Frequently Asked Questions—Lesson Packages

How are the number of lessons in each package determined for a given semester?
For fall and spring semesters, we generally offer packages that provide weekly or biweekly (every other week) lessons. Summer packages are smaller to accommodate vacations, camps, and other demands on families’ and instructors’ schedules.  Specific package details will be released before each semester.

Lesson lengths vary. Will the lesson packages reflect that?
They will! All lesson packages are available with 60-, 45-, or 30-minute lessons.

What if I want more lessons than the largest package offers? Or the largest lesson package is too many lessons and the smaller lesson package doesn’t provide enough lessons?
We’ve got you covered! With the purchase of any lesson package, you can purchase individual add-on lessons during the semester if you need more lessons than your lesson package provides. The total number of lessons purchased may not exceed the number of weeks in the semester.

What if I want fewer lessons than the smallest available lesson package? Can I just purchase single lessons?
Lesson packages are designed to ensure that students are receiving adequate instruction. Students may not purchase less than the smallest lesson package. Students who register after the semester has begun may be able to purchase fewer lessons based on the amount of time remaining in the semester; please contact the SPCM via email or at 651-224-2205.

What if I can’t make it to a scheduled lesson?
Please work directly with your instructor to reschedule lessons as necessary. Lessons cancelled less than 24 hours in advance are not generally eligible for rescheduling, except under exceptional circumstances and at the instructor's discretion.

What happens if I haven’t used all of the lessons in my package by the end of the semester?
We encourage students to try to have all of the lessons included in their purchased package within one semester. Consistent instruction helps you meet your musical goals! If, however, you are unable to use all of the lessons in your lesson package, you have until the end of the following semester to complete these lessons. Purchased lessons cannot be refunded.

How are packages priced?
Packages prices are based on the level of the instructor. Level 1 instructors are $64 per hour; level 2 instructors are $70 per hour.

Which instructors are Level 1 and which are Level 2?
Level 2 instructors are D. Adams, Bowers, Buckner, Chalmiers, Galhano, Gratz, Holder, Menard, Piastro, and Sabien. All other instructors are Level 1.

Are there any other fees associated with taking lessons at SPCM?
Just one: all lesson packages are subject to a $15 registration fee. Students or families that purchase multiple lesson packages at one time will only be charged a single $15 registration fee. Once the registration fee has been paid with lesson package purchase, add-on lessons are not subject to the fee.

I or my student have been participating in partnered lessons, or want to. Are these available?
Yes! We continue to offer partnered lessons. As always, students who participate in partnered lessons split the cost of the lesson package equally. Students are responsible for finding their own partners and both students must confirm the pairing with the SPCM before they can register.

I still have a question. What should I do?
Please visit our Policies page for more details. If your question isn’t answered there, please contact us at registration@thespcm.org or at 651-224-2205.