Policies and Procedures
2024-2025 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
All individuals who are seeking to enroll in the Magpie Lesson Studio Program must have a signed copy of the policy and procedure document on their file before the first day of the scheduled lesson. This document can only be signed by a student, parent, or legal guardian 19 years of age or older. This procedure ensures that all participating students and legal guardians of the students fully understand and agree with the policies laid forth by the Magpie Lesson Studio and creates the best environment possible for the success of the student.
1. REGISTRATION PROCESS
Registrations are taken on a first come/first serve basis and are done through one-of-two methods:
Online Registrations:
● All online registrations received from our website will be processed by the end of the next business day. Once the registration is received we will be in contact to discuss any further information, answer any questions, and schedule the first lesson.
● All registrations must be submitted by individuals over nineteen (19) years of age. This can be done by a parent or legal guardian.
Over the Phone:
● For all registrations received over the phone, please allow up to 48 hours for the Magpie Lesson Studio to contact you if you leave a message.
● Voicemails do not confirm the registration of students. We will contact you at the number given to confirm.
2. LOCATION
● Magpie Lesson Studio -
○ Located at 308 Garden Ave Bellevue, NE 68005
Lessons are held on the main level of the house with indoor and outdoor seating available for parents and guardians.
● “Virtual Lessons”
○ Virtual Lessons are available over lessons via Zoom, Google Meet, Facetime, or other web-based live video platforms. This is a great option for students who are more comfortable being taught in their own homes. Virtual lessons look and feel just like in-person lessons at our studio location except for your instructor being in the same room. A camera, computer, and high-speed internet service are required in the student’s home for this option to be possible.
3. LESSON TIMES
● Students should arrive on time for lessons. Lessons must end on time even if the student arrives late.
● Intervals for lessons are limited to 30 min or 60 min lesson intervals.
● We kindly request that parents or guardians ensure their children (under 16) are not left alone before or after their lessons or classes. It is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students, and we want to provide a secure environment for everyone. To facilitate a smooth transition, we kindly ask parents to stay at drop off until the instructor is ready for the lesson to begin, and please plan on being present at the Magpie Lesson Studio 10 minutes before the scheduled lesson or class ends. This will ensure a responsible handover between instructors and parents/guardians. Instructors have back-to-back lessons and cannot be responsible for students after their lessons.
○ The parent or legal guardian will be responsible and is required to pay for any or all damages to the building, equipment, or any other property of the Magpie Lesson Studio in the event a student under the age of sixteen is left unsupervised in one of the Magpie Lesson Studio studios.
4. TUITION PLANS AND PACKAGES
● Monthly Subscription Plan
○ Express: This monthly subscription package entitles the student to one, thirty (30) minute lesson per week.
○ Standard: This monthly subscription package entitles the student to one, sixty (60) minute lesson per week.
● Visit magpielessonstudio.com for current tuition packages and rates.
● An electronic payment method is required for paying tuition. If the billable party does not have access to an electronic payment method, then an alternative payment method must be arranged before lessons can begin.
5. TUITION RATES AND FEES
● A one-time registration fee of $30.00 will be collected for each new student registration. This charge will be included in the first invoice only. *If multiple students sign up under one family, only one registration fee will be required.
● Tuition rates are subject to change based upon the discretion of the Magpie Lesson Studio. All rate modifications will be effective in the next billing cycle (month). It is the responsibility of the Instructor to communicate such changes.
6. BILLING CYCLES AND PAYMENTS
● The billing system we utilize is a “pre-billing” system. This means that tuition is due on the 1st of each month before the lessons occur.
● There are three to four months per year when there are a total of five weeks in the month as opposed to the usual four weeks. You will not be billed extra for these five-week months. You will receive the fifth lesson for free. However, if you are unable to attend the fifth lesson of the month, reimbursements, refunds, and/or credits can not be offered.
● It is important to note that the monthly tuition is an agreement between the Instructor and the student to attend the dates and times scheduled in advance. Our Lesson Studio cancellations and makeup-lesson protocol details can be found in section 9.
● For students who start in the middle of the month, tuition will be prorated to reflect the number of lessons being received.
● If an invoice goes unpaid for 30 days, a late fee will be added in the amount of $25.00
● If tuition is not paid by the 1st of the month, the Magpie Lesson Studio has the option to suspend lessons until the balance is paid.
● It is our studio policy that all students must be enrolled in automatic monthly tuition payments, the card or bank account on file will be charged on the 1st of each month for upcoming lessons.
7. TUITION PAYMENTS/INVOICING
● Partial payments are not allowed.
● Refunds for missed or canceled lessons are not allowed. All sales are final upon transaction approval.
● There is one payment method for tuition payments within the Magpie Lesson Studio. An electronic payment method is required for enrollment and will be the payment method for your monthly tuition subscription payment.
● Updating payment information: You may update your payment information over the phone or in person at your scheduled lesson time.
● If other payment methods or arrangements need to be made, then please contact Melissa Glaves at magpielessostudio@gmail.com or (907)953-0120
8. INSTRUCTOR/STUDENT ABSENCES
● Although we encourage all students to attend all scheduled lessons as a commitment to excellence, we know that events and situations occur where the parent or student cannot make it to the lesson. We simply ask that all students/parents respect the time of the instructor by giving a minimum of 24 hours notice if possible. (see “9. Cancellations”)
● Please note that missed lessons are not guaranteed to be rescheduled and are considered still “billable”. Thus, makeup lessons will only be offered based on availability of the instructor.
