NCGS Policies
Updated: 07/01/2017
I. Registration and Tuition Payment
NCGS follows a tuition-based system. The tuition can be paid in full or paid in five monthly installments.
A registration fee of $25 must be paid before the start of the first lesson of each term. This fee goes to any printouts or copies you may receive as a student, as well as providing opportunities like Performance Classes, School Recitals, Master Classes from guest artists, etc.
I. A EZ-Pay Program
Students/Families paying via NCGS's EZ-Pay Program (tuition paid in full), the tuition is due upon completion of registration for the term. You will be given a 7 day grace period afterwards your payment will be considered late and your account with NCGS will be charged a $45 late fee. Those paying using NCGS's EZ-Pay Program, payments are due on the first (1st) of the following months:
Fall Term: August
Winter Term: January
Summer Term: June
I. B Monthly Payments
Students/Families paying Monthly Installments, the first payment is due upon registration. You will be given a 7 day grace period for your initial payment. Afterwards your payment will be considered late and your account with NCGS will be charged a $45 late fee. The remaining payments are due on the 1st of the following months:
Fall Term: Five (5) Payments - August, September, October, November, December
Winter Term: Five (5) Payments - January, February, March, April, May
Summer Term: Two (2) Payments - June and July
II. Financial Aid/Scholarships
NCGS believes in the importance of high quality musical instruction for all students and does not want to see students discontinue lessons due to financial difficulty when another solution can be found. To that end, please express any financial concerns with Nick Cutroneo if a special arrangement is needed.
NCGS does provide limited scholarships based upon financial need, talent, and dedication to lessons.
III. Attendance Policy
NCGS strives to provide flexibility for its students while maintaining a high standard of music instruction. To that end, students are expected to attend all of their lessons each term (18 lessons during the Fall and Spring, and 5 during the Summer).
A school calendar will be provided to each student at the start of the new school year, or when they register for lessons. While this calendar will be adhered to, alterations and changes may be made at the discretion of NCGS. These changes will be directly updated online on the school's calendar as well as communicated via email to the email address on file that is provided during registration. In addition, any direct directions will be discussed in person, by phone or via email with the student or family as soon as possible.
IV. Cancellations, Studio Closings, and Make-ups
IV. A Cancellations
Students and/or Families needing to cancel a lesson are asked to contact the studio via email. In case of illness or family emergency the day of the lesson, please contact the studio immediately via phone.
As a professional concert artist, Nick Cutroneo, will, at times, have concerts and tours taking him away from the studio of NCGS. An email will be sent out notifying students and families of the lesson cancellation, as well as notification of these absences being placed on the updated studio calendar. However, due to the nature of some performances, Nick Cutroneo may have a last second booking. If this is the case, a phone call will be made to notify students of their cancelled lesson.
Make-ups for these cancellations will be done in accordance to the studio's make-up policy (see section IV. C).
IV. B Studio Closings
In case of inclement weather that restricts students ability to safely travel, NCGS will be closed and those lessons will be given as remote lessons instead. Declining the remote lesson will count as a student cancellation and a make-up will follow the studios policy (see section IV. C).
IV. C Make-ups
NCGS provides a variety of ways to make up missed lessons. Those options are:
1) Rescheduling: Rescheduling a lesson during the same week as the cancelled lessons allows for continuity of the lessons to remain in tact, thus providing the best benefit to the student.
2) Make-up Weeks: Throughout each term, NCGS will provide make-up weeks specifically designed to make-up missed lessons. These weeks will be outlined in the school's calendar. It is possible to do a "pre-make-up" which is a lesson during a make-up week before the actual missed lesson has occurred. All make-up lessons need to be approved first between the student/family and Nick Cutroneo.
3) Lesson time extension: If there is time before or after a student's lesson, the lesson time can be extended. Extending the lesson time can be beneficial as it gives the student greater time with the teacher in a single lesson. This provides the ability to focus on more details of a piece of music and to help with a variety of different issues they may be having with their practice.
4) Remote Lesson: If a student is sick and stayed home for school, but are feeling well enough to have their lessons, the student can opt to do a Remote lesson. This allows for the regular scheduled lesson to take place, providing continuity for the student.
All teacher cancelled lessons will be made up. Any outstanding student cancelled lessons not made up by the end of the term will be forfeited. NCGS does not refund or credit tuition for any missed lessons.
V. Lesson Withdrawal/Refund Policy
Students and/or Families wishing to withdraw from NCGS must submit their request in writing via email or mail. Please note: text messages, voicemails or discussions will not count as withdrawal notification. Registration is based upon a commitment to the full term. The refund policy below is based upon the assumption that the tuition has been paid in full prior to the date of withdrawal. Therefore students will not have their remaining payments dismissed if withdrawal occurs before the balance is paid. Registration fees are non-refundable. NCGS' policy is based on the schedule below:
Written termination letter from the student/family received:
Before the first week of lessons - 80% refund
Within the first 2 weeks* - 60% refund
Within the first 3 weeks* - 40% refund
Within or after first 4 weeks* - No Refunds
*NOTE: Refunds are not given to trial lesson packages, group classes or guitar ensemble after the first class.
Non-attendance does not constitute withdrawal from NCGS. No deduction is made for temporary absences. Students who may be injured or otherwise unable to play guitar can still participate in lessons. Other musical topics that will be covered in the lesson are:
1) Music Theory
2) Ear Training
3) Technique (if able)
VI. Add-On Lessons
If a student has perfect attendance and there has been no cancellations on the teacher's part, the student will finish their paid for lessons before the end of the term. At this point, students can opt to wait to continue their lessons at the start of the next term or choose to purchase additional lessons to fill out the remainder of the term.
Students registering for additional lessons may choose the amount of lessons they purchase. Once registered, arrangements will be made for agreed upon dates/times for those lessons. Due to the nature of Add-On Lessons, if the student cancels the lesson is forfeited. No refund will be provided nor will the lesson be carried over into the following term.
VII. Equipment
Each student must own his/her own equipment. NCGS does not offer instruments for rent or sale at this time. The following list is a quick reference guide for needed materials for lessons and home practice.
1) Instrument*
2) Footstool (if needed)*
3) Guitar Picks (if needed)*
4) Music Stand
5) Tuner
6) Metronome
7) Assignment binder (provided by school)*
8) Any sheet music or Method Book*
9) Jr. Drum Throne or student bench (for young students)*
*denotes materials needed to be brought to private lessons and group classes
It is important that students bring the necessary materials to every lesson as it helps them continue to progress on their instrument. Failure to do so may hinder progress.
VIII. Lesson Times/Policy
Please register for a day and time, which works best for you and your family. While it's understood that emergencies and issues arise without notice, once you have confirmed your lesson day/time we ask that you do not schedule other appointments/events at the same time.
Plan on arriving at your lesson 5 minutes before the start of the lesson. Bring that time, take your instrument and materials out so they are ready for the lesson. This will ensure that all lesson topics are covered to its fullest. As there may be a student following your lesson, the instructor is not obligated to extend your lesson to make up time due to student lateness. The final 5 minutes of the lesson are reserved for packing up, business issues, and for a smooth transition between students.
Parents of students under the age of 14 are required to be present in their child's lesson. This helps keep track of progress and provides clear communication between the family and teacher.
IX. Recitals/Outreach Events
Students of NCGS are given several performance opportunities over the course of the year. These opportunities include, but are not limited to:
1) Student Recitals (Fall and Spring)
2) Community Outreach (Nursing Homes, Libraries, etc...)
3) Graduation Recitals
4) Masterclass Opportunities
5) Collaboration Performances with other music studios or schools
All of these events will take place outside of the Manchester teaching studio of NCGS. It is important that students arrive on time and prepared to perform. While we understand that families and students may have several events during a day, please try to allow enough time that you may show up to the vent without being rushed and ready to play.
