Lesson ​Policies
Welcome
Congratulations on your decision to take low brass lessons! I look forward to working with you throughout your musical journey.
Billing & Payments
Lesson tuition will be billed based on a monthly flat fee:
30 minutes $100
60 minutes $200
Monthly tuition may not be adjusted or altered for any reason and must be paid in full by the first day of each month (i.e. September tuition is due by September 1). Books and materials will be billed separately as needed per individual student or acquired on your own. June, July, and August lessons are billed per lesson at a rate of $25 for 30 minutes, or $50 for 60 minutes.
Students will receive an email reminder two weeks before payment is due stating the lesson dates and balance due for the following month. All payments must be made in full by the first lesson of each month. Failure to pay will result in a late fee or expulsion from the studio.
Acceptable forms of payment include checks made out to Dr. Douglas Black, Jr or cash. If you are paying in cash, please have the correct change for the exact amount due.
Late Fees
If payment is not received by the first lesson of the month, a late fee is assessed. Late fees are as followed:
30 minute lesson $25
60 minute lesson $50
Lesson Location
Private lessons will occur at one of the following locations, Winthrop University, Fort Mill High School, Nation Ford High School, or my house. Lesson locations will be agreed upon before starting lessons. Lesson locations are subject to change. Changes will be communicated by email, phone, or text message.
Attendance Policy
Rescheduled/make-up lessons are available on a very limited basis with at least a 24-hour advanced notice of the lesson to be missed. Any make-up times will be offered within 7 days of the cancellation or the lesson is forfeited. Please remember, the studio operates on a full schedule and can only offer an alternate lesson time if another student cancels. Refunds will not be issued for canceled lessons.
In the event of excessive inclement weather (more than one lesson missed in the same month) or instructor emergency, make-up days have been reserved on the calendar in May and June.
In the case of less than a 24-hour notice for a missed lesson or a "no-show," students will assume financial responsibility for that lesson and no reschedule or refund will be given.
Materials
Students will need various books, sheet music, mouthpieces, etc. as determined by the student's level and the teacher. All materials are the financial responsibility of the student and/or parent.
The studio will provide all materials and add these expenses onto the monthly lesson statement. Beginning students can expect to spend approximately $20.00 for lesson books to get started.
Students will be expected to bring all materials to lessons each week, including instrument, mouthpiece, any books, sheet music, a blank notebook (for weekly practice assignments), and a pencil.
Practice & Parental Support
Sufficient scheduled practice time on a daily basis is the surest guarantee that you, or your child, will experience consistent progress at their instrument. Learning the necessary skills to become proficient at the instrument will not occur by simply going to lessons. It takes committed practice on a daily basis during the week to put skills covered at the lesson into motion. Beginning students should practice daily 15-30 minutes. Advanced students should practice daily 45-60 minutes.
Parental support is an extremely important factor in musical training. Children whose parents take an active and honest interest in their child's progress tend to be more enthusiastic and productive. Please feel free to ask questions before or after lessons to be better equipped to help your child during at-home practice sessions.
Thank you for taking the time to read and understand what we expect from our students and their families. I look forward to working with you!
Sincerely,
Dr. Douglas C. Black, Jr.
Congratulations on your decision to take low brass lessons! I look forward to working with you throughout your musical journey.
Billing & Payments
Lesson tuition will be billed based on a monthly flat fee:
30 minutes $100
60 minutes $200
Monthly tuition may not be adjusted or altered for any reason and must be paid in full by the first day of each month (i.e. September tuition is due by September 1). Books and materials will be billed separately as needed per individual student or acquired on your own. June, July, and August lessons are billed per lesson at a rate of $25 for 30 minutes, or $50 for 60 minutes.
Students will receive an email reminder two weeks before payment is due stating the lesson dates and balance due for the following month. All payments must be made in full by the first lesson of each month. Failure to pay will result in a late fee or expulsion from the studio.
Acceptable forms of payment include checks made out to Dr. Douglas Black, Jr or cash. If you are paying in cash, please have the correct change for the exact amount due.
Late Fees
If payment is not received by the first lesson of the month, a late fee is assessed. Late fees are as followed:
30 minute lesson $25
60 minute lesson $50
Lesson Location
Private lessons will occur at one of the following locations, Winthrop University, Fort Mill High School, Nation Ford High School, or my house. Lesson locations will be agreed upon before starting lessons. Lesson locations are subject to change. Changes will be communicated by email, phone, or text message.
Attendance Policy
Rescheduled/make-up lessons are available on a very limited basis with at least a 24-hour advanced notice of the lesson to be missed. Any make-up times will be offered within 7 days of the cancellation or the lesson is forfeited. Please remember, the studio operates on a full schedule and can only offer an alternate lesson time if another student cancels. Refunds will not be issued for canceled lessons.
In the event of excessive inclement weather (more than one lesson missed in the same month) or instructor emergency, make-up days have been reserved on the calendar in May and June.
In the case of less than a 24-hour notice for a missed lesson or a "no-show," students will assume financial responsibility for that lesson and no reschedule or refund will be given.
Materials
Students will need various books, sheet music, mouthpieces, etc. as determined by the student's level and the teacher. All materials are the financial responsibility of the student and/or parent.
The studio will provide all materials and add these expenses onto the monthly lesson statement. Beginning students can expect to spend approximately $20.00 for lesson books to get started.
Students will be expected to bring all materials to lessons each week, including instrument, mouthpiece, any books, sheet music, a blank notebook (for weekly practice assignments), and a pencil.
Practice & Parental Support
Sufficient scheduled practice time on a daily basis is the surest guarantee that you, or your child, will experience consistent progress at their instrument. Learning the necessary skills to become proficient at the instrument will not occur by simply going to lessons. It takes committed practice on a daily basis during the week to put skills covered at the lesson into motion. Beginning students should practice daily 15-30 minutes. Advanced students should practice daily 45-60 minutes.
Parental support is an extremely important factor in musical training. Children whose parents take an active and honest interest in their child's progress tend to be more enthusiastic and productive. Please feel free to ask questions before or after lessons to be better equipped to help your child during at-home practice sessions.
Thank you for taking the time to read and understand what we expect from our students and their families. I look forward to working with you!
Sincerely,
Dr. Douglas C. Black, Jr.