I love teaching! These policies help lessons go smoothly so I may focus on students and music.

PARTICIPATION

Enrollment should be considered a commitment for the school year. All students experience ups and downs, and when problems arise, please call me to discuss them.

Studio classes enhance and complement private lessons. Held monthly on Sunday afternoons, they are important, fun, and required for each student.

There will be several recitals during the school year, which may involve extra rehearsals and an accompanist fee.

All students are highly encouraged to participate in an outside ensemble or school music program, which greatly impacts progress!

Summer study is important for continuity, and pupils may register for the weeks they'd like lessons. Students taking summer lessons will get priority in the fall schedule.

PAYMENT 

Each month's tuition will be posted and due the first week of the month (private lessons plus studio class). Late payments made after the second week, add $10.

Students are financially responsible for all lessons, including those for which they are absent. There will be no adjustment in tuition for lessons missed for any reason.

STUDENT CANCELLATION

Because tuition pays for a student's reserved time in the schedule (rather than the lesson itself), lessons missed for any reason will not be refunded. If you must cancel a lesson, please follow these guidelines:

(1) Try to foresee a lesson conflict as far in advance as possible.

(2) First try to make a switch with another student, using the lesson schedule/phone list, and notify me of the change.

(3) If you haven't been successful, CALL ME - yes, on the TELEPHONE, not via email, and I'll try to find an open slot for you. I may have open "Make-Up Times" in my schedule, but if not, I'll add your name to a list of students with missed lessons, and will call you if an opening comes up (although there is no guarantee of a make-up).

SNOW DAYS AND TEACHER CANCELLATION

Lessons cancelled by the teacher will be rescheduled or credited toward the next month's tuition. During inclement weather, I still hold lessons, but if you feel it's too dangerous to drive, please call to arrange for another time.

SCHEDULING (AND RE-SCHEDULING)

Each fall I put a lot of time, thought, and effort into setting up lesson times which work optimally for each student,
considering everyone's individual schedule and placing each student next to another of the same age and/or playing level. Please consider your lesson time as your place in my schedule for the school year.

If you feel you must change your lesson time for changes such as sports practices, I'll try to re-arrange my schedule to accomodate you for a $25 fee. (It generally takes me longer than a lesson's time to make these changes.)

 

LESSON GUIDELINES

Arrive early to unpack and be ready on time. Bring everything, including your lesson plan, shoulder rest, binder and all music.

Because we all learn so much faster by listening to music than by "reading" it, all students should own and bring a recording device (laptop, iPhone, etc.) to each lesson. I'll make recordings of new student pieces to use in practicing.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

For children under 10 years old, a parent or guardian should attend lessons and supervise daily practice. For older children and teens, parental support is still important, and a parent should attend at least part of the lesson to understand how to help with practicing.

When I recommend new music, please buy or order it right away (see "Resources" page).

PRACTICING!

Regular practicing always gives the best results. Daily short sessions are better than a few long practices.

Use your "lesson plan" to guide you with what and how to practice. Go through each part of the lesson several times, being careful to fix mistakes. Play review pieces for fun at the end!

Some strategies:  Schedule a regular daily time for practicing. Keep the violin out and in sight. Create a special space to practice. Parents - be involved with your child's practicing in some way. Ask your child to play favorite pieces for you. Make special times for family "performances"...