Thank you for choosing Kenya’s Keys and entrusting us with your unique talents! Our wonderful staff is eager to put you on the path to Share Love, Share Music. In order to ensure that you receive the most effective and supportive learning experience as a student or family supporter, we have established the following policies and procedures. They are effective 9/1/2018 through 8/31/2019.
What To Expect of Kenya’s Keys
- A fun and engaging lesson, with music selections that challenge and foster learning.
- Lessons that begin and end on time.
- Interactive lessons provided via Teacher Zone, that correlate directly to your studio lesson.
- 3-5 Showcases/Recitals Per Year.
- Enrichment opportunities through special workshops.
Communication
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Our primary means of communication is through our online student learning portal, Teacher Zone. We chat about your progress, answer your questions, and check this platform regularly during normal business hours. Cancellations and rescheduling can be done via Teacher Zone.
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You may also call 254-300-8096, but may not receive an immediate response if we are serving students. Weekend calls will not be addressed until up to 48 hours of the next business day.
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Send an email to Kenya@KenyasKeys.com and someone will reply to you within 48 business hours. Emails sent over the weekend will be addressed within 48 hours of the next business day.
Registration Fee
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There is an initial, non-refundable Registration and Materials Fee.
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The Registration Fee is due at the time of enrollment.
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The Fee for first-time students is $30. Returning students will be billed a Fee of $20 in the month of the anniversary of their enrollment.
Enrollment
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Students (or parent/responsible party if the student is under 18) must complete and sign the enrollment form. First tuition payment is due before the student is considered enrolled. In addition, a registration fee in the amount of $30 is due at time of enrollment.
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Students are charged tuition and fees when they register. Students are enrolled after they pay the tuition and fees.
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There is no such thing as a temporary withdrawal or “break” from enrollment. Students who want to “take a break” from their lesson program will, unfortunately, forfeit their enrollment in the studio and will have to start over when they decide to come back. This involves paying the registration fee and choosing from available times at that time. We cannot “hold” a student’s spot without payment.
Attendance
• Regular and prompt attendance is expected and encouraged in order to gain the most benefit from receiving music lessons. If you know ahead of time you will miss a lesson, please log into Teacher Zone and cancel the lesson.
• We know that missed lessons are inevitable and, therefore, have been taken into account in the overall cost of tuition. No credits or refunds are given for missed lessons. Tuition remains consistent regardless of the number of lessons attended.
• Students who are late for their lesson will be provided a lesson only for their remaining lesson time. Please be on time for your own benefit. Please also note that the instructor may cancel lessons from time to time for various reasons including, but not limited to, personal illness, inclement weather, and professional travel.
• Although planning and scheduling are done ahead of time, an exact number of lessons for each year cannot be guaranteed. As stated above, the inevitability of missed lessons on the part of the student or the teacher has already been considered in the formulation of the annual tuition.
• We know that missed lessons are inevitable and, therefore, have been taken into account in the overall cost of tuition. No credits or refunds are given for missed lessons. Tuition remains consistent regardless of the number of lessons attended.
• Students who are late for their lesson will be provided a lesson only for their remaining lesson time. Please be on time for your own benefit. Please also note that the instructor may cancel lessons from time to time for various reasons including, but not limited to, personal illness, inclement weather, and professional travel.
• Although planning and scheduling are done ahead of time, an exact number of lessons for each year cannot be guaranteed. As stated above, the inevitability of missed lessons on the part of the student or the teacher has already been considered in the formulation of the annual tuition.
Arrivals & Departures
Lessons are provided both Live & Online and In Person at the studio. To give everyone s productive and uninterrupted a lesson as possible, it is very important that you observe the following:
• Please wait at the door until it is exactly your lesson time. A staff member will open the door and grant you entry.
• Staff break times are designed to help them regroup, organize, breathe, and do other necessary things to assist them in teaching you most efficiently. Because of this, we ask that you not arrive early or stay later than your lesson time.
• To help prevent the spread of illness, students must wash their hands when they arrive for their music lesson. There is soap in the bathroom or hand sanitizer available.
• Parents are required to be available during lessons (either at the lesson of via cell phone). In the event of an emergency, if a parent cannot be reached, you agree that Kenya’s Keys, LLC will be permitted to exercise its discretion in providing care and treatment for your child. Parents agree to hold Kenya’s Keys, LLC harmless for any such care and treatment decisions.
• Students will help reduce the spread of illnesses by staying home when sick and will inform the studio of any serious health issues (allergies, asthma, etc) that may need attention. Parents and family supporters will provide full contact information, including emergency contact.
• Please wait at the door until it is exactly your lesson time. A staff member will open the door and grant you entry.
• Staff break times are designed to help them regroup, organize, breathe, and do other necessary things to assist them in teaching you most efficiently. Because of this, we ask that you not arrive early or stay later than your lesson time.
• To help prevent the spread of illness, students must wash their hands when they arrive for their music lesson. There is soap in the bathroom or hand sanitizer available.
