Enrolling in Lessons at Mike Risko Music School
We’re excited to welcome you to Mike Risko Music School! Whether you’re new or returning, the first step is to contact our office by phone or email to schedule a consultation. During this meeting, we’ll match you with an instructor or class, discuss goals, and select a lesson time. New students are invited to book a free consultation to learn about our programs and tour the space. You may also register directly by phone.
Enrollment is not complete until payment is received. We cannot reserve a time or begin lessons or classes without it.
Lesson Calendar
Mike Risko Music School offers two 19-week sessions during the school year and an 8-week summer session. Group classes occur within those timeframes and may meet for shorter durations. Workshops are announced periodically.
Holiday closings and other important dates are listed on our school calendar.
We send weekly newsletters with updates about programs and events. Registration reminders are emailed six weeks before each session for current students. New students may enroll at any time, pending availability. Mid-year registrations are prorated. *Limited availability may be an issue mid-year, we recommend registering early.
What to Bring for Lessons
To make the most of your lesson time, students must come prepared each week.
- Bring your own instrument (except piano or drums).
- Accessories such as cables, picks, drumsticks, notebooks, etc. may be needed.
- Everyone should bring a bottle of water.
- All students should have a manuscript or regular notebook for assignments.
Books must be brought to every lesson and are available for purchase in our store. Photocopies are not provided. Lost books must be repurchased. If forgotten, a school copy may be used during the lesson and must be returned afterward. Please note that no cell phones are allowed in the lesson rooms. if you must bring one, please make sure it is kept inside a bag at all times.
Assignment Books & Communication
Instructors will record weekly assignments in student notebooks. These serve as a communication bridge between school and home. Parents are encouraged to check them regularly for updates on progress and events.
Because instructors teach back-to-back, they aren’t able to have extended conversations before or after lessons. If you’d like to discuss something in more detail, feel free to reach out to our Lesson Coordinator—we’re happy to help set up a time to connect or help you with any lesson content questions.
Parental Responsibilities
Student success thrives on a strong, collaborative partnership between families and the music school. At Mike Risko Music School, we believe that learning doesn’t stop when the lesson ends—it continues at home. When parents stay involved, encourage regular practice, and help reinforce the goals set during lessons, students progress faster, stay more motivated, and enjoy their musical journey more deeply. Support at home is essential, and our team is here to help you find a rhythm that works for your child.
To ensure a safe and productive environment:
- Young students must be escorted into and out of the building. No curbside drop-offs are permitted.
- Parking is available in our lot and on nearby streets. Please be respectful of our neighbors and do not double park or block driveways.
- Parents may wait in the waiting room during lessons, or sit in on the lesson if desired. We ask that no more than one parent be in the lesson room at a time to maintain focus.
- Lesson times are reserved for the enrolled student only. Please do not send siblings or substitutes in their place without prior office approval.
- All absence and scheduling communications must be sent via email to the Lesson Coordinator. Instructors do not manage scheduling or absences directly.
Instructor Assignment
While we do our best to place students with instructors who match their learning style and goals, we cannot guarantee lessons with a specific teacher. Instructor changes may occur due to scheduling needs, staff availability, or other reasons.
All instructors at Mike Risko Music are trained in our curriculum, ensuring that every student receives a consistent and high-quality experience. We view flexibility as a strength and encourage families to embrace opportunities to work with different members of our teaching staff — whether for makeups or schedule adjustments.
Families are welcome to request a particular instructor, and we will do our best to honor those requests when possible, though availability and staffing changes may affect assignments.
Attendance & Makeups
We value consistency. Students are permitted up to two (2) makeups per session.
If a student is ill and cannot attend in person, we can arrange a Zoom lesson or provide a custom assignment.
Makeup Policy:
- Make ups must be requested with 24+ hours’ notice.
- Are not offered for same-day cancellations.
- Are not rescheduled once booked.
- Must be completed by the session’s final week.
- May be virtual or with a different instructor.
- Group classes, rehearsals, and performances are not eligible for makeup.
