TUITION & FEES
Tuition is based on the semester and is payable in equal monthly installments (this reflects the total lessons offered each semester, not each month). Tuition is based on enrollment, not attendance. Tuition is not adjusted or credited for any reason aside from teacher absence.
Please understand that your tuition not only covers time spent in lesson, but also:
Please see the current semester schedule for rates.
Tuition is due by the 7th of each month, regardless of whether or not a lesson is attended. If payments are not received by the 7th, a late fee will be assessed. Please include this late fee with your payment. If you plan to be absent the first week of the month, you may either mail your payment, use electronic payment or pay for the month at a lesson prior to when it is due. There will be a $25 fee for all returned checks (the same fee my bank charges me). Students with repeated returned checks will be required to pay in cash.
A student who does not attend a lesson will simply miss the benefit of that lesson. Your tuition reserves your weekly time slot and benefits within the studio. Please inform me of your schedule on lesson days and if other activities border your time. More>>>
STUDIO ETIQUETTE
For the travel studio, it is necessary that a proper teaching environment exists. I would ask that no other children are in the room during lessons, that a TV or radio isn't on and that the area is relatively free of distraction. If there are distractions, I cannot concentrate and teach effectively, neither will your student be able to focus and learn. It is highly disruptive if the student is tending to a sibling, answering doors or phones, or activities of a similar nature. Eating during lessons is also inappropriate. It is important that these lessons are treated as though they were taught in my own private studio.
Respectful, courteous and professional behavior from the student is expected. A fundamental ability to read music is generally required.
Please make certain your student is aware of these expectations.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Be encouraging. Every voice and student is unique and one will not develop at the same pace as another. Take an interest in what your student is doing and if you can help. Please provide a positive atmosphere at home for your student to practice. Please don't allow siblings or other household members to make fun of your students practicing. This is especially important as it can be embarrassing for a young student to make funny sounds. It is important that students feel safe to explore and experiment with what they are learning and that confidence is fostered.
Parents are welcome at lesson provided the student is comfortable. I would ask that parents trust my judgement in teaching, however if you have an idea or insight, I welcome constructive collaboration.
Aside from help and support, one of the best things parents can do is expose their children to music. Live concerts and performances are best, but even a variety of music at home has a profound influence on young musicians.
For the travel studio, a full sized piano or a minimum of a 64-key keyboard is required for lessons. A full size acoustic or digital keyboard with damper pedal is preferred, but not necessary.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
Be prepared and come ready with any questions you may have. Also have your materials organized and ready to go when your lesson starts. If you aren't liking something or would like to try something new, remember to let me know! Also, please know that I have your best interests in mind and am always open to discussion.
TEACHER RESPONSIBILITY
I am dedicated to providing a positive and enthusiastic atmosphere for learning and to make the process as enjoyable as possible. Communication and ideas from students and parents is welcomed! I tailor my teaching to individual needs however my primary focus will always be in the development of healthy habits and a natural production of the voice. I am a classical specialist but have experience in musical theater styles. It is my goal to to help your child enjoy singing and gain greater confidence and skill. I am continually adding to my own education through private study, research, seminars and collaboration with other talented teachers so that I may improve my teaching and provide more opportunities for my students. For every hour I teach in a week, you can count on me spending half of that time outside of lessons working for students.
LESSON FORMAT
Good singing lessons aren't just about singing songs but learning how to use the voice. As instrumentalists use technical exercises to improve their skills, so must vocalists. Every lesson will begin with vocalises designed to improve vocal use and to develop a sound technique. For the first few lessons, a student may not sing many songs as it is important to develop a foundation of good practice habits and possibly address vocal mis-use. Time dedicated to technical practice also serves to “warm up” the instrument, though I would encourage students to look at this time as training and not "just warm-up". Practice at home is expected to follow this format.
For young beginners, 30 minute lessons are typically appropriate. For students aged 12 and above, lessons are 45 minutes. For older students, competitive students or those preparing for entrance into collegiate programs, lessons are 60 minutes.
PRACTICE EXPECTATION
For students of voice, I will make individual recommendations based on health of the instrument, age and time in study. However, the voice is best developed when used at least six days a week. A little bit every day is more useful than a lot one or two days a week. If you are sick, let me know. Recommendations change in those cases.
If for whatever reason, you failed to practice during the week or are not prepared, I expect you to attend anyway. Much can still be done.
