As a teacher I am committed to creating a positive learning and teaching environment for all families and students. For this reason, it is important that all students and parents understand and abide by the polices below.

FEES

• As of Sunday September 6th, 2026, lessons will be at a rate of $45 per 30 minutes, $65 per 45 minutes OR $85 per hour and are subject to annual review.
• All lessons are paid a month in advance at the beginning of each new month. Invoices will be sent on the first lesson of every month with payment due on or before the second lesson of that same month.
• Payments can be made by e-transfer, cheque or cash. Cheques to be made payable to: Shannon Mercer
• Lessons on Mondays will be grouped into 2 semesters totalling 32 lessons.
  1st Semester September → January (16 weeks),
  2nd Semester February → June (16 weeks)
• Lessons on Tuesdays will be grouped in 2 semesters totalling 37 lessons.
  1st Semester September → January (18 weeks),
  2nd Semester February → June (19 weeks)
• Lessons on Wednesdays will be grouped into 2 semesters totalling 37 lessons.
  1st Semester September → January (19 weeks),
  2nd Semester February → June (18 weeks)
• Lessons on Thursdays will be grouped into 2 semesters totalling 36 lessons.
  1st Semester September → January (19 weeks),
  2nd Semester February → June (17 weeks)
• Lessons on Sundays will be on a more casual basis because of my commitments to Christ Church Cathedral Choir. I will email the schedule of lessons being offered to students one month before.

STUDIO CALENDAR 2026/2027

• Lessons will begin on Sunday September 6th, 2026, and end by Thursday June 19th, 2027.
• There will be NO lessons or make ups offered on the following dates: (2026/2027)
  • Holiday Mondays: October 12th (Thanksgiving Monday), February 15th (Family Day), March 29th (Easter Monday), May 24th (Victoria Day).
  • Sunday November 1st → Tuesday November 4th – Teacher Unavailable
  • Sunday December 20th → Saturday January 2nd, 2027 – Christmas Break
  • Wednesday February 3rd → Sunday February 8th – Teacher Unavailable
  • Monday March 15th → Sunday March 21st – March Break
  • Thursday March 25th → Sunday March 28th – Easter Break
• You will not be charged for lessons that would have occurred on these days.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• Cancellation of a lesson must be made AT LEAST 24 hours prior to the scheduled lesson time in order to receive a make-up lesson. This includes texting, leaving messages by phone or email.
• No shows or failure to notify teacher within 24 hours is considered a forfeited lesson – exceptions and emergencies happen. Talk to me. These circumstances will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
• No more than 2 cancellations per semester.
• There are NO refunds on unused or cancelled lessons.
• Should you decide to stop taking lessons altogether, 2 weeks’ paid notice must be given.

MAKE UP LESSONS

• Lessons cancelled with at least 24 hours ahead of the scheduled lesson will receive a make-up lesson at a time convenient to both teacher and student – up to 2 lessons per semester.
• Missed lessons due to teacher illness or emergency will ALWAYS be rearranged or made up at mutually convenient time.
• One Friday a month will be reserved for regular make-ups
• Make up lessons that are cancelled by the student are considered forfeited lessons. They will not be rescheduled and no refunds will be issued.
• Monday lessons that fall on a holiday are cancelled, and will NOT be made up nor will you be charged.

WEATHER CANCELLATIONS

• If schools are closed or close early, lessons will be cancelled and made up at a mutually convenient time as soon as possible. If weather threatens the lesson schedule the night before, I will contact the parents and advise if lessons are cancelled.  If a cancellation of an in-person lesson occurs due to inclement weather, there is always the option to have a Zoom lesson if requested.

BOOKS

• Books can be selected and purchased by the teacher.  Payments for the books are paid to the teacher when the student receives the new book(s) or may be paid with lesson invoice payment. Parents/Students can also purchase books suggested by the teacher if prefered.

A NOTE ABOUT PRACTICE

• A little practice every day will take students far and they will make strides with consistency. Practicing for 10-15 minutes a few times a week (minimum) will yield better results than a cram session.  Muscle memory develops from daily practice.

Please indicate on your Registration Form that you understand and agree to abide to the above studio policies.