About Lessons Blog

Studio Policy

Last updated: March 12, 2025

Working Together - What to Expect

Welcome to the Trumpet with Paul studio!

I'm excited to work with you to help you become not only a better trumpet player, but also a more creative and successful musician. This studio policy outlines how we can work together to make your learning experience positive and productive. I've written this in plain language because I believe in clear communication from the start. Please scroll through this policy to read the entire document. 

Working with Younger Students 

For students under 18 years of age, I require a brief meeting with a student's parent(s)/guardian(s) during the first lesson to discuss expectations and to get to know each other. For students under 13 years of age, a parent or guardian must be present during the entirety of each lesson. These requirements help ensure a safe, productive learning environment and keep parents/guardians informed about their child's musical development.

Let's Meet First

I strongly encourage all new students enrolling in online lessons to schedule a FREE 15-minute trial session with me before purchasing a lessons package. This gives us a chance to meet, discuss your goals, explore scheduling options, and make sure online lessons will be a good fit for you.

What You'll Need to Get Started

  • Your instrument 

  • Computer or tablet with Zoom installed

  • "Original sound" turned on in Zoom audio settings - I can help talk you through this.

  • A quiet space with reliable internet connection

Scheduling Your Lessons

After purchasing your lesson package, you can view and schedule your sessions by logging into your account at www.trumpetwithpaul.com/library.

Please schedule lessons with at least 24 hours notice. Most students prefer regular weekly or biweekly lessons - let's work together to find a consistent day and time that works well for both of us.

When I'm Available

To preview my current availability, visit www.rumpetwithpaul.com/lessons and click the "SCHEDULE FREE TRIAL LESSON" button.

  • School Year (September-June): I'm typically available on weekday afternoons/evenings and Sunday mornings.
  • Summer (mid-June through August): Please note that my availability for lessons is more limited during the summer months, though I try to keep some availability in the afternoons and evenings.

Rescheduling and Missed Lessons

Rescheduling

It's good practice to provide plenty of notice if needing to reschedule. You can reschedule any lesson with at least 24 hours' notice using the website or the link in your confirmation email.

Occasional rescheduling with plenty of notice is absolutely fine!

Last-Minute or Frequent Rescheduling

When you schedule a lesson session, I set aside that time specifically for you. While I understand that life happens occasionally, no-show lessons, cancellations or frequent rescheduling changes with less than 24 hours' notice will result in a forfeited lesson credit.

If Paul Needs to Reschedule

I rarely need to reschedule, but if I do:

  • I'll contact you as soon as possible
  • We'll work together to find an alternative time that works for you
  • I'll make sure you receive the full lesson you paid for

Lesson Credits

Your lesson package includes credits for lessons that can be used within 12 months from the purchase date. Please be sure to schedule your lessons before your credits expire.

Zoom Audio Settings

Unfortunately, Zoom's default audio settings block loud instruments like the trumpet. Therefore, it's important to enable the "Original Sound" feature on your computer or "Original Audio" feature on your tablet to ensure your trumpet can be heard clearly. This is a two-step process, don't worry if this feels overwhelming now, Paul can walk you through it at our first meeting: 

  1. Enable "Original Sound" in Zoom audio settings
  2. Next, you'll need to "Turn on Original Sound" or your computer or "Original Audio" on your tablet during the Zoom meeting.

Video Tutorial for Computer 
How to enable ORIGINAL SOUND FOR MUSICIANS on a COMPUTER

Video Tutorial for iPad or Tablet
How to enable ORIGINAL AUDIO for Zoom on a TABLET

My Promise to You: 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

I stand behind the quality of my teaching and want you to feel confident in your decision to work with me.

For Lesson Packages

  • Unused lesson credits are eligible for a full refund within 30 days of purchase
  • Once we've had a lesson or a lesson credit has been forfeited, it's considered used and isn't eligible for refund
  • For partially used lesson packages, I offer pro-rata refunds within 30 days (e.g., if you've used 2 lessons from a 10-lesson package, you'll receive a refund for the 8 unused lessons)

How to Request a Refund

To request a refund within 30 days of purchase, email [email protected] with:

  • Your email address
  • Your purchase date
  • The product you'd like refunded

My team will process your refund request.

After 30 Days

After 30 days from purchase, I am unable to offer refunds. I encourage you to reach out with any concerns before this period expires.

Questions?

If you have any questions about anything we've covered here, please don't hesitate to reach out at [email protected].

Updates to this Agreement

I may occasionally update this studio policy to better serve you and reflect changes in my teaching practice. The latest version will always be available on my website.

Even More Fine Print

Congrats if you've read all the way through! Taking the time to understand these terms shows your commitment to working well together. If you want to read even more (and I'm sorry, but my lawyers say I have to include these), please review the Website Terms and Conditions and Website Privacy Policy.

Thank you again and welcome!!!