The Trumpet Studio | 2026–2027 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, scholarships, grants, and performance prep

  • Access to curated online resources (e.g., MakeMusic Cloud + Print, studio knowledgebase, lesson notes, Midweek Q&A, audio/video reviews)

  • Consistency and encouragement

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, a pencil, 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 on the weeks the studio is in session (see Planned Breaks below).

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

In-person students may switch that week’s lesson to Zoom any time up until the scheduled start time — just text or email the studio. Zoom students may request an in-person lesson; these are accommodated when studio availability allows.

2025–2026 Term Schedule

  • Fall Term: Sept–Dec

  • Spring Term: Jan–April

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

Planned Breaks

  • Fall Term: (3 weeks): Thanksgiving [week of Nov 22nd, 2026], Winter Break [week of Dec 20th & 27th, 2026]

  • Spring Term: (3 weeks): Winter Break [week of Jan 3rd, 2027], Spring Break [week of March 28th, 2027], Memorial Day [week of May 30th, 2027]

  • Summer Term: (2 weeks): Independence Day [week of July 4th, 2027], Labor Day [week of Aug 29th, 2027]

Tuition & Payments

Flat-Rate Tuition Model:

  • Monthly tuition secures your student’s weekly time slot and access to studio resources (MakeMusic Cloud + Print, Midweek Q&A, lesson recaps); it may not directly correlate with lessons received if a student does not attend a scheduled session.

  • Flat monthly tuition is calculated on the minimum of 40 guaranteed lessons per year (see Commitment below). Any lessons offered beyond that minimum — up to 44 weeks in session — come at no additional charge.

  • Autopay via Stripe (required). After your first payment, invoicing and billing run automatically each month from the payment method on file.

  • Tuition is drawn on the 1st of each month.

  • New mid-month students are billed at the drop-in rate for their partial first month, then move to standard monthly tuition on the 1st.

  • All payments are non-refundable.

Late/Returned Payments:

  • Fix by the 3rd to avoid $25 late fee

  • Multiple missed payments may forfeit your spot

Cancellations & Makeups

  • 24-hour reschedule through the online scheduler 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 question, audio clip, or video before the scheduled lesson start time for personalized feedback in place of that session

Teacher Cancellations:

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

Midweek Q&A

Every week the studio is open, enrolled students may send one question or piece of material — a practice recording, a technique question, sheet music, etc. — between lessons for teacher feedback. This is a standing benefit for all students, available whether or not a lesson was missed that week. Submissions are answered within 1–2 business days or at your next lesson, whichever comes first. Not offered during studio closure weeks.

Materials

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

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

Commitment

The studio will offer a minimum of 40 lessons per calendar year, with the studio in session up to 44 weeks annually. Weeks without lessons (due to holidays, illness, or personal performance opportunities) will be communicated in advance.

Enrollment is by term. Your fall or spring time slot may be retained through summer term (see Schedule & Terms above); pausing or missing summer term may forfeit priority placement on your fall slot.

  • If a student withdraws mid-term, tuition for the remainder of that term is due in full.

  • To opt out of or switch plans for the next term, written notice must be submitted via email at least 2 weeks (14 days) before that term begins. Without notice, enrollment automatically continues into the next term at the then-current rate.

  • A schedule change request form will be sent by the studio ahead of each new term; changes are accommodated based on studio availability and are not guaranteed.

  • 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 (1-2 business day reply)

Performances & Events

Fall/Winter Recital (Oct/Nov), Spring Showcase (April/May), and year-round audition/scholarship/grant support

Any Recital & Masterclass participation is encouraged but optional. Dates and details are shared around 1 month in advance.