• Parents are required to be available during lessons (either at the lesson of via cell phone). In the event of an emergency, if a parent cannot be reached, you agree that Kenya’s Keys, LLC will be permitted to exercise its discretion in providing care and treatment for your child. Parents agree to hold Kenya’s Keys, LLC harmless for any such care and treatment decisions.
• Students will help reduce the spread of illnesses by staying home when sick and will inform the studio of any serious health issues (allergies, asthma, etc) that may need attention. Parents and family supporters will provide full contact information, including emergency contact.
Student Responsibilities & Commitment
Books and Materials
It is the student’s responsibility to bring materials to lessons each week. If a student does not bring his or her books/materials, an ideal lesson experience cannot be guaranteed; however, every effort will be made to provide an effective experience. The instructor reserves the right to refuse to give a lesson if a student does not bring his or her materials to the lesson. No refunds will be given.
If a student loses a book or other materials, the student (or parent/guardian) will be responsible for replacing the item(s) at their own expense. You can find the Books and Materials most often used for lessons on our website FAQs.
It is the student’s responsibility to bring materials to lessons each week. If a student does not bring his or her books/materials, an ideal lesson experience cannot be guaranteed; however, every effort will be made to provide an effective experience. The instructor reserves the right to refuse to give a lesson if a student does not bring his or her materials to the lesson. No refunds will be given.
If a student loses a book or other materials, the student (or parent/guardian) will be responsible for replacing the item(s) at their own expense. You can find the Books and Materials most often used for lessons on our website FAQs.
Practicing
Don’t practice until you get it right, practice until you can’t get it wrong. Students are expected to include a regular routine of practice that best serves their goals. If you have a question about how much or how often to practice, please ask your instructor.
Performances
There are no mandatory requirements for performing due to the fact that each student has his or her own unique characteristics, preferences, goals, and skills. However, participation in studio recitals, local festivals, contests, and other events are strongly encouraged in order to build confidence and share music with others.
TeacherZone
All students are given a login to TeacherZone (app or web). This contains your lesson schedule, practice assignments, communication portal, and more. If you have questions, please ask your instructor.
Lesson Times
Kenya’s Keys, LLC makes every reasonable effort to work with each student in order to provide them the most convenient lesson time. Please be as flexible as possible when informing Kenya’s Keys, LLC of your available times.
Seasons
We have three Seasons at Kenya’s Keys- Fall (Sep-Dec), Winter (Jan-Apr), and Summer (May-Aug). Fall and Winter 2018 include 15 weeks of lessons PLUS performances. Summer is comprised of various workshops and camps given over the period several days or several weeks.
Missed Lessons
Because specific times are set aside for specific students, a student who does not attend a lesson will simply miss the benefit of that lesson. Tuition covers far more than the time with you or your child, so you do not need to worry that missing a lesson means wasting money. Missed lessons are frequently used to plan for your or your child’s progress, source materials, update repertoire, etc. See “Where Does My Tuition Go?” for more details. There are no refunds or discounts given for a missed lesson unless Kenya’s Keys, LLC is unable to teach a scheduled lesson, barring any reasonable unforeseen circumstance.
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Missed Lesson Options:
If a student cannot be physically present, using the phone, Skype, Facetime, or Google Hangout during the student’s regular lesson time are also an option. We also offer a video lesson in place of a make up.
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Inclement Weather:
In the case of inclement weather- please check your email or the website for lesson status.
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Lesson swaps:
Families of private students may trade their lesson time with another student (“Lesson Swap”) to help avoid absences.
The rules of a lesson swap are:
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Inform Kenya’s Keys, LLC prior to and after arranging a swap.
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No make-up lessons will be given if any confusion from this arises.
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If 2 people arrive at once, our staff will teach the student whose lesson is normally at that time.
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Inform Kenya’s Keys, LLC if you do not wish to have your name included on the swap list.
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Illness:
Students who are ill should not come to lessons. Kenya’s Keys, LLC reserves the right to send a student home if they arrive sick. If students are mildly ill, please email Kenya@KenyasKeys.com so that a lesson can still be conducted on one of the aforementioned platforms. You’ll need to have a computer, phone, tablet, or laptop with a camera close to your piano.
Please create a free Skype account and add “KenyasKeys” to your contacts (or your Facetime). This will allow our staff to call you and have a lesson with you over the internet if need be. Visit http://skype.com to create your free account. Other instructions for lesson alternatives are provided as needed.
Make-Ups Lessons
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Only one make-up will be scheduled per absence (no make-ups for make-ups).
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Make-ups are scheduled as a courtesy to you at the convenience of Kenya’s Keys, LLC.
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We will happily accommodate students with extenuating circumstances as we are able.
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When possible, please give at least 24 hours notice if you will be missing a lesson.
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Due to scheduling multiple students, there are no make-ups for missed group lessons.
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As part of encouraging our teachers to continually grow and improve themselves and their craft, there will be weeks where our staff is at conferences, competitions or performances. Make-up opportunities will ALWAYS be provided for lessons missed by our teachers.
Tuition
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Payment is due on the 1st of every month.
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A $10 late fee is assessed on unpaid accounts on the 11th of every month.
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Tuition can be paid every month, every semester, or yearly.
