Policy Sheet

MONTHLY TUITION
Tuition is due the FIRST LESSON of each month and is always the same amount, regardless of how many lessons there are in the month.  Late payments will incur a $50 late fee.   The monthly tuition includes private lessons and group lessons. There are four weeks throughout the calendar year where parents and students may enjoy a respite from the daily routine of practice and lessons (typically, but subject to change, one week in the summer, one week for Thanksgiving, and two weeks for Christmas/winter break).  We do not take the summers off as it greatly hinders the progress of any student. If a student chooses to take several weeks off in the summer, payment continues if they want to hold their slot in the studio.

LESSONS
Please make sure your violin and bow are in the case before you leave your house.  Bring all of your music, flashcards (when applicable), reading books, and practice chart to every lesson.  Parents, please don’t be on your phones during the lesson if your children still require your assistance at home for practicing, unless you are filming for practice purposes.  If you must answer a call or text, please step outside.  It can be very distracting to the lesson environment.  If you arrive more than 5 minutes early, PLEASE WAIT to come in.  If you come in on the tail end of another lesson, please be courteous and come in quietly.  Please withhold loud conversation. 

PRACTICING
I require at least 6 DAYS of practice each week.  Careful, consistent practice plays a big part in achieving a high level of playing.  You will receive a practice chart at each lesson in order to help you organize your practicing.  These charts SHOULD BE READ AND USED DURING EACH PRACTICE!  Make sure you check off each section of your chart you practice every day.  Remember that what you put into your practice is what you get out of it.  To make it worth the time and resources invested, students and parents need to be committed to practicing.

LISTENING
Please don’t underestimate the value and importance of DAILY listening to the reference recordings.  The new piece should be listened to at least 30 minutes DAILY, in addition to the current volume being studied.  For students beyond the the Suzuki books, I ask that you listen to at least three different artists playing the repertoire you are currently studying.  Please actively listen with your music in front of you and a pencil in hand so you can make notes in your music of anything that stands out to you that you would like to incorporate into your playing.  Remember, the more you listen, the quicker you progress!  DAILY listening trains your ear to hear accurate pitch, style, and articulation in each piece.

MUSIC/STRINGS
When new music, theory/etude books, and flashcards are assigned, please be quick about ordering them.  Strings need to be replaced once or twice a year.  Recommended strings, music, and rosin are available on the website.

MEDIA CONSENT
By participating in our studio, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken during lessons, group classes, and performances as part of our normal activities. Unless we receive a written request in advance, these photos and/or videos of student performances may be posted online, including on our website and social media pages. If you’d prefer your child not be included, please notify us in writing prior to the relevant lesson, class, or event.

GROUP LESSONS
Group lessons are an integral part of the Suzuki method and critical for learning ensemble skills.  Please be early to group so we can tune and start on time.  It is extremely important for ALL students to attend EVERY group lesson in preparation for concerts, tours, and learning/refining ensemble skills.  The Tuesday group lessons are divided by level (technique class) and the Thursday group lessons are all levels combined (repertoire class).  In the event that you have a conflict with your scheduled Tuesday group lesson time, you may attend a different level of group, where possible.  THERE ARE NO MAKE-UP LESSONS FOR MISSED GROUP WEEKS!  I realize that extracurricular activities, illness, or other unforeseen events may arise from time to time; however, if students miss more than 2 group lessons, they will be withdrawn from the concert.  If they miss more than 2 concerts, they will need to find another studio that will work better with their schedule. 

CONCERT FEES
There will be a flat concert fee of $100 (price subject to change) per family to cover accompaniment, facility rental, video production, and other concert-related expenses.  Please include this fee with tuition the month of the concert.  This is a non-refundable fee that is paid regardless of whether or not students are able to participate in the concert.

CANCELLATIONS
Please keep in mind that tuition pays for your reserved time slot in the studio.  Cancelled lessons will not be refunded for any reason, including pre-arranged vacations, illness, or inclement weather.  Please don’t ask for a make-up lesson if you haven’t practiced because you were too busy!  If you know you will have to miss a lesson due to an extenuating circumstance, please contact me at least 24 hours in advance; otherwise, that lesson will not be made up. Though I cannot always guarantee the opportunity for a make-up lesson, should the occasion arise, please reach out to see if there is an available time slot open.  If you miss a scheduled make-up lesson for any reason, please don’t ask for another available time.

VIRTUAL LESSONS
The above information applies to all students who are virtual as well, with the exception of group lessons (since they are in person only).  For students who are out of state and available to join in person for concerts, I will send video/audio material to help with preparation.  In order to make the most of your private lesson time, please do your best to be close to your router for a good connection (as lessons won’t be made up due to poor connection) and please MAKE SURE YOUR DEVICE IS CHARGED before your lesson begins.  Please be ready to start when I call in…this means having your violin tuned, your metronome handy, rosin accessible, and ALL your music with you! Keep in mind that I will call in as soon as I’m finished with the previous student.  Thank you for being patient.