CELLO STUDIO POLICY

Welcome new and existing students! Please review this studio policy as it sets the rules and expectations that make the learning experience beneficial for all students.

LESSON SCHEDULE: I teach cello lessons at my studio in Pleasanton, CA. Lessons are given once a week at a reserved weekly time slot of 30, 45, or 60 minutes in length. Lessons are continuous and ongoing throughout the year.

ATTENDANCE: Each student is designated a specific, weekly day and time for lessons which has been reserved exclusively for the student. Therefore, students are expected to attend all scheduled lessons, unless otherwise arranged in advance with me. Too many missed lessons or absences may result in lesson termination.

TUITION: Tuition is due on the 1st of each month. A late fee of $25 is assessed to payments made after the 10th of the month. Payment may be made via Zelle (preferred), PayPal, Venmo, check, or cash. There is a $25 fee on all returned checks. 

PUNCTUALITY: Please try to arrive at least five minutes early so that the lesson may begin at the appointed time. Lesson times will not be extended for students who arrive late. A student who is late will receive a short lesson. If you arrive early or while another lesson is finishing, please come in and sit quietly in the waiting area.

LESSON CANCELATION POLICY: No credits or refunds will be given for lessons missed by the student. Students are required to notify me in writing at least 24 hours in advance if unable to attend a lesson for any reason. If given at least 24 hour notice, I will try to reschedule the lesson during my regular teaching hours, subject to availability. However I cannot guarantee that a missed lesson will be made up. If a lesson is missed or canceled without 24 hours notice, the student will be charged for the scheduled lesson and no make-up will be given. If a make-up lesson cannot be scheduled within a month of the missed lesson, the lesson will be forfeited. Please understand that you are not just paying for the lessons given, but you are reserving a recurring time slot in my schedule of which I cannot easily replace with other work. It is your responsibility to contact me to reschedule missed lessons.

TEACHER ABSENCE: Illness or other emergencies may arise which prevent me from offering a lesson at the scheduled time. If I am unable to provide a scheduled lesson due to illness or other reasons, a make-up lesson will be scheduled. No refunds or credits will be provided if the make-up lesson cannot be scheduled.

TERMINATION OF LESSONS: Lessons are continuous and ongoing. If a student wishes to terminate lessons, 30 days notice is required. Tuition must be paid through the notice period, and no refunds will be given for lessons that have already been paid. Lessons may be terminated by me at any time for any reason. A student may be dismissed for reasons such as: failure to pay tuition on time, persistent absences, uncooperative attitude, or insufficient practice/preparation for lessons. In the case that I may dismiss a student, a refund will be provided for any remaining prepaid lessons.

REQUIRED MATERIALS: Students are expected to keep their instruments in good working condition, including string changes and bow rehair at least once a year. Additionally, students must bring to each lesson: assigned music (including scales, etudes, and exercises), rosin, and a pencil. Music books may be purchased in-store or online. All students are required to have a metronome at home to use during practice. A student’s practice area at home should have the following: a chair (at a suitable height), music stand, and endpin stop (recommended to keep the cello from slipping and protect the floor) at home for practicing.

PRACTICE: Assignments are given at each lesson, and all students are expected to practice daily anywhere from 30 minutes up to 4 hours if time permitted. The amount of time shall depend upon the student’s age and level. Practice should be scheduled at a regular time each day and given the same priority as homework. Parents should encourage students to practice at home, and a student’s practice space should be quiet and free from distractions.

RECITAL: One formal recital will be held in May. Additional recitals may be scheduled during the year. Students are not required, but are strongly encouraged to participate.