STUDIO POLICY

Thank you for choosing to study cello with me. My goal is to provide a structured and supportive learning environment where students can grow musically. To ensure that lessons are both productive and rewarding, I have established the following policies. These guidelines are designed to ensure that students receive the maximum benefit from our work together. Please review them carefully and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

PRIVATE LESSONS

I teach private cello lessons both online and at my studio in Pleasanton, CA.  Lessons are held once a week at a reserved time slot and are 1-hour in length. Shorter lessons may be offered for young beginners at my discretion.

TUITION

Tuition reserves your weekly lesson time in my teaching schedule throughout the year. It is payable monthly in advance and due by the first day of each month. A late fee of $25 will be applied to payments made after the 10th of the month. 

The number of lessons may vary slightly month to month; please refer to your calendar for the exact amount due. Payment may be made via Zelle (preferred), PayPal, Venmo, check, or cash.

ARRIVAL

Please arrive at least five minutes early to ensure that the lesson may begin on time. Lesson times will not be extended for late arrivals. If you are running late, please send me a text message to let me know. If you arrive early or while another lesson is finishing, please come in and sit quietly in the waiting area.

ILLNESS

Please do not come to the studio if you are sick (cough, fever, sore throat, etc.). If you feel well enough for a lesson, we can arrange an online lesson via FaceTime or Zoom. If I am sick, I will also conduct lessons online via FaceTime or Zoom. If you are recovering from an illness and still have mild symptoms, please wear a mask to your lesson.

STUDENT CANCELLATION

Each student’s lesson time is reserved exclusively for them. Students are expected to attend all scheduled lessons. No credits or refunds will be given for lessons missed by the student. 

Please notify me in writing at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend a lesson. I will do my best to offer a make-up lesson during my regular teaching hours, but my schedule is limited and a make-up cannot be guaranteed. Lessons missed or canceled without 24 hours’ notice will be charged in full and no make-up will be given. 

TEACHER CANCELLATION

If I need to cancel a lesson for any reason, it will be rescheduled or credited. If I am sick, I will conduct lