Studio Policy

About the Studio

Galina’s Guitar Studio offers a comprehensive curriculum based on the Suzuki method and RCM requirements. This Studio Policy sets out the rules to make the learning experience beneficial for all students. 
The studio follows the Richmond School board Calendar and the year is divided into three semesters:
 
FALL Tuesday, Sep 2 – Sat, Dec 20 2025 16 weeks
WINTER Tuesday, Jan 6 – Sat, Mar 14, 2026 10 weeks
SPRING Tuesday, Mar 31 – Friday, Jun 26, 2025 13 weeks 
Payment Terms:                                                                                                            
Weekly private lessons range from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the student’s age and skill level. Group lessons range from 45-60 minutes every 2 weeks and are included in the semester fee. 
Payments

Private lessons range from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the student’s age and level. While it is decided with each student/parent on an individual basis, the general guidelines/recommendations are as follows:
  1. Level 1 (3-8 years, Suzuki Book 1, RCM Prep): one 30-minute private lesson per week, usually two 45-minute group lessons per month.
  2. Level 2: (8-10 years, Suzuki Books 1-2, RCM Bridges Prep - 1) one 45-minute private lesson per week, usually two 60-minute group lessons per month.
  3. Level 3: (10 – 12 years, Suzuki Books 3-4, RCM Bridges 2-4) 60-minute private lessons per week, usually two 60-minute group lessons per month.
  4. Level 4: (12 - 14 years, Suzuki Books 5-6, RCM Bridges 5-7) 60-minute private lessons per week, usually two 60-minute group lessons per month.
  5. Level 5: (14 and up years, Suzuki Books 7-9, RCM Bridges 8-ARCM) one 90-minute (or two 45-minute) private lesson(s) per week, usually two 60-minute group lessons per month (including theory).
Advanced Semester Payment: Tuition is due thirty (30) days prior to the start of the Fall Semester, Winter Semester, and Spring Semester, whichever is applicable. 
Payments can be made via E-transfer (preferred), in cash, or by PayPal. Payments over 10 business days late will be charged a $20 reinstatement fee. Until the payment for the semester is made, the requested day and time of the lesson cannot be guaranteed. Each student’s lesson time has been set aside and reserved for the entire school year. Students are thus expected to continue their studies with the studio for the duration of the school year.

Cancellations, Make-Up Lessons and Refunds                                            
Cancellation by Student                                                                                                          
Twenty-four-hour notice by email is required in case of lesson cancellation. There is no refund offered. If the reason for the absence is in the judgement of the studio beyond the reasonable control of the student (e.g. illness), then the studio may provide make-up lessons if a time slot is available within the next two months. No more than two make-up lessons during the calendar year are offered. Make-up lessons are not offered if notice is submitted less than 24 hours in advance. Parents and students are encouraged to exchange times with other students if needed (instead of cancellation). Missed group lessons are not refunded or rescheduled.  
Cancellation by Teacher                                                                                                         
In the rare case of teacher cancellation due to illness or travel, a make-up lesson time will be offered during the next two months, or a class credit will be applied to your account.
Cancellation by Act of Nature
No cancellation or refund will be offered due to inclement weather or power outages: rather, an online lesson will be offered as an alternative. In the case of a local/national emergency, lessons will be rescheduled if possible or you will receive half a class credit to your account.

Summer                                                                                                                 
Students who continue through the summer break will be given priority in choosing the time and day for their weekly private lesson during the school year. Several opportunities to continue guitar studies during the summer time will be offered.

Teacher’s Expectations                                                         
  • Parents of younger children (10 and under) are expected to attend all lessons and take notes.
  • Students are expected to arrive 5 minutes before their scheduled lesson.
  • Students are expected to come to their lesson organized (i.e., with all necessary sheet music and homework in their binders).
  • Students are expected to practice at least half an hour daily (younger children – with the help of parents) and come to lessons prepared. All lesson material should be reviewed. On average, for each level of studies - add 15 minutes to a child’s expected practice time (e.g., Level 2, daily practice time = 45 minutes).
  • Each piece is considered complete when it is recorded on video, submitted and accepted by the teacher.
  • It is recommended that students grow the fingernails on their right hand while keeping their nails on their left hand short. Nails should be filed before each lesson. A video tutorial about nail care for guitarists can be found: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ36c3_6jks
  • Students are expected to participate in concerts and festivals recommended by the teacher. (1-3 festivals and 2-4 concerts per year. Registration fees for the festivals and some concerts are not included in tuition fees).
  • Students are encouraged to become members of the Vancouver Classic Guitar Society and to attend guitar concerts and other live music events, such as those offered by the VCGS and recommended by the teacher (e.g., open mic, concerts, student showcases).

You can register for Galina's Guitar Studio here