Lesson Rates
If you are purchasing a single lesson
the rates are as follows
$40 per half hour lesson
$60 per 45 minute lesson
$80 per hour lesson
If you are purchasing monthly lessons
the rates are as follows
$140 per month for 4 half hour lessons
$200 per month for 4 45 minute lessons
$280 per month for 4 hour lessons
Mission Statement
I sincerely endeavor to create a
supportive and caring atmosphere for each of my students so that
learning the fiddle is both a fun and rewarding experience. At the
same time, I have learned just how essential an environment of
professionalism is to our success together, and I strive to balance
these two equally important dimensions of teaching. In fact, I have
discovered they’re inseparable – that asking my students to meet
a high level of responsibility, respect and accountability is one of
the most supportive and caring things I can do as their teacher. With
that in mind, this Studio Lesson Policy clarifies what I request of
each student and parent. Remember, this is not a hobby for me; it is
the profession to which I have dedicated my life. To be even more
precise, I dedicate myself to my students. Therefore, I only accept –
and keep – serious students who exhibit the same passion to learn
as I have to teach, and who feel connected to me as a teacher. I
desire students for whom the fiddle is a priority in comparison to
their other interests. As such, I expect the level of practice,
dedication and attendance to be reflective of someone personally
committed to the learning process.
(I adopted the above paragraph from a fellow teacher whom I truly respect and who has great success with her own students. I kept trying to write something like this and realized she had already written it, more perfectly than I could have...)
Monthly Payment Policy
If you wish to have a regular lesson
time, payment will be due at the beginning of each month. If you are
aware at that time that you will be unavailable for one of your
lessons that month please let me know and you will not have to pay
for that lesson. I will do the same on my end, meaning that if I know
I'll be unavailable for one of your lessons that month you won't be
responsible for paying for that lesson. However, you are required to
pay for a minimum of three lessons each month in order to maintain
your spot as well as the monthly lesson discount. If you do not pay
for your monthly lessons prior to the first lesson of that month, I
will not be available online for your lesson. I consider the monthly
lesson email I send out to be your reminder and that will be the only
reminder you receive.
Five Week Month Policy
If there are five weeks in the month,
the last lesson of that month will be a week off. If it is absolutely
crucial that you have a lesson that 5th week, let me know and we'll
try to work it out.
Single Lessons
If you are interested in a lesson here
and there, that's ok! I try to leave some openings throughout my
weekly schedule for that purpose. Let me know your time preferences
and I'll get you in as soon as I am able. The cancellation policy
below does still apply to individual lessons.
Cancellation Policy
If you have to cancel please let me
know as soon as possible. There are no refunds or credits for
cancelled lessons. If I happen to have an opening to reschedule I'll
let you know at that time. However, rescheduling is not guaranteed
and is only a possibility if I am given at least 12 hours notice. If
you happen to not show up or forget or otherwise not notify me at
all, I will not reschedule you and you will be charged for that
lesson. If I have to cancel, you will have that lesson credit
available to carry over. Remember, you are paying for a lesson time,
not the lesson itself. My intention is to have a missed-lesson policy
that is simple and easy to administer, and one that honors the value
of my time in that if someone fails to show up for their lesson, that
same portion of my day is still spent preparing and waiting for a
scheduled arrival, and thus deserves the normal compensation. Also,
that portion of my schedule is contracted out to that individual in
lieu of other students on my waiting list who are eagerly awaiting
and available for any possible openings.
Practice
I am only able to take (and keep)
students who are willing to commit to at least 30 minutes a day of
practice five days a week. Learning to play an instrument is a major
undertaking and practice can be enjoyable and rewarding if you are
working toward a goal and have a desire to learn. I will be able to
tell at the beginning of each lesson if you have practiced and will
be expecting as much. Everyone can have an off week but if there is a
consistent pattern of less than adequate practice I will be happy to
refer you to a teacher who is perhaps better suited for you.
Audio and Video Recordings
If you need a large amount of
recordings to augment your lessons that would take a significant
amount of time away from your lesson, I'm happy to do those outside
of lesson time but you will be charged for an extra lesson, or more,
depending on the amount of time I need to complete the recordings. I
will let you know ahead of time so you can plan for that. However,
most recordings are easily completed within the lesson itself, both
in person and online. I will, from this point on, be making all
recordings during your lesson time unless you advise me otherwise and
choose to pay extra for the time involved.
Lesson Materials
Please purchase any necessary materials
(books, rosin, new strings, shoulder rests, recordings, etc.) as soon
as possible. I will try to find you the best deal for each item and
will provide links and resources as available. I will not recommend
anything that is not necessary. Change your strings no less often
than every six months. Have your bow rehaired once a year. For in
person lessons, please bring a recording device to every lesson.
Video cameras are welcome. You may record the entire lesson or I
will make sure to record important parts for you. You are welcome to
record Skype lessons as well. All recordings are for your use
educational use only. Do not post them or otherwise disseminate them
without permission.
Parent/Child Relations
Parents are welcome in their child's
lesson. However, I reserve the right to ask a parent to sit out of
the lessons if I feel it is more beneficial
for the student. In most cases, it is better for the student to take
their lessons without a parent present.
Thank you for your time and commitment. Again, please let me know you have read and understood the above. I have spent the last 25 years teaching the fiddle and it is my greatest passion and joy. I only hope I can help you feel the same. I will do my best.
Cheers, Megan