at any time, for any reason. Refunds will be provided for lessons terminated by me, EXCEPT in cases where lessons have been terminated due to overdue payment.*
After the security deposit is given, the student must give one month’s notice if he/she would like to quit lessons. The last month of lessons will come out of the security deposit. If a student fails to give me adequate notice before quitting lessons, they forfeit the remaining security deposit.
Tardiness
Students should arrive on time for lessons. They should not arrive more than 10 minutes early. I am here to teach people about art. I am not a babysitter. If students arrive earlier than 10 minutes before their lesson they may be asked to wait outside.
If students arrive late they will only finish their remaining lesson time and will not go into the next students' time. There will be no discounts for time missed due to tardy students.
Parents of younger students should pick up their students from lessons on time. If the parents are not there on time, students may be asked to wait outside to prevent interrupting the next student's lesson. If a student is picked up more than 15 minutes late, the student and/or parents will be charged for an additional half-hour time-slot, to be paid with or before the next month’s tuition. If the additional fee is not paid by the start of the first lesson of the next month, the lesson will not be taught, and the student's lessons will be terminated. *Students who's lessons are terminated due to overdue payment, forfeit their remaining security deposit.
Grounds
Siblings and students who carpool together may attend each others’ lessons if they can sit quietly and avoid disrupting the lesson. If the student(s) (or guests) not involved in the current lesson are too loud they may be asked to go outside. If guests are frequently disruptive, they will be asked not to accompany the student in the future. There is a table available for working on homework, doodling, or other similar tasks.
Please do not touch or handle anything in the studio that is not related to the lesson. There are many books and keepsakes belonging to house-residents which are to be respected and should not be played with.
Students may bring non-messy and non-distracting snacks or drinks to the lesson if they wish. Drinks should have a lid or cap to avoid spills.
One shy, friendly cat lives at the studio. She is not de-clawed, but she will typically avoid new people and is not aggressive. You may pet or play with the cat when you have down-time, but please do not chase, grab, pick up, or harass her. Those who interact the cat do so at their own risk.
If you have any pet allergies, please take any necessary medications before you arrive, and let me know in advance, so I can sweep up any cat-hair she may have shed in the studio area.
Expectations of the student
Students are expected to spend at least 1-2 hours per week practicing the skills they will learn in class. This should not be treated as a chore, and is very free-form. There no grades given in the studio, so I will simply be looking over the student’s efforts at the beginning of the lesson to discuss and build from it. Students will be asked to explore ideas, techniques, and principles from their lessons, in the manner of their choosing. They may keep a sketchbook or simply work however their ideas flow best. Students will be expected to bring what they have done during the week to their lesson and spend a few minutes discussing what they did, why, how, and how it relates to what was covered in the previous lesson. Students are also VERY HIGHLY encouraged to research any topics that interest them and explore them in their practice time. If the student feels bored, uninspired, or uninterested in their practice work, they are probably taking it too seriously and should find something they enjoy more to focus on.
Expectations of parents
Parents of younger students should see that their child is on time for lessons, and take the time to look at and enjoy the work that they create. Parents should try to create a small pocket of distraction-free time each day for their child to do their practice work. This can be in the middle of the woods, in a coffee-shop, the library, or at the kitchen table; wherever the student feels comfortable working. Parents should be realistic in their expectations of the student and be proud of their student when they make good progress. Practice work should be fun, never drudgery or punishment, so try to avoid treating it like a chore that needs to be done.
Expectations of the teacher
I will be prepared for each lesson and be ready to answer questions and explain ideas. I will let the student’s interests determine the direction of the lessons, but will ensure that basic principles and foundation skills are learned. I will do my best to find answers that I do not already possess. I will do my best to make learning art skills fun as well as practical and help students to tap into their individual talents.
Studio Policy Amendments:
This Studio Policy may be amended in the future. Current students will have the option of accepting the new policy or rejecting it: terminating lessons, and having their security deposit refunded.
**************************************************************************************
By signing below I indicate that I have read and understand all of the above, and agree to follow all rules and guidelines stated above. I release the teacher from any liability caused by my failure to do so. I will follow the expectations of me that are listed above to the best of my ability, and will expect the same from my parent and/or student and the teacher.
_________________ Student _________________Parent (if applicable) _________________Teacher
Pre-Lesson Meeting
Before beginning lessons, students (and parents of younger students) should meet with the teacher in the studio to go over the studio policy, discuss the student’s interests, and look at any artistic background or talents the student has. This will also give students (and parents) a chance to see the studio space and ask any questions they may have.
Lessons will begin 1-2 weeks after the initial meeting, to allow students time to find and purchase the necessary supplies and for me to customize the lesson-plan.
I will confirm the day and time of the first lesson with you before the end of the initial meeting.
