Studio Policy
CALDERON MUSIC STUDIO
Owner & Director: Mrs. Phyllis Calderon
Phone/Text: 773-972-8793
Email: pcalderon@atouchofclassicalplus.com
Log in to your Duet Partner Studio Portal at: https://atouchofclassicalplus.duetpartner.com
WELCOME
You have made a wise investment in studying an instrument. Learning music requires consistency, commitment, and a constructive partnership between student, parent, and teacher.
We are honored to partner with you in your musical journey. Our studio is committed to high-quality instruction, consistent practice habits, and meaningful performance opportunities. The following policies ensure clarity, consistency, and a positive experience for every student and family.
Enrollment in Calderon Music Studio constitutes agreement with all policies outlined in this document.
FEES & DISCOUNTS
Lesson and class fees are subject to adjustment every two years.
Music Instruction Year
September 8, 2025, to June 12, 2026 - (34 instructional weeks).
Summer term is 6 weeks: June 22 to July 31, 2026
The following are not billed:
-Thanksgiving week: November 24 - 28, 2025
-Holiday break: December 15, 2025 - January 2, 2026
-Spring Break: March 30 - April 3, 2026
Registration Fee
$60 per family, billed annually (non-refundable)
Discounts
-Quarterly or Yearly payment: 30%
-Family Discount: 10% off lesson fees for each additional enrolled family member
-Veterans (including spouse and children): 15%
-Seniors (ages 55+): 20%
Referral Credit
Families who refer a new student who enrolls receive a $25 statement credit.
Scholarships/Lesson Discount
Families needing assistance: please see the resources here. Family discounts do not apply to those receiving a scholarship or lesson discount.
PAYMENT POLICY
-Lesson fees are billed monthly through the Duet Partner or Wave invoicing system. You may also opt to pay quarterly or annually. Just let us know. Automatic payments are strongly encouraged to avoid late fees. Set this up on the recurring invoice you receive.
-Lesson fees are non-refundable (except in emergencies). Fees reserve the student's lesson time, the instructor's availability, and studio resources.
-If a student must discontinue lessons after paying lesson fees, no refunds will be issued.
-At the studio's discretion, prepaid lesson fees may be credited toward a future term of study, provided the student returns within six (6) months of the original payment date.
-Missed lessons and casual cancellations are non-refundable and not guaranteed to be made up.
-The Studio reserves the right to suspend accounts that remain unpaid and to cancel lesson times.
WITHDRAWAL POLICY
A 30-day written notice is required to withdraw from the studio.
Failure to attend lessons does not constitute withdrawal.
MAKE-UP LESSONS
-Missing groups are not eligible for makeups. If the teacher has to cancel a class, the group will be made up during the make-up week.
-Private lesson absences should be communicated directly to the teacher at least 24 hours in advance.
-Students may submit a practice video for teacher feedback in place of a make-up lesson. Submitting a video will count as the lesson.
-The teacher will make up lessons for Mondays that fall on holidays during the make-up week.
-Each student receives one make-up lesson opportunity per term. If a student misses a lesson for any reason, they can schedule a makeup lesson at the end of the term. If the make-up lessons cannot be scheduled during the make-up week, no make-up lesson will be provided.
-Substitute teachers are provided when necessary. If a substitute teacher cannot be found, the teacher will make up the lesson during the make-up week.
-Note: Calderon Music Studio defines class, lesson, and semi-private lessons as follows: A class is a group setting with a minimum of five (5) students; a private lesson is one-on-one. A semi-private lesson is a lesson shared by two (2) or three (3) students.
ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITY
-Lessons begin and end at the scheduled time.
-Late arrival does not extend lesson time.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Calderon Music Studio will schedule make-up lessons during the make-up week or credit students' accounts if severe inclement weather occurs.
Families will be notified via email and on the Duet Partner portal (on the website Home page under "Announcements").
MEDIA RELEASE
All students, teachers, and staff must complete a media release form. Families and teachers may indicate whether they grant or decline permission for photos, video, or print media related to studio classes, recitals, concerts, and promotional materials. Declining authorization does not affect enrollment.
EVALUATION
Students are expected to make consistent and measurable progress in their studies. To support this progress, instructors will periodically evaluate student development and may issue written progress reports or recommendations. Continued enrollment requires regular practice, adherence to instructional guidance, and conduct that supports a respectful and productive learning environment.
The studio reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to dismiss a student whose lack of preparation, failure to follow instructional guidance, or inappropriate conduct materially interferes with instructional objectives or the learning environment. Dismissal may occur with or without prior notice and does not entitle the student to a refund.
PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS
-Practice daily; short, consistent sessions are most effective.
-Students are encouraged to log their practice time in the Duet Partner portal.
-Students should listen regularly to the assigned repertoire on YouTube.
-Supplemental videos:
https://youtube.com/@PhyllisCalderon090396vln
-Students who do not demonstrate consistent practice and progress may be dismissed from the studio. Students receiving lesson discounts will forfeit their scholarships.
-Parents of young students must observe lessons and support practice at home.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
-Ensure timely payment of tuition
-Attend lessons with beginner students
-Support daily practice at home
-Maintain proper hygiene and instrument care
-Observe the lesson respectfully without interruption; take notes or record it.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
-Arrive prepared and on time
-Practice consistently
-Treat parents and teachers with respect
-Maintain focus during lessons
-Maintain proper hygiene and instrument care
TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES
-Provide qualified instruction
-Assign clear weekly goals
-Offer effective practice strategies
-Engage in ongoing professional development
-Provide performance opportunities
-Teach lessons as scheduled except in cases of emergency
RECITALS & PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
-Two formal recitals: December and June
-Annual Black History Concert (February or March)
-Additional community and outreach performances
-Graduation recitals for students meeting performance benchmarks
-Selected students invited to scholarship competitions and paid performances
LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
Calderon Music Studio is not responsible for loss or damage to instruments or personal property brought to lessons, rehearsals, or performances and left behind.
STUDIO POLICIES CONFIRMATION ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Student Name(s): ___________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name: ______________________________________
Email Address: _____________________________________________
Phone Number: _____________________________________________
I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to abide by all policies outlined in the Calderon Music Studio Policy Packet. I understand that enrollment constitutes acceptance of these policies, and that failure to comply may result in suspension of lessons or dismissal from the studio. Please return or email this page to Mrs. Phyllis Calderon at pcalderon@atouchofclassicalplus.com.
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________
Printed Name: _____________________________________________
Date: _______________________
Student Signature (if applicable): ____________________________
Date: _______________________
