the Candyman
Strings & Things
the Candyman
Strings & Things
Musicians Workshop Series
505-983-5906
Private Lesson Policies & Frequently Asked Questions
At The Candyman, our goal is to make learning music enjoyable and stress-free. Clear expectations help everyone have the best experience possible, so we’ve outlined our lesson policies below.
Most questions we receive are answered here, but if you ever need assistance, our Lesson Coordinators are always happy to help.
For more information, refer to the lesson FAQs.
The 60-Second Version
Before you register, here are the most important things to know:
✔ Weekly lessons reserve the same day and time with your teacher each week.
✔ Tuition reserves your teacher’s time—not just your attendance.
✔ If you miss a lesson, tuition is still due.
✔ Every weekly student receives one excused cancellation credit per calendar quarter
when proper notice is given (at least 4 hours' notice).
✔ If your teacher cancels, your lesson will be credited or rescheduled, subject to your teacher's discretion and availability.
✔ Two lessons' notice is required if you decide to discontinue weekly lessons.
Weekly Lessons
Weekly lessons meet on the same day and time each week with the same instructor whenever possible.
Your reserved lesson time belongs exclusively to you. Your teacher plans their schedule around that appointment and keeps it available for you every week.
Because lesson times are reserved in advance, tuition pays for reserving your weekly appointment—not simply for attending each individual lesson.
Tuition
Tuition is billed monthly through automatic payment. Your monthly tuition reserves:
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Your weekly lesson time
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Your instructor’s availability
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Ongoing lesson planning and preparation
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Administrative support
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Your continued enrollment in our music education program
Because your lesson time is reserved exclusively for you, tuition remains the same whether or not you attend every scheduled lesson.
If You Miss a Lesson
We understand that life happens. Illnesses, school events, work obligations, vacations, and family emergencies occasionally make it impossible to attend a lesson.
If you’re unable to attend, please notify us as soon as possible. Because your teacher has already reserved that time for you, missed lessons are not refunded.
Instead, each weekly student receives one excused cancellation credit per calendar quarter, provided the cancellation is made at least four hours before the scheduled lesson.
Why Do I Still Pay If I Miss My Lesson?
This is our most frequently asked question.
Your tuition reserves a dedicated appointment with your teacher every week. Think of it like purchasing tickets to a concert or reserving a hotel room. Even if your plans change, that time was held specifically for you.
Our teachers rely on these reserved lesson times as part of their income, and they continue preparing for their students regardless of attendance. Our quarterly cancellation credit is designed to provide flexibility while also respecting our teachers’ schedules.
Cancellation Credit
Each weekly student receives one excused cancellation credit per calendar quarter
To qualify:
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We must receive at least four hours’ notice.
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The lesson must be cancelled through The Candyman Lessons Office, not directly with your teacher.
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Once your quarterly credit has been used, additional missed lessons remain payable. Unused cancellation credits do not carry over into future quarters.
Teacher Cancellations
If your teacher needs to cancel a lesson for any reason, we will either:
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Apply a tuition credit to your account or
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Schedule a make-up lesson, subject to your teacher's discretion and availability.
Teacher cancellations do not count against your quarterly cancellation credit.
Arriving Late
If you arrive late, your lesson will still end at its scheduled time so we can remain on schedule for the students who follow.
If you’re running late, we appreciate a quick phone call or text to let us know you’re on your way.
If you're more than 15 minutes late your lesson is considered a no-show, and the teacher is not required to stay.
Vacation & Extended Absences
If you know you’ll be away for an extended period, please speak with a Lesson Coordinator as early as possible.
We will do our best to discuss available options with you before your absence begins.
Discontinuing Weekly Lessons
You’re never locked into a long-term contract.
If you decide to discontinue weekly lessons, we simply ask for two lessons’ notice. This allows us to properly notify your teacher and offer the lesson time to another student.
Flexible Lessons
Need more flexibility? Our Flexible Lesson Program is designed for students whose schedules don’t allow them to attend the same day and time each week.
Flexible lessons:
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Do not reserve a permanent weekly time.
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Are scheduled based on teacher availability.
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Include a small flexibility fee.
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Must be prepaid.
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Are non-refundable once scheduled, and may not be rescheduled.
Ask a Lesson Coordinator if Flexible Lessons are a better fit for your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel directly with my teacher?
No. Please contact The Candyman Lessons Office directly so your account and schedule remain accurate.
What if I forget about my lesson?
Missed lessons without proper notice are considered forfeited and remain payable.
What if I’m sick?
Please let us know as soon as possible. If you provide at least four hours’ notice and have not already used your quarterly cancellation credit, we’ll happily apply your credit.
What if severe weather occurs?
If The Candyman closes due to severe weather, affected lessons will be made up or credited.
Why do these policies exist?
Our goal is to balance flexibility for students with fairness to our teachers.
Our instructors reserve time specifically for their students each week and depend on those scheduled lessons as part of their livelihood. These policies allow us to provide consistency, maintain quality instruction, and support the professional musicians who make our program possible.
Thank you for helping us create a respectful and reliable learning environment for everyone.