SOUNDS OF CAROLINA

Student Packet 2025-26

(864) 844-8120 (call/text)

info@soundsofcarolina.com www.soundsofcarolina.com
110 Federal St. Anderson, SC | 551 Perry Ave. Greenville, SC

To ensure a smooth and successful musical journey at Sounds of Carolina, please take a moment to review the policies below. Enrolling your family requires yearly acceptance of the terms and conditions, so please review them carefully. We look forward to a fantastic year making music together!

POLICY CHANGES AND REMINDERS

Changes for 2025-26 include:

  • We will now be offering free consultations to any new prospective students.

  • We will now offer deeper discounts for multiple members: 2nd membership 10% off, 3rd 20% off.

  • Trial Lessons will be billed as Single Lessons.

  • Subscriptions will continue through the summer months of June and July (no holds will be placed).

  • Group lessons will now be eligible for make-up lesson credits (when 24-hr notice is given).

  • Clients can opt to pay via check with at least 6 months tuition paid upfront.

    Please remember:

  • Tuition is the same amount each month, no matter how many lessons are in that month. We total the cost of all lessons for the year and divide it into 12 equal monthly payments.

  • To reschedule and get a Make-up Lesson Credit, you must cancel your lesson at least 24 hours in advance using the Student Portal.

    • If you cancel without 24 hours notice, including for same-day illness, you won’t receive a Make-up Lesson Credit. Students cancelling within 24 hours can request a LessonMate via their student portal either by clicking “Request LessonMate” or by leaving a request in the comments (more information about LessonMate listed below).

PRIVATE & GROUP LESSON OVERVIEW

  • Private Lessons
    Private instruction is recommended for students ages 7 and up. Each of our teachers brings their own unique curriculum and teaching style, ensuring that every student receives personalized guidance tailored to their interests and goals. Lessons are available for a wide range of instruments, and scheduling is flexible to accommodate busy families.

    • Level I Teachers (Emerging)

      Level I teachers are emerging music educators who bring fresh energy, strong foundational training, and a passion for working with students as they grow in their teaching experience.

    • Level II Teachers (Senior)

      Level II teachers are experienced, highly trained musicians and educators who offer advanced instruction, individualized guidance, and a deep commitment to musical excellence.

  • Group Lessons
    Our group lessons offer a supportive and engaging way to learn music alongside peers. We offer a variety of group programs for different age groups and learning stages:

    • Adult String Ensemble (Ages 17+)
      A welcoming group for adult string players looking to play music together, improve ensemble skills, and enjoy a supportive musical community.

    • Music Together® (Ages 0–5 with caregiver)
      A family music class for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers that builds early musical development through singing, movement, and instrument play.

    • Music for Little Mozarts in PianoLand (Ages 4–6)
      A playful and engaging group piano class designed for young beginners.

    • Music for Little Mozarts in ViolinLand (Ages 4–6)
      An imaginative introduction to violin for young learners, combining the proven Little Mozarts approach with beginner string techniques.

    • Piano Express (Ages 7+)
      A fast-paced, technology-integrated group piano program for school-aged children.

    • Essential Elements for Violin (Ages 7+)
      A foundational group class for school-age students learning violin through the popular Essential Elements method.

PRIVATE & GROUP LESSON POLICIES

Sounds of Carolina teachers are expected to provide weekly reserved timeslots based on available time in their schedules, be prepared for your lessons, and work to invest in the long-term development of each student.

To deliver consistent, high-quality lessons, all participants must adhere to the following policies:

MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

  • Prospective Members are entitled to one free consultation.

  • Our Membership Program consists of regular weekly lessons throughout the entire calendar year (including summer months). Memberships will continue undisrupted until cancelled.

  • The Membership Program offers 45 lessons per year, ensuring consistent learning progress even with scheduled studio closures. (See our calendar for specific closure dates.)

  • Lessons are held at the same day and time each week to support consistency and progress.

  • During the summer months, lesson times can be adjusted as availability allows to accommodate travel and changing schedules (see SUMMER MONTHS below for more information).

  • Families with multiple Memberships receive discounts. Please see below.

    Included in the membership:

    • Regular weekly lesson with a highly qualified teacher. (Exceptions are made when the studio is closed for holidays. Please refer to our calendar for specific dates.)

    • There are three (3) core yearly performance opportunities, including the Fall Open Mic, Winter Recitals, and Spring Spectacular, at no additional cost. Students should make all reasonable efforts to participate in performance opportunities.

    • Other performance opportunities at no additional cost (based upon teacher selection, unless otherwise specified).

    • Educational material, music books, instrument rental and other books or accessories are not included and will need to be provided by the Member at an additional cost.

    • Members may purchase additional lessons as Single Lessons (private lessons only).

Tuition and Fees:

  • Tuition is due on the 1st of each month and will be billed automatically to your card on file. (“Auto-pay”). Payment must be made by card and will be automatically charged when due.

