Mrs. Stephens Payment & Lesson Policies as of 7/1/24

 1.  Private violin or viola lessons are billed at $50.00 for 30 minutes, $75.00 for 45 minutes and $100.00 for 60 minutes.  Ensembles/Group lessons are billed depending upon the level and number of students in the group.  Please discuss with Mrs. Stephens.

2.  Lessons must be paid for in advance, on a monthly basis.  

 Invoices will be emailed on the 15th of the month and must be paid by the last business day of the month preceding the month being billed.  For example, invoices are sent on May 15th and must be paid by May 30th for June lessons. 

 A $5.00 late fee will be applied after 5 days. 

No lessons will be taught without prior payment

Payment can be made through Zelle, Venmo or through the invoice link.

In-person lesson only may be paid via check.

3.  When you receive your invoice, please look over your calendar carefully. Email Mrs. Stephens as soon as possible if your regular lesson must be changed. Make-up lessons are possible but must be arranged as far in advance as possible.

Please contact Mrs. Stephens as soon as possible if you will miss a lesson.

If I do not hear from you in advance, expect to pay for the lesson.

If students are late, they forfeit the time they missed.  

Students should plan to arrive 5 minutes early.

 4. In general, expect to pay for all lesson scheduled in a month.  If you know well in advance of concert or conflicts, you must let me know so that your time can be offered to another student.    If a student misses a lesson without notification  (no-call/no-show) no make-up will be offered and the lesson must be paid for.  Students cancelling less than 24 hours in advance due to illness will be offered several options for a make-up lesson, (Saturdays are usual) but if you cannot attend, please expect to pay for the lesson.  Again, expect to pay for all lessons offered in a month or to attend make-up lessons when a lesson is missed, but do not expect to be credited for a last-minute cancelation. 

**In regard to all of the above regulations, if there is an ongoing medical or other difficult circumstance, please notify Mrs. Stephens. Communication is important to avoid misunderstanding.

5.  PLEASE read your invoice carefully as it includes all scheduled lessons and charges as well as any dates Mrs. Stephens has concerts or other conflicts and will not be teaching.  This is very important! 

 6.    Each year, students can participate in the New York State School Music Association's (NYSSMA) Solo & Ensemble in the spring.  Students may register with their school orchestra director or through Mrs. Stephens if their school does not participate.  Mrs. Stephens will meet students and parents at the NYSSMA Festival in Wappingers and will be there for moral support and to take care of any issues that might arise. 

7.   If a check is returned by the bank, you will be charged a $50.00 cash fee. After two returned checks, you will be required to pay cash, money order or certified check only.

8.  Lessons are now offered at River Valley Arts Center at 9 Mesier Avenue in Wappingers Falls New York.  RVAC has a waiting room and nice restrooms as well as a small parking lot across from the door.  (Enter through the awning entrance)

9.  Students are expected to practice on a daily basis.  A good rule of thumb is to practice each day for the number of minutes of your lesson.