Private Lesson Studio Policies

Southern Art Music Initiative operates on a monthly tuition package model, not a per-lesson rate. Tuition reserves your student's weekly private lesson time in our studio and remains the same each month regardless of holidays or how many lessons fall within a specific calendar month.

Monthly tuition rates

• ◆30-minute lessons: $165 per student, per month.
• ◆45-minute lessons: $240 per student, per month.
• ◆60-minute lessons: $310 per student, per month.
• ◆Sibling discounts are available at $20 off your monthly invoice for each additional sibling.

Tuition includes

• ◆Weekly one-on-one private instruction
• ◆Lesson materials and music books
• ◆Participation in studio recitals

Tuition remains the same each month regardless of how many lessons fall within that calendar month.

• ◆Tuition is prepaid and payments are accepted online only through the parent portal.
• ◆On the last day of the month, clients will receive an invoice for the following month of lessons, and the account will be drafted that day for the upcoming month. Example: February lessons would be charged on January 31st.
• ◆Autopay is available and encouraged.
• ◆Payments for the month are due by the 7th of that month. A late fee of $30 will be applied on the 8th day of that month, and an additional $30 will be added to the invoice each month if left not paid in full.
• ◆All tuition and fees are non-refundable.

New students

If a student is joining in the middle of the month, lessons for that month will be prorated. The amount will be based on how many lessons are left in the month, and an invoice will be sent. The invoice must be paid before starting lessons.

The academic year is divided into three terms:

• ◆Fall Term: August–December
• ◆Spring Term: January–May
• ◆Summer Term: June–July

Studio calendars are published in advance and include lesson dates, studio closures, and recital dates.

Students participate in a Fall Recital and a Spring Recital.

Recitals are included in tuition and provide students with meaningful performance experience. Participation details are shared in advance.

Southern Art Music Initiative values consistency in instruction while offering limited flexibility.

• ◆Each student receives one (1) make-up lesson per semester.
• ◆24 hours' notice is required.
• ◆Make-ups must be scheduled within the same semester.

When a make-up is not available

• ◆Video lesson: the instructor will send a short instructional video reviewing concepts and assigning focused practice for the week.
• ◆Forfeit the lesson: the lesson may be forfeited. No refund or credit will be issued.

Lessons missed without 24 hours' notice are forfeited and are not eligible for make-up lessons or video lessons.

Cancellations must be made using our cancellation form found on our website. All cancellations must be made this way — parents may not reach out to individual teachers to reschedule or cancel lessons.

Any lesson canceled by the instructor will be made up. When available, the studio may also offer a qualified substitute instructor so the lesson can occur at the regularly scheduled time. This option helps maintain consistency for the student and may be used as an alternative to scheduling a make-up lesson.

If neither a substitute nor a same-week make-up is available, a make-up lesson credit will be issued. Make-up lesson credits must be used within the same semester.

Every student eventually stops taking lessons, and it is important that lessons conclude positively. One month's written notice is required to discontinue lessons. Upon giving notice, students will receive one final month of instruction. If the final month of lessons is not attended, that month's tuition will be forfeited.

Either party may terminate lessons at any time. All tuition and fees are non-refundable regardless of which party terminates lessons.

At the discretion of the studio, students may be dismissed due to

• ◆Unpaid tuition
• ◆Excessive absences
• ◆Repeated unprepared lessons
• ◆Refusal to cooperate during instruction

In the case of unsafe conditions, the studio will notify families if lessons are canceled. If lessons are canceled by the instructor due to weather, they will be made up. The studio does not automatically follow school closures.

All billing, scheduling, and official communication must go through the studio. Teachers may not:

• ◆Accept payment directly
• ◆Modify tuition
• ◆Independently reschedule lessons

You may receive emails, calls, and texts from Jay or Anne with Southern Art Music. Please direct any questions or concerns to them.

• ◆Jay Kirkland — (678) 310-6588 — info@southernartmusic.com
• ◆Anne McMullen — (678) 310-6711 — anne@southernartmusic.com