Studio Policy

"Key Sounds" Studio Policy
Creating Musicians.
 
  1. The fee for private lessons taken with Stacy Cole will be $57.50 an hour for the 2025-2026 teaching year ($43.25 per 45 min, or $28.75 per 30 min); this includes Piano and/or Theory instruction (Theory Club Classes are offered at a reduced rate for classes of 4 or more); Please be aware that rates will be going to $60/hour, $45/45min, and $30/30min for the 2026-2027 year.
 
  1. ** Please note that registration is on a first-come-first served basis and a non-refundable registration fee has been put into effect for students to secure a placement for the 2026-2027 teaching year [$30/student or $50/family]**
 
  1. ** Only times requested on your registration form will be considered in scheduling your lessons. We are unable to accommodate changes to your preferences once forms are submitted. Should your preferences change, you will need to re-submit a new registration application reflecting these changes forfeiting your place in “line". Be sure that the day/time you select will work for the entirety of the 2026-2027 year and will not conflict with sports practices/games/etc **
 
  1. The teaching year is from September 8th, 2026 to June 12th, 2027. This equals a total of 36 weeks of lessons in the studio. Two weeks will be taken at Christmas break (Dec. 19-Jan.3rd) and two weeks at Spring Break (March13-29th). This also allows for a few extra days off throughout the year (please check your lesson schedule to see if these dates effect you once you receive your invoice. As I am also a Music Teacher in the private school system there are dates that will also be adjusted to accommodate my Christmas/Winter and Spring school concerts; again, please refer to the calendar/invoices to see if/when these dates effect your lesson schedule.
 
  1. Students will be expected to complete the year of piano study, but if withdrawal is necessary, one month’s notice or one month's fees in lieu of notice will be expected. Should there be an amount outstanding it is understood that it will be paid prior to the student leaving. Payments are due in the form of 10 postdated cheques (dated for the 1st of each month Sept-June) to be given at the first lesson of the year. ALL CHEQUES ARE TO BE MADE PAYABLE TO "STACY COLE". Fees may also be paid by SCHEDULED e-transfers to keysoundsstudio@gmail.com for the 1st of each month. ANY LATE PAYMENTS (after the 5th of the month) will be subject to a $25 LATE FEE! No Password is required as I have issued direct deposit. Invoices paid in full by September 15th will receive a 5% discount!
 
  1. There will be NO REFUNDS for missed lessons!!!!!! Please note the following points:

a)  In case of a child's illness, consideration will be given to an alternative time, but because of the demands of the teacher anything definite will not be assured. Notice must be given at least 2-3 hours prior to the lesson time and must be given by the parent/guardian of the student. Please note that an online lesson platform can also be put in place if a student is able to participate even though they exhibit symptoms of illness (coughing, sneezing, or runny nose etc)
b) The following which conflict with lesson appointments WILL BE CHARGED FOR: family holidays, school field trips, camps, parties, meetings, bad weather; band, drama practices/trips, school detentions, Doctor/Dentist appointments, sporting events.

c) Lessons missed on the part of the teacher will be made up to the best of my ability.

d) When a make-up lesson is scheduled it is up to the student to be sure to attend. Missing a scheduled make-up lesson will result in a forfeit for that lesson.
e) As we all have commitments that illness would put a damper on, lessons may also be taken advantage of in the form of Zoom, Google Meets, or FaceTime lessons. These lessons will take place at the students’ scheduled time and is a fantastic alternative to in-person lessons should the student or ANY member of their family show symptoms of illness.
  1. It is understood that a piano is a mandatory tool needed in this contract and both parents and students agree that there will be a keyboard/piano present in the home for the student to practice on. The lack of an instrument to practice on causes added frustration to the student as well as the teaching progress being detained. [Recommendation: a piano with a full 88 key keyboard and weighted keys would be the most beneficial when purchasing an electric keyboard]
 
  1. Ultimate Music Theory Club Classes are now offered through Key Sounds Studio. These are group lessons offered at a discounted hourly rate. These classes can be registered for the entire year ($45/hr) or in a 6-week concentrated Camp Program at $50/hr. Please keep checking back to see which Camp will be offered next!
  1. As these are group lessons there are no make-up classes offered should you be unable to attend a lesson; a short zoom consultation may be arranged to catch the student up at the teacher’s discretion. All homework assignments are expected to be completed prior to the next class.
  2. Summer Theory Camps will be offered as week-long “Boot camps” in July to prepare students for their written RCM exams in August. These camps will be attended for 5 days for 2 hours per day with a 2 hour written Mock Exam offered prior to the official exam date. There is a flat rate fee of $500/student for these Boot Camps. One week will be offered for Complete/Advanced Rudiments; completing the Level 8 RCM exam and one week will be offered for Intermediate Rudiments; completing a Level 6 or Level 7 RCM exam. [Prep A, Prep B, and Basic Rudiments will be offered with less emphasis on exams]