Question 1

Payment

Accepted Answer

Generally, Sand Dollar operates on a year-round, flat-rate tuition model. Tuition is due the first of each month and can be paid via credit card or bank transfer. Failed or late payments may result in additional service fees. In specific circumstances, one-off or drop-in lessons may be scheduled, provided that full payment is remitted before the first lesson. There are no refunds or exchanges available with any lesson package or drop-in lesson. Frequent late payments may result in termination of lesson contract. If, at any time, you are dissatisfied with services rendered, please reach out to Sarah or Christin.

Question 2

Lesson Packages

Accepted Answer

Lesson packages typically include the following:--up to 38 lessons to be completed in 52 weeks--up to 3 rescheduled lessons per year--9 Performers' Workshops--3 formal recitals--a variety of workshops, masterclasses, and other learning opportunities

There are no additional participation fees for these events, as they are all essential to the learning experience. However, to offset the increasing cost of collaborative pianists, a small accompanist fee may be charged.Sheet music is never included in tuition and is always the student's responsibility to procure.

Question 3

Absences

Accepted Answer

Refunds are not given for student absences, and due to limited teacher availability, rescheduled lessons are not guaranteed. If a lesson is canceled with 24 hours' advance notice, that lesson will not count against the lesson package -- it will simply "roll over" to the following week. In order to appropriately compensate teachers for their time, no-shows and same-day cancelations can never be rescheduled and will count toward the student's lesson package. If a teacher has to miss lessons, the studio will make every effort to offer a rescheduled lesson or to find a substitute. Even if a substitute is not provided, the studio tracks the number of lessons each student takes over the course of the year to ensure that students have the opportunity to take advantage of the full extent of their lesson packages.

Question 4

Early Withdrawal

Accepted Answer

Lesson contracts can be canceled at any time. The next month's tuition serves as a cancelation fee.

Question 5

Changing Lesson Times

Accepted Answer

The studio cannot accommodate long-term schedule changes. Lesson times are reserved for each student for a year, and if the student's schedule changes, the studio cannot guarantee an alternate lesson time.

Please include your lesson time on conflict sheets for auditions/rehearsals, sports, and other activities.

Question 6

Student Safety

Accepted Answer

All teaching areas are equipped with video surveillance or windows. (Most have both.) 
All Sand Dollar personnel complete annual student safety training through Abuse Prevention Systems.
However, studio administration cannot guarantee students' safety, as all personnel are actively teaching and are unable to monitor the doors and waiting room. Student safety is always the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

Question 7

Communication

Accepted Answer

Sand Dollar teachers are not permitted to give out their personal contact information to students or parents. This includes phone numbers, personal email and home addresses, and personal social media handles. Additionally, Sand Dollar teachers do not accept friend/follow requests on social media from students under age 18. Questions should be directed to teachers during scheduled lesson times or via their sanddollarmusic.com email address.All scheduling or billing concerns should be directed to Christin (voice/piano) or Sarah (all other instruments).

Frequently asked questions