POLIcies and Regulations

Cancellation and No-Show Policy

1. Lesson Cancellation

To cancel a piano lesson without charge, you must notify me at least 48 hours before the scheduled lesson time. Cancellations can be communicated via email at pianowithester@gmail.com or by phone at 514-444-xxxx.

If you cancel a lesson less than 48 hours before the scheduled time, a cancellation fee of 50% of the lesson cost will apply. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the lesson will be charged at the full rate.

2. No-Show

A no-show is defined as missing a lesson without prior notification within the indicated timeframes. In the case of a no-show, the full cost of the lesson will be charged, and no refund will be issued.

3. Reservations and Refunds

Lessons can be reserved by email or by phone. Payment must be made at the time of booking.

If a cancellation is made within the required timeframes, a full refund will be issued, or a credit will be applied for a future lesson. Refunds for late cancellations will be processed in accordance with my cancellation policy.

4. Exceptions and Special Circumstances

I understand that unforeseen situations may arise. In cases of force majeure (illness, family emergency, etc.), please contact me as soon as possible to discuss rescheduling the lesson or the possibility of a refund.

If a lesson must be canceled by the instructor, I will offer either a full refund or a replacement lesson at a mutually convenient date and time.

Payment Terms Policy

1. Accepted Payment Methods

I accept the following payment methods:

  • Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) in person

  • Bank transfer/Interac e-transfer at pianowithester@gmail.com

  • Cash/Checks (for in-person payments)

2. Payment Conditions

All lessons must be paid for in advance. Payments can be made on a weekly, monthly, or predetermined course package basis, depending on what works best for the student and the teacher. An annual invoice for tax deductions can be provided at the end of the year.

3. Late Payments

In the event of late payment, a late fee of 25% of the amount due will be applied for each week of delay. If payment is not received within 14 days of the due date, I reserve the right to suspend lessons until the account is settled. Payment reminders will be sent via email or message.

4. Refund Policy

Refunds will be issued in the following situations:

  • Cancellation of a lesson within the required timeframes (see my cancellation policy).

  • Billing error on my part.

To request a refund, please contact me at pianowithester@gmail.com with the details of your request. Refunds will be processed within 10 business days.

Advance payments for gift cards are non-refundable.

Course Withdrawal Policy

1. Withdrawal Notification

If you decide to withdraw from piano lessons, I ask that you notify me in writing (email) at least 30 days before the desired end date of the lessons. You can send your withdrawal notification to pianowithester@gmail.com or contact me by phone at 514-444-xxxx.

2. Financial Obligations

In the event of course withdrawal, the following financial obligations apply:

  • Lessons scheduled within 30 days of the withdrawal notification must be paid in full.

  • If you have paid in advance for a longer period, I will refund the unused lessons after the 30-day notice period, minus any applicable cancellation penalties.

3. Refunds

Refunds for lessons not attended after the 30-day notice period will be processed within 10 business days after receipt of the withdrawal notification. Refunds will be made via the same payment method used for the initial payment.

4. Reintegration of Lessons

If you wish to resume lessons after a withdrawal, please contact me to discuss reintegration. Re-enrollment will be subject to available time slots and, if necessary, a level assessment to ensure appropriate pedagogical continuity. Former students may be given priority registration based on availability.

Events and Concerts Policy

1. Participation in Events

I regularly organize events and concerts to give my students the opportunity to perform in public and demonstrate their progress. Participation in these events is optional but highly encouraged. Students must confirm their participation at least 4 weeks before the event by contacting me at pianowithester@gmail.com.

2. Preparation and Rehearsals

Rehearsal sessions will be organized before each event. The dates, times, and locations of rehearsals will be communicated in advance. Students are required to attend all scheduled rehearsals to ensure a successful performance. Students must bring their own sheet music and wear appropriate attire as indicated by the teacher.

3. Associated Fees

There may be participation fees for certain events or concerts, covering organizational costs, piano rental, venue rental, or other necessities. Exact fees will be communicated upon registration for the event. In case of cancellation of participation, fees will only be refunded if cancellation is made at least 15 days before the event.

4. Image Rights

During events and concerts, photos and videos may be taken for promotional or educational purposes. These images may be published on my website, social media, or other communication materials. For minor students, I will seek parental consent before using their images. Please complete and sign the image consent form before the event.

5. Expected Behavior

I expect all students and their parents to behave respectfully and professionally during events and concerts. This includes respecting schedules, other participants, and instructions given by the organizers. Any inappropriate behavior may result in sanctions, ranging from a warning to exclusion from future events.

Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

My studio, Ester Piano Studio, located at 5618 rue Briand, is committed to protecting the confidentiality and security of your personal information. This privacy policy explains how I collect, use, share, and protect your data when you use my website for piano lessons.

2. Data Collected

I collect the following types of data:

  • Adult/parent identification information (name, address, email, phone number)

  • Student identification information (name, age, date of birth, gender, musical preferences)

  • Payment information

  • Browsing data (cookies, IP address)

3. Use of Data

I use your data to:

  • Manage lesson registrations

  • Communicate with you

  • Improve my services

The legal basis for processing your data is your consent and the performance of our contractual obligations.

4. Data Sharing

I am committed to not selling the personal information collected. However, I may share your data with third-party service providers to facilitate our operations (payment, substitute teacher, etc.). I ensure that these third parties adhere to appropriate data protection standards.

5. Data Security

I implement technical and organizational measures to protect your data against unauthorized access and disclosure.

6. User Rights

You have the right to access, rectify, delete, restrict, and object to the processing of your data. You can also request the portability of your data.

7. Cookies and Similar Technologies

I may use cookies to enhance your experience on my site. You can manage and delete cookies through your browser settings.

8. Privacy Policy Modifications

I may update this privacy policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page with the update date.

9. Children’s Privacy

Protecting children’s privacy is particularly important to me. My site contains sections intended for children under 13 years old, and I do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent. If I discover that I have collected personal information from a child under 13 without parental consent, I will take steps to delete this information as soon as possible.

Parental Consent

If you are a parent or legal guardian and you learn that your child has provided us with personal information without your consent, please contact me at pianowithester@gmail.com. I will take the necessary steps to delete this information from my systems.

Parental Rights

Parents or legal guardians have the right to request access to their children’s personal information, request correction or deletion of that information, and refuse future collection or use of their children’s information. To exercise these rights, please contact me at the email address provided above.

Contact for Parents

For any questions or requests regarding children’s privacy, please contact me at:

  • Email: info@pianowithester.com

  • Phone: 514-444-xxxx

10. Minor’s Image Right

Collection and Use of Images

As part of my piano lessons and particularly concerts, I may take photos or record videos of students for educational, promotional, or communication purposes. These images may be used on my website, social media, or other communication materials.

Parental Consent

I will not publish any image or video of a minor student without obtaining prior consent from their parents or legal guardian. A consent form will be provided to parents or guardians to obtain their explicit permission before any use of their child’s images or videos.

Parental Rights

Parents or legal guardians have the right to:

  • Request access to images and videos of their child.

  • Request the deletion of any image or video of their child from my communication materials.

  • Refuse the future use of their child’s images and videos.

Withdrawal of Consent

Parents or guardians can withdraw their consent at any time by contacting me at pianowithester@gmail.com. In the event of withdrawal of consent, I will take steps to remove the relevant images and videos from my communication materials as soon as possible.

Contact for Image Rights Questions

For any questions or requests regarding minors' image rights, please contact me at pianowithester@gmail.com.

11. Contact

For any questions or requests regarding this privacy policy, please contact me at info@pianowithester.com.

Effective Date: May 30, 2024.