While none of these events are mandatory, it is strongly encouraged that all students participate in as many events as possible. As music is a performance based art form, learning how to perform and participating in performance opportunities provided by NCGS only serve to enhance the student's experience. The Studio Recitals provide students with the opportunity to perform the music they've been working on during the term, while Community Outreach and Collaborative Concerts provide extra performance opportunities.
Formal Recital Dress Code (Studio, Graduation Recitals, Collaborative Performances, etc...)
1) Boys: Black dress pants; Girls: Black dress pants of skirt (skirt must be appropriate length when sitting down and holding the guitar).
2) Black socks and black dress shoes (no sneakers or sportswear).
3) Button down dress shirt (white or colored, long sleeves in the winter (short sleeves is acceptable during summer performances).
4) For Long Hair (Girls or Boys): Presentable and neat. It's recommended to use a ponytail to keep hair out of your face. Girls may opt to wear a headband or use hair clips instead.
Informal Recital Dress Code (Community Outreach, Masterclass Opportunities, etc...)
1) Boys: Dress pants or khakis; Girls: Dress pants, skirt or khakis (skirt must be appropriate length while holding the guitar).
2) Nice shoes (no sneakers or sportswear).
3) Polo shirt, button down shirt, blouse, sweater, etc... Can be long or short sleeved. (No T-shirts or sports jerseys).
4) For Long Hair (Girls or Boys): Presentable and neat. It's recommended to use a ponytail to keep hair out of your face. Girls may opt to wear a headband or use hair clips instead.
Call Time
Every performance will have a Call Time. This is a time window when a student and/or family should arrive. NCGS's Call Time is 30-45 minutes before the start of the recital. This allows the student to get his or her instrument tuned up, settle down from their pervious events of the day, focus on their performance, have a change to play in the concert space, and get their equipment settled if needed (amps, effects, stools, footstools, etc...). While in some cases it may be unavoidable, it is encouraged that you not rush to the recital and arrive after the Call Time. This does not put the student in the proper mind frame to performance at their strongest.
An email will be sent out 2 weeks prior to the performance providing instructions, call time, dress code, and other information that families or students may need for the performance. A week before and the morning before the performance follow-up emails will be sent repeating the information and answering any questions that students or families may have.
X. NCGS Suzuki Group Classes/Group Ensemble
A major part of the student's musical experience is the participation in group performances. Playing in a group of musicians provides the ability to develop and reinforce musical concepts/ideas taught in the student's private lesson. AS such, the inclusion of ensemble and group classes as part of the curriculum at NCGS and included in the student's tuition.
Suzuki Group Classes are integral to the develop of the Suzuki Students. Here students develop their musical skills as well as put into practice different technical skills which will continue to aid them in their work. By learning the same progressive repertoire students learn to play together and work as a musical team. Group classes provides the opportunity to perform polished pieces and work on different musical nuances.
The NCGS Guitar Ensemble provides traditional, classical and older Suzuki Students an opportunity to learn outside ensemble repertoire together. This repertoire may include original works for guitar ensemble, as well as arrangements of classical, pop or rock tunes.
All NCGS students are to participate in their ensemble/group class at the curriculum is built around these opportunities for students. As such, students are expected to attend their ensemble classes regularly. Due to the nature of these classes, there are no make-ups or refunds for missed ensemble/group classes if a student misses. Tuitions are not prorated for students who choose not to attend these classes.
XI. NCGS Referral Program
NCGS values its stoutness and families and the community that is created. A majority of NCGS' recruitment is done through word of mouth and through families recommending our studio to those interested in guitar lessons.
When you refer a student or family, have them contact the studio through the Contact Page on our website. In the "Discount Code" section, have the student or parent type your last name. This is the ensue that you get credit for the referral. Students/Famiies who refer new students/families to NCGS will receive a free lesson upon the registration of that student. The free lesson is good for up to one year.