  • Families with multiple students receive discounts on memberships of equal or lesser value. The first sibling/additional subscription receives a 10% discount and any additional subscription receives a 20% discount (must contact us to redeem the higher discount).

  • Clients can avoid card payments by paying at least 6 months tuition upfront via check. Checks should be made payable to “Sounds of Carolina LLC” and be mailed to: ATTN Sounds of Carolina; 110 Federal St. Anderson, SC 29625

  • Private Lesson Membership Tuition

    • Tuition is a flat monthly fee. There are two (2), three (3), four (4), or five (5) lessons, depending upon the month.

  • Level I Teachers

    • 30-minute private lesson per week: $108 per month

    • 45-minute private lesson per week: $162 per month

    • 60-minute private lesson per week: $216 per month

  • Level II Teachers

    • 30-minute private lesson per week: $144 per month

    • 45-minute private lesson per week: $216 per month

    • 60-minute private lesson per week: $288 per month

  • Group Lesson Membership Tuition

    • Tuition is a flat monthly fee. There are two (2), three (3), four (4), or five (5) lessons, depending upon the month..

  • Adult String Ensemble
    ○ 75-minute group lesson per week: $20 per month

  • Music Together
    ○ 45-minute group lesson per week: $68 per month

  • Music for Little Mozarts in PianoLand
    ○ 45-minute group lesson per week: $99 per month

  • Music for Little Mozarts in ViolinLand
    ○ 45-minute group lesson per week: $99 per month

  • The Piano Express
    ○ 60-minute group lesson per week: $129 per month

  • Essential Elements for Violin
    ○ 60-minute group lesson per week: $129 per month

Registration Fees

  • A registration fee of $40 is required for each new Membership Program student.

  • A registration fee of $25 is required for any returning Membership Program

    student.

Other Fees

  • A late fee of $25 will be charged for any tuition payments made after the 1st of each month. It is the responsibility of the Member to ensure that a valid payment method is on file to avoid incurring late fees.

SUMMER MONTHS

  • Subscriptions will continue through the summer months of June and July (no holds will be placed).

  • During this time, lesson times may be rescheduled to morning hours as availability allows.

  • Families may choose to end their membership for the summer; however, doing so will forfeit their reserved lesson spot for the fall and require payment of a reduced registration fee to re-enroll.

    INSTRUMENT RENTAL / PURCHASE EXPECTATIONS:

  • Educational material, music books, instrument rental, and other accessories are not included in your membership. Please consult with your teacher for specific requirements as materials vary based on student level and instrument.

MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM CANCELLATION

  • Membership may be cancelled by submitting our online cancellation form at:https://www.soundsofcarolina.com/membershipcancellation.

  • Cancellation Form must be completed and submitted by the 15th of the month to take effect at the end of that month. (Example: Cancellation Form received on February 16th will be billed for March and takes effect at the end of March.)

  • You may withdraw the cancellation at any time before it takes effect, but the teacher and/or time slot can not be held or guaranteed.

  • An active membership is mandatory to participate in our performance opportunities. All registrations will be withdrawn at the time of membership cancellation.

  • Membership is non-transferable.

  • All Make-up Lesson Credits on your account expire 30 days from the cancellation effective date.

  • Sounds of Carolina reserves the right to terminate membership. Upon termination, tuition may be refunded at a prorated rate.

STUDENT PORTAL

  • Members are expected to use the Student Portal to keep track of lesson and event schedules. The Student Portal Calendar may be synced to your device of choice for convenience. (https://soundsofcarolina.opus1.io/login)

  • Members should know how to cancel and rebook lessons in the Student Portal. Teachers are not responsible for lesson scheduling. If help is needed, contact us via the studio phone number and/or email: (864) 844-8120 or info@soundsofcarolina.com

  • Teachers are automatically notified when Members self-cancel or book lessons in the Student Portal.

  • Members are responsible for keeping their billing and personal information up-to-date to ensure clear communication and seamless billing.

    ATTENDANCE

  • Students are expected to be on time to their weekly lessons.

  • Students who are late for a lesson cannot be guaranteed the full lesson time for that lesson.

    MISSED LESSONS

    We do not offer refunds or credits for missed lessons, regardless of the reason (including illness). Maintaining consistent lesson attendance is crucial for musical progress. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise.

  • In the rare case that your teacher is unavailable, we will strive to provide a substitute. If no substitute is available, a monetary credit in the amount of the missed lesson will be placed on the client’s account.

  • We offer two alternative options for missed lessons: Make-up Lesson Credits and LessonMate.

    Make-up Lesson Credits:

    • To reschedule your lesson and receive a Make-up Lesson Credit, you must cancel with at least 24 hours' advance notice through the Student Portal.

    • Cancellations made within 24 hours of your lesson, including those due to same-day illness, will not qualify for a Make-up Lesson Credit.

    • A maximum of two (2) Make-up Lesson Credits can be held per membership at any given time.

  • Make-up Lesson Credits expire 30 days after the original lesson cancellation date (Note this is different from Trial Lesson Credits, which expire in 7 days).

