Educational Philosophy

We aim to create an enjoyable and successful learning experience for our students. We believe music lessons should not merely focus on technical skill development, but should also increase the student’s sense of joy, appreciation, and accomplishment. Our personalized approach to lessons focuses on building self-confidence, inspiration and the blossoming of each and every student we serve. The momentum of continual practice under an experienced, supportive teacher is essential for this development to take root.

The Role of the Teachers

Our teachers will focus solely on curriculum and scheduling. Any business and policy issues, such as tuition, special circumstances, etc. should be addressed directly with Martin. Feel free to reach Martin at 773-744-1156.

Attendance

Our attendance policy is based on our experience that consistent lessons help build discipline, confidence, progress, and momentum. In short, attendance is essential for success. As our teachers reserve lesson time for each student’s exclusive use, we require a commitment from our students to attend scheduled lessons. However, we also know that life happens. We understand that unexpected events do occur, and we will do our best to work with you in those circumstances while also respecting the time commitment of our teachers. Please note, all exceptions to our attendance and tuition policies must be approved by Martin, who has sole and exclusive authority to make such exceptions.

Getting Started

• Enrollment: We welcome and support new students whenever they aspire to bring the joy of music study into their lives. New students are encouraged to join the studio at any time. Enrollment is ongoing.
• Trial Lesson: Any trial lesson shall be a paid lesson.

Lesson Scheduling

• Weekly Lessons: Students are required to take at least one lesson per week. Any exceptions must be approved by Martin.
• Absences: A minimum notice of 48 hours is required for any schedule conflicts or changes aside from illness or emergencies. If less than 48 hours’ notice is given, the lesson will be considered a missed lesson and will not be rescheduled.
• Make-Up Lessons: Students are expected to make up excused absences. Make-up lessons must be completed within 30 days of the respective excused absence.
• Tardiness: Please be sure to communicate to your teacher if you are running late to ensure they are aware of your situation. Any tardiness beyond 15 minutes will be regarded as a missed lesson, and the lesson will not commence.

Excused Absences

• Illness: All members of a household must be symptom- and fever-free for a full 24 hours before a lesson. If a student or family member stays home from school/work due to illness, they should let their teacher know by 12 PM CST that same day to reschedule. Please allow as much notice as possible when canceling due to illness.
• Emergencies: Absences due to emergencies and/or extenuating circumstances will be approved at the sole and exclusive discretion of Martin.
• Teacher Cancellations: If a teacher needs to cancel a lesson, they will offer an alternative time to reschedule within 30 days. If no time can be found to reschedule the lesson that is amenable to both the teacher and the student, the fee for that lesson will be credited to the student for a future lesson.
• Spring Break: Students will receive one week during spring break when lessons are optional. If the student is traveling or otherwise absent for more than one week, all missed lessons must be scheduled for make-up lessons to be taken within 30 days of when they were originally missed. Note, we recognize that different schools have different spring break schedules. Spring break lessons will be scheduled around your specific spring break schedule.
• Winter Break: Students will receive two weeks during winter break when lessons are optional. If the student is traveling or otherwise absent for more than two weeks, all missed lessons must be scheduled for make-up lessons to be taken within 30 days of when they were originally missed. Note, we recognize that different schools have different winter break schedules. Winter break lessons will be scheduled around your specific winter break schedule.
• Summer Lessons: We encourage students to continue their musical endeavors throughout the summer. Summer is an invaluable time to study with more depth. Students are encouraged to take multiple lessons per week, extend their existing time, and/or develop personalized goals and projects with the guidance of their teacher. As momentum is one of the key ingredients for success, students are encouraged to continue study during the summer months. Please reach out to your teacher to discuss scheduling options.
• Holidays: Any lesson that falls on a holiday shall be rescheduled within 30 days.

Tuition

• Tuition per lesson for the 2024/2025 year is $70 for each 30-minute lesson, $90 for each 45-minute lesson, and $110 for each 60-minute lesson.
• Payment Due Date: Payments due are calculated based on the number of scheduled lessons in a given month. Students will be charged by the end of each month for the coming month’s lessons. Tuition is due by the 1st of each month.
• Payment Channel: Zelle is our preferred payment channel, but several payment channels are available for your convenience.
  • Zelle—Please send payments to Martin Metzger 773-744-1156 or metzgermusicstudio@gmail.com.
  • Venmo—Please make payments to @martinmetzger
  • Apple Pay—Please make payments to 773-744-1156.
  • Check—Please make payments to Martin Metzger 601 Linden Pl. Apt. 210 Evanston, Illinois 60202-5701.
  • Cash—Payable to Martin in person only
• Late Fee: A late fee of $25.00 will be incurred if tuition is not paid in full by the 5th of each month.
• Returned Check Fee: Any returned check will incur a $50 fee in addition to any bank fees associated with the check return.
• Student Withdrawal and Associated Refunds: Refunds of any tuition associated with student withdrawal from established lessons will be at the sole discretion and authority of Martin.

Recommendations to Maximize Results

• Practice: Students are encouraged to practice at least 30 minutes three times per week, as momentum and repetition are the keys to success.
• Come Prepared: Students should bring a folder to each lesson to hold notes, sheet music, or other learning aids. Students should also bring a phone to record videos of lessons when possible.
• Planning Ahead: Please let Martin and our teachers know of any anticipated scheduling conflicts (such as vacations) as far in advance as possible.

Other Policies

• Referrals: We welcome your family and friends to our community. As your referrals are our best advertisement, we offer $108 for any referral, for any of our teachers. This referral credit will be paid once the student has signed up for at least one month of lessons.
• Photo/Video Release: From time to time Metzger Music Studio may use photos, videos, and/or audio recordings of our students in online and print promotional materials. To opt out of this usage for your student, please submit a written opt-out request to Martin at metzgermusicstudio@gmail.com.

These policies are established to optimize your practice and enjoyment of music as a path toward greater appreciation, dedication, and joy of practice. We are here to foster a wonderful relationship with the members of our musical community: parents, students, and teachers.