Studio fee: $640 for 40 half hour lessons (weekly), $500 for 20 one hour lessons (bi-weekly). Payment by 10 post-dated monthly cheques, or in full at the beginning of the lesson year. 2 weeks notice to change the enrollment agreement. Missed lessons are considered paid, though I attempt to reschedule if I have 24 hours notice. Absence due to illness are considered paid, but I make every effort to find a make-up time if I am notified before 9am. Sports, dances, school trips are no excuse. If the student can't do two things at once, that's not my problem, and not an issue as long as I'm paid, which under my system I always am. I expect an annual commitment, and if something conflicts, it's the student's loss. All this is in writing at the time of enrollment.

I used to get stung regularly by no-shows and "can I pay you next time?" excuses, but it's hard to buy Kraft Dinner with that, never mind get a bank loan or mortgage.

Ever since I started this annual fee scheme, absences for any reason are way down. I teach full-time at home, Monday to Friday and alternate Saturdays.

FEES ARE FOR ENROLLMENT NOT ATTENDANCE, it says on my fee schedule.

Anyone who complains or questions this policy gets the standard reasoning that it helps keep my rates down, attendance up, continuity of learning, secures the student's place on my schedule. I don't say it, but it's true that many other things like sports and dance do likewise, and there are plenty of potential customers waiting for lessons.

My dentist, chiropractor, and mechanic will charge for missed appointments, why shouldn't I?

Peace, Mooh.