THE MUSIC CELLAR FAQ 2024-2025

Q. How long are lessons? How often?

A. Lessons are 30 minutes in length and occur once a week at the same day and time. They are private lessons. We do not offer group lessons outside of our ROCK U. band program.

• Our lesson year is September to June (students can start at anytime up to May long weekend)

• We do not offer summer lessons or camps as we are closed July and August

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Q. How can I pay?

A. We prefer payment via e-transfers but you can also pay with cheques. We do not accept credit card or cash.

• e-transfer email: themusiccellar.payment@gmail.com

  • Please include a note when you submit your e-transfer with the student's name to ensure we apply it to the correct account​

• Cheques payable to: The Music Cellar​​​​ dated for first lesson date

  • Please date post-dated cheques for the first of the month

  • Cheques can be left in the black cheque box on the wall in the waiting room of TMC​

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Q. Can I stop in to TMC to inquire about lessons? Can I call?

A. We are By Appointment Only. This website provides our hours, days, pricing, staff info and the instruments we teach. Please email us as it is the fastest way to reach us for any reason. ​

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Q. How long will I be on the waiting list?

A. As openings become available we go down our list of pre-registered students waiting for a spot, but of course we need to have a time that suits their availability. The more availability you have in your schedule might enable you to get a lesson spot faster than someone who can only attend on a certain day at a certain time. 

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Q. What instruments do you teach? Lesson ? Trial Programs?

A. We offer professional, 30 minute weekly private instruction in: Guitar | Drums | Piano | Voice | Bass | Ukulele | Music Theory. Any instrument we teach is offered in a 6 Week Intro Program and you must remain on that instrument for the 6 weeks. Please note trials can only be taken once on an instrument and cannot be repeated. Hour lessons available upon request and subject to availability. 

 

​Students can take lessons on multiple instruments but must register for each instrument. They will not learn drums one week, guitar the next, piano the next etc. They will attend lessons on the same instrument with the same teacher at the same time every week for 30 minutes. ​

 

Q. How much are lessons at The Music Cellar (Sept 2024-June 2025)?

A. 

• 30 minute Regular lessons are $87 monthly present or absent Sept–June ($870 ÷ 36 lessons per year = $24.16 per lesson prorated amount)

• 6 Week Trials are $120 present or absent

• Half Year Tuition is $435 (Sept to Jan) and $435 (Feb to June) | Payable Sept 1st and Feb 1st absent or present

• Full Year Tuition is $870 | Payable Sept 1st absent or present

• ROCK U. programs absent or present are $125 per month (1 hour weekly) and run from September to March.

 

Q. If I only had 2 lessons in December, why am I paying a full month? 

A. Tuition is $870 for our 10 month year (Sept to June). You are paying our tuition amount pro-rated over 10 months. That rate is not based on 4 lessons per month. Some months you may have more lessons, some months you may have fewer lessons. If you join TMC at any point throughout the year, you are pro-rated into our monthly billing cycle of $87 and your first month of regular lessons (perhaps after a 6 week trial) will reflect a different payment amount and then the following month your lessons will be $87 monthly. ​

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Q. When are lesson payments due?

A. If you are paying monthly, lesson payments are due on the 1st of each month (Sept to June). Half year lump sum payments are due Sept 1st and Feb 1st of the lesson year. Full year lump payments are due Sept 1st but can be made at any time if a student has started after September (amount will be pro-rated).

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Q. What is your policy in regards to missed lessons?

A. As explained in our Policies 2024-2025 PDF, students can reschedule one missed lesson per term provided at least 24 hours notice is provided: 

• TERM 1: Sept to Jan

• TERM 2: Feb to June

• Students who start in Term 2 are allowed one rescheduled lesson

• Students who take hour lessons weekly or bi-weekly are allowed one reschedule throughout the year (equivalent to two lessons)

• Make Up lessons are subject to our 24 hour cancellation policy. Please provide 24 hours notice to reschedule a make up lesson

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Q. Do you offer a Leave of Absence?

A. Students are allowed one Leave or Absence (once per school season) if they need to miss 2 to 4 consecutive lessons due to a vacation, illness or other extenuating circumstances. A Leave of Absence request should be communicated via email to TMC.

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Q. What is your cancellation policy?

A. The Music Cellar requires two week written notice (email) to withdraw from lessons. Any additional payments or lesson refunds will be processed and prorated at our 30 minute lesson rate of $24.16.

 

Q. Do you offer online lessons?

A. Now that the pandemic is over, we recommend attending ALL lessons in person. We are phasing out online classes beginning March 1st 2025. 

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Q. Do you offer in-home lessons?

A. All lessons are provided at The Music Cellar as we do not provide classes outside our studio. 

 

Q. Do you offer Rock Band groups?

A. Yes, we offer unique ROCK U. band programs. Our ROCK U. programs are currently at capacity.

 

Q. Does The Music Cellar rent instruments?

A. The Music Cellar has ended its rental instrument programs. We recommend renting from Long & McQuade to ensure you're using a quality instrument with a warranty and purchase option.

 

Q. Do I need an instrument to take lessons?

A. Yes. A quality instrument at home will improve learning and encourage playing. 

 

Q. Do you have group lessons / can I take lessons with my child?

A. We do not offer group lessons outside of ROCK U as everyone learns at a different pace. 

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