Studio Policies

Payment
Tuition holds your weekly time slot in my teaching schedule throughout the year and is required regardless of attendance. Tuition is payable monthly due the first lesson of the month. Monthly tuition fluctuates based on the number of lesson days each month; you will receive an invoice from My Music Staff 1 week before the start of the next month. Payment may be made by check, payable to Mari De Napoli, cash, Venmo (@maridenapoli), or Zelle (626)660-4034.

Attendance/Student Cancellation
Your lesson time is reserved exclusively for you. Canceled lessons, even with ample notice, will not be refunded for any reason (think of it like school tuition or a swim lesson— whether or not you show up, your tuition is still due). Time for make-up lessons is limited. While I will make every effort to reschedule, make ups for missed lessons are at my discretion and cannot be guaranteed. Make up lessons must be made within the same week.

This policy is out of consideration to the studio as a whole, ensuring all students have an equal opportunity to make up lessons and out of respect for Ms. Mari’s schedule.

Please notify me of absences as far in advance as possible; this will help you and others receive a make-up lesson. Lessons missed without 48-hours notice are not eligible for a make up. Scheduled make-up lessons will not be rescheduled for any reason (i.e. no make-ups for make-up lessons).

* For those with in-home lessons, if you miss your lesson and need a make-up lesson, the lesson will take place at my studio or on zoom instead of at your home.

If I cancel or move a lesson, I will reschedule for a mutually agreeable time.

Snow Days
If there is a snow storm or other inclement weather, I will offer zoom lessons. There will not be a makeup lesson. 

Required Materials
Bring your violin, shoulder rest, and all assigned music to every lesson. Music and other materials may be purchased locally at A440, Seman Violins, or William Harris Lee. Online resources include Johnson String Instrument, Shar Music, and Sheet Music Plus. If you are considering purchasing a violin or moving up a size, please consult with me first.

Terminating Lessons
Please be in communication with me if there are issues at home with practicing or even family issues that may be affecting your child. I want to be there to support as best as I can! :) I require at least 1 month’s notice if you wish to end your lessons. There are no refunds whatsoever. Please speak with me if there are issues before deciding to end the lessons. 

Summer Lessons
Year-round study is imperative for continued progress. In order to reserve a lesson slot in the fall, students are required to take a minimum of six lessons over the summer. I understand summer brings more variable schedules, so for the summer months, I use a per-lesson fee model where you pay at the time of service. 

Parental Involvement
Parents play a super important role in their child’s musical journey! For students under 8, parent participation is suggested. Parents are encouraged to take notes during the lesson, ask questions about how to help practice at home, help find a practice routine, motivate and praise the student, and be part of the learning process.

Practice
In order to get the most out of lessons and enjoy the feeling of progress, you must commit to daily practice (5 days per week minimum). Please read your practice assignments every week, and don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions. We learn what to practice in the lesson, but progress takes place during practice time.

Recitals
There are 2 recitals in 2024-- Winter & Spring. Recital dates are December 9 and May 18 for Spring. It is not required, but is highly encouraged. They are opportunities to showcase your hard work and celebrate with the studio afterwards. There is a $25 recital fee for each recital to help offset the cost of the space rental, pianist, and videographer. This is the only administration fee that I charge.