Studio Policy

  • I am committed to providing thoughtful, high-quality flute instruction in a positive and encouraging environment. My goal is to help each student build a strong foundation in flute technique, musicianship, tone, rhythm, music reading, and overall musical understanding, while developing confidence and enjoyment in music-making. I strive to support each student’s individual progress with patience, consistency, and personalized guidance, tailoring lessons to their unique learning style, goals, and pace. I am deeply invested in helping every student grow, improve, and develop a lifelong appreciation for music and the flute.
    To further support students' progress, I often provide lesson notes and practice assignments following lessons. When helpful, I may also provide sample recordings of assigned pieces, as well as custom recordings of duet and trio parts for ensemble music so students can practice confidently at home. Students and parents are welcome to contact me between lessons if questions arise or if a student feels stuck while practicing. I am happy to provide additional guidance through email, including written feedback or a short video demonstration when appropriate.

  • Students agree to come to each lesson prepared and with their assignment books, music, required materials, and instrument in good playing condition. To make good progress, consistent daily practice is necessary. Practice assignments and recommended practice times will be determined by the teacher based on each student's age, level, goals, and individual needs. Please ask questions about home assignments so that students and parents fully understand the week's goals and expectations.
    Students are expected to come to lessons with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and an openness to feedback. Learning an instrument requires trying new techniques, exercises, and practice strategies, and students are expected to make a sincere effort to apply the teacher's guidance during lessons and at home. Students should also be patient with the learning process and understand that strong musical foundations take time to develop. While student input and song requests are always welcome, repertoire selections must be appropriate for the student's current level and overall musical development.
    Students are expected to be respectful during lessons by listening attentively when the teacher is speaking, refraining from playing while instructions or explanations are being given, and avoiding distractions. Cell phones and other electronic devices should not be used during lessons except in the case of an emergency

  • If something is happening at home or school that may affect your child's learning, focus, motivation, or emotional well-being, please let me know. The more information I have, the better I can support your child and be sensitive to their individual needs. Open communication between teacher, student, and parent is an important part of a successful learning experience.
    Parents are asked to consult with the teacher before purchasing or renting an instrument. Instrument quality plays an important role in a student's success, and some low-cost instruments may create unnecessary challenges for learning. I am happy to provide recommendations and guidance to help families select an appropriate instrument and accessories.
    For students under the age of 7, parents are expected to assist with and supervise home practice and assignment completion. Young students benefit greatly from parental involvement, encouragement, and consistency between lessons.
    Parents are responsible for ensuring that students have access to all assigned materials, including printing sheet music or other resources provided by the teacher when necessary.
    Lessons are intended to foster student independence and focus. However, for students under the age of 7, or for students who are having difficulty focusing or participating appropriately, the teacher may request that a parent attend lessons to provide additional support.

  • *Please note that tuition reserves the weekly time slot, but may not directly correlate with lessons received if the student does not attend the scheduled lesson times.
     
    Flat monthly tuition is divided into 12 equal monthly installments and is based on a minimum of 48 guaranteed lessons offered throughout the calendar year. Tuition remains the same each month regardless of whether a month contains 3, 4, or 5 lessons. Scheduled studio closures and breaks are already built into the tuition structure, meaning families are not charged for weeks when lessons are not offered by the studio.
    Any planned studio closure dates (such as holidays, travel, personal performance opportunities, or other absences) will be communicated in advance whenever possible. In the event that additional weeks off are needed beyond the 4 weeks already built into the tuition calendar, tuition will be prorated, credited, or refunded accordingly.
    All payments are non-refundable except in cases where the studio cancels lessons beyond the included annual closure periods described above.
    After the initial payment, tuition installments will be invoiced and processed automatically on the same day each month through MyMusicStaff. Tuition will be charged on the 1st of each month using the payment method on file.
    If a payment is declined or returned, a 48-hour grace period will be provided to update the payment method and resubmit payment. Payments received after the 3rd of the month will incur a $20 late fee. Repeated late payments may result in termination of enrollment.

  • Lessons canceled with under 24 hours notice will not be eligible for a make-up lesson. Lessons canceled with 24 hours notice will be credited as a make-up lesson for that month. Make-up lessons do not count as credit for the next month’s tuition. With notice, up to 6 make-up lesson credits can be provided each term (September-December & January-May), subject to availability. Make-up lessons must be used within 30 days.
    Lessons canceled by me will be given as much notice as possible. Teacher cancellations will be rescheduled within 30 days.
    Tuition is based on the number of lessons the studio schedules and will not be altered. Planned vacations or other conflicts communicated in advance receive a make-up lesson credit for that month. *A student's spot will not be guaranteed for the fall term if they were not enrolled in lessons during the summer term.

  • To end lesson enrollment for the next month, written notification must be received via email by the 15th of the current month. If notice is not received by the deadline, the full tuition amount will be automatically charged on the first of the month, and students will have the option to attend all paid lessons that month. Lessons will then be canceled for the following month. Tuition payments are non-refundable.

  • Each student is responsible for purchasing the required music and materials for lessons. Materials will be assigned by the teacher and the student will be expected to have the materials no later than two weeks after the materials have been assigned. Advanced notice will be provided whenever possible.
    Students must have their own instrument to practice at home. If you have questions or would like input on the purchase of an instrument please let me know. I am happy to help with selecting an instrument and make specific recommendations.
    Students must also have a music stand and a metronome (the metronome can be a physical one, or an app on their phone/iPad).

  • I aim to offer 4 online Zoom recitals per year (Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring). These are wonderful opportunities for students to share what they have learned and practice performance skills in a supportive, collaborative atmosphere. Recital attendance is optional, but highly recommended as an important part of musical growth. I aim to give at least 3 weeks of notice for recital scheduling. A Google Form is sent to gather student availability, and the final date and time is selected based on what works best for the majority of families.

    • Studio hours of operation are Thur-Sun from 11 am - 8 pm

    • Please allow 24 hours for response to all communication during studio operating hours

    • Communication outside of studio operating hours may have a longer response time

    • You may communicate with me via email or text. If you would like to have a phone call, please let me know in advance so we can schedule it, as I do not normally pick up my phone during working hours

  • From time to time I use photos and short videos of my students around the studio, on the studio website, or in social media posts. These videos and posts are encouraging to other students and helpful to other teachers. If you do not want your child's image(s) to be used, please let me know. The students are identified only by first name.