● If the instructor needs to cancel a lesson or a series of lessons, all students will be given the choice between A) a full refund for the lesson(s) canceled or B) given a credit towards the upcoming month’s subscription payment. (see “10. Make Up Lessons” for more details)
● Note the following scenarios:
○ STUDENT ABSENT
If a student must cancel or be absent from a scheduled lesson and are unable to attend for any reason then the scheduled lesson time stands. A refund or credit, will not be offered or issued. A make up lesson may be scheduled within one week based on the availability of the instructor.
If the student knows of an upcoming series of missed weeks (vacation, etc) we encourage you to contact the office and put your lesson subscription on hold for those subsequent weeks. Please understand, however, that in the event of a subscription hold of more than 2 weeks your place will not be held in the specific time slot you previously had. If you want to keep your current lesson times, simply continue to pay your monthly subscription.
○ INSTRUCTOR ABSENT
■ If the Instructor needs to cancel a lesson for any reason and/or is not able to teach the scheduled lesson then the student has two options: A) a full refund for that one lesson or multiple lessons B) a “credit” for that lesson that counts towards their next month’s subscription payment.
*Please note that any refunds take up to five business days to appear on bank statements.
9. CANCELLATIONS & RESCHEDULING
● If the student is not able to make it to their lesson at the scheduled time, notice should be communicated through one of the following approved methods:
○ Phone call or text to the Magpie Lesson Studio: (907) 953-0120
○ Email to magpielessonstudio@gmail.com
● If a refund is to be issued, please allow for up to 5 business days for the refund to be completed.
● Please talk to your Instructor about any time changes or schedule alterations you would like to make.
10. MAKEUP LESSONS
● Magpie Lesson Studio has chosen to offer makeup lessons to our students based solely on the availability of the instructor.
○ It is our commitment to steward our business well by having clear boundaries. We value our Instructor’s time, as it is our only “inventory”. When a student pays for their tuition, they are not only paying for lessons but also the time and space. They are committing, along with the Instructor to both arrive at a designated place and time every week. As soon as the tuition is paid, the place (studio), and time (30 min or 60 min) is “owned” by the paying student and is un-moveable until other arrangements are made with the 7 days notice.
11. TERMINATION/WITHDRAWAL
● Students can withdraw from lessons after a thirty-day notice at any time.
● If a student wants to discontinue lessons and withdraw as an active student at the Magpie Lesson Studio, the parent or guardian needs to inform the studio thirty days prior.
● Communication of withdrawal of lessons must be in writing. [Email, etc]
● The registration fee of $30 for all new students is non-refundable.
12. HOLIDAY/SNOW DAYS
● The Magpie Lesson Studio holds lessons year-round, but will recognize Thanksgiving and Christmas break in accordance with the Bellevue Public School Calendar.
● If the regularly scheduled lesson falls on a holiday, lessons are canceled without a refund and a makeup
or refund will not be issued.
● The following days are the major holidays on which Magpie Lesson Studio will be closed:
○ New Year’s Day
○ Memorial Day
○ Independence Day
○ Labor Day
○ Thanksgiving Break
○ Christmas Break
● Severe weather cancellations and closings will follow the Public School’s closing notifications throughout the winter season. If there is a “snow day” declared, all lessons are considered canceled with no refunds or makeup lessons
● In the event of severe weather that inhibits the ability for students and instructors to meet in our physical locations, a provisional “virtual lesson” may be offered by your instructor.
● General news and weather cancellations will be communicated through the Magpie Lesson Studio Instagram page.
13. PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS
● The Magpie Lesson Studio encourages all students of music and songwriting to practice every day, even for a few moments. Practice is expected and indispensable for progress. Consistency is key!
● It is advised to all students that the Instructors of the Magpie Lesson Studio will challenge you as well as hope to inspire you to do your very best.
14. RECITALS/STUDENT SHOWCASES
● The Magpie Lesson Studio holds student recitals at the discretion of the Instructor. If you feel that you or your student is ready for a live performance or a public showing of such kind please notify your Instructor and they will show you the next steps.
15. BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
● The Magpie Lesson Studio expects all students to behave respectfully toward their Instructor and the property.
● If the student’s behavior is considered to be unfit for proper instruction, it is the right and responsibility of the Instructor to inform the parent or guardian that lessons will be suspended until the student's behavior is managed.
● The instructor has the right and ability to place the student in a “probationary period” for a length of time. Notice
will be given to the parent or guardian before this period. If the behavior does not improve, any further lessons within 30 days will be suspended without refund.
● All damages to equipment or property in or around any of the Magpie Lesson Studio facilities will be liable to the responsible party.
16. PARKING
When parking at Magpie Lesson Studio, feel free to park in the driveway or on the street in front of the house. Our number one priority is for your safety and convenience. We want to be as considerate as possible and be “good neighbors” as much as possible.
17. CONTACT DETAILS
Please contact Melissa Glaves for any questions you may have.
Email: magpielessonstudio@gmail.com
Call or Text: (907) 953-0120