Lesson Terms & Policies
Please keep in mind that although I'm incredibly lucky to be able to do what I do and love it passionately, I still have to make a living doing this. There are bills to be paid, tacos to be eaten, and guitars to be bought. I am in the business of selling my time, so in addition to the knowledge you will be receiving; the time in which it is received is also of value.
To know in advance you that won't be coming allows me to free up the slot you have booked to teach another lesson (making extra money is good for people), grab something to eat (sometimes I have to teach 6-8 hours straight, and I can't really explain melodic minor harmony with a mouthful of burrito); or just get focused and practice for a while not worrying about whether or not I'll have to start teaching a lesson at a moment's notice.
You will be permitted one cancellation per calendar month provided that notice is given before 24 hours of when your lesson is scheduled to occur.
In short, you can't cancel within 24 hours of your lesson, otherwise you will be charged. You can do this once a month.
If you cancel a second lesson, even with 24 hours notice, in the same month as a previous cancellation you will forfeit payment for that lesson.
Failure to appear for a scheduled lesson will result in forfeiture of payment for that lesson.
Due to the nature of commitment involved in the study of an instrument, it is expected that when one pays for a block of 4 or 8 lessons that one will not only see through with the work that's involved; but also recognize that there's far more to be learned than what one can absorb in 1-2 months.
For that reason, much like when one signs up for courses at a community college, refunds are not offered on packages of lessons. If you're unsure of whether you have the time to devote to learning an instrument, unsure of whether you'll be living in New York for another 8 weeks (I do offer Skype lessons as well), or even if you think it might be too long of a walk/bike ride/subway ride; simply book lessons one at a time until you're sure that 4 or 8 sessions is something that you're willing to commit to.
With over 20 years of experience teaching music, I'm 100% confident in my ability to make sure you take something home with you to practice that addresses the aspects of your playing that need the most attention. I work very hard while observing your fingers moving in the lesson and listening to what your goals are for the instrument to make sure that this is the case, regardless of how many lessons you've taken or what your skill level is.
For that reason, I do not offer 'trial lessons' at a discounted rate. I can assure you, you're getting the best instruction possible from one of the most in-demand guitar instructors in the country. I think what is more fair is to reward a hard working student who commits to two months of study with a discount on a block of lessons, rather than giving a cheaper rate for someone's first lesson who hasn't showed any signs of commitment.