REACHING ALL IN NEED (RAIN) – POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Upon signing up for lessons, the student/parent will be asked to thoroughly read the Studio Policies & Procedures and sign/date the document. By signing the policies, the student/parent agrees to respect and abide by the studio’s current policies as long as the student is taking lessons with Pastor Howard Harris, Jr.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Weekly private lessons are offered at GracePointe Church. Our primary focus is on students in Grades PK-5th. Lessons are structured in 30-minute sessions to best suit the attention spans and developmental needs of young learners. If a student requires advanced instruction (45 or 60 minutes), this may be arranged based on the student’s age and level.

AT THE STUDIO

Students should arrive with all materials and music 15 minutes before their lesson for "warm-up." During this time, students are expected to wipe their hands and practice on the keyboard. Parents and siblings may quietly enjoy the waiting area at GracePointe Church. To discuss student progress, parents are welcome to talk with Pastor Harris during the first five minutes of the student's lesson—but not afterwards—to respect the next student's time slot.

PRACTICE AND INSTRUMENT

Private students are expected to practice at least five times per week. Consistency and quality are more crucial than total minutes. For a beginner (PK-5), a focused 10-15 minute daily session can show significant results.

Acoustic Pianos: Ideally, students should have access to a well-maintained acoustic piano tuned twice a year.

Keyboards: For beginners, a keyboard is acceptable if it has weighted, touch-sensitive keys. As a student progresses into intermediate levels, an acoustic piano is highly recommended for proper finger strength and emotional expression.

MATERIALS

RAIN provides an exclusive, full-service approach. All materials, including a notebook, customized worksheets, and music books (Gospel, R&B, Classical, and Jazz), will be provided. Students are expected to bring their notebook and books to every lesson.

CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE

The formal lesson schedule runs from September through June. The studio is closed during the week of Thanksgiving, the two weeks of Christmas/New Year break, and Spring Break. A minimum of 4 summer lessons are required to maintain skill levels and retain your spot for the fall.

CANCELLING AND ATTENDANCE

Please notify Pastor Harris at least 24 hours in advance regarding any absences. Tuition is based on enrollment, not attendance; therefore, refunds or credits cannot be issued for missed lessons. If a student is mildly ill or away on vacation, a lesson via FaceTime or Skype is an excellent alternative to keep progress on track.

TUITION AND PAYMENT STRUCTURE

Standard Rate: $45 per 30-minute session; $75 per 60-minute session.

Financial Aid: RAIN is committed to making music accessible. Financial aid is available for families who qualify—please speak with Pastor Harris privately for more information.

Payment Due Date: Tuition is due on or before the 1st of each month for that month’s upcoming lessons.

Late Fees: Payments received after the 10th of the month will incur a late fee of $30.

Payment Methods: Tuition may be paid via cash, check, or electronic payment (details provided upon registration).

REGISTRATION FEE

To secure a spot in the RAIN program, a non-refundable registration fee of $100 per student is due along with the first month's tuition. This fee guarantees the student’s time slot and covers the cost of all books and customized materials used throughout the year.

DISCONTINUING LESSONS

If a student decides to stop lessons, please provide one month’s notice so that we can achieve a positive sense of closure. Pastor Harris reserves the right to dismiss students for unpaid tuition, frequent absences, or a consistent lack of preparedness.

PARENT PARTICIPATION

Parents of PK-5th graders are encouraged to be active "practice partners" at home. You are always welcome to quietly observe lessons to better understand how to support your child’s musical journey.