This policy is provided for you in order to have a clear understanding of what is expected from you and/or your child, as well as what is expected from me as your teacher. By following these guidelines we will optimize the lesson time and keep the learning enjoyable and productive!

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Tuition 

Lesson payments are paid monthly. Payments can be paid via check, cash, or credit card.  Please make all checks payable to “Ben Bentler”.  Monthly tuition is due on the first of the month. In other words, payment for September lessons should be given at the first of September.   Return envelopes are provided in order to make mailing checks easier. Tuition becomes overdue after the 7th day of that month, at which point a late fee of $20 per student per week will be added for the month, included in the invoice for the next month. Lesson payment is due from the time of enrollment until the studio is notified of the date a student chooses to discontinue. Mr. Bentler will be as flexible as possible for those with special financial needs or concerns when communicated ahead of accrual of charges. Please understand that the studio income is a means of financial support, therefore consistent, prompt payment is essential.

Summer Lessons

If a student is going to be away during the Summer, Spring break, or Winter break, the teacher is to be informed at least 1 1⁄2 month in advance.

​Discontinuing Lessons

Cancellation of study in the studio requires a 4-lesson notice unless otherwise agreed upon. Payment for and/or completion of 4 lessons must be made after notification of intent to quit has been made.

Mr. Bentler reserves the right to terminate lessons at any time for any reason.

Online Lessons

Mr. Bentler’s Music Studio is also offering online voice and piano lessons.

This is for students wishing to continue lessons outside of the area, or for those who do not live within the area.  It is recommended that prospective students use a computer with an external Webcam, not an inbuilt device as on laptops, for better reception. Online lessons will be the same as regular music studio Lessons as well as tuition payment schedule and rules. For tuition and payment information and rules, please see above under "Tuition".  All other music studio policies go into effect once a student enrolls for online voice lessons. Students and Parents: PLEASE READ THROUGH THE ENTIRE MUSIC STUDIO POLICY AGREEMENT.

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Cancelled/Missed Lessons

You are expected to attend your lessons regularly. The 4 hour cancellation policy is strictly enforced. If notice is given in less than 4 hours, Mr. Bentler reserves the right to require payment for the lesson missed with or without a completed make-up lesson.  

To cancel a lesson simply call or text (319) 512-9834 for cancellations.

If Mr. Bentler does not respond to your message, the lesson IS NOT considered to be cancelled.

Missed lessons will not be refunded.

If the number of make-up lessons being requested is frequent, then the student will be requested to move their regular lesson day to a more convenient time, depending upon availability.

As a theatre person, there are times when Mr. Bentler has to attend rehearsals and performances. In all these cases, sufficient notice will be given, except of course in the case of illness, at which point make-up lessons will be scheduled. This takes a good amount of flexibility on the part of the teacher as well as the parent or student.  If Mr. Bentler has to miss a lesson with a student, he will do his very best to reschedule it.  If, for some reason, he cannot make up a lesson, payment from that lesson will be credited towards the next month's bill.

It will be determined whether or not a lesson is excused, based on the following examples:

  1. Illness or injury which prevents school/work attendance - Excused– Make-up option 
  2. Any absence where the teacher is notified 4 hours prior to the lesson – May be excused depending on the reason – Make-up option
  3. Lack of transportation – Not Excused – No Make-up
  4. Didn't practice for this week - Not Excused– No Make-up 
  5. Forgot lesson, or less is not "convenient" - Not Excused- No Make up 

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Lesson Etiquette

Mr. Bentler’s Music Studio offers private lessons in voice, piano (beginning through advanced levels), theory, sight reading, and drama technique. Please arrive promptly at your scheduled lesson time.

Please notify Mr. Bentler if you will be more than five minutes late; it is your paid time. If you are more than 15-minutes late, the lesson is counted as a late cancellation with no make-up lesson given. It is important to be mutually respectful of each others’ time.

Come in, there is no need to wait outside. If the instructor is wrapping up a lesson with a student prior to your lesson time, please come in, have a seat in the living room and he will be out shortly.

Please turn cell phones off or on vibrate during lessons. Calls may be taken outside only.

Bring a USB recording device to each session if you would like it recorded. Listening to yourself is extremely valuable in bringing greater understanding of your voice and in making vocal progress. All students should have a three ring binder to keep music and any other supplies for lessons, which include: Notebook, pencils, highlighter, markers etc. Please bring your three ring binder and a water bottle with you to every lesson.

Practice Makes...Better

A student cannot learn music by just going to lessons. It requires devotion, self-discipline, and time. A minimum of 15-20 minutes practice every day is MANDATORY per subject. Assignments are not excused until they are nearly perfect. Quality of practice is at least as important as quantity. A quiet atmosphere helps to ensure quality practice time. 

Having a desire to learn the music is important and key to learning. If a student does not want to learn and does not practice, then the student will not learn. The teacher makes learning music a fun and enjoyable experience for each student while the student is here, but at home, the student must have a self-sustained desire from within that is reflected by a desire to practice and work hard. 

If it the child is younger, the parent is the teacher at home. Parents are responsible for making sure that the child spends sufficient time practicing. Parents are asked to establish and maintain a consistent practice area and time. 

Assignments and practice are expected to have the same priority as homework. The student’s progress will suffer if he/she does not practice. 

It may be overwhelming to read all of these “rules,” (this is my business as well as my avocation) but please remember, we are here to learn better vocal technique, piano technique, expand your repertoire, and to HAVE FUN! If singing and playing is not enjoyable, the voice or piano will not work correctly, no matter how hard you try. So, relax, have fun, and make music. I look forward to working with you!! Happy Playing & Singing.

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