Studio Policies: The Bite-Sized Version
Here are the important points of my studio policies in a nutshell. Scroll down for the full version, which covers everything you’ll ever want to know about violin and viola lessons!
- Lessons are paid in advance for the term, and are due on the second week of the term. If another payment arrangement better fits your family budget, I will do my best to accommodate your needs.
- Lesson fees cover my time, regardless of whether or not the student shows up for a lesson.
- If a student is sick or if there is a family emergency, I will do a make-up lesson provided my schedule allows.
- Parents must attend lessons and take notes.
- Students must keep their fingernails short at all times as well as wash their hands before each lesson.
- I teach lessons during most holidays (except for a few weeks at Christmas time.) Students are encouraged to continue lessons during the holidays if they are in town.
- Group classes are held every week on Wednesdays from 4:00 – 5:10 in addition to private lessons. I encourage all my students to sign up for group lessons and participate. Group lessons are a vital part of learning a musical instrument.
Lesson Fees:
Term 1, 2010 begins on Wednesday, January 27 and the last day of the term is on Tuesday, April 6 (10 weeks).
Term Fees
30 minute lesson – $350
45 minute lesson – $450
60 minute lesson – $600
Suzuki course fee – $50. The course fee includes group classes, a recital/concert fee, and occasional parent classes and forums.
Studio Policies: The Seven Course Meal
LESSON FEE: Payments for lessons are due on the second week of the term. I do realise, however, that families may need time and planning to work this into their budget. If another arrangement works better for you for the time being, please let me know and we can work something out. The lesson fee includes: your private lesson (a time is reserved for you, even if you’re absent!), handouts for your notebook and exercises that I write, assistance in purchasing new instruments, and telephone consultations.
ATTENDANCE: Students are scheduled for the full term, unless otherwise notified. Students are required to attend all lessons. If you must miss a lesson for vacation, school events, religious observance, or any other reason, please give me two weeks advance notice. There will be no catch-up lessons for missed lessons. You can always try to swap a lesson time with another student before forfeiting a lesson (see the swap list procedure below). In the case of a serious illness, family emergency, or severe weather conditions, I will make up lessons provided I have time in my schedule. If you must cancel a lesson for any reason, please try to allow 24-hour notice, and send me a text message or call me directly (0435449443). Please leave a message on my voicemail if I am not available to answer the phone. Please do not assume that my lessons schedule will be in sync with government holidays or school vacations; not all schools follow the same calendars. Finally, if you have not practised, or if your violin is being repaired, please don’t cancel your lesson–we can still make some musical progress! I have theory lessons on hand in the event that your violin is in the violin shop.
HOLIDAY LESSONS: I will be teaching during most school holidays except for a few weeks at Christmas time. I will provide my holiday availability in advance to my students via email. Students can opt to have more than one lesson a week during the holidays. Holiday lessons must be scheduled in advance, and lesson fees may be paid at each lesson. I strongly encourage students to take lessons during holidays if they are in town, as students have more time to practise and focus. Students often experience big leaps of improvement during the holidays.
SWAP LIST: I will provide you with my teaching schedule and the phone numbers of other students upon request. If you need to cancel your lesson, please try to swap lessons with another student first. Both students must notify me of the change at least 24 hours in advance.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
- A violin and bow in good working condition, rosin, a shoulder rest, and cleaning cloth
- A 3-ring binder with divider tabs: practise charts, lesson notes, exercises, miscellaneous *a copy of this Studio Policies should be kept in the binder
- For home practise: a music stand, a metronome, a tuner (except for students who have a piano at home or who have a metronome with chromatic pitches)
- Sheet music and other books as I determine necessary
LESSON CONTENT: In each lesson, we will work on tone production, technical studies, musicianship, and violin repertoire (a solo and/or duet). We may also work on orchestra music as needed, and any solos you wish to play for contests, school, church, etc. Students are responsible for providing their own music. Photocopied materials are not permitted in lessons as a permanent substitute for purchasing printed works. Students are responsible to bring their lesson binder to every lesson. Parents are required to observe and take notes in lessons.
LESSON ETTIQUITE: In some cases, siblings may accompany a parent, but must respect the lesson environment and keep quiet. Please bring a quiet activity for young siblings to do. Cell phone must be turned off and making phone calls during lessons is prohibited.
Students are required to have short, clipped fingernails at every lesson (both hands, please!) Students must also wash their hands before their lesson.
GROUP CLASSES: I will be holding group classes every week on Monday afternoons. All students are strongly encouraged to take part in group classes. We will be covering technique, theory, performance skills, ensemble skills, and some music history. The musical, social, and inspirational benefits of group classes are endless and are often the highlight of learning the violin and viola for students. Please schedule extra-curricular activities, religious activities, etc. around the group class schedule (to be outlined in the term calendar.)
CONCERTS: I will arrange a studio concert every term in which students are required to play. A small performance fee will be collected before concerts to cover the venue and accompanist costs. I will also try to provide optional performances in the community as opportunities arise. These may include charitable performances such as at retirement homes. Suggestions and advice as to where to hold additional performances are welcomed!
PRACTISE AND PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT: Lessons are an exercise in “teamwork.” The “team” includes the student, the teacher, and the parent(s). Parents are expected to encourage students, remind (or nag!) them to practise, and help them obtain needed materials in a timely manner. When parents take an active role in encouraging students to practise, students experience more success. Again, parents are required to attend and take notes in all lessons. Doing so will better equip parents to assist the student with daily practise.
LISTENING: Students are expected to listen to their required recordings every day. This is a wonderful way to develop a good inner ear and musicianship. Recordings may be easily obtained from the public library, but building a personal collection of classical recordings is encouraged.
COMMUNICATION PROCEDURE: I hope that violin lessons will be a very positive experience for you. If you have any concerns, or wish to discuss the student’s progress, students and/or parents should contact me directly. Similarly, I may contact parents and students to discuss the student’s progress.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS: In the case that I must miss lessons on short notice, I may ask another qualified professional violinist to substitute for me. Please understand that every teacher has individual strengths and it usually is a great opportunity to get a unique, fresh perspective.
DISCONTINUATION OF LESSONS: If you wish to discontinue lessons, you must give me two weeks notice prior to the date of the last lesson. You will then be refunded at 50% for any remaining pre-paid lessons.
Please download a PDF version of the Studio Policies to print and sign when registering for lessons.
