Trumpet Lesson Policy(LISD), Vernon Richter – Instructor
Contact Information: Vernon Richter 940-435-3588, trumpetteach1@gmail.com
Attendance: Lesson attendance is extremely important for students to maximize their music education. The student should arrive early when possible in order to warm up before the start of their lesson. If the student is running late for a lesson, please call or text ahead. All lessons are considered to be “weekly” unless a school holiday or testing creates a conflict for the scheduled lessons. Bi-weekly lessons are not available.
Cancellation: 24 hour notice is required if the student is not going to be in attendance at his or her appointed lesson time. When 24 hour notice is given you will not be charged for that lesson. If notice is not given 24 hours in advance, then the student/parent/guardian will remain responsible for providing payment for that lesson. Early notification is expected if the student has plans to cancel lessons for a few weeks for vacation, camps, or other reasons. An absence will be excused in cases involving emergencies and illness. Students will not be charged for excused absences. Please keep me up to date with when you are not going to be available. I do not know your schedule, including band concerts and rehearsals, unless you notify me preferably by email. Remember: a music lesson is a professional appointment.
Practice: Students are expected to practice for their lesson. Coming to the lesson prepared is a huge advantage that allows the student to take advantage of the entire lesson and receive the most beneficial instruction. Amount of time to spend practicing and consistency will be discussed during their lesson. Remember to make every practice session as focused as possible with little or no distractions.
Payment: For in school lessons, rates are as follows for LISD students: $24 per lesson, $48 per hour lesson on campus. Lessons given at my home are $30.00 for a 1/2 hour, or $55.00 for an hour. Students/Parents/Guardians will be required to pay for their lessons on a monthly basis. Invoices will be sent out 7 days before the 1st of the month via email through “My Music Staff” with payment being due on the 1st of the month. All lessons are to be pre-paid. So, payment for October lessons will be due October 1st with an invoice arriving to you via email 7 days before. Each month will be handled in the same manner. If payment has not been received by the 20th of the month a $20 late fee will be added to the balance. If payment is not made after two lessons, the lessons will be discontinued and you may lose your lesson slot. Band directors will also be notified of this occurrence. “My Music Staff” is the studio management software that I use for all scheduling, billing and record keeping of the lesson business. Every parent and student will have access to their personal page on this site which will give them information on upcoming lessons, lesson notes, billing info and much more. I highly recommend that all parents and students get familiar with this site as it will answer many of your questions pertaining to lessons.
Makeup: If a student is unable to attend his/her lesson and has given 24-hour notice a make-up lesson will be scheduled but may not occur the very next week due to my excessive student load. This ties into attendance and the importance of coming to lessons and receiving instruction on a weekly basis. Remember, if one week is missed, the student will go nearly two weeks without any instruction or feedback.
Communication: Email is the primary method of communication for trumpet lessons. Every email you send will receive a response. If you don’t receive a response, then your email was not received or has slipped through my notice. Please feel free to re-email me if you think I have missed the original correspondence. Occasionally, text message or phone calls may also be used for more immediate communications such as late cancelations. Please always use email after 6pm unless communication is needed about a lesson the next morning. Students may NOT text me and all email communication with students must have a parent or band director CC'd.
Drop Policy: One month’s advance notice must be given if a student decides to discontinue lessons.
Media Consent: Students will occasionally have photo/video/audio recordings made for use in various materials to advocate for music education, highlight the activities and accomplishments of students, and as submissions for competition applications. No royalties or other compensation will be provided. Vernon Richter, associated parties, and school districts are released from all claims, liabilities, and/or damages that may arise from such recordings.
Transportation Consent: Transportation of students by teachers is prohibited in school district policy. However, there are some special rare circumstances in which transportation is necessary, including going to various competition venues as a group, or attending various music related events. Parent communication will be confirmed beforehand when this is needed. Rides to/from a lesson are not provided. Vernon Richter, associated parties, and school districts are released from all claims, liabilities, and/or damages that may arise from such transportation.
Updated 8/2/23