Tiny Fingers Music Studio Policies

1. Location and Lesson Structure

  • Lessons currently take place in our home studio and will be relocating to our new studio at 605 Brock Street North, Unit #14, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 8R2 by September (TBD).

  • Lessons are currently private (except for group theory classes) and involve only the student and teacher.

  • All lessons are currently In-Person Only to allow for direct, hands-on instruction and real time feedback. This format supports students' growth in technique, theory, and performance through focused one-on-one interaction.

  • Students with siblings who have back-to-back lessons must wait outside of the studio accompanied by a parent unless 18 years of age until their lesson begins.

  • Tiny Fingers Music is not responsible for supervising students or children while they are on studio premises outside of their scheduled lesson or class time. All students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or designated caregiver during private lessons, group classes, and studio events.

2. Payment Terms

  • Payment Method: Monthly in advance via e-transfer or cash. Payment is required on a monthly basis and must be made in advance of lessons at the first lesson of the new month. The total amount due will be based on the number of weeks in the upcoming month. This advance payment policy secures the student’s spot for the month and ensures a consistent and organized learning experience.

  • Receipts are available upon request. Music lessons are HST-exempt under CRA guidelines for both private and group instruction.

  • Tiny Fingers Music maintains a strict no-refund policy. This means that refunds for any unused or canceled lessons are not offered.

3. Cancellations and Make-Up Lessons

  • If a student is unable to attend a lesson, please provide at least 24 hours notice so a makeup lesson can be arranged. This notice allows the time slot to be offered to another student and helps keep scheduling fair and consistent.

  • Students experiencing symptoms of illness and cannot attend a lesson will be provided a makeup lesson if available and if notified 24 hours in advance. An alternate time may be offered in order to make up the lesson.

  • Missed lessons are not credited or carried over to future months.

  • If you know in advance that a student will be away, please notify the studio when scheduling lessons. Make-up lessons will be arranged for short-term absences (under three weeks). Extended absences (three or more consecutive weeks) may result in your time slot being released.

  • If you are unable or do not attend the rescheduled make-up lesson agreed upon, the make-up lesson will be lost and the lesson will be counted for.

  • To avoid missing a lesson, families are encouraged to schedule a makeup or have a sibling, friend, or family member attend in the student’s place whenever possible.

  • Inclement Weather: In the event of severe weather conditions, Tiny Fingers Music may cancel lessons if it is deemed unsafe to proceed. These instances are rare and only considered in exceptional circumstances due to the disruption they cause. In such cases, lessons will be rescheduled, no credits will be offered. If schools are closed due to weather, the decision to attend remains with the family, and a makeup lesson will be arranged if needed.

  • If a teacher is unable to give lessons due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, you will be notified as soon as possible and lessons will be rescheduled or credited.

4. No-Shows and Late Arrivals

  • Failure to attend a scheduled lesson without notifying the studio is known as a no-show, and the lesson will be counted for. This compensates for time and lost scheduling opportunity. Makeup lessons will not be accommodated for no-shows and lessons will not be refunded or credited.

  • If a student arrives late to their lesson, the student will receive the remaining amount of time left within the 30 minute lesson and the lesson will not be extended past the scheduled lesson time.

  • If no notice is given and the student has not arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time, the lesson is considered forfeited, and the teacher is not required to wait. If notice is provided that the student will be late, the teacher will remain available for the remainder of the scheduled time.

5. Instruments and Materials

  • Students are required to purchase books as needed for their curriculum. These materials are essential for their learning and progress.

  • In the event that a student loses a book, it will be necessary to purchase a replacement to continue their studies without interruption.

  • Guitar students are required to bring their own instruments to lessons.

6. Holidays

  • Tiny Fingers Music observes specific holiday breaks throughout the teaching year. These dates are pre-planned and not included in monthly tuition. No make-up lessons are required.

  • Studio Closures Include:

    • Winter Break: One week at the end of December and One week during the beginning of January

    • March Break: One week in March

    • Good Friday

    • Labour Day

    • Thanksgiving Day

    • Family Day

    • Easter Monday

    • Victoria Day

  • The teaching year concludes at the end of June and our summer program begins first week of July with a more flexible tuition model.

7. Photo and Video Consent

By enrolling at Tiny Fingers Music, you grant permission for the studio to take photos and videos of your child during lessons or events. These images may be displayed within the studio or shared on our website, social media platforms, or other studio related materials. Please note that these images will never be sold, used for direct profit, or shared with third parties under any circumstances.

If you prefer not to have your child included in any photos or videos, please let us know in writing. However, opting out also means your child will not be featured in studio highlights.

8. Discontinuing of Lessons

Tiny Fingers Music is committed to creating a positive, supportive space where students can thrive musically and personally. To maintain this environment, we ask that families uphold respectful communication, regular attendance, and adherence to studio policies.

If ongoing concerns arise such as disruptive conduct, inappropriate or disrespectful communication, unresolved payment problems, or inconsistent attendance, the studio may choose to remove a student from the program. This decision is made carefully and with the overall well-being of the studio community in mind. Any remaining prepaid lessons at the time of removal will be refunded.

9. Liability

While every effort is made to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and parents, Tiny Fingers Music, cannot be held liable for any injuries, damages, or losses that may occur on the premises or during school-sponsored events. This includes, but is not limited to, accidents, personal injuries, property damage, or loss of personal items. It is strongly encouraged for everyone to exercise caution and to be mindful of their surroundings while at the studio or participating in any events organized by Tiny Fingers Music. Your understanding and cooperation in this matter are greatly appreciated to maintain a safe and positive environment for all.

10. Agreement to Terms

Registration at Tiny Fingers Music confirms your agreement to the above policies. Policies may change at any time (notice will be provided). The most current version will remain online, and written copies are available upon request. Thank you for your cooperation.