Lessons are designed to provide individualized instruction based on each student’s interests, experience level, and goals. The first lesson assesses the student’s current ability, musical background, and goals, and establishes a clear direction for future lessons. This approach applies equally to beginner, intermediate, and advanced students.

While lessons are tailored to the individual, there are fundamental musical concepts and techniques that all instrumentalists should understand. The instructor may incorporate these fundamentals into lessons as needed and revisit them if gaps in understanding are identified. Lesson content and pacing are guided by the instructor’s professional judgment, even when lessons focus on specific songs or styles.

Students are expected to come to lessons prepared with their instrument and any necessary accessories, and to practice assigned material between lessons. Lessons build upon previously covered material, and progress depends on consistent effort outside of lesson time. While the instructor is committed to providing quality instruction and sound pedagogy, progress cannot be guaranteed and the instructor is not responsible for a lack of progress resulting from insufficient practice or preparation.

All students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and focused manner during lessons.

Lessons are scheduled on a consistent weekly basis at a fixed day and time agreed upon by the student and instructor. Lessons do not operate on a rotating, biweekly, or floating schedule. Maintaining a consistent lesson time allows the instructor to manage availability and provide reliable instruction to all students.

Consistent weekly scheduling is required to maintain enrollment. The instructor does not operate on a week-by-week or flexible scheduling model.

Lesson times are mutually agreed upon; however, instructor availability is final. A lesson time is considered reserved once confirmed and is held exclusively for the enrolled student.

Students may request a change to their regular lesson time at any point. Schedule changes are handled in the same manner as initial scheduling and are subject to current availability. If a new mutually agreeable time is available, the schedule may be updated. Once a schedule change is confirmed, the student’s original time slot is forfeited and released for reassignment. The instructor cannot hold one time slot while accommodating lessons at another time, including short-term or month-only changes. If no alternative time is available, the student retains their existing lesson time.

Lessons officially begin at the scheduled start time. Lessons may not always run “bell-to-bell” due to brief transitions between students. Minor variations in lesson length are normal and do not constitute grounds for adjustment, credit, or refund.

Tuition is charged monthly and secures a reserved weekly lesson time. Enrollment is ongoing, and tuition remains due each month until notice of cancellation is given in accordance with studio policy.

Lesson rates are $60 per one-hour lesson and $30 per half-hour lesson. Monthly tuition reflects an average of four lessons per month: $240 for one-hour lessons (the Virtuoso Plan) or $120 for half-hour lessons (the Hobbyist Plan), plus any applicable payment processing fees. Tuition is billed monthly via invoice to the email address on file. The first month of tuition may be prorated if lessons begin mid-month.

Monthly tuition is due on the 1st of the month and must be paid no later than the 6th. Accounts that remain unpaid after this date are considered past due. Unpaid accounts may lose their reserved lesson time, and a late fee may be applied. Reserved lesson times are held only while the account remains in good standing. No advance notice from the instructor is required prior to releasing the student’s time slot.

Tuition is paid for the reservation of a weekly lesson time, not for individual lesson attendance. Missed lessons, cancellations, absences, or non-attendance do not reduce tuition owed and do not qualify for refunds or credits. Tuition is non-refundable under all circumstances. Failure to attend lessons does not constitute cancellation of enrollment or entitlement to a refund.

Email is the primary method of communication between lessons. Students and parents are encouraged to use email for questions, updates, and lesson-related communication outside of scheduled lesson time.

From time to time, the instructor may share lesson materials digitally, including backing tracks, reference materials, or recordings. File-sharing services such as Dropbox may be used for this purpose. Students are responsible for maintaining access to any required platforms or accounts in order to receive shared materials.

Students may share recordings or videos via email for brief feedback or clarification between lessons. More in-depth instruction or extended discussion may be addressed during the next scheduled lesson at the instructor’s discretion.

Enrollment in lessons reserves a weekly time slot in the instructor’s schedule. Tuition secures this reserved time regardless of attendance.

A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required to reschedule a lesson. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice, as well as no-shows, result in the forfeiture of the reserved time. If a student arrives late, the lesson will still end at the scheduled time, and missed time due to lateness cannot be made up.

Rescheduled (makeup) lessons are offered as a courtesy and are not guaranteed. When at least 24 hours’ notice is given, a makeup lesson may be offered at the instructor’s discretion. Makeup lessons may be fulfilled virtually or through a Monday Masterclass, depending on availability. Once a makeup lesson is scheduled, it cannot be rescheduled. Missed makeup lessons are forfeited and do not roll over.

Instructor cancellations are rare. In the event the instructor must cancel a scheduled lesson, reasonable arrangements will be made so the student does not lose their reserved time. The format and timing of these arrangements are determined by the instructor.

Monday Masterclasses are offered to all currently enrolled students as a free supplemental opportunity for enrolled students and may be used in place of most makeup lessons. Content covers universal music and guitar topics such as rhythm, technique, guitar maintenance skills and more, benefiting all students regardless of individual skill level or lesson content.

Monday Masterclasses meet virtually via Google Meet at 7:00 PM each week. Attendance is optional. Students must sign up at least 24 hours in advance to attend.

Online lessons are available via Google Meet as a regular, ongoing option and are held to the same standards, policies, and expectations as in-person lessons. This includes scheduling, tuition, attendance, cancellations, and makeup policies, all of which apply equally regardless of lesson format.

Technical issues on the student’s end (including internet connectivity, audio, or video problems) are considered equivalent to late arrival and do not extend lesson time or qualify for credit, adjustment, or refund.

Enrollment in lessons constitutes agreement to all studio policies outlined in this document. The instructor reserves the right to update or modify policies as needed.

Instruction is provided with professional care and pedagogical integrity. The instructor is not responsible for outcomes beyond the scope of instruction, including lack of progress due to factors outside of lesson time.

The instructor may assist with maintenance and/or minor adjustments to the student’s instrument only with explicit permission but is not liable for damage to instruments.

For minor students, parents or guardians are responsible for ensuring compliance with all studio policies, scheduling obligations, and preparedness. Students and parents should disclose relevant disabilities so the instructor can make appropriate accommodations.

The instructor reserves the right to refuse or discontinue instruction at their discretion if policies are not upheld, or if continued instruction is deemed unproductive or disruptive.

The studio and the instructor is not liable for injuries or accidents while traveling to or from lessons, while waiting for lessons, or during lessons themselves, regardless of the location the lesson.

The instructor is not liable for interruptions or cancellations caused by circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to weather, illness, power outages, internet disruptions, or other unforeseen events.

Lessons are non-refundable. Payment for scheduled lessons does not entitle students to a credit or refund for missed or cancelled lessons, regardless of circumstance.

Students may not record lessons (audio or video) without the express permission of the instructor.

These policies, and any disputes arising from lessons, are governed by Louisiana law. Disputes should first be addressed directly with the instructor/studio in good faith before pursuing legal action.