Jaylon Black Studio Policy

PRIVATE LESSONS:

  • 30 minute, 45 minute, or 1 hour lessons are scheduled once a week. Additional lessons may be scheduled (as time is available). 

  • Lessons packages have 40 Lessons/year or 4 Lessons/month, and are taught year-round. You may switch packages after the completion of the current package.

  • Lessons are an open experience, so you are welcome and encouraged to observe students' lessons.

SUPPLIES:

  • Student/Parents are expected to purchase the core books and supplies needed for the student’s lessons

  • These supplies are:

    • Violin with Bow (instrument has to be approved by Jaylon. Not all violins are created equal)

    • Music Books (Suzuki Book depending on skill and “I Can Read Music” Volume 1)

    • Music Stand (can stay at home if you are traveling to Jaylon’s studio)

    • Folder/Binder

    • Access to a mobile device or computer (for student portal, youtube, metronome app, etc.)

BE PREPARED FOR YOUR LESSON:

  • PARENTS ARE EXPECTED TO PRACTICE WITH THEIR CHILD: Once the student reaches an appropriate age and level of individual ownership, this expectation may be reconsidered. In most cases students around the ages of 10-12 years old will begin to successfully take notes and practice on their own. At this point, parents will only be responsible in making sure their child is practicing in general and that their overall schedule allows for the commitment.

  • Quality Practice: Practice time should take place in a quiet, well-lit, and comfortable area. Practice time should be interruption-free (i.e.: no phone calls, no TV, no computer, etc). Ideally, practice time should be at a consistent time each day.

  • Bring all materials to lessons, especially the lesson notebook and sheet music needed for the lesson. 

  • My assignments are not mere suggestions; they need to be carried out fully in order for me to help you do your best.

  • If I find that you are not prepared for your lesson due to not practicing, I have the right to cut the lesson short or cancel all together. 

ATTENDANCE

  • When you purchase a lesson you are not purchasing minutes of time, you are purchasing a time slot. Lesson time will not be extended because you are late to your reserved time slot. However, if your lesson starts late due to me being behind with students, your full lesson time will be given to you.

  • If you do not arrive within 15 minutes of your time slot, your slot will be cancelled.

  • There are no make-up lessons. If you need to change a specific date/time for a particular week, you must notify me BEFORE the start of the week. Accommodations may be made when possible, however, the teacher is not obligated to make that change in any given circumstance. 

  • There are no make-up lessons for student absences or late notice cancellations. Please do not ask for make-up.

  • Please do not bring a sick child to a lesson or arrive ill yourself. If your child is too sick to attend school, they are too sick to attend their lesson.

  • Zoom lessons are always available for students who are not able to attend their lesson in person. Please notify your teacher ahead of time so we can make sure we are set up for a virtual lesson during your lesson time.

  • Scholarship/Financial Aid: We reserve the right to withdraw a merit scholarship at any time during the school year should a student fail to attend lessons or classes regularly, to practice consistently or to make musical progress. Instructors are required to evaluate student progress throughout the year.

MAKE-UP LESSONS:

  • There are no make-up lessons.

  • I work as a performing and recording artist in Los Angeles. Due to the demands of my professional recording and other performance obligations, there will be periodic changes to the lessons schedule. You will always be notified well in advance of such dates, and you will always receive your full lesson time in such situations. You will NEVER lose a lesson that I must cancel due to a professional engagement.

  • In the case that I obtain a touring contract, and will be absent for an extended period of time, either we will continue virtually with a modified schedule or I will assign a temporary coach that can continue my curriculum for that period.

RECITALS:

  • Students are required to take part in recitals at least once a year (it is encouraged that students perform at much as possible). The readiness for a student’s level and ability to perform is to the discretion of the teacher, and will be discussed and decided on an individual basis.

PAYMENT:

  • There are no refunds. If you signed up for a tuition package (monthly or annually) cancellation of payments will be determined on a case by case basis. 

  • Rates are subject to change annually.