NCGS follows a tuition-based system. The tuition can be paid in full or paid in five monthly installments.
A registration fee of $25 must be paid before the start of the first lesson of each term. This fee goes to any printouts or copies you may receive as a student, as well as providing opportunities like Performance Classes, School Recitals, Master Classes from guest artists, etc.
I. A EZ-Pay Program
Students/Families paying via NCGS's EZ-Pay Program (tuition paid in full), the tuition is due upon completion of registration for the term. You will be given a 7 day grace period afterwards your payment will be considered late and your account with NCGS will be charged a $45 late fee. Those paying using NCGS's EZ-Pay Program, payments are due on the first (1st) of the following months:
Fall Term: August
Winter Term: January
Summer Term: June
I. B Monthly Payments
Students/Families paying Monthly Installments, the first payment is due upon registration. You will be given a 7 day grace period for your initial payment. Afterwards your payment will be considered late and your account with NCGS will be charged a $45 late fee. The remaining payments are due on the 1st of the following months:
Fall Term: Five (5) Payments - August, September, October, November, December
Winter Term: Five (5) Payments - January, February, March, April, May
Summer Term: Two (2) Payments - June and July
II. Financial Aid/Scholarships
NCGS believes in the importance of high quality musical instruction for all students and does not want to see students discontinue lessons due to financial difficulty when another solution can be found. To that end, please express any financial concerns with Nick Cutroneo if a special arrangement is needed.
NCGS does provide limited scholarships based upon financial need, talent, and dedication to lessons.
III. Attendance Policy
NCGS strives to provide flexibility for its students while maintaining a high standard of music instruction. To that end, students are expected to attend all of their lessons each term (18 lessons during the Fall and Spring, and 5 during the Summer).
A school calendar will be provided to each student at the start of the new school year, or when they register for lessons. While this calendar will be adhered to, alterations and changes may be made at the discretion of NCGS. These changes will be directly updated online on the school's calendar as well as communicated via email to the email address on file that is provided during registration. In addition, any direct directions will be discussed in person, by phone or via email with the student or family as soon as possible.
IV. Cancellations, Studio Closings, and Make-ups
IV. A Cancellations
Students and/or Families needing to cancel a lesson are asked to contact the studio via email. In case of illness or family emergency the day of the lesson, please contact the studio immediately via phone.
As a professional concert artist, Nick Cutroneo, will, at times, have concerts and tours taking him away from the studio of NCGS. An email will be sent out notifying students and families of the lesson cancellation, as well as notification of these absences being placed on the updated studio calendar. However, due to the nature of some performances, Nick Cutroneo may have a last second booking. If this is the case, a phone call will be made to notify students of their cancelled lesson.
Make-ups for these cancellations will be done in accordance to the studio's make-up policy (see section IV. C).
IV. B Studio Closings
In case of inclement weather that restricts students ability to safely travel, NCGS will be closed and those lessons will be given as remote lessons instead. Declining the remote lesson will count as a student cancellation and a make-up will follow the studios policy (see section IV. C).
IV. C Make-ups
NCGS provides a variety of ways to make up missed lessons. Those options are:
1) Rescheduling: Rescheduling a lesson during the same week as the cancelled lessons allows for continuity of the lessons to remain in tact, thus providing the best benefit to the student.
2) Make-up Weeks: Throughout each term, NCGS will provide make-up weeks specifically designed to make-up missed lessons. These weeks will be outlined in the school's calendar. It is possible to do a "pre-make-up" which is a lesson during a make-up week before the actual missed lesson has occurred. All make-up lessons need to be approved first between the student/family and Nick Cutroneo.
3) Lesson time extension: If there is time before or after a student's lesson, the lesson time can be extended. Extending the lesson time can be beneficial as it gives the student greater time with the teacher in a single lesson. This provides the ability to focus on more details of a piece of music and to help with a variety of different issues they may be having with their practice.
