Studio PolicIES

For those committed to their vocal development and desiring consistent, regular training, we are proud to offer our recurring Lessons Policy. This policy has been designed considering the needs of serious, long-term students looking to secure their progress on a solid, ongoing basis.

COMMITMENT

Recurring lessons require a month-to-month commitment. This means that when you sign up for a package plan, you are reserving a specific timeslot that will be dedicated to your lessons for the entire month. Students must continue studying over the summer months to have time reserved for them during the school year.  

TUITION & PAYMENTS

Tuition is billed on a monthly basis. This fee includes your weekly voice lessons and helps sustain the studio's resources, materials, and time dedicated to each student's progress. Invoices are sent out on the 20th of each month. These invoices detail the tuition for the upcoming month's lessons and are designed to help you reserve your spot for the next month. Payments for invoices are due on the 25th of each month. Prompt payment ensures your lesson slot is secured for the next month.  A $25 late fee will apply if we have to collect late payments, or we will open up your spot. 

Our billing system accommodates the varying number of weeks in a month. Whether a month has 3 weeks due to holidays, or 5 weeks, your invoice or package will be adjusted accordingly to represent the actual number of lessons scheduled in that month.  

Credit/Debit, PayPal, Venmo, and ACH Bank Draft payments are accepted.        

CANCELLATIONS & MAKE-UP LESSONS 

We understand that unforeseen circumstances may require you to cancel a lesson. However, due to the scheduling commitments, we enforce a strict 24-hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your lesson, please do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Lessons canceled without a 24-hour notice or in the event of a no-show will be forfeited without the opportunity for a make-up lesson. 

 While KTVS commits in good faith to make a sincere effort to reschedule lessons, make-up lessons will be scheduled at the instructor's convenience and availability, are not guaranteed, and will not be carried over longer than one month from the date of the missed lesson. 

DISCONTINUING RECURRING PLAN

Should you wish to end your recurring lessons, a notice period of 2 weeks before the next billing cycle is required. This allows us to open up the timeslot for other students. 

We understand that everyone's schedule and circumstances are unique. That's why we offer a flexible Drop-In Lessons Policy that accommodates the needs of students with unpredictable schedules or specific financial considerations. 

FLEXIBLE

Our Drop-In Lessons Policy is specifically designed for non-committal, pay-as-you-go learning. This is a fantastic option for individuals who might not be able to commit to a regular, recurring lesson schedule due to work, travel, personal obligations, or other unpredictable factors. 

PAYMENTS

Drop-in lessons are pay-as-you-go, which means payment is required in advance at the time of booking. This secures your lesson time and confirms your commitment. You can make payments online via PayPal or Venmo.

CANCELLATION & NO-SHOWS

We understand that unforeseen circumstances may require you to cancel a lesson. However, due to the scheduling commitments, we enforce a strict 24-hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your lesson, please do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Lessons canceled without a 24-hour notice or in the event of a no-show will be forfeited without the opportunity for a make-up lesson. 

CREDITS & REFUNDS

We do not offer credits, refunds, or prorated tuition for canceled lessons. If you cancel your lesson with a minimum of 24-hour notice, we will offer a make-up lesson. The make-up lesson must be scheduled within the same month of the canceled lesson and is subject to availability. 

YOUNG STUDENTS

Students under the age of 9 will be auditioned to determine whether or not they are ready for private lessons. Younger students may be referred to KTVS Group Voice Class. 

ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITY

No need to apologize for late arrivals; however, as a courtesy to those scheduled before and after you, your lesson will begin and end promptly at its regularly scheduled time.

STUDIO EQUIPMENT USAGE

We kindly request that all students, particularly young children, handle studio equipment (such as microphones, cables, headphones, and music stands) with care and caution. Please be mindful not to touch or place anything on the piano. 

LESSON MATERIALS

Please come to your lessons with water, pencils for marking sheet music, and any required song lyrics (though I can access most lyrics online if needed). Students should bring the required materials needed for the lesson each week. Students are expected to practice their lesson material outside of class. We reserve the right to terminate lessons if there is a consistent lack of preparation. 

ONLINE LESSONS

To ensure the most effective online voice lessons:

• Internet Connectivity: Stable internet connection is essential. A hardwired Ethernet connection is recommended for best results. Please maintain a bandwidth of at least 500 kbps. To check your connection speed, visit https://www.spectrum.com/internet/speed-test
• Webcam: While many devices come with built-in cameras, if yours lacks one, consider obtaining a Logitech camera for clear visual communication.
• Headphones or Earbuds: Use headphones or earbuds to enhance session quality. This prevents feedback and echo that can occur when using device speakers. For an optimal experience, a headset like the Sennheiser PC Chat 5 is recommended.
• USB External Microphone (Optional, but recommended): An external microphone can significantly improve voice clarity, enhancing the overall lesson experience.
• Accompaniment Tracks: Have your backing tracks or accompaniment ready for each session.
• Separate Device for Playback: Use a separate device for playing music, other than the one you're using for our call, to ensure smooth audio transmission.

Your commitment to these guidelines will help optimize our learning experience.  

LESSON RECORDINGS

All lessons will be recorded whether in-person at the studio or online. Recordings will be made available via your account in the Student Portal. Listening to recorded lessons is pivotal for students' growth. It fosters self-assessment, helps detect unnoticed singing errors, and tracks vocal progress over time. These recordings reinforce learned techniques, prepare students for performances, and guide individual practice. Overall, this practice accelerates improvement and boosts confidence by encouraging reflective learning. 

COMMUNICATION DURING LESSONS

I typically don't take phone calls during lessons to maintain focus. However, for prompt communication, you can text me at 512-710-8144. I check my messages several times daily and will respond as soon as possible. 

MEDIA RELEASE

By taking lessons with KTVS, permission to post photos of students participating in singing activities is granted to media forms including, but not limited to, our website, Facebook, and YouTube channel. Only the first names of students will be posted.

ACCOMPANIST SERVICES

For students who require piano accompaniment during a recital or audition, we offer the services of a private accompanist. This comes with a fee of $25, which covers a 45-minute rehearsal. If you need additional time with the accompanist, it can be arranged at an extra cost of $15 per hour. 

RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE

We reserve the right to discontinue service to anyone, at any time, for reasons including but not limited to: consistent late payments, no-shows, frequent cancellations, violation of studio policies, disrespect towards the teacher/studio or other students, or if a student is deemed too young to benefit from voice lessons. Former students who owe money will not be readmitted unless full payment is received in advance.