This is a professional studio. Please respect the curriculum and my commitment to your student's musical education by maintaining a priority level for studies equal to that of other school subjects and extra curricular activities. When scheduling, please maintain a priority for weekly lessons and practice.
**Special Note: Please encourage and support practice. Students of voice can be sensitive to criticism and outside opinions. Please be careful not to complain or be negative about practice and experimentation. It is both the parents'/family and the teacher's responsibility to allow a student to explore and develop their instrument.
DISMISSAL & DISCONTINUANCE
The teacher may dismiss a student for overdue tuition and fees, consistent unpaid absences, inadequate teaching environment, failure to practice or failure to uphold studio etiquette, disrespect or an uncooperative attitude. Should the teacher dismiss a student during a paid month, a refund for remaining lessons will be provided. Any student who discontinues during a paid month will not be refunded tuition. One month's paid notice is required for discontinuance in order for me to prepare those on the waiting list.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR VOCALISTS
Our body is our instrument and as our body may be different from day to day, so are our voices. Much goes into a singer's vocal health. Allergies, hormones, diet, sleep and other physiological factors can impact the healthy function of the voice. Should a vocal issue prove consistent and seem unrelated to faulty technique, I may recommend a visit to an ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat physician) that specializes in working with singers and professional voice users to see if there is a physical addressable reason for dysfunction. It is important that singers treat their bodies as their instruments (this includes attention to how the speaking voice is used daily) and give a priority to their physical health and be aware of how their daily habits impact the health of their voice.
*Studio policies may change at any time given the changing needs of students and studio. The current policies will always be listed on the website.
Tuition is based on the semester and is payable in equal monthly installments (this reflects the total lessons offered each semester, not each month). Tuition is based on enrollment, not attendance. Tuition is not adjusted or credited for any reason aside from teacher absence.
Please understand that your tuition not only covers time spent in lesson, but also:
- Time spent per student in lesson planning, finding music, evaluating student progress and needs
- Preparation & attendance for recitals and masterclasses
- Auditions, Festival and Competition Entry & Attendance
- Studio expenses (maintenance, printing, software and other resources)
- Online & paper subscriptions (sheet music, theory, etc.)
- Technology
- University and continuing education (study, collaboration, research, seminars and other projects)
- Music Lending Library
- Membership in professional organizations
Please see the current semester schedule for rates.
Tuition is due by the 7th of each month, regardless of whether or not a lesson is attended. If payments are not received by the 7th, a late fee will be assessed. Please include this late fee with your payment. If you plan to be absent the first week of the month, you may either mail your payment, use electronic payment or pay for the month at a lesson prior to when it is due. There will be a $25 fee for all returned checks (the same fee my bank charges me). Students with repeated returned checks will be required to pay in cash.
- Books & Materials: Students are responsible to provide their own books, including a 3-ring binder for sheet music and hand outs. Where possible, I will try to utilize books you have already purchased. Most books can be purchased from or ordered by the studio or found on Amazon. The cost of any books or materials is due upon delivery or order.
- Accompaniment & Lending Library: The studio is slowly building a library of digital accompaniments, sheet music and books that can be borrowed by the student. The library functions on a "you break it, you buy it" policy, meaning if books, CDs, etc., are damaged or lost, the student is responsible to cover the cost of replacement. On the bright side, the student then gets to keep the item.
- Recitals, Competitions & Evaluations: There are several recitals annually. If a hall is rented, students will be assessed a small recital fee. Students are responsible to cover all fees associated with competitions and evaluations.
- Materials Fee: Each student in the studio will be responsible for a materials fee at the start of each semester (please see current rates & fees sheet). This fee covers any materials provided, the accompaniment & lending library and recital expenses (excluding hall rental).
A student who does not attend a lesson will simply miss the benefit of that lesson. Your tuition reserves your weekly time slot and benefits within the studio. Please inform me of your schedule on lesson days and if other activities border your time. More>>>
STUDIO ETIQUETTE
For the travel studio, it is necessary that a proper teaching environment exists. I would ask that no other children are in the room during lessons, that a TV or radio isn't on and that the area is relatively free of distraction. If there are distractions, I cannot concentrate and teach effectively, neither will your student be able to focus and learn. It is highly disruptive if the student is tending to a sibling, answering doors or phones, or activities of a similar nature. Eating during lessons is also inappropriate. It is important that these lessons are treated as though they were taught in my own private studio.
Respectful, courteous and professional behavior from the student is expected. A fundamental ability to read music is generally required.
