Studio Policies
Lesson Payments
Tuition payments are due weekly (by the end of the lesson) or monthly (during the week of the first lesson of the month). Weekly or monthly billing is determined case by case. Payments may be made online via Venmo or by check.
Tuition Fees
Rates vary by lesson length and instructor. Lesson length options:
- 30 min
- 45 min
- 60 min
Lessons & Group Class Schedule
The studio follows a four-week lesson plan with three private lessons and one group class each month. Group classes are scheduled month by month, typically during the third or fourth week, and replace that week's private lesson. In five-week months, lessons are given at teacher discretion and are typically used for makeups or holidays.
Attendance
Please arrive five minutes early with your instrument and all materials. If an instrument is left at home, the teacher is not obligated to teach or make up that lesson. Enter quietly if a lesson is in progress. Attendance at group classes is expected unless discussed with your teacher. The Suzuki method emphasizes the student-parent-teacher triangle; while children are young, parents are expected to attend lessons and supervise home practice. Supervision for teenage students is handled case by case.
Make-up Lessons & Rescheduling
Make-up private lessons are offered for teacher illness, teacher schedule changes, or extenuating circumstances and are scheduled at a mutually convenient time. Private lessons may be switched with another student of equal lesson length with teacher approval. Please give at least 24 hours notice when possible. Lessons canceled with less than 24 hours notice are not refunded. If you or your child is ill, please notify the teacher so a Zoom lesson or reschedule can be arranged.
Practice
Student progress depends on consistent home practice. Beginning students are expected to practice the length of their lesson time each day, building toward roughly double their lesson length as stamina develops. Shorter practice sessions multiple times per day are often most effective for beginners.
Materials
Students are responsible for maintaining their instrument in good working order. Required books and materials are communicated at the start of enrollment.
Summer Lessons
To maintain a regular place in the studio, students are required to attend a minimum of six lessons during the summer. Additional summer lessons may be arranged with the teacher.
Studio Recitals
Studio recitals are typically held twice per year, once in fall and once in spring. Attendance is expected unless otherwise arranged with your teacher. Each student performs one or more pieces selected with the teacher the prior month. Families are welcome to invite guests.
Student Recitals
The Suzuki method uses progressive, numbered books. Upon completion of each book, students and parents are encouraged to schedule a solo recital. Students perform memorized pieces with a pianist. Families are responsible for arranging a pianist, though teacher referrals are available. Guests are encouraged, and students receive a medal after each completed book recital.
Photos & Videos
Photos and videos taken by parents during lessons are encouraged to support home practice. You may ask for demonstrations during lessons. Occasionally, the teacher may request permission to photograph or record students in classes, lessons, or performances for educational use. To protect student privacy, full names are not used without written parent or guardian approval.
Personal Cell Phone Policy
Students and parents are encouraged to put cell phones away during lessons; phones may be used in case of emergency.
Communication
The best way to reach your teacher is via email. Please allow 24 hours for a response. For urgent matters, a phone number will be provided upon enrollment.