The Trumpet Studio | 2025–2026 Policy

This is a policy, not a contract. Updated annually. Please check back for updates.

Teacher Expectations

Lessons focus on real-world application, competition prep, and lifelong musicianship. The studio believes in equipping students with practical tools, critical feedback, and encouragement rooted in their goals and growth.

You can expect:

  • Individualized instruction aligned with student goals

  • Honest, constructive feedback at each lesson

  • Clear technical and musical benchmarks

  • Professional guidance on auditions, recordings, and performance prep

  • Access to curated online resources (e.g., MakeMusic Cloud, studio knowledgebase, lesson notes, video reviews)

  • Consistency, encouragement, and flexibility when life happens

Student Expectations

To grow as a musician, consistency and focus are key.

Practice Goals (per week):

  • Elementary: 4 days × 20–30 min

  • Middle School: 5 days × 40–60 min

  • High School: 6 days × 60–80 min

During Lessons:

  • Be on time

  • Come prepared with music, instrument, and a positive attitude

  • Maintain open communication around challenges, goals, or burnout

Participation:

Recitals, recordings, festivals, and auditions are highly encouraged. They provide tangible motivation and help accelerate growth. You’ll get out what you put in—action takers always progress faster.

Family Expectations

Parents and families play a crucial role in student success.

  • Encourage your student to advocate for practice time and celebrate their growth

  • Help them maintain a consistent, distraction-free environment

  • Attendance is optional after the first lesson, but always welcome

  • Let me know about anything that might affect practice or focus

Schedule & Terms

Lessons are offered in 30-minute or 60-minute weekly sessions.

Tuition reserves your student’s spot and covers weekly lessons, MakeMusic Cloud, audition prep, recitals, and more.

2025–2026 Term Schedule

  • Fall Term: Sept–Dec

  • Spring Term: Jan–April

  • Summer Term: May–Aug (strongly encouraged to retain fall placement)

Planned Breaks

Planned Weeks Off:

  • Fall Term: Thanksgiving [week of Nov 23rd, 2025], Winter Break [week of Dec 21st & 28th, 2025]

  • Spring Term: Winter Break [week of Jan 4th, 2026], Spring Break [week of March 29th, 2026]

  • Summer Term: July 4th [week of June 28th, 2026]

Tuition & Payments

Flat-Rate Tuition Model:

  • Autopay via Stripe (required)

  • Billed on the 1st of each month

  • Tuition holds your weekly time slot

  • New mid-month students = drop-in rates

Late/Returned Payments:

  • Fix by the 3rd to avoid $20 late fee

  • Multiple missed payments may forfeit your spot

Cancellations & Makeups

  • 24-hour notice is required to be eligible for a makeup credit

  • Up to 2 makeup lesson credits may be issued per term

  • All makeup credits must be used within 30 days of the original lesson date

  • Lessons canceled under 24 hours are forfeited

  • In lieu of canceling, students may submit a video for personalized feedback before lesson start time

Teacher Cancellations:

A credit will be issued and rescheduling options provided within 30 days for any lessons canceled by the studio

Materials

  • Students must provide their own method books and accessories
    (Standard of Excellence, Arbans, Valve Oil, etc)

  • All enrolled students receive access to MakeMusic Cloud, paid by the studio

  • Music/materials must be obtained within 2 weeks of assignment

Commitment

The studio will offer a minimum of 44 lessons per calendar year, with the expectation of teaching up to 48 weeks annually. Weeks without lessons (due to holidays, illness, or personal performance opportunities) will be communicated in advance. Summer enrollment is encouraged to retain your fall time slot. Pausing or missing summer term may forfeit priority placement.

  • If a student withdraws mid-term, tuition for the remainder is still due

  • Request schedule changes by the 25th

  • To cancel tuition, written notification must be received via email 2 weeks in advance

  • All payments are non-refundable

Media Consent

Photos, videos, and lesson audio may occasionally be used for educational or promotional purposes on studio platforms. These support other students and showcase your progress. Lesson video clips or audio summaries may be used for studio materials. Opt-out anytime. First names only used.

Communication Preferences

  • Text for same-day needs during business hours

  • Email for everything else (1 biz day reply)

Performances & Events

  • Fall/Winter Recital (Oct), Spring Showcase (April), and year-round audition support

Recital participation is encouraged but optional. Dates and details are shared at least 1 month in advance.