Terms and Conditions

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CANCELLATION/LATE ARRIVAL POLICIES

For Private Classes : Students cancelling a class must give their instructor a minimum of 24hrs notice wherever possible to be granted a makeup class at the discretion of the instructor. Makeup classes will be scheduled at the end of the studio year (June 16-27, 2025 ONLY), to a maximum of 2 makeup classes. Further absences will be awarded a makeup at the sole discretion and schedule of the instructor.  Students arriving late to their lessons will be taught at the discretion of the instructor within the following parameters : For a 30 minute lesson, the lesson can continue with 15 or more minutes remaining in class. For a 45 minute lesson, the lesson can continue with 20 or more minutes remaining. For a 60 minute lesson, the lesson can continue with 30 or more minutes remaining*. 

*Missed classes are billable in full. Late attendance does not reduce lesson fees, the class is billable in full.

**We require that families wishing to withdraw entirely from programming notify us in writing at least 7 days before a billing cycle. Invoices are due on the 1st of the month for upcoming lessons.  Failure to notify prior to a billing cycle will result in a $50 cancellation fee.

For Group Classes : If your performer will be absent for any reason please provide as much notice as possible. Group classes are cumulative and team building, makeups cannot be offered for missed classes. Work can be filmed for/sent to the student at the discretion of the instructor. When a student arrives late for a group class it is expected that they will ready themselves for class and enter in a respectful manner so as not to disrupt the current work in motion. Missed classes are billable*. 

**We require that families wishing to withdraw entirely from programming notify us in writing at least 7 days before a billing cycle. Invoices are due on the 1st of the month for upcoming lessons.  Failure to notify prior to a billing cycle will result in a $50 cancellation fee.

Summer MainStage Intensive : A full refund will be issued when cancellation is confirmed 6 weeks or more before the first day of the registered start date. A 50% refund will be issued when cancellation is confirmed up to 3 weeks before the first day of the registered start date.  A refund will not be issued in whole or in part for cancellations giving less than 3 weeks notice before the registered start date. A cancellation is confirmed when acknowledged by both parties in writing. Confirmation from Shepherd Private Coaching occurs within 24hrs of receipt of notice. Where applicable a refund will be issued within 3-5 business days from confirmation. 

LATE PAYMENT POLICIES 

Invoices are to be paid within 7 days of receiving the invoice. Invoices will be sent 7 days before the first of each month, to keep a consistent due date of the 1st of every month for all of our studio families. For example, September's invoice will be sent in August, for payment due September 1, 2023 for all programming occurring for said family/student in September.  Failure to pay a current invoice by the 10th of each month will result in the addition of a late Fee on the student portal account of $50. Failure to pay a current invoice before the following month's invoice is issued will result in the the following consequences: 1) An additional $50 Late Fee charged to the account, and 2) The student will receive no further lessons/training at Shepherd Private Coaching until BOTH the past month, AND upcoming month's invoices have been settled in FULL.

INVOICING POLICIES

Private Lessons : As of August 1, 2023, Private Lessons will be invoiced on a monthly basis for upcoming lessons. Any additional lessons input after the monthly invoice has been issued will be automatically added to the following month's invoice. Invoices will be generated and issued to families ONE WEEK before payment is due. Payment will henceforth be due on the 1st of every month, for the upcoming month's lessons.

Group Lessons/Programming : As of August 1, 2023, Group Lessons/Programming fees will be due in FULL at the beginning of each term (September, January, April). Invoices will be generated and issued ONE WEEK before payment in FULL is due. Payment in FULL will be due on the 1st of September, the 1st of January, and the 1st of April. 

HST EXEMPTIONS

At this time only private lessons in Piano, Voice, Flute, and Advanced Vocal Technique are exempt from the addition of HST. All other studio programming (performing arts, recreational dance, zumbini etc.) are subject to the addition of HST. This is listed in numerous places throughout the website. If in error we have missed an individual course posting, this statement serves to formally make clear that HST is applicable to all programming, with the exception of Private Lessons in Piano, Voice, Flute, and Advanced Vocal Technique.

Administrative  Hours : 9:00-4:00pm Monday through Friday. Emails received after 4:00pm will be addressed the following day. 

For General Inquiries Please Note : It is normal for me to take 2 days to read my emails and 2 more days to reflect on the matter and respond calmly. The culture of immediacy and the constant fragmentation of time are not very compatible with the kind of life I lead.

*Exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances at the discretion of both the instructor and Shepherd Private Coaching Creative Director, Lauren Shepherd.

**We require that families wishing to withdraw entirely from programming notify us in writing at least 7 days before a billing cycle. Invoices are due on the 1st of the month for upcoming lessons.  Failure to notify prior to a billing cycle will result in a $50 cancellation fee.