Policies and Expectations

I will teach students how to play their instrument consistently and freely. My goal is to empower each student with the tools they need to have consistent growth and that will serve them in pursuit of their interests and long-term goals. I will tailor the curriculum to match each student's specific learning needs.

Students agree to arrive at each lesson punctually, well-prepared, and with their books, music, and instrument. To make good progress, daily quality practice is necessary. Please ask questions about home assignments so that the student and parents can completely understand the assignments and goals.

Parents: If something is happening at home or school that is affecting your child, please don’t hesitate to let me know. The more information I have, the more I can be sensitive to the needs of your child.

All students are encouraged to play in public and take auditions for local ensembles and competitions. If an opportunity arises, please bring information to the next lesson so that I can help your student prepare.

Students must have their own instrument to practice at home. If you have questions or would like input on the purchase of an instrument, please let me know. I am happy to set appointments to meet the student and their family for instrument trials and make specific recommendations.

Practice is essential to improving on your instrument. Students are required to practice between weekly lessons. Showing up to a lesson without having practiced is unacceptable and can result in re-assessment of the student’s goals and if lessons are a good fit right now.

The amount of practice is unique to each student, their goals and schedule constraints. I am a firm believer in efficient, healthy practice and this is something we will work on often in lessons. I will not assign a number of hours for a student to practice as I find this ineffective and often arbitrary. Rather, I will work individually with students to create a practice plan for each lesson and we will reflect on how it went each week. I value consistency over quantity, so 15 minutes a day is better than 2 hours once or twice a week. The best way to ensure regular practice is to have it be on the schedule for the day.

Parents: I find it really helpful if you encourage your student to practice. Helping the student to schedule their practice is generally effective, but providing your motivation to the student is more important. Please encourage them to practice daily!

Note: Although we work basics in our band classes, these are not a substitute for daily practice.

*Please note that tuition reserves the weekly time slot, but may not directly correlate with lessons received if the student does not attend the scheduled lesson times.

Flat monthly tuition rates are based on the number of guaranteed lessons in the calendar year. There will be a minimum of 44 lessons offered by the studio throughout the year, and the weeks where lessons are not held (due to holidays, personal performance opportunities, or illness) will be communicated in advance.

All payments are non-refundable. After the first payment, invoicing and payment will run automatically on the same day. Tuition will be drawn on the 1st of each month from the method on file. All automatic payments will be run through MakeMusic Studio.

If a payment is returned or declined a 48-hour window will be provided to adjust the payment method and resubmit payment. Invoices paid after the 3rd of the month will receive a $20 late fee. Recurring late payments may result in the termination of the student’s enrollment.

To end lesson enrollment for the next month, written notification must be received via email by the 15th of the current month. If notice is not received by the deadline, the full tuition amount will be automatically charged on the first of the month, and students will have the option to attend all paid lessons that month. Lessons will then be canceled for the following month. Tuition payments are non-refundable. 

Lessons canceled with under 24 hours' notice will not be eligible for a make-up lesson. Lessons canceled with 24 hours' notice will be credited as a make-up lesson for that month. Make-up lessons do not count as credit for the next month’s tuition. With notice, up to 2 make-up lesson credits can be provided each term (August-December; January-May), subject to availability. Make-up lessons must be used within 30 days. 

Make-up lessons are offered as a Zoom (or virtual) lesson on Saturdays each month.

Lessons canceled by me will be given as much notice as possible. Teacher cancellations outside of the guaranteed 44 annual lessons will be rescheduled within 30 days. 

Tuition is based on the number of lessons the studio schedules and will not be altered. Planned vacations or other conflicts communicated in advance receive a make-up lesson credit for that month. *A student's spot will not be guaranteed for the fall term if they were not enrolled in lessons during the summer term.

Each student is responsible for purchasing the required music and materials for lessons. Materials will be assigned by me, and the student will be expected to have the materials no later than two weeks after the materials have been assigned. Advanced notice will be provided whenever possible.

All students are expected to have a notebook for assignments, metronome, and tuner (both metronome and tuner are available in app form)

Please consult me before making any decisions to purchase new mouthpieces, equipment, or instruments.

In the case of mild teacher illness, severe weather, or other conflicts, lessons may be held online virtually. When virtual lessons are offered, in-person make-up lessons will not be offered. If the student opts out of the virtual lesson that lesson and tuition will be forfeited. Tuition is non-refundable. 

From time to time, I use photos and short videos of my students around the studio, on the studio website, or in social media posts. These videos and posts are encouraging to other students and helpful to other teachers. If you do not want your child's image(s) to be used, please let me know. In general, the students love to see their pictures and videos on my website or around the studio. They find it motivating and exciting to think that others want to know what they are learning. The students are identified only by their first name.