Nana Vaughn Lesson Policies
Updated July 10, 2025

If you haven't already read my general page about lessons, including rates, teaching philosophy, etc., please see the Lessons page.

​There are two portions of my Lesson Agreement; one for parents/guardians to read and another for parents/guardians to read along with students. Please sign and turn in at your lesson. A PDF version may be downloaded by clicking here. 

For Parents/Guardians to Read:

Managing Lessons with MyMusicStaff
I use the MyMusicStaff.com app to communicate, send invoices, track attendance and payments, and send lesson reminders. Most importantly, families can easily book, cancel, and reschedule lesson times on their own through the app.

Lesson Scheduling Options
Due to my college teaching and performance commitments, I offer a limited number of regular, reserved lesson slots. These weekly lessons provide the most consistent path for steady musical progress.

I also offer flexible “drop-in” lessons, which can be scheduled as availability allows. This option is ideal for:
  • New families getting started
  • Students with changing or unpredictable schedules
For best progress, I recommend scheduling drop-in lessons as regularly as possible. Drop-in students receive first priority when a reserved weekly time becomes available.

Monthly Payment Policy
For families with reserved weekly lessons who pay monthly:
  • An invoice will be sent near the beginning of each month.
  • Tuition is due by the 10th of each month, unless other arrangements have been made.
  • A $10 late fee applies after the 10th.
Preferred payment method: Cash
Also accepted: Check, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal

Weekly Payment Policy
For families using drop-in lessons or paying weekly:
  • Invoices will be sent near the beginning of each month to give a general idea of your fees, but may not reflect all the lessons if you haven't yet scheduled all your lessons that month.
  • If a payment is missed, it’s fine to bring it the following week
  • If payment is more than 10 days late, a $10 late fee may apply
  • Drop-in students may choose to pay for multiple lessons in advance; the MyMusicStaff app will automatically track your balance.
Preferred payment method: Cash
Also accepted: Check, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal

Cancellations & Absences
Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice whenever possible.
  • I generally do not charge for cancellations due to genuine emergencies or illness—even at the last minute.
  • However, if cancellations become frequent or happen at the last minute often, I may begin charging for missed lessons or consider dismissal from the studio.
Thank you for respecting both my time and your child’s learning.

Holiday & School Break Policy
Lessons generally continue as scheduled on:
  • Most federal holidays
  • Teacher professional development days
  • Other minor school closures
  • Extra lesson slots are often available on these days—keep an eye out if that fits your schedule!

Lessons typically do not take place during:
  • Thanksgiving Break
  • Winter Break
  • Spring Break
If you're ever unsure whether lessons will be held, just reach out!
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Inclement Weather Policy
I generally follow Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS) for weather-related closures.
  • If HCPSS cancels school or closes early, I will usually cancel lessons in the MyMusicStaff app—especially if my streets aren’t clear.
  • If you feel safe driving and I believe my neighborhood is safe, you are welcome to keep your lesson.
  • If your lesson is still showing in the app and neither of us has canceled, I’ll assume you’re coming.
This applies to weather events outside school hours as well.

Scheduling Note
As a working musician, I sometimes receive last-minute performance requests that may conflict with scheduled lessons.
  • I will always do my best to give you advance notice.
  • If possible, I appreciate your flexibility in rescheduling or working with my assistant teacher.
Thank you for helping keep your child’s learning on track!

Lessons with My Assistant
If you'd like to schedule a lesson with my assistant teacher, please arrange the time with him and pay him directly.

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For Parents/Guardians to Read with Students:

What Lessons Are All About
Lessons are designed to help you become a confident, independent musician who loves music for life!
  • Your lessons are made just for you—at your pace, in the way you learn best
  • You'll get support, encouragement, and opportunities like recitals, school groups, youth orchestras, music camps, and more
Private lessons are not the same as tutoring for school music.
  • Your lesson time is for your personal music plan
  • If needed, I can help with school or orchestra music—but that’s not the main focus

What’s Expected of You
With help from your parents and teacher, you are expected to:
  • Practice regularly
  • Come prepared each week
  • Try your best
  • Improve a little each week at your own pace
Taking music lessons is a special opportunity. Show respect by being responsible, ready, and focused.

If You Need to Miss a Lesson
If you need to miss a lesson:
  • Please try to let me know at least one day before
  • If you get sick or something unexpected happens, it's okay to cancel last-minute—I understand!
If lessons are missed frequently or canceled at the last minute a lot, I may need to:
  • Charge for missed lessons
  • Ask you to take a break from lessons
Being responsible helps everyone!

Studio Newsletters
I send a monthly newsletter to your family with:
  • Schedule changes
  • Holiday plans
  • Student achievements
  • Important news or reminders
Please make sure you and your parents read the newsletter so you stay up to date!

Student Schedule Conflicts & Makeups
If you have a schedule conflict:
  • Cancel and reschedule directly through the MyMusicStaff app
  • The app notifies me automatically--no need to text or email
Using the app helps me spend more time teaching and less time managing schedules—thank you!

Parking & Drop-Off
Please review with all parents, siblings, teen drivers, nannies, or anyone else who may be bringing the student to lessons.
When arriving for lessons:
  • Park in front of my house
  • Do not block the mailbox or make it difficult for neighbors to come and go
  • You may briefly pull into the driveway to drop off in bad weather, but don’t park there so my family can come and go

Neighborhood Courtesy
Please review with all parents, siblings, teen drivers, nannies, or anyone else who may be bringing the student to lessons. While driving through the neighborhood, I kindly ask that you follow all traffic laws and drive courteously. Since I operate my studio in a residential area, it’s important that I remain a respectful neighbor, and your help in doing so is truly appreciated.
  • Drive slowly and carefully
  • Follow all traffic laws
  • Be respectful—this is a residential area

By signing my name here, I signify that I have read and understand the lesson agreement as set forth above.

Student(s) signature(s):

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) signature(s):

Date:
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