Studio Policies 2024-2025
I recognize that music lessons may be a whole new world for some of you. Please don’t hesitate to ask, should you have questions!
Attendance
There is a powerful air purifier in the Studio but...
If you or your child, or someone in your household are feeling even slightly unwell, please DO NOT come to the Studio. Just let me know in the morning, and if you/they are able, we can do the lesson online or move it to another day. Please let me know if you/they are too ill to play at all. Lessons missed due to illness will be credited to the next month’s invoice.
Please let me know as soon as possible if you need to move your/your child's lesson to a different day/time for ANY other reason.
IF there is an open time in my teaching schedule, we can move the lesson to another day. If this is not possible, a make-up credit will be issued – meaning that the lesson will be charged but taken at a later date. At least 24 hours’ notice is required.
If you do not notify me of any intended absence within the above time frame, the lesson will be charged at the regular rate. Lesson time missed due to late arrival will not be made up.
There will be a maximum of TWO make-up lessons for non-medical absences allowed per student per term. This rule will be strictly enforced. It is up to parents to initiate the process of arranging a make-up lesson by contacting me. If a make-up lesson has been scheduled and agreed upon and you do not show up, that lesson will be forfeited. Make-up credits do not carry over into the next term.
Lessons will not be refunded except in the case of illness or injury or the absence of, the teacher.
Adult students who have a lesson scheduled before 3:30 pm may reschedule their lesson at a mutually convenient time during the week.
In the case of snow/ice/weather conditions making driving/cycling dangerous, lessons will take place online.
Tuition
Contact me if you think that I have made an error.
Payments received more than two days after the first reminder notice will be subject to a $10 late fee. Lessons will not continue until payment is received.
Any sheet music purchased by me for you will be charged on the next month's invoice. If you are purchasing your own sheet music, it must be ordered immediately after the lesson.
Tuition fees for 2023-2024: 45-minute lesson - $57 weekly. One-hour lesson - $76 weekly. Tuition is paid in advance on the first day of the month. Full Term prepayment receives a 5% discount.
Your tuition includes:
Your lesson: a time slot in my teaching schedule is reserved for you, even if you’re absent!
A variety of handouts and exercises for your folder, provided by your instructor
Assistance in purchasing a new instrument when the time comes. Please don’t buy one without letting me know.
Audition/Competition preparation (also includes my participation in piano rehearsals and attendance at performances, if possible). The pianist’s fee is to be paid directly by you to the pianist.
Your Lesson
Please bring:
FLUTE: should be well-maintained. It is difficult and frustrating to play and progress on a flute with leaks. I can recommend competent repair people.
ALL CURRENT MUSIC: with printed sheets in a folder and everything in a sturdy messenger/tote bag. Also, any music you would like to work on that has not been assigned, such as school playing tests.
MUSIC THEORY BOOK: If you are working on theory.
ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOK and PENCIL: any spiral notebook, preferably 4”x6” or larger.
A RESPECTFUL ATTITUDE means phones off, paying attention, and taking notes.
Practice
Students are expected to practice daily; the recommended amount of time depends on their age and skill level. There is a difference between playing and practicing! The key to success when learning to play an instrument lies in the regular repetition of a specific detail. This is practice. Please use the following guidelines as minimum requirements for this activity. This is time in addition to the time spent in school music class or band practices. Please call me if you have any questions. Learning how to practice is part of every lesson!
In the beginning, parents will need to be proactive with lots of praise and encouragement. I compare learning to practice with learning to ride a bicycle. In the beginning, we help by holding on and steadying the bicycle, but as soon as we see that the learner can do it alone, we stand back and cheer!
Beginning Students: 20 to 30 minutes daily.
Intermediate Students: 30 to 45 minutes daily
Advanced Students: 60, 120 to 180 minutes or more daily.
Remember that preparing for exams, competitions, and auditions will require more time.
For practicing at home, all students will require:
- a quiet, dedicated space (with a mirror, if possible)
- a music stand. This doesn’t have to be portable. The stands from Manhasset, sold by Long and McQuade, are a good investment.
- a metronome and a tuner. Either“real” devices or phone apps. I can help with suggestions.
Lesson Termination
If a student needs to withdraw from lessons for any reason, four weeks advance notice (and the tuition for those four weeks) is expected. No refunds are given for tuition.
The teacher may ask a student to leave the Studio at any time.
Studio Recitals
There will be studio recitals each year (circumstances permitting), and students will be expected to prepare and perform to the best of their ability. Recitals are an excellent opportunity to share what you have learned and are essential for the musical growth of each student. We also have a lot of fun!
The Recital Fee will cover all costs for the hall rental and our pianist.
Exams
The Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto) and Conservatory Canada offer examinations recognized for secondary school credit. These are comprehensive exams that test all facets of musicianship. Intensive practice and preparation are required. There is also a theoretical component, which is a separate exam. The syllabi can be found online. I am happy to work on the requirements in lessons if the student is putting in the effort. All costs for registration, sheet music, and accompaniment are to be paid by the student/their family. Please only enter for an exam AFTER consulting me.
Kiwanis Music Festival Ottawa
Another beloved performance venue is the Kiwanis Music Festiva (usually the last week in April, with an entry deadline in December). It gives everyone a chance to perform their pieces with accompaniment. It is a great opportunity for those preparing for a June exam to play and receive an independent adjudication before their exam. Trophies and scholarships are also awarded. Again, all costs are borne by the student/their family. Please do not enter the Festival without consulting me.
Yes, there are classes for adults, too!
AND FINALLY!
I am always amazed at the number of students who have never attended a live concert!
Take advantage of the National Arts Centre's $15 tickets for people under age 30. https://nac-cna.ca/en/tickets/under30
The Nutcracker Ballet is an excellent place to start. There are many other concerts during the year. Some are just flute and piano and many more are full orchestra – something everyone should experience at least once. That means not only your child, but you too! Support your local musicians!