Lesson Policies in West Bend, WI | Erik Holmes Percussion Studio
Welcome to Drum and Percussion Lessons!
What to Expect & How Lessons Work
I’m excited to work with you (or your child)! The goal of these policies isn’t to be strict or intimidating — they’re here to keep lessons consistent, fair, and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Below is a clear overview of how lessons work, what to expect, and how to get the most out of your time in the studio.
How Lessons Are Structured
- Lessons meet once per week at the same scheduled time.
- Consistency matters — weekly lessons help students build momentum and confidence.
- Each month includes four lessons.
- When a month has five weeks, students receive a bonus lesson at no extra cost. This helps balance out the occasional missed lesson over the year.
Tuition & Payments (Simple and Automatic)
- Tuition is billed monthly:
- 30-minute lessons: $125/month
- 60-minute lessons: $240/month
Summer Lessons (June–August)
- Summer lessons are offered as a package:
- $375 for six one-hour lessons
- Summer scheduling may vary slightly, but I’ll always communicate clearly in advance.
How Payment Works
- All accounts are auto-charged via debit or credit card.
- PayPal is used as the payment processor, but you do not need a PayPal account.
- Cash and checks are not accepted — this keeps things simple and consistent for everyone.
If a payment ever fails:
- Payment is due by the end of the month.
- Lessons resume as soon as the account is back in good standing.
Your Weekly Lesson Time
- Your lesson time is reserved just for you each week.
- As long as your account is current, that time is yours.
If you ever need to change your permanent lesson time:
- Please let me know as soon as possible.
- Schedules fill quickly, so advance notice gives us the best chance of finding a good alternative.
Missed Lessons & Cancellations
I totally understand that life happens — school events, sports, illness, busy schedules. To keep things fair and sustainable:
- Missed or canceled lessons are not refunded or rescheduled.
- This policy allows me to keep consistent scheduling for all students.
- Please do not send your child to lessons with severe illness. It will just cause more missed lessons for everyone.
If I ever need to cancel and can’t provide four lessons in a month, a credit will be applied to your account.
To stop lessons entirely, I ask for a minimum of two lessons’ notice.
Materials & Supplies
To support steady progress, families should plan for:
- Books & sheet music: about $80 per year
- Sticks & mallets: about $80 per year
I’m always happy to recommend:
- What’s actually necessary
- Fun music or gear that makes great birthday or holiday gifts
Just ask!
Practice & Preparation
Great lessons start between lessons.
Students should arrive with:
- Their books
- Sticks and/or mallets
- Assignment notebook
- Some consistent practice behind them
A few other notes:
- Students should have appropriate practice equipment at home.
- A metronome is required (apps are perfectly fine).
- Preparation leads to faster progress and more enjoyable lessons.
If a student is repeatedly unprepared or behaves disrespectfully, lessons may not be a good fit going forward.
Recitals (A Highlight of the Year!)
- Recitals are held twice per year:
- May
- November
- Participation is strongly encouraged, but never forced.
- Friends and family are always welcome.
- There is no admission fee for attendees.
Recital Fee
- A $31.25 facility fee (equal to one lesson) is billed during recital months.
- In most cases, the recital replaces that week’s lesson rather than adding an extra cost.
Final Thoughts
My goal is to create a studio environment that is:
- Encouraging
- Organized
- Respectful of everyone’s time
Clear expectations help students thrive and keep lessons running smoothly. If you ever have questions, concerns, or need clarification, I’m always happy to talk.