  • Make-up Lesson Credits can be used to schedule a Make-up Lesson with your teacher or another available instructor through the Student Portal.

  • Make-up Lessons cannot be rescheduled, and any unused Make-up Lesson Credits will expire 30 days after membership termination.

    LessonMate:

    LessonMate is an online tool available in the Student Portal. If you miss a scheduled in-studio lesson, your teacher will create a personalized video lesson with practice materials and assignments to help you keep learning from home.

  • To receive a LessonMate in place of a live lesson, you must make a request through the Student Portal. For best results, please submit a request 24 hours in advance so your teacher has time to prepare.

  • A LessonMate may be requested at any time leading up to a lesson.

  • LessonMate requests cannot be accepted after a missed lesson.

  • LessonMate will be delivered to Members via email.

    SUBSTITUTIONS

  • Members may decide to change teacher or instrument, provided they provide 14-day advance notice prior to the 1st day of the month you wish to have the change take effect.

  • The lesson cancellation policy applies to substitute teachers. No Make-up Credit will be issued for last-minute substitutions.

  • If your teacher becomes unavailable for regular lessons, you will be provided with a new teacher with a similar teaching style, or the opportunity to choose a new teacher.

    ILLNESS

  • Students who are sick are expected to stay home. If a student comes to their lesson ill they may be dismissed, and the lesson will be forfeited.

    • Illnesses include but are not limited to the Common Cold, Stomach Flu, Strep Throat, Hand Foot and Mouth Disease, Pink Eye, Head Lice, Influenza, COVID-19, Chickenpox, Mononucleosis, etc.

    • Students are expected to be fever-free for at least 24 hours before attending their lesson.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

  • Sounds of Carolina is not automatically closed when schools are for weather-related reasons; families will receive a text message with updates if weather impacts the lesson schedule.

  • If in-person lessons cannot be held due to weather, we may opt to move lessons online to ensure continuity.

    SINGLE PRIVATE LESSONS (A LA CARTE)

    Single Private Lessons are individual lessons that can be purchased and booked on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Single Lessons booking is dependent on teacher availability and a regular weekly lesson time is not guaranteed.

  • Single Lesson students are not eligible to participate in our Performance Opportunities unless otherwise specified.

  • Purchasing Single Lessons does not grant access to our Membership Program.

  • Students who only enroll in Single Lessons are not required to pay the Membership Program

    registration fee.

    CARE OF STUDENTS

  • Sounds of Carolina is not responsible for providing before or after class care for students or siblings (parents must walk their children to and from the lesson space).

  • Parents are always welcome to attend lessons; teachers may request that parents attend every week.

    Young Children

    Sounds of Carolina strives to provide a focused and positive learning environment for all students. To ensure this, we kindly ask for your cooperation in the following:

  • Siblings or young children accompanying students to lessons should be supervised to minimize disruptions. We understand that sometimes parents are juggling multiple children who cannot be left unattended. If this is the case, we have a designated waiting area with books and toys to keep children occupied.

  • If a sibling becomes disruptive during a lesson, the parent/guardian may be asked to step outside the lesson room momentarily with the child. This allows the student to maintain focus and continue their learning uninterrupted.

INJURIES

By taking lessons, Members and patrons assume all risk of injury or harm to the child(ren) or adult(s) associated with participation in musical activities at Sounds of Carolina and agree to release, indemnify, defend, and forever discharge Sounds of Carolina and its officers and staff from all liability, claims, demands, damages, costs, and expenses in the unlikely event of injury sustained by your child(ren) or adult student during the course or as a result of their participation in Sounds of Carolina musical activities.

CARE OF STUDIO SPACES

To ensure all students can focus and continue their learning uninterrupted, we ask that families help us take care of our studio spaces. Please treat instruments, furniture, and shared areas with care, and help younger children follow guidelines while waiting or transitioning between lessons. A calm and respectful environment allows every student to thrive musically.

MEDIA RELEASE

Unless requested in writing prior to documented events, Sounds of Carolina is granted permission to take photographs/videos of the students to use in brochures, websites, posters, advertisements, and other promotional materials Sounds of Carolina creates. Permission is also hereby granted for Sounds of Carolina to copyright such photographs in its name or the name of its contracted workers.

DISCLAIMER

Sounds of Carolina reserves the right to refuse service to any person at any time for any reason. These terms and policies are effective upon enrollment. Policies & terms are subject to change.

DEFINITIONS:

LessonMate: Our online tool (through the Portal) that provides a personalized lesson plan when you have to miss a scheduled in-studio music lesson.

Make-up Lesson Credit: A credit that can be used to book a Make-up Lesson.
Membership Program: Weekly private lessons; access to all our Performance Opportunities and Events.

Single Lessons: Lessons that can be purchased individually and are scheduled based upon teacher availability.

Trial Lesson: An initial sample lesson booked as a Single Lesson for a potential Membership Program client.