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Bounced checks will incur a $35 bounced check fee.
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Payments may be made online or in person.
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Payments may also be made automatically by securely storing a credit or debit card on file using Auto-Pay.
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New Enrollments will pay Tuition using Auto-Pay. (Effective October 1, 2016)
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Tuition may be adjusted annually for inflation and cost of living expenses. Notice will be provided if any changes occur.
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Pricing of Tuition is based on 32 lessons per calendar year.
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Pricing includes holiday breaks, to include Spring Break, Thanksgiving Break, and Winter (Christmas) Break.
Books and Materials:
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As you progress, new books and materials will be discussed.
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Kenya’s Keys, LLC will help you source books and materials, however, paying for them will be your responsibility.
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Books materials can be purchased here. It is important that books are purchased in a prompt manner.
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Kenya’s Keys, LLC understands the expense that books can incur and vows to only choose books that are deemed necessary and beneficial for the student’s progress.
Group Classes
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Group classes are Grace Notes (toddlers 2-4), Treble Makers (kids 4-7), Harmonic Homeschoolers (kids 5 and older), Organized Sound (teens singing and playing the music they want to) and The Supertonics (mixed ages choir).
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Group classes may not be held if the class does not meet minimum enrollment expectations.
Summer Music Classes
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Summer Music Classes are seasonal workshops and are not a component of regular Tuition.
Introductory Lessons
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Introductory lessons have a one-time fee of $30.
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Vocal Tune-Up, Piano Tune-Up, and Music Lesson Monday are Introductory Lessons.
Private and Online Classes
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As students advance, their lesson time will need to increase.
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You will be notified of any additional costs for materials such as books, special projects, or recitals.
Incentives:
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Semester Tuition (16 weeks) paid in full will receive 5% off the regular Tuition rate.
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Yearly Tuition (32 weeks) paid in full will receive 10% off the regular Tuition rate.
Referrals:
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Paid referrals earn you $25 credited to your account.
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There is no limit to the number of friends you can refer.
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The more friends you refer, the more you save.
Payment:
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Lessons are billed monthly, renew automatically. You can cancel or pause your lessons at any time by providing written notice via email and completing our Exit Form.
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Payments can be made securely via a link in your invoice or in person at your lesson. On your invoice, simply click the link and follow the steps given.
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Payments made after the 10th of the month will be assessed a $10 late fee.
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Services are provided for paid accounts. Services will not be provided for unpaid accounts. If your account is unpaid on the 11th, unfortunately, we won’t be able to provide a music lesson to you.
Opportunity is Calling YOU!
We LOVE to see you perform beyond the walls of our studio and are fortunate to be able to provide our families with several performance opportunities throughout the year. We hold very relaxed and family friendly concerts once every season (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall) to give our fantastically talented students a chance to showcase their amazingness. There are no additional fees associated with our concerts!Our students have enjoyed the benefits of auditioning for nationally syndicated broadcast shows such as America’s Got Talent and The Voice! Our students have earned 1’s in their U.I.L. performances. Our students have wowed their families with the tremendous increase in freedom of self-expression and self-confidence. Opportunity is calling you on Line 1! Join us today!
Practice Times and Other Requirements:
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Kenya’s Keys, LLC emphasizes the quality versus quantity of time practiced. Practice is required in order to make progress.
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It is the recommendation of Kenya’s Keys, LLC to practice a minimum of 15 minutes a day, five days a week. As students advance and mature, this requirement will increase.
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Students are required to report on their practice session in their practice journal. Parents should read their children’s assignments and comment and initial in the appropriate box. Please make comments on how you think your child’s progress is going at home.
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A metronome is very helpful for all students. There are several apps that serve this purpose.
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Fingernails must be kept short at all times for piano students.
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Parents should plan to attend their child’s lesson at least once every 3 months (more if necessary or desired). This helps keep you in touch with your child’s progress, accomplishments, and difficulties.
Thank You!
Kenya’s Keys would like to thank you for abiding by these policies to help your/your child’s lessons be the most productive and efficient! We also thank you for the privilege of allowing Kenya’s Keys, LLC the opportunity to help you elevate your creativity! We look forward to a great year of music making.
Dismissal and Termination:
If for any reason you must pause or stop lessons, 1 month’s notice via email is required. At that time, Kenya’s Keys, LLC will ask you to complete an Exit Survey. Upon completion, we will then pro-rate any Tuition that may be owed to you based on the date given as of your anticipated final lesson. You will be required to pay this balance.
Regrettably, Kenya’s Keys, LLC will dismiss a student if any of these circumstances occur:
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Failure to pay Tuition on time
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Persistent absences
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Uncooperative attitude
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Lack of progress due to insufficient practice or unfulfilled requirements
Website Privacy:
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At times, Kenya’s Keys, LLC will post schedules, make announcements, and write articles on the blog using student’s first names only (no pictures).
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Pictures and videos of students may be posted periodically on this website and social media with no names attached.
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Student’s music and recordings from studio practices and performances may be posted on this website for the benefit of helping other teachers and students.
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You can opt out/in upon registration.