The studio policy is in place to enable equal understanding on the part of both student, parent, and teacher. To ensure fairness and consistency within the studio, there will be no exceptions to these policies. We ask that parents and students sit down together to read and understand the policy. Once both the student and parent have read the policy and discussed the commitment involved in taking lessons, the form can be digitally signed.

The purpose of lessons is to promote musical and personal growth and create a strong sense of independence and goal setting. We will address technical skills related to playing the flute including tone, posture/form, technique, and musicality/phrasing, as well as the skills needed to feel confident in performance and trying new, challenging activities. 

Most of all, we look forward to sharing our love of the flute and music with our students. Lessons should be a rewarding experience for everyone involved, and we look forward to making music and learning new skills together!

The following materials are necessary for successful study of the flute.

Materials for lessons:

  • Lesson Books/Music as assigned

  • A regular lined notebook

  • A flute in good working order

  • Pencils


Materials for home practice:

  • All of the above materials

  • An adjustable wire or metal music stand

  • Access to the My Music Staff portal (available to parents and students with an email address)

  • Metronome and tuner (online, app versions, or a portable version all work)


Tuition & Billing:

All lesson scheduling and billing will be done using the My Music Staff Portal. Each parent will receive a login for the portal, and students with an email address may also receive a login. You will receive tuition statements sent from the portal and will always be able to view your bill, credits, and charges on the portal.

Tuition is billed monthly and is due by the 5th of the month. A tuition statement outlining the dates of lessons will always be provided prior to the beginning of each new month. If your payment is received after the fifth of the month, a 10% late fee will be charged.

Tuition payment may be made in one of three ways:

  • Check

  • Zelle bank to bank transfer

  • Credit Card via PayPal on My Music Staff (if you choose this option, a 3% convenience fee will be added)

  • Cash payments will not be accepted.

Your tuition includes:

  • Your lesson. (A time is reserved for you, even if you are absent!)

  • A variety of handouts for your notebook and exercises provided or created specifically for you

  • A course of study tailor-made for each individual student 

  • Studio recitals, masterclasses, events, and guest artists

  • Assistance in purchasing new instruments and materials

  • Group instruction including materials, activities, and ensemble playing

Scheduling & Cancellations:

All lesson scheduling will be done using the My Music Staff Portal. Each parent will receive a login for the portal, and students with an email address may also receive a login. You will always be able to view your lesson schedule on the portal calendar. Lessons are scheduling in semesters (fall, spring, summer).

We require a 48-hour advance notice for all absences in order to schedule a make up lesson. There are no exceptions. If this policy is followed, the student will always receive a make-up lesson or tuition credit.

If there is an emergency, illness or inclement weather, the student is entitled to a make-up lesson or credit even without 48-hour notice. In the event that the teacher must miss a lesson, the student will not be billed for that lesson. Students will always be give ample notice regarding any absence outside of emergencies. Cancellations or lesson time changes should be attempted first using the My Music Staff Portal which will alert the teacher of the change. Teachers are available by email or text, but email is preferred.

If a student has a conflict with their lesson time but is able to take another time in the same week, it is advisable to login in to the My Music Staff Portal and look for available times. You can cancel and reschedule lessons by deleting your standing lesson and choosing any available time (available times will be displayed in orange). Available times vary week to week. If no available times suit your schedule, please contact your teacher at the studio email.

Practice:

Parents should take this opportunity to help their children set up an uninterrupted practice schedule at home. The establishment of this routine will help your child reach their goals and enjoy the rewards of dedication and discipline. You and your child both need to be committed to this exciting musical endeavor! Students will receive assistance in their lessons to develop good practice habits that suit their schedule, learning style, and personality so they can maximize their results, and the teachers are always happy to assist with planning at home practice.

Students should be able to practice for the length of their lesson time at least 4-5 days per week using the materials they have been given (ex: a 30 minute lesson should take up to 30 minutes of productive practice time) and it is acceptable, and often productive, to divide practice time on a given day (ex: two sessions of 15 minutes). 

Please note that just playing straight through your assignments once is not effective practicing. The critical listening and problem solving skills we develop in lessons should be applied to at-home practice. Students should aim to practice at least 4-5 days week, with the number of practice days and length of practice time increasing as the materials become more demanding.

Practice can also include activities like listening and self-recording, as instructed at lessons. 

Studio Recitals & Events:

There will be a minimum of 3 studio recitals/events each year, and students will be expected to perform/participate in these and prepare to the best of their ability. They are an excellent opportunity to share what you have learned and are essential for the musical and personal growth of each student.