Tuition Fee and Payment
Lessons are available in 1/2 hour increments, up to 2 hours per day, at $25 per hour. Lessons are weekly or twice a week. You will be asked to choose a day (or days) and time during which you can attend lessons every week. This will be your time-slot for the duration of your lessons. (You may change this timeslot once per year. See the "Cancelled Lessons and Makeup Lessons" section below.)
Please see the calendar for available lesson times.
Cash, Checks, and PayPal accepted. (Additional fee may apply for PayPal.)
Tuition is paid monthly. Lessons must be paid for in advance. (For example, tuition paid at first lesson in January covers January’s lessons.)
Tuition is due by the start of the first lesson of the month, but it may be paid before.
If student misses the first lesson of the month, payment should be given to the teacher at the second lesson. That payment should include the first missed lesson.
(If you know more than 1 week in advance that you cannot attend a lesson and will not be able to schedule a make-up time, please see me. I may be willing to make an exception depending on circumstances.)
Tuition is not refunded for missed lessons, but students may request a make-up session at another time for no additional cost.
If full payment is not received before the start of the lesson, no lessons will be given.
An invoice will be sent by email to the student during the last week of the month for the next month’s tuition payment. (For example: an invoice sent in the last week of December will have the total tuition amount for January.)
Security Deposit
A security deposit is necessary at the end of the first month’s lesson in order to continue lessons. This deposit is equal to one month’s tuition and must be paid by the start of the first lesson of the second month.
In most cases: the second month’s payment will be doubled to include the second month’s tuition and a one month security deposit.
When / if a student decides to discontinue lessons, the student’s final month of lessons will come out of the security deposit. Any student who discontinues lessons without 1-month prior notice will lose their security deposit.
Cancelled Lessons and Makeup Lessons
No payment credit will be provided for missed lessons, but make-up sessions may be available upon request.
(Exceptions may be made for students who provide at least 1 week of notice and have extenuating circumstances. See me if you expect to miss a class that you will not be able to make up. You will be responsible for the cost of the lesson unless I agree to waive it due to circumstances.)
Three make-up lessons are allowed per six-month period. If a student is unable to attend their regularly scheduled lesson, they may contact me and ask to arrange a make-up lesson. Students may not schedule a make-up lesson in another student’s time-slot.
Once the three make-up times have been used, students may only reschedule by swapping their lesson with another student. (see Opt-in Swap List below)
Students may, once per calendar year, change their lesson time into another vacant slot. Students must ask for and receive my consent to change their time at least 1 week before the change takes place in order to do this. If more than one student wishes to move to the same vacant time-slot, the slot will awarded on a first-come-first-served basis, and the other student(s) will remain in their original time slot until they select a different time and are approved to switch.
If I cancel a lesson for any reason, make-up lessons will be arranged. These make-up lessons will not count against the three make-up lessons per six month period. In the rare event that I am unable to reschedule the lesson, students will not be charged for that lesson.
For cancellations due to weather, make-up lessons will be arranged. Again, these make-up lessons will not count against the three make-up lessons per six month period.
Opt-in Swap List
The swap list consists of the phone number and email address of every student (or parent) who has opted to be on the list. This list is intended to be used only for swapping lessons and is available only to those students (or parents) who have opted in. Each student (or parent) who has opted onto the list will receive a copy via email at the start of their lessons and will be emailed any changes or updates to that list. You MUST notify me and have my written approval for any lesson-swaps at least 24 hours before the lesson start-time. Students are also welcome to trade contact information amongst themselves.
Please, please, please, make sure everyone is on the same page if you wish to swap your lesson time! If two students arrive for the same lesson-time, and proper arrangements have not been made with the teacher, priority will go the normally scheduled student.
Holidays
There are no lessons on the following holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and the following weekend, and Christmas Eve, and Christmas. There will also be no lessons on February 28th or August 8th and 11th.
Students will not be charged for scheduled lessons that fall on any of the above days.
Summer Schedule
Lessons are year-round, including the summer.
If the student wishes to terminate lessons during the summer and wants to guarantee his/her spot in September, he/she will be charged half price for those missed lessons. If the student doesn’t mind rescheduling in the Fall, the student can do one of two things:
1) The student can let the teacher know a month prior to the summer break and spend the security deposit on the last month. When the student reschedules in the fall, he/she will replenish the security deposit at the first month’s lessons.
2) The student can pay for the lessons prior to summer break, leaving the security deposit intact. If the student decides not to reschedule in the Fall, they forfeit the security deposit.
Materials
Most materials will be the responsibility of the student and/or parents. Material lists and a list of suggested stores will be provided. Substitutions for listed materials may be discussed with me, but students will be expected to have the materials listed unless they have spoken with me and had their substitution approved.
Students who feel that they are unable to get the materials themselves do have the option of requesting that I purchase the necessary materials for them, though this is discouraged and includes a studio-fee. Any student (or parent) who wishes to use this option MUST do so at least 3 days prior to the scheduled lesson, (preferably sooner). The studio-fee will be the total amount necessary for all materials and a $25 flat fee. Students who have not contacted me by the appointed date are expected to purchase and bring all necessary materials to their lessons. Students who arrive without materials will not be taught and the lesson will not be refunded. Students must buy for themselves anything that will require shipping.