Please make certain your student is aware of these expectations.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Be encouraging. Every voice and student is unique and one will not develop at the same pace as another. Take an interest in what your student is doing and if you can help. Please provide a positive atmosphere at home for your student to practice. Please don't allow siblings or other household members to make fun of your students practicing. This is especially important as it can be embarrassing for a young student to make funny sounds. It is important that students feel safe to explore and experiment with what they are learning and that confidence is fostered.
Parents are welcome at lesson provided the student is comfortable. I would ask that parents trust my judgement in teaching, however if you have an idea or insight, I welcome constructive collaboration.
Aside from help and support, one of the best things parents can do is expose their children to music. Live concerts and performances are best, but even a variety of music at home has a profound influence on young musicians.
For the travel studio, a full sized piano or a minimum of a 64-key keyboard is required for lessons. A full size acoustic or digital keyboard with damper pedal is preferred, but not necessary.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
Be prepared and come ready with any questions you may have. Also have your materials organized and ready to go when your lesson starts. If you aren't liking something or would like to try something new, remember to let me know! Also, please know that I have your best interests in mind and am always open to discussion.
TEACHER RESPONSIBILITY
I am dedicated to providing a positive and enthusiastic atmosphere for learning and to make the process as enjoyable as possible. Communication and ideas from students and parents is welcomed! I tailor my teaching to individual needs however my primary focus will always be in the development of healthy habits and a natural production of the voice. I am a classical specialist but have experience in musical theater styles. It is my goal to to help your child enjoy singing and gain greater confidence and skill. I am continually adding to my own education through private study, research, seminars and collaboration with other talented teachers so that I may improve my teaching and provide more opportunities for my students. For every hour I teach in a week, you can count on me spending half of that time outside of lessons working for students.
LESSON FORMAT
Good singing lessons aren't just about singing songs but learning how to use the voice. As instrumentalists use technical exercises to improve their skills, so must vocalists. Every lesson will begin with vocalises designed to improve vocal use and to develop a sound technique. For the first few lessons, a student may not sing many songs as it is important to develop a foundation of good practice habits and possibly address vocal mis-use. Time dedicated to technical practice also serves to “warm up” the instrument, though I would encourage students to look at this time as training and not "just warm-up". Practice at home is expected to follow this format.
For young beginners, 30 minute lessons are typically appropriate. For students aged 12 and above, lessons are 45 minutes. For older students, competitive students or those preparing for entrance into collegiate programs, lessons are 60 minutes.
PRACTICE EXPECTATION
For students of voice, I will make individual recommendations based on health of the instrument, age and time in study. However, the voice is best developed when used at least six days a week. A little bit every day is more useful than a lot one or two days a week. If you are sick, let me know. Recommendations change in those cases.
If for whatever reason, you failed to practice during the week or are not prepared, I expect you to attend anyway. Much can still be done.
This is a professional studio. Please respect the curriculum and my commitment to your student's musical education by maintaining a priority level for studies equal to that of other school subjects and extra curricular activities. When scheduling, please maintain a priority for weekly lessons and practice.
**Special Note: Please encourage and support practice. Students of voice can be sensitive to criticism and outside opinions. Please be careful not to complain or be negative about practice and experimentation. It is both the parents'/family and the teacher's responsibility to allow a student to explore and develop their instrument.
DISMISSAL & DISCONTINUANCE
The teacher may dismiss a student for overdue tuition and fees, consistent unpaid absences, inadequate teaching environment, failure to practice or failure to uphold studio etiquette, disrespect or an uncooperative attitude. Should the teacher dismiss a student during a paid month, a refund for remaining lessons will be provided. Any student who discontinues during a paid month will not be refunded tuition. One month's paid notice is required for discontinuance in order for me to prepare those on the waiting list.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR VOCALISTS
Our body is our instrument and as our body may be different from day to day, so are our voices. Much goes into a singer's vocal health. Allergies, hormones, diet, sleep and other physiological factors can impact the healthy function of the voice. Should a vocal issue prove consistent and seem unrelated to faulty technique, I may recommend a visit to an ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat physician) that specializes in working with singers and professional voice users to see if there is a physical addressable reason for dysfunction. It is important that singers treat their bodies as their instruments (this includes attention to how the speaking voice is used daily) and give a priority to their physical health and be aware of how their daily habits impact the health of their voice.
*Studio policies may change at any time given the changing needs of students and studio. The current policies will always be listed on the website.
