Music Lesson Contract (Private Instruction)
Private music lesson agreement — teacher/studio, student (and parent for minors), instrument, schedule, rate, materials, cancellation/make-up policy, practice and recital expectations.
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MUSIC LESSON CONTRACT — PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
Date: May 23, 2026
This Private Music Instruction Agreement (the "Agreement") is between:
TEACHER / STUDIO: Harmony Studio (instructor: Elena Vasquez)
elena@example.com • +1 206 555 0173
STUDENT: Mia Carter (a minor)
PARENT / GUARDIAN: David Carter
david.carter@example.com • +1 206 555 0291
This Agreement is entered into by the Teacher and the Parent/Guardian named below, who enrolls the minor Student and is responsible for tuition and fees.
1. INSTRUCTION
The Teacher will provide private instruction in: Piano (classical + theory).
Lesson location: Harmony Studio, 410 Pine St, Seattle, WA — or online via video call by arrangement
2. SCHEDULE & LESSON LENGTH
Lesson length: 45 minutes each.
Schedule: Weekly, Wednesdays at 4:00 PM, during the studio term (September–June). Summer lessons available on a separate flexible schedule.
3. TUITION & PAYMENT
Rate: $50.00 per lesson, billed monthly, billed in advance at the start of each month.
Tuition is due by the 1st of each month, in advance. Accepted: card on file, Venmo, or check. A $15 late fee applies after the 5th; lessons may be paused if tuition is more than 2 weeks overdue.
4. MATERIALS & INSTRUMENT
Family provides the student's own instrument and maintains it in playable condition (e.g., a tuned acoustic piano or quality digital piano with weighted keys). Method books and sheet music (approx. $40–80/year) are purchased by the family at the teacher's recommendation.
5. PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS
Student is expected to practice the assigned material at least 5 days per week (about 20–30 minutes per day at the current level). Consistent home practice is the single biggest factor in progress.
6. CANCELLATION & MAKE-UP POLICY
Lessons cancelled by the family with at least 24 hours' notice may be made up within the same month, subject to availability. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice, or no-shows, are forfeited and not refunded. The teacher will offer a make-up or credit for any lesson the teacher cancels (e.g., illness).
7. RECITALS & PERFORMANCE
The studio holds two recitals per year (winter and spring). Participation is strongly encouraged but optional. A modest recital fee (~$25) covers the venue and program. Students are expected to prepare their recital piece in the weeks beforehand.
8. TERM & WITHDRAWAL
This agreement runs for the studio term unless ended earlier. Either party may end lessons with 2 weeks' written notice; prepaid, unused lessons are refunded, less any lessons already taken or forfeited under the cancellation policy.
9. INDEPENDENT TEACHER
The Teacher provides instruction as an independent self-employed professional, not as an employee of the Student or family. The Teacher is responsible for the Teacher's own taxes and any required business licensing.
10. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Washington.
By signing, the parties agree to the terms above, and the Parent/Guardian agrees to them on behalf of the minor Student and individually as the responsible payer.
TEACHER
_____________________________ Date: ____________________
Harmony Studio (instructor: Elena Vasquez)
PARENT / GUARDIAN
_____________________________ Date: ____________________
David Carter, on behalf of Mia Carter (Student)
About this template
A private music lesson contract turns an informal "we'll meet Wednesdays" arrangement into clear, written expectations — which is exactly what prevents the two disputes that derail most studios: **missed lessons** and **payment**. The single most important clause is the cancellation and make-up policy. Studios that thrive almost universally bill by the month or term (not pay-as-you-go) and reserve a recurring lesson slot, because that slot has value whether or not the student shows up; a 24-hour cancellation rule with limited monthly make-ups protects the teacher's schedule while staying fair to families. The second pillar is the **payer relationship**: when the student is a minor, the parent or guardian is the contracting party and the responsible payer, so the agreement should be signed by the parent, not the child. Third, set **expectations that drive results** — home-practice frequency, who provides the instrument and method books, and whether the student participates in recitals — because lessons without practice frustrate everyone and a written expectation makes the conversation easier. Finally, independent music teachers are typically self-employed: the contract should state the teacher acts as an independent professional (handling their own taxes) and not create an accidental employment relationship. Keep tuition, refund, and withdrawal terms explicit, especially if you collect a term up front, and confirm any local consumer-refund rules. This is a service agreement, not a complex legal instrument, but writing it down protects the relationship and the studio's livelihood.
When to use it
- Starting private lessons with a new student (or a new term/semester).
- Studios or independent teachers enrolling minors (parent signs and pays).
- Setting a clear cancellation/make-up policy to protect your schedule.
- Collecting monthly or prepaid term tuition with defined refund terms.
What to include
- Teacher/studio and student identification — and parent/guardian for minors.
- Instrument/subject, lesson length, and schedule/frequency.
- Rate, billing cycle, and payment terms (with late-payment rule).
- Materials and instrument responsibilities.
- Cancellation and make-up policy (e.g., 24-hour rule).
- Practice and recital/performance expectations; term and withdrawal notice.