Students are also encouraged to find and collect source materials and references to use in their lessons; including photographs, objects, and most anything that interests them. Please bear in mind that lessons are held in a home and students should not bring anything to use as reference that cannot be safely placed on a kitchen table. No toxic substances of any kind, unprotected sharp edges, or otherwise dangerous objects will be allowed into the house. NO LIVE ANIMALS will be permitted into the house.
Lesson Termination
I reserve the right to terminate lessons at any time, for any reason. Refunds will be provided for lessons terminated by me, EXCEPT in cases where lessons have been terminated due to overdue payment.*
After the security deposit is given, the student must give one month’s notice if he/she would like to quit lessons. The last month of lessons will come out of the security deposit. If a student fails to give me adequate notice before quitting lessons, they forfeit the remaining security deposit.
Tardiness
Students should arrive on time for lessons. They should not arrive more than 10 minutes early. I am here to teach people about art. I am not a babysitter. If students arrive earlier than 10 minutes before their lesson they may be asked to wait outside.
If students arrive late they will only finish their remaining lesson time and will not go into the next students' time. There will be no discounts for time missed due to tardy students.
Parents of younger students should pick up their students from lessons on time. If the parents are not there on time, students may be asked to wait outside to prevent interrupting the next student's lesson. If a student is picked up more than 15 minutes late, the student and/or parents will be charged for an additional half-hour time-slot, to be paid with or before the next month’s tuition. If the additional fee is not paid by the start of the first lesson of the next month, the lesson will not be taught, and the student's lessons will be terminated. *Students who's lessons are terminated due to overdue payment, forfeit their remaining security deposit.
Grounds
Siblings and students who carpool together may attend each others’ lessons if they can sit quietly and avoid disrupting the lesson. If the student(s) (or guests) not involved in the current lesson are too loud they may be asked to go outside. If guests are frequently disruptive, they will be asked not to accompany the student in the future. There is a table available for working on homework, doodling, or other similar tasks.
Please do not touch or handle anything in the studio that is not related to the lesson. There are many books and keepsakes belonging to house-residents which are to be respected and should not be played with.
Students may bring non-messy and non-distracting snacks or drinks to the lesson if they wish. Drinks should have a lid or cap to avoid spills.
One shy, friendly cat lives at the studio. She is not de-clawed, but she will typically avoid new people and is not aggressive. You may pet or play with the cat when you have down-time, but please do not chase, grab, pick up, or harass her. Those who interact the cat do so at their own risk.
If you have any pet allergies, please take any necessary medications before you arrive, and let me know in advance, so I can sweep up any cat-hair she may have shed in the studio area.
Expectations of the student
Students are expected to spend at least 1-2 hours per week practicing the skills they will learn in class. This should not be treated as a chore, and is very free-form. There no grades given in the studio, so I will simply be looking over the student’s efforts at the beginning of the lesson to discuss and build from it. Students will be asked to explore ideas, techniques, and principles from their lessons, in the manner of their choosing. They may keep a sketchbook or simply work however their ideas flow best. Students will be expected to bring what they have done during the week to their lesson and spend a few minutes discussing what they did, why, how, and how it relates to what was covered in the previous lesson. Students are also VERY HIGHLY encouraged to research any topics that interest them and explore them in their practice time. If the student feels bored, uninspired, or uninterested in their practice work, they are probably taking it too seriously and should find something they enjoy more to focus on.
Expectations of parents
Parents of younger students should see that their child is on time for lessons, and take the time to look at and enjoy the work that they create. Parents should try to create a small pocket of distraction-free time each day for their child to do their practice work. This can be in the middle of the woods, in a coffee-shop, the library, or at the kitchen table; wherever the student feels comfortable working. Parents should be realistic in their expectations of the student and be proud of their student when they make good progress. Practice work should be fun, never drudgery or punishment, so try to avoid treating it like a chore that needs to be done.
Expectations of the teacher
I will be prepared for each lesson and be ready to answer questions and explain ideas. I will let the student’s interests determine the direction of the lessons, but will ensure that basic principles and foundation skills are learned. I will do my best to find answers that I do not already possess. I will do my best to make learning art skills fun as well as practical and help students to tap into their individual talents.
Studio Policy Amendments:
This Studio Policy may be amended in the future. Current students will have the option of accepting the new policy or rejecting it: terminating lessons, and having their security deposit refunded.
**************************************************************************************
By signing below I indicate that I have read and understand all of the above, and agree to follow all rules and guidelines stated above. I release the teacher from any liability caused by my failure to do so. I will follow the expectations of me that are listed above to the best of my ability, and will expect the same from my parent and/or student and the teacher.
_________________ Student _________________Parent (if applicable) _________________Teacher