It is important that students read and comply with the following Studio rules.
1 Please wash your/children's hands before lessons. There will be less likelihood of leaving dirty marks or paint/felt tip colours on the keys; or passing on nasty bugs. Bugs can live for 24 hours on surfaces. Antibacterial gel is provided in the studio and must be used on all children's hands before they play.
2 Toilet and hand washing facilities exist on the premises but please remember they are shared with me in an area that is very personal and I expect it to be left in good and clean order after use. It is parents' responsibility to supervise children who wish to use this facility and check that no accidents have occurred. It is preferable for children to visit the bathroom before coming here to avoid losing lesson time but when this isn't possible, the facilities may be used, provided a regular reliance on its use is not adopted.
3 Please use the waiting room at the entry if you arrive before your lesson time. Please remember I may be teaching during this time, having a personal break or be involved in some other activity and will be unable to let you in or begin your lesson before your designated time. At the time of your lesson, I will come and collect you. Please avoid banging on the glass windows or repeatedly ringing the bell. You may wait quietly in the waiting room or in your car, if you prefer, avoiding disturbing neighbours.
4 If you drop off your children and leave before their lesson is due or if you fail to pick them up at the end of their lesson, they must wait quietly in the waiting room. I do not include childminding facilities here and am not in a position to look after your children for you before and after lessons, particularly when I am teaching someone else or have appointments elsewhere at the end of their lessons and have to leave the studio. I am not responsible for them other than during their lessons. If this situation should arise, any extra time involved will be chargeable.
5 As a parent, your presence during your child's lesson will be invaluable, so you can listen to what and how they need to practise. Please leave other family members and children at home so the lesson isn't disrupted. Lessons are not public performances and other family members can hear the child play at home. Learning new things can be daunting for a child, without having an audience to make them more nervous. It is distracting to teach and be taught while other people are present and their lesson is probably one of the few times your child has an opportunity to play without distractions.
6 Mobile ring tones can disturb lessons, so check yours is turned off before the lesson begins. I would appreciate parents not texting during the lesson or using their mobile phones in the studio, in the same way children are not expected to do during school lessons. Not only is it disruptive but it is also disrespectful to me and my pupils. The point of having a parent present is to be aware of what their child is being taught and to help them with their practise. If it is urgent to send text messages, I would appreciate parents leaving the room to do so and in cases where this continues after receipt of this notice, they may be asked to leave the studio.
7 Remember your cheque book or money on payment days. You will find the nearest cashpoint through the passageway at the start of the three-storey houses. Turn right at the end into Fog Lane and the 'hole in the wall' is just by the supermarket.
8 Check the music bag before leaving home so that music, scales, notebook, homework or manuscript book are not left behind. Ensure that you and your child do what I write in their notebook.
9 Remember that cancellations by 1pm the day before are acceptable. Please do not come or send children for lessons when you/they are ill or infectious as this is likely to spread throughout the practice and may result in temporary closure of the studio and loss of income for me. There is no charge for lessons lost through illness. In emergencies, last minute cancellations won't be charged; but other situations will be charged as it will be too late for me to find a replacement. No-shows will result in no further lessons, unless there's a good reason within 24 hours of your absence. Emails in these situations often don't arrive here or end up in the spam, so it's best to phone.
10 Cars may be parked in the driveway (backing in is best) or across it. Keep an eye out for my neighbour's wall and don't turn too soon, as this has been knocked down once!
11 If you leave and arrive quietly, it will help to avoid disturbing neighbours, as there are no barriers between these houses. Some children have been seen by neighbours running onto their properties, or walking on top of next door's garden wall, so do please ensure that they use my path only, to ensure that there will be no further complaints and the studio can continue operating here. Parents are requested to ensure that children do not walk on my garden or touch the plants.
12 No food, drink or chewing gum is allowed on these premises.
13 Dismissal & Termination: Should any of the following situations occur after parental notification has been made along with time provided to correct the situation, dismissal will result:
Respect and consideration of all equipment and property here is expected. Thank you!