Studio Guidelines

(effective 5/1/2026)
 

Expectation of Students

  • Bring playable instrument/bow, shoulder pad, and fingernail clippers
  • Bring all necessary books
  • Bring lesson journal (notebook dedicated for lessons only)
  • Practice all assigned work daily
  • Maintain a professional and respectful attitude
  • Keep hands clean with short, well-trimmed fingernails

Fees

Type Amount Comments
Rescheduling Fee $10 Fee for rescheduling a lesson
Late Tuition Fee One lesson fee Applied if monthly tuition is not paid by the end of the 7th day of the month

Payments

  • Payments must be made monthly in advance (by the end of the 7th day of the month).  No refunds, but reasonable accommodations of make-up lessons will be given (please see Make-Up Lessons section below).
  • Payments must be made in the form of personal check, Venmo, or Zelle.  No cash accepted at PYCO SOM studio.
  • Students are expected to take at least one lesson per week from 9/1 thru 5/31 (the school year), except for major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.) and a week for Spring Break.
  • Note:  no refunds provided if student withdraws from the studio before the end of the given month.

Cancellation Policy

  • Any cancellation or missed lesson without 24-hours notice will be considered a No Show.  This includes missed lessons due to sickness and weather related travel problems; however, in those situations (sickness or weather), make-up lessons may be offered at the teacher's discretion for a $10 rescheduling fee (please see Make-Up Lessons section below).
  • A 24-hours notice truly means 24 hours.  For example, cancelling the lesson at 10pm the night before the lesson is not a 24-hours notice.
  • All cancellation notices must be made by phone or text directly to Joyce at 724-759-3168
  • Lesson times are reserved in good faith and No Shows prevent the use of those times for other purposes.
  • Therefore, for No Shows, there are no refunds or credits.

Make-Up Lessons

  • If at least 24-hours notice is provided for an upcoming absence from a lesson, a make-up lesson will be expected
  • All make-up lessons must be scheduled and taken within two weeks and will include a $10 rescheduling fee
  • Note that no credits are provided.  For example, if a lesson is missed, only two possibilities can happen:  a make-up lesson is given within 2 weeks, or that lesson fee is forfeited.  Students cannot apply payments made for that missed lesson to the following month.

Recitals/Dress Rehearsals

  • Recitals and dress rehearsals are very important to the learning process of young musicians
  • Each recital will be preceded by a dress rehearsal in which all students will attend and participate, both by playing in front of their peers as well as observing and learning from others
  • The dress rehearsal is usually the first and only opportunity for the students to perform with their accompanist before the recital
  • The recital provides an opportunity to perform in front of an audience, having spent considerable time preparing for such a goal
  • Two recitals may be scheduled each year: one in the fall and/or one in the spring.


Studio Home Location: Coraopolis, PA 15108