Our studio policy is designed to make the process of music learning at DC Music Academy smooth, flawless, and transparent. Also, we want to equally protect our students and teachers, so the time spent at DCMA is fun, educational, and memorable.
Individual lessons at DC Music Academy are held on a weekly basis. However, students may arrange individual lessons twice a week depending on the teacher's availability. Students can enroll for individual in person or online lessons at any time during the year. It is expected students are committed to the end of the school year after a successful first trial lesson. There is an annual non-refundable enrollment fee of $30 for individual lessons that reserves instructor’s time slot only for that student.
Chamber music lessons are held weekly as a semester-long program (September-December, January-May). Since the program is prepared in advance, tuition is paid before the first session and in full for the entire semester. In some cases it can be arranged as a single chamber music session but it is only upon instructor’s agreement and availability.
Sessions are held weekly with quarter-long commitment (September-October, November-December, February-March, May - June).Since the program is prepared in advance, tuition is paid before the first session and in full for the entire program. The drop in student participation is also an option but it depends on spot availability.
For the Individual lessons tuition covers lessons, preparation of the repertoire, scheduling and administrative work of the instructors and is paid on a monthly basis (check, cash, or electronic payments). Tuition is expected to be paid on the first lesson of the month. Tuition does not include recital fees, music books and accompanist services. For the late payments there is a $20 fee. For the returned checks there is a $35 fee. For the group Chamber and Together in Music lessons tuition is paid before the first session and in full for the entire semester.
Tuition Rates
| Type of lesson | 30 min | 45 min | 60 min |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Lesson | $50/per student | $75/per student | $100/per student |
| Chamber Duo | n/a | $40/per student | $55/per student |
| Chamber Trio | n/a | $30/per student | $40/per student |
| Chamber Quartet | n/a | $25/per student | $30/per student |
| Chamber quintet + up to 10 musicians | n/a | $20/per student | $25/per student |
| Together in Music | n/a | $25 drop in per student, $20 if registered for a quarter | n/a |
When the students need to reschedule their individual lesson, they must notify the instructor as soon as possible. The preferred time frame is 7 days or more before a missed lesson. That way the instructor can swap the students or adjust the schedule. If the notice of a missed lesson is made less than 24 hours or no show, the lesson will be fortified and no make-up lesson offered. In case of emergency, please notify the instructor immediately. Only two make-up lessons will be offered per semester. In case of inclement weather or light sickness, DCMA offers a virtual format of the lessons.
If the instructor needs to miss a lesson, another slot will be offered at mutually convenient day/time or a lesson will be credited towards next month’s tuition. No refund or make- ups are offered for missed Chamber group lessons or Together in Music lessons.
If the instructor needs to miss a lesson, another slot will be offered at mutually convenient day/time or a lesson will be credited towards next month’s tuition. No refund or make- ups are offered for missed Chamber group lessons or Together in Music lessons.
If for some reason the student would like to terminate individual lessons, a 30-day notice must be issued in written format (via email). If the student terminates lessons immediately, the lessons must be paid till the end of the month and will not be refunded.
No refund is offered for termination of Chamber music or Together in Music lessons.
No refund is offered for termination of Chamber music or Together in Music lessons.
The student should notify the instructor by voice call, text or email if they expect to be late for a scheduled lesson. If a student arrives after their scheduled lesson time, the instructor will complete the lesson in the remaining portion of the time slot. Additional time for student tardiness is not guaranteed. Same rules are for the chamber group and Together in Music programs.
If for some reason the instructor arrives after a scheduled lesson time, the instructor will give additional time past the time slot to compensate for their tardiness or will add the remainder of time to the next lesson.
If for some reason the instructor arrives after a scheduled lesson time, the instructor will give additional time past the time slot to compensate for their tardiness or will add the remainder of time to the next lesson.
In order to keep the musical shape and playing muscles active, we advise our students to take lessons in summer after the school year is finished. This time is extremely beneficial as it allows the students to spend extra time learning instruments without a load of school year activities and homework. Additionally, our students have priority in reserving time slots for the next school year. The tuition in summer can be paid on a weekly basis.
Students should bring their working instruments and cleaning accessories, music books and assigned sheet music, a pencil, and any other assigned materials for a lesson on a weekly basis. It is expected that students practice at home daily to prepare their homework and continuously improve their skills. It is strongly recommended for parents to be present at the lessons for the students up to 9 years old so they could supervise their home practice for the best results.
We strictly monitor all the CDC and DMV school systems guidelines regarding Covid policy. We sanitize our pianos and door knobs after each student, we have wipes and sanitizer available in our studio. Although we keep our mask policy flexible, we encourage our families to wear masks for lessons to keep everyone safe and healthy.
If a student or family member tested positive for Covid , notify us immediately and stay at home. The online lesson will be offered instead. If the student feels very ill, a make-up session will be offered but no more than twice per semester.
If a student or family member tested positive for Covid , notify us immediately and stay at home. The online lesson will be offered instead. If the student feels very ill, a make-up session will be offered but no more than twice per semester.