Studio Policies and
More Information
Parker’s Private Lessons are fun and relaxed while maintaining a high caliber of musicianship. To help keep your lessons on track, review these studio policies. If you have any questions, please contact Parker with the link below or via email:
parkerhinnenkampmusic@gmail.com
Billing and Rates
Private Lessons start at $40.00 for 30 minutes, and each additional half hour costs $40. Parker can help you decide what length of time will be most effective for your lessons.
Lessons are paid for in advance, either monthly or quarterly. Tuition is based on enrollment, not attendance. If you must miss for illness, vacation, or another reason, Parker will coordinate one make-up each month.
Tuition received after the 10th of the month may be subject to a 10% late fee.
Are you a member of Duluth’s Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd? Contact Parker for your custom lower rate.
What to bring to your lessons
Please have your sheet music, a pencil, a notebook, and any additional theory or method books for each lesson. If you prefer to use a tablet to store your music, please bring a charger.
iPad and Tablet users: please use the app “Finale” or a similar app that can be drawn on/marked up and saved.
If you have lost or forgotten your materials, the lesson will continue and instead focus on technique, theory, and aural skills.
Make-Up Lessons
One make-up lesson day per month will typically be offered, and additional times can be discussed with Parker. Whether you have a conflict, emergency, or illness, let Parker know as far in advance as possible.
If you must miss your lesson, please communicate this with Parker quickly. As tuition is based on enrollment, I will not fill your timeslot. Instead, I will use that time to review and prepare materials for the student’s next scheduled lesson.
Parker can not confirm additional make-up times will always be available, but there could be alternative options on a first come, first served basis. Please reach out to discuss this month’s options. Missed lessons must be made up within three months, otherwise the time will be forfeited.
Other Policies and Procedures
Attendance and Punctuality: Lessons will start and end on time. Please arrive 10 minutes before your time slot so we can make the most of our lesson time.
Cash Payment Preferred: Help Parker avoid the ever-increasing service and processing fees of credit cards and electronic billing by paying your tuition with cash or checks. If you prefer electronic payments or can not use cash, please check with Parker for options using Zelle, Venmo, and others.
Emergencies/Inclement Weather: Parker will inform you of any closures as soon as possible. If you experience an emergency or can not make it to the lesson due to the weather, let Parker know as quickly as possible to reschedule or make up the time.
Refunds and Withdrawals: Tuition is non-refundable. If you wish to withdraw from lessons, a request must be made in writing four weeks in advance. You are responsible for the full tuition of that final month regardless if the lessons are attended.
Practice and Performances: Parker will set goals each week that can either be short or long-term for each piece, as well as a guide on the practice time that would be needed to meet those goals. Please attempt to reach these goals each week so lessons can focus on skills rather than guided practice. Recitals and other performance opportunities are highly encouraged, but not required.
Parents/Guardians of Minor Students
Parker highly encourages parents and guardians to observe lessons, but not to interfere during the lesson.
Cell Phones/Electronics
Please refrain from using your electronic devices during the lesson for any non-lesson related uses. If you are expecting an important contact or have an emergency, please communicate that as far in advance as possible so Parker can plan accordingly.
Please also be sure your devices are set to silent mode (or turned off) to minimize distractions.
Food and Drink Policy
Please refrain from eating during your lesson. Drinks are okay, but must be in a lidded/capped container to avoid spilling. Please also refrain from chewing gum.
Current Students: Referrals and Earning Free Lessons
Refer your friends to earn free lessons! Each referral that you bring to the studio can earn you up to one hour of free instruction. Your free lesson will be offered after your referral completes one full month of instruction. Talk to Parker for more information!
New Students: Free Consultations and First Lessons
Parker offers one free 30-minute lesson and consultation to each prospective student interested in joining the private lesson studio. We will use that time to play some music, find your current skill and experience level, and discuss what you are interested in learning going forward. This free consultation does NOT require any purchase or commitment to lessons in the future.