Please note that gray background behind any text simply means that the text is recently updated to make sure my policies are fully-aligned with my teaching methods and beliefs.
At Daggerhart Music, my goal is to create a supportive and inspiring environment where learners of all ages can grow in skill and confidence. Below are the key studio policies to help us stay on track and make the most of our time together.
Attendance
Consistent attendance is important for steady musical progress. Tuition secures your weekly lesson time and is not based on attendance. Missed lessons are not refunded or automatically rescheduled.
If you give at least 14 days’ notice for unavoidable schedule conflicts or events such as vacations, school functions, or sports, we will do our best to temporarily adjust your lesson times.
Illness Policy
If your learner is ill or showing obvious signs of illness, such as frequent coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, or similar symptoms, please keep them home. Because many students pass through our studios each day, one contagious illness can quickly spread throughout our music community as students share instruments, pianos, door handles, and other common surfaces. We appreciate your help in keeping our students, families, and instructors healthy.
Drop-offs and Pick-ups
For the safety of all learners, students under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other responsible caregiver while on the Daggerhart Music Academy premises. The supervising adult should remain readily available on the premises for the duration of the lesson.
Students ages 13 through 17 may attend lessons independently with written permission from a parent or legal guardian. A signed waiver is required before these students may enter or leave the building without an accompanying adult.
Important Dates
Fall Term 2025 – August 10, 2026 – December 4, 2026
Fall Vacation – NO LESSONS – November 23 – 27, 2026 (Thanksgiving Week)
Fall Recital and Party – Sunday, December 6, 2026
Spring Term 2026 – January 11, 2027 – May 14, 2027
Spring Vacation – NO LESSONS – March 1 – 12, 2027
Spring 2026 Recital and Party – May 16, 2027 TENTATIVELY
Term Rates
Full Term Rates for Daggerhart Music during Fall of 2026 are as presented below. Terms are defined as such:
Fall 2026 Term: 16 Scheduled Lessons from August 10, 2026 to December 4, 2026
Please be aware you must be approved by Brandon Daggerhart for 40 or 50 minute lesson slots. If you are registering for those extended lesson slots, make sure to have accounted for that in your Preferred Slots when registering.
- 30 minute lessons – $560 / term
- 40 minute lessons – $760 / term
- 50 minute lessons – $960 / term
Payment
Tuition is due by the first lesson of each month, or the first lesson of the term if paying in advance.
Monthly payments are installments toward the full cost of the term, not pay-as-you-go lessons. By enrolling, you are reserving a recurring lesson time for the entire term. Tuition remains the same each month regardless of how many weeks are in that month.
Families who choose to pay the full term in advance will receive a 10% discount on the total cost of the term.
Late payments will incur a $10 late fee for each week past due.
I accept payment by cash, check, or Venmo. Checks should be made out to Daggerhart Music, and my Venmo handle is @The-Daggerharts.
Financial Assistance
I believe music should be accessible, and I maintain a small number of need-based scholarships or discounted spots each term. If financial circumstances are a concern, please reach out to discuss available options.
Practice Expectations
At Daggerhart Music, consistent practice is the key to real progress. Each learner receives specific weekly goals rather than a required number of practice minutes. Some goals may take ten minutes a day, others may take longer. What matters most is steady, focused effort and a sincere attempt to complete assignments between lessons.
Learners are expected to arrive prepared for each lesson, having practiced their assigned material. Over time, I’ll create a custom practice outline for each learner and adjust it based on progress and feedback. Keeping a simple practice log is encouraged, as it helps both the learner and me stay aligned and ensures assignments remain clear and manageable.
Consistent practice is one of the most important parts of learning music. Each lesson builds on what came before, and if earlier concepts haven’t been understood or practiced, it becomes much harder to build new skills with confidence.
Because of that, I don’t move learners ahead to new material until they’ve reached a satisfactory level of understanding with their current lesson. If the necessary practice hasn’t been completed or a concept still needs work, I’ll continue reinforcing that material rather than adding new challenges on top of it.
This isn’t about punishment or withholding progress, it’s about setting each learner up for success. Piling new lessons on top of shaky foundations only creates frustration later on. My goal is always to help learners grow with confidence, build solid skills, and enjoy the process of learning music at a pace that truly supports them.
If a learner repeatedly comes unprepared, I’ll reach out to parents so we can talk through what’s going on and work together to create a realistic home practice plan. For learners under age 13, I ask that parents stay involved by reviewing weekly notes and helping guide early practice sessions after each lesson.
Instruments
Having the right instrument at home is essential for growth and enjoyment.
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Piano learners should have either an in-tune acoustic piano with 88 working keys and pedals, or a digital piano with 88 weighted keys and a sustain pedal. Smaller keyboards are acceptable for a short time, but we’ll need to upgrade as the student progresses.
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Drum learners need a complete and functional kit. This includes a bass drum and pedal, snare drum with stand, hi-hat cymbals with stand, and a proper seat or throne.
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Guitar, Violin, and Viola Learners should have a properly sized, playable instrument suitable for regular practice at home. Because instrument sizes, setups, and accessories vary based on the student’s age, experience, and individual needs, your instructor will provide specific recommendations and requirements for your learner.
If you have questions before purchasing an instrument, we encourage you to reach out. We’re happy to help guide you toward an instrument that will support long-term success and enjoyment.
Performance Opportunities
I offer performance opportunities throughout the year, including our spring and fall End of Term Parties. These events are a great chance for students to build confidence and celebrate their progress.
Performance is always encouraged but never required. If a traditional recital feels overwhelming, we can explore alternatives such as pre-recorded videos, duets, low-pressure public spaces, or informal family performances. My goal is to help each learner gain experience in a way that feels safe and empowering.