Studio Policy
Our Studio Policy outlines important guidelines regarding attendance, practice expectations, lesson cancellations, tuition payments, and general conduct within the studio. These policies are designed to maximize the educational benefits for our students and to maintain a harmonious and respectful atmosphere for everyone.
Tuition Pricing & Payments
This grid breaks down the prices for each of our String Studio lesson options. These prices are for students living and attending school in South King County. Unsure if you live and attend school in South King County? Email us.
Students who live outside of South King County, excluding Rainier Beach (Seattle, the east side, or Pierce County) are welcome to join our studio at market rates. Please contact us.
Payment Options & Deadlines
Tuition is due on the first Friday at the beginning of each trimester. Families may contact us to set up a tuition payment plan for weekly, biweekly or monthly payments. Failure to pay by the third lesson will result in termination of lessons.
Checks should be made payable to:
Key to Change
P.O. Box 16787
Seattle, WA 98116
Refunds
Key to Change will only reimburse families 100% of the tuition paid if the student decides to stop taking lessons prior to the end of the first week of lessons. No refunds will be issued after the first week of lessons. Families are responsible for paying the remaining balance of the trimester, even if the student discontinues lessons.
Scholarships
The Key to Change is dedicated to providing scholarship assistance to students who have expressed a need due to their family’s financial situation. Scholarships that are given to students are funded through generous support from our donors, board and community supporters.
Most of the scholarships we provide are based on financial need. As part of the application process, a 1040 Tax Form for the current year must be submitted as well as the student’s most recent report card, demonstrating a 2.5 GPA or higher.
We also provide a small number of merit-based scholarships for talented students who demonstrate hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude in their lessons. These are based solely on teacher recommendation. Key to Change does not solicit applications for merit-based scholarships.
What are the expectations of a student receiving a need-based scholarship?
Scholarship recipients must:
- Attend all weekly lessons, masterclasses, outreach and studio performances.
- Complete weekly assignments from instructors.
- Maintain a 2.5 grade point average or above.
- Exemplify a positive and healthy attitude and work ethic.
- Commit to three trimesters (one year) of lessons.
Scholarship recipients may lose their scholarships due to the following:
- Lack of preparation in personal practice
- Excessive tardiness or more than four unexcused absences from lessons
- Poor or disruptive attitude.
- Lack of participation in outreach or studio performances.
- Not maintaining a minimum 2.5 grade point average. (Grades must be provided at the beginning of each trimester in August, December and April.)
- Late payments on payment plan or parents/guardians not communicating regarding an extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Key to Change's policy on make-lessons?
Due to our tight lesson schedule, lessons missed by a student for any reason may not be rescheduled. If the instructor cancels lessons, missed lessons will be rescheduled at some point during the trimester.
What if i need to miss my lesson?
We ask that you are mindful of your lesson commitment and do your best not to schedule any conflicting appointments. If you are unable to attend a lesson, a parent or guardian should contact our office by email ([email protected]) or call (425) 970-3540.
Please note: An excused absence includes family emergencies and illness. Unexcused absences including not practicing or forgetting class materials will be considered unexcused. Please notify our office of previously scheduled school commitments prior to the trimester beginning.
More than four unexcused absences in a trimester will result in termination of lessons for those on scholarship.