If your instructor is unavailable, we will provide a substitute or reschedule. Instructors may occasionally teach virtually from home. In such cases, students may attend on-site and be supported by our Lesson Coordinator. We cannot guarantee your regular instructor for makeup lessons.
Virtual Lessons
Zoom lessons are available by request in advance.
Zoom Guidelines:
- Links are sent near the lesson time and are for one-time use only.
- Links are created by MRMS, not by students or teachers.
- Logging in outside your scheduled time is not permitted.
- Links are deleted after use.
- Technical issues on the student’s end do not qualify for makeup.
- Ensure strong Wi-Fi and enable “original sound” for best results.
Performances & Showcases
Performance is central to our curriculum. Students are encouraged to perform 1–2 times per session in recitals, showcases, open mics, and other events.
Some events are free; others may carry a small participation fee. All performances must be arranged through the MRMS office. If accompaniment is needed, we will assign a designated accompanist.
Showcase Requirements:
- Students must be actively enrolled.
- Only current lesson material may be performed, subject to instructor approval.
- Original compositions are reserved for open mics or songwriter events.
Photo Release
By enrolling at MRMS, you grant Mike Risko Music LLC permission to use photos and videos of students for educational, promotional, and social media purposes. This includes but is not limited to our website, newsletters, brochures, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and email communications. To opt out, a written request must be submitted at the time of registration.
Non-Solicitation of Instructors
Instructors agree not to offer or accept private lessons, gigs, or outside work from MRMS students or their families outside of their official role at Mike Risko Music School. All lesson, performance, and gig requests are to be handled through the MRMS office.
To keep everything running smoothly, all scheduling and staffing is handled through the MRMS office. We kindly ask that families avoid giving scheduling updates directly to instructors, as it can lead to confusion or missed information. The Lesson Coordinator is always happy to help with any changes or questions.
Social Media & Privacy
To protect privacy and maintain healthy boundaries, students and instructors should not share personal contact or social media information. All communication should go through official MRMS channels.
Stay connected with us on Social Media:
Facebook: @MikeRiskoMusicSchool
Instagram: @MikeRiskoMusic
Also, check your email regularly and make sure our emails don’t end up in your spam folder.
Refund & Credit Policy
Our program is structured as a course. Tuition is due in full at registration, and your lesson time is held for you.
No refunds, credits, or rollovers are offered for missed lessons or sessions. If your scheduled time no longer works, we’re happy to assist in finding an alternative, though availability is not guaranteed.
Re-Registration & Forfeiture
Your payment confirms enrollment. To reserve your spot for the next session, payment must be submitted by the posted deadline. After that, the spot may be released. If you stop attending mid-session, your time is forfeited.
Weather & Emergencies
We do not follow public school weather closings. We make independent decisions and will notify you via email and social media.
If we move all lessons to Zoom due to inclement weather, in-person lessons will not be held. If you cancel while we remain open, it will count as a same-day cancellation. You may request a virtual lesson instead. If we move to on line lessons during a weather issue, there will be no other alternative for lessons for that day.
Lost & Found
Please label all books and accessories. Items left behind will be held for one week in Lost & Found before being discarded.
Hold Harmless Agreement
By enrolling, you agree to release Mike Risko Music LLC, its staff, and affiliates from any liability related to injury, illness, property damage, or loss during participation in lessons, events, or other school-related activities, whether held on-site or off-site. All participation is voluntary and at your own risk, in accordance with New York State law.
Non-Discrimination Statement
Mike Risko Music School is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We fully comply with all non-discrimination laws and regulations, including those enforced by the State of New York and the federal government.
Thank You
Thank you for being a part of the Mike Risko Music School community. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to supporting your musical journey!
Policy Acknowledgment
By enrolling in Mike Risko Music School, families agree to follow the policies outlined on this page. These policies remain in effect for the duration of a student’s enrollment.
A signed physical contract is required at the time of enrollment. By enrolling, families acknowledge receipt of the MRMS Policies & Family Guidelines, understand that policies may be updated from time to time, and agree to follow the most current version while enrolled.
Notice of any updates will be provided via email and posted in the school.