  • Please pay your tuition by the first of each month. This will take some planning ahead. Payment received after the first week (day 8) will be charged a $25 late fee. There are no refunds for tuition or late fees. 

  • If you are requesting additional lessons (those outside of the once a week lesson), those lessons will be charged individually.


SCHOLARSHIP/FINANCIAL AID:

  • In the case that you run into temporary financial hardship, there are financial aid packages and scholarships available for application. Please email Jaylon to ask about application requirements.

  • You must be a student for more than 3 months to qualify for financial aid.

  • We reserve the right to withdraw a merit scholarship at any time during the school year should a student fail to attend lessons or classes regularly, to practice consistently or to make musical progress. 


PROBATION/ SUSPENSION: 

  • Initial Probation Period (Trial Month)

    • All new students begin with a 1-month trial probation, regardless of the lesson package selected.

    • This period is used to evaluate student readiness, commitment, and the parent’s involvement.

    • During this time:

      • A parent or guardian must be present and attentive at every lesson.

      • The student must complete all assignments, practice regularly, and demonstrate progress.

  • Corrective Probation

    • At any point in a student’s journey, if they begin to show signs of inconsistent practice, lack of progress, or incomplete assignments, a parent conference will be scheduled.

    • After the meeting, the student may be placed on corrective probation with the following expectations:

      • Continue attending lessons with a present and involved parent.

      • Submit a weekly practice log documenting effort and consistency.
        Show improvement in engagement, preparation, and progress.

  • Failure to Improve

    • If a student does not meet the expectations by the end of the probationary period, the teacher reserves the right to:

      • Extend the corrective probation, or

      • Suspend lessons temporarily until the student is ready to return with renewed commitment.

      • If a student is receiving scholarship support or financial assistance, it will be temporarily put on hold during any suspension of lessons.

      • Payments do not pause during suspension periods

  • These policies are in place to create a supportive and productive environment where students can succeed through consistency, effort, and collaboration.

MUSIC:

  • I will always consider any music that is outside of the approved method books and music I have approved for each student. Students are always encouraged to bring in any music they would like to work on. However, I reserve the right to decide whether or not the music is appropriate for the student’s current level of skill.

PARENT RESPONSIBILITY:

  • There has to be a commitment from BOTH the parent and student. Parents are expected to play an active role in their child’s journey. This includes but is not limited to: being aware of the basics to be able to assist at home, sitting in lessons occasionally, monitoring the student portal so you are aware what the student is working on and should be practicing.

  • Students and parents are both held accountable for consistent, quality practice. If the parents are living in separate households, it is crucial that the same standards be upheld equally in both. Never hesitate to call or email me if there is something that the student does not understand.

  • Distractions are not tolerated during any lesson. If other children are to be present during lessons, it is the parent’s responsibility to maintain the children’s safety and proper behavior.

  • If you are sitting in lesson, please set all electronic devices on off or silent, and put them away during the lesson. This is with the exception of using a phone as a recording device to create practice videos at the appropriate time. Texting, using social media, making or receiving phone calls distract your child and minimize the lessons' impact. All students under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or an adult over the age of 18 during private lessons.


STUDIO TRANSFERS:

  • Should a change be necessary, please speak to me via phone, email, or at the lesson. We will have 4 more lessons to say goodbye to each other as well as time to prepare for transitions to a new studio. If you have a teacher in mind, I’d be happy to set up a trial lesson with that teacher. It is impolite to solicit other teachers before speaking to your primary teacher first.

  • If you are coming to me from a previous studio, my expectation is that there has been communication with your current teacher about the transition. If such steps have not been taken, please do so in a respectful and professional manner before enrolling in private lessons with me.


CONTACT

  • Email or text messaging are the best ways to contact your teacher. 

  • Please email to set up a conference about any sensitive issues rather than discuss them in front of your child and waste valuable lesson time. These include questions regarding your child’s progress or insights into your child’s skill development. These issues are not appropriate to discuss in front of your child, and should be addressed in a private conversation with your teacher.