Studio Policies
I do not work with singers studying with other teachers. It can be technically confusing to work with two different approaches, even if they seem similar. Only one teacher at a time, please. Out of respect, I will not work with a student from another teacher without making sure the teacher knows. I ask for candidness and honesty in that regard. It is a small industry.
Lesson Attendance
We have a 24-hour notice of any schedule changes or cancellations. Changes made with less than 24-hour notice are responsible for full payment of lesson fee. Cancellations of more than 24 hours will not be charged. We will try to reschedule if we are able as consistent lessons are very important for optimal growth.
Student absences are not eligible for lesson credits (refunds).
To be eligible for make-up lessons your teacher must receive at least 48-hours notice of any missed lessons in the form of phone call, voicemail, text message, or email. No-shows or forgotten lessons are not eligible for make-up lessons or credits (refunds).
Lessons cancelled by your teacher will be rescheduled at a mutually agreeable time or the lesson fee will be waived if no reschedule can be agreed upon.
If a student is late, time for lessons will not be extended and the lesson will end at the scheduled time. If a student is more than 15 minutes late, the student forfeits the lesson as a no-show. If the teacher is late, missed time will be added to the beginning/end of a future lesson at a mutually agreeable time.
In the instance of inclement weather and illness-related alerts, the teacher may opt for temporary virtual lessons. Students and parents will be notified of this change through email, text message, and phone calls when necessary.
In the instance of habitual cancelations totaling 4+ in a 3 month period, teacher reserves the right to remove student from studio. In this case, any prepaid lessons will not be refunded.
The Inner Voice Studio requires a two week notice of cancelation of lessons.
In the instance of a student taking a long-term break totaling more than two consecutively-missed lessons, the student forfeits their guaranteed lesson slot and teacher may opt to fill the lesson spot with another student. The Inner Voice Studio does not guarantee lesson spots are held for students taking a long-term break. Students who wish to hold their lesson slot in their long-term absence may pay the lesson fee in full during the time missed to guarantee their assigned lesson time will remain open for them when they return. If a student chooses to be removed from the schedule with intentions to return after their break without paying for time missed, their assigned lesson time and previous pricing is not guaranteed to be available when they return and will essentially become a “new student”. Students who intend to miss more than two consecutive lessons must give 30 days notice in writing.
Tuition & Billing
We use an automatic billing system that pulls payment at the end of the scheduled lesson time. You will be mailed a payment receipt.
The student lesson will not be considered scheduled until payment information is added to the Fons system.
Unpaid lessons will not be given unless a prior arrangement has been made with the teachers permission.
Anti-Bullying and Gossip Policies
Gossip is an activity that can drain, corrupt, distract and down-shift the studio’s productivity, morale, and overall sense of accomplishment and depth of achievement and satisfaction. Ultimately, gossip has irretrievable and irreparable consequences among collaborators and even friends and can irrevocably damage the possibility of any trust, the foundation upon which any collaboration or work of art can truly advance. It is detrimental to the spirit and outcome of this collaboration of making art and can irreparably affect the positive progression of the entire community, should any individual engage in any form of evaluation (formal or informal) of another student, without their knowledge and a fair opportunity to join in the exchange- and learning.
Prohibition of Gossip & Bullying Behavior: Bullying, harassment, and cyber-bullying are prohibited in any and all forms. Retaliation or threats of retaliation meant to intimidate the victim of bullying, harassment, or cyber-bullying, or toward those investigating incidents thereof, are also prohibited.
MULTI-STEP PREVENTION PROCESS: The Inner Voice Studio zero tolerance gossip and anti-bullying policy will be strictly enforced through a multi-step warning process. Before a disciplinary procedure is invoked, however, the Company member will be counseled about his /her conduct. Company members who participate in or instigate gossip or any negative evaluation of another employee, a cast / crew member, parent or production staff – whether in person, via social media, email or chat rooms etc., will be required to participate in such multi-step intervention procedure. If the divisive behavior continues, the matter will result in the immediate disciplinary action or termination of contract.
If the student continues to act in such a manner, they will be dismissed from the studio permanently.
Parent Policies
We ask that parents do not comment on the students singing negatively ever. We are working on coordinating very small muscles in a nuanced way and the horrible sounds your child is making might be specifically prescribed by the teacher. Additionally, we believe all sounds are good sounds and part of learning, so it is okay if they make something you consider to be a “bad” sound. I guarantee you we train excellent singers, so please let us do our job!
We have a no parental harassment policy. To ensure a respectful and professional environment for educators, students, and parents, this policy outlines expected behaviors and procedures for addressing concerns and grievances.
Policy Statement: The Inner Voice Studio values open communication and constructive feedback. However, to maintain a positive and productive environment, harassment or any form of abusive behavior directed towards staff members will not be tolerated.
Definitions:
Harassment: Unwelcome, aggressive, or intrusive behavior that creates a hostile environment. This includes repeated and unwarranted communication, threats, intimidation, or derogatory remarks.
Professional Conduct: Interactions should be conducted respectfully, maintaining a focus on the educational needs and well-being of students.