POLICIES
STUDENT
STUDENT HANDBOOK AND POLICIES
Guidelines for Students and Families
Welcome to Mechanics of Music. We’re happy you’re here. This handbook explains how things work at our studio so everyone knows what to expect. Our goal is to make lessons enjoyable, organized, and safe for every student, teacher, and family involved.
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We ask that you take a few minutes to read through these policies. They help us keep things running smoothly and fairly for everyone in our community. By joining lessons or programs at Mechanics of Music, you agree to follow the policies outlined here.
Studio Guidelines
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Mechanics of Music is a welcoming and inclusive space where people of all ages can learn and play music together. We believe everyone deserves respect. Please treat instructors, students, and visitors with kindness at all times. We do not tolerate bullying, harassment, or disruptive behavior.
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​Our studio is also home to two friendly cats, Huney and Bear. They like being around people and lessons, but please help us keep them safe by ensuring doors remain closed.
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​There is free street parking available right in front of the studio or along 2nd Street. When you arrive, enter through the red basement door on the left side of the house. You don’t need to knock. If the door is locked, call 604-612-1440 for entry. Group classes take place downstairs, while private lessons may happen upstairs or downstairs depending on your teacher’s schedule.
Lesson Policies
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​New students are welcome to begin with an 8-lesson introductory package, which includes a 10% discount. This one-time offer helps new students get comfortable with their teacher before committing to a full semester. After the package is complete, students automatically continue into the semester system unless written notice is provided.
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​To cancel or reschedule, a minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required. You may contact the studio by email at admin@mechanicsofmusic.com, by phone, or through the online scheduling system. Lessons cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged in full.
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​Lessons begin and end on time. Students arriving late will receive only the remaining portion of their lesson without credit or extension.
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​If a student is ill or unable to attend in person, the lesson may be switched to online. Exceptions for medical injuries or emergencies will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
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​If the school must cancel a private lesson, the lesson will be rescheduled at no additional charge.
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​In the event of snow or extreme weather, private lessons may move online. If a group class cannot be rescheduled, a credit will be applied toward a future class or workshop.
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​Our teachers are active, professional musicians, so substitutes may occasionally lead your lesson. We’ll always pair you with someone qualified. If no substitute is available, we’ll reschedule or offer a credit.
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Mechanics of Music reserves the right to cancel any group class or workshop due to low registration or unforeseen circumstances. In the event of cancellation due to low registration, we will provide at least 24 hours' notice whenever possible. If a session is cancelled, registered participants will receive a full credit to their account that can be used toward future classes.
Payments and Fees
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All lessons and services must be paid in full before the scheduled lesson. If payment has not been received, the credit card on file will be charged automatically.
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​Mechanics of Music accepts e-transfer (preferred, to admin@mechanicsofmusic.com), cash, cheque, or credit card (subject to a 3.5% processing fee). A valid credit card must remain on file for all active students. Late payments are subject to a $10 administrative fee.
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​All lesson and service fees are non-refundable. Credits will be applied to your account and can be used toward future lessons or workshops. Instruments and accessories may be returned within 30 days if unused and in their original packaging. Credit card fees are non-refundable.
Monthly Music Lessons and Instrument Rental Subscriptions
The policies below outlines the terms and conditions for monthly music lessons and/or instrument rentals with Mechanics of Music. By enrolling in the subscription program, students (or parents/guardians of students under 18) agree to the following policies:
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1. Lesson Subscription
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The lesson subscription includes 4 private or group lessons per month
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Lessons are scheduled on a recurring monthly basis.
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Lesson credits not used within the month will roll over into the following month.
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2. Instrument Rental Subscription
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Instruments are available to rent on a monthly subscription basis, charged once per month.
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Instruments must be returned before the date of the next scheduled subscription charge to avoid additional billing.
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Students are responsible for the care and safe return of the instrument in reasonable condition, excluding normal wear and tear.
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Lost or damaged instruments may be subject to replacement or repair fees at the discretion of Mechanics of Music.
3. Billing & Payments
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A valid credit card must be kept on file for all subscriptions.
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The card on file will be charged automatically on the 1st of each month or the date you subscribed.
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Charges will continue until written notice is received to cancel or place a subscription on hold, in accordance with the policies outlined below.
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4. Subscription Hold
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Students may place their lesson or instrument rental subscription on hold once per year, typically during the summer months.
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Hold requests must be submitted in writing at least 14 days before the requested hold date.
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Subscription charges are processed on the 1st of each month.
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For instrument rentals, the instrument must be returned before the hold period begins.
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All hold requests are subject to approval by Mechanics of Music.
5. Cancellation Policy
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A minimum of 14 days’ written notice is required to cancel your subscription (lessons and/or rentals).
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Subscription fees are non-refundable once billed.
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For rentals, instruments must be returned before the cancellation takes effect.
6. Attendance & Rescheduling (Lessons Only)
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48 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule a private lesson.
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Private lessons canceled or missed without 48 hours’ notice will be forfeited.
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Group lessons are non-transferrable and cannot be rescheduled
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Missed group lessons will be forfeited.
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Make-up lessons may be offered at the discretion of Mechanics of Music in cases of family emergency or other special circumstances.
7. Flexibility Options (Private Lessons Only)
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Students may choose to attend their lesson online instead of in-person if they are unable to travel to the studio.
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Lessons may be transferred to friends or family members upon request.
8. Commitment to Learning & Care
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Mechanics of Music is committed to providing high-quality instruction and well-maintained rental instruments.
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Students and renters agree to uphold this agreement to ensure a positive, consistent experience for themselves and others.
Care and Conduct
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Mechanics of Music maintains a professional and safe environment. The studio does not provide before or aftercare. Students must arrive on time and be picked up immediately after their lesson.
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​Parents or guardians of children under the age of seven are encouraged to remain for the first few lessons.
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​Please inform the studio of any allergies, medical conditions, or accessibility needs that may affect safety or participation.
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​No outside pets are permitted. The only animals allowed in the studio are Huney and Bear.
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​Mechanics of Music assumes no liability for injuries sustained on the premises or during participation in lessons, classes, or events. Participation is voluntary and at the student’s own risk.
Contact Information
Email: admin@mechanicsofmusic.com
Phone: 604-612-1440
Address: 208 Osborne Avenue, New Westminster, BC
Website: www.mechanicsofmusic.com
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Mechanics of Music reserves the right to update these policies at any time.