4) Remote Lesson: If a student is sick and stayed home for school, but are feeling well enough to have their lessons, the student can opt to do a Remote lesson. This allows for the regular scheduled lesson to take place, providing continuity for the student.
All teacher cancelled lessons will be made up. Any outstanding student cancelled lessons not made up by the end of the term will be forfeited. NCGS does not refund or credit tuition for any missed lessons.
V. Lesson Withdrawal/Refund Policy
Students and/or Families wishing to withdraw from NCGS must submit their request in writing via email or mail. Please note: text messages, voicemails or discussions will not count as withdrawal notification. Registration is based upon a commitment to the full term. The refund policy below is based upon the assumption that the tuition has been paid in full prior to the date of withdrawal. Therefore students will not have their remaining payments dismissed if withdrawal occurs before the balance is paid. Registration fees are non-refundable. NCGS' policy is based on the schedule below:
Written termination letter from the student/family received:
Before the first week of lessons - 80% refund
Within the first 2 weeks* - 60% refund
Within the first 3 weeks* - 40% refund
Within or after first 4 weeks* - No Refunds
*NOTE: Refunds are not given to trial lesson packages, group classes or guitar ensemble after the first class.
Non-attendance does not constitute withdrawal from NCGS. No deduction is made for temporary absences. Students who may be injured or otherwise unable to play guitar can still participate in lessons. Other musical topics that will be covered in the lesson are:
1) Music Theory
2) Ear Training
3) Technique (if able)
VI. Add-On Lessons
If a student has perfect attendance and there has been no cancellations on the teacher's part, the student will finish their paid for lessons before the end of the term. At this point, students can opt to wait to continue their lessons at the start of the next term or choose to purchase additional lessons to fill out the remainder of the term.
Students registering for additional lessons may choose the amount of lessons they purchase. Once registered, arrangements will be made for agreed upon dates/times for those lessons. Due to the nature of Add-On Lessons, if the student cancels the lesson is forfeited. No refund will be provided nor will the lesson be carried over into the following term.
VII. Equipment
Each student must own his/her own equipment. NCGS does not offer instruments for rent or sale at this time. The following list is a quick reference guide for needed materials for lessons and home practice.
1) Instrument*
2) Footstool (if needed)*
3) Guitar Picks (if needed)*
4) Music Stand
5) Tuner
6) Metronome
7) Assignment binder (provided by school)*
8) Any sheet music or Method Book*
9) Jr. Drum Throne or student bench (for young students)*
*denotes materials needed to be brought to private lessons and group classes
It is important that students bring the necessary materials to every lesson as it helps them continue to progress on their instrument. Failure to do so may hinder progress.
VIII. Lesson Times/Policy
Please register for a day and time, which works best for you and your family. While it's understood that emergencies and issues arise without notice, once you have confirmed your lesson day/time we ask that you do not schedule other appointments/events at the same time.
Plan on arriving at your lesson 5 minutes before the start of the lesson. Bring that time, take your instrument and materials out so they are ready for the lesson. This will ensure that all lesson topics are covered to its fullest. As there may be a student following your lesson, the instructor is not obligated to extend your lesson to make up time due to student lateness. The final 5 minutes of the lesson are reserved for packing up, business issues, and for a smooth transition between students.
Parents of students under the age of 14 are required to be present in their child's lesson. This helps keep track of progress and provides clear communication between the family and teacher.
IX. Recitals/Outreach Events
Students of NCGS are given several performance opportunities over the course of the year. These opportunities include, but are not limited to:
1) Student Recitals (Fall and Spring)
2) Community Outreach (Nursing Homes, Libraries, etc...)
3) Graduation Recitals
4) Masterclass Opportunities
5) Collaboration Performances with other music studios or schools
All of these events will take place outside of the Manchester teaching studio of NCGS. It is important that students arrive on time and prepared to perform. While we understand that families and students may have several events during a day, please try to allow enough time that you may show up to the vent without being rushed and ready to play.
While none of these events are mandatory, it is strongly encouraged that all students participate in as many events as possible. As music is a performance based art form, learning how to perform and participating in performance opportunities provided by NCGS only serve to enhance the student's experience. The Studio Recitals provide students with the opportunity to perform the music they've been working on during the term, while Community Outreach and Collaborative Concerts provide extra performance opportunities.
Formal Recital Dress Code (Studio, Graduation Recitals, Collaborative Performances, etc...)
1) Boys: Black dress pants; Girls: Black dress pants of skirt (skirt must be appropriate length when sitting down and holding the guitar).
2) Black socks and black dress shoes (no sneakers or sportswear).
3) Button down dress shirt (white or colored, long sleeves in the winter (short sleeves is acceptable during summer performances).
4) For Long Hair (Girls or Boys): Presentable and neat. It's recommended to use a ponytail to keep hair out of your face. Girls may opt to wear a headband or use hair clips instead.
Informal Recital Dress Code (Community Outreach, Masterclass Opportunities, etc...)
1) Boys: Dress pants or khakis; Girls: Dress pants, skirt or khakis (skirt must be appropriate length while holding the guitar).
2) Nice shoes (no sneakers or sportswear).
3) Polo shirt, button down shirt, blouse, sweater, etc... Can be long or short sleeved. (No T-shirts or sports jerseys).
4) For Long Hair (Girls or Boys): Presentable and neat. It's recommended to use a ponytail to keep hair out of your face. Girls may opt to wear a headband or use hair clips instead.
Call Time
Every performance will have a Call Time. This is a time window when a student and/or family should arrive. NCGS's Call Time is 30-45 minutes before the start of the recital. This allows the student to get his or her instrument tuned up, settle down from their pervious events of the day, focus on their performance, have a change to play in the concert space, and get their equipment settled if needed (amps, effects, stools, footstools, etc...). While in some cases it may be unavoidable, it is encouraged that you not rush to the recital and arrive after the Call Time. This does not put the student in the proper mind frame to performance at their strongest.
An email will be sent out 2 weeks prior to the performance providing instructions, call time, dress code, and other information that families or students may need for the performance. A week before and the morning before the performance follow-up emails will be sent repeating the information and answering any questions that students or families may have.
X. NCGS Suzuki Group Classes/Group Ensemble
A major part of the student's musical experience is the participation in group performances. Playing in a group of musicians provides the ability to develop and reinforce musical concepts/ideas taught in the student's private lesson. AS such, the inclusion of ensemble and group classes as part of the curriculum at NCGS and included in the student's tuition.
Suzuki Group Classes are integral to the develop of the Suzuki Students. Here students develop their musical skills as well as put into practice different technical skills which will continue to aid them in their work. By learning the same progressive repertoire students learn to play together and work as a musical team. Group classes provides the opportunity to perform polished pieces and work on different musical nuances.
The NCGS Guitar Ensemble provides traditional, classical and older Suzuki Students an opportunity to learn outside ensemble repertoire together. This repertoire may include original works for guitar ensemble, as well as arrangements of classical, pop or rock tunes.
All NCGS students are to participate in their ensemble/group class at the curriculum is built around these opportunities for students. As such, students are expected to attend their ensemble classes regularly. Due to the nature of these classes, there are no make-ups or refunds for missed ensemble/group classes if a student misses. Tuitions are not prorated for students who choose not to attend these classes.
XI. NCGS Referral Program
NCGS values its stoutness and families and the community that is created. A majority of NCGS' recruitment is done through word of mouth and through families recommending our studio to those interested in guitar lessons.
When you refer a student or family, have them contact the studio through the Contact Page on our website. In the "Discount Code" section, have the student or parent type your last name. This is the ensue that you get credit for the referral. Students/Famiies who refer new students/families to NCGS will receive a free lesson upon the registration of that student. The free lesson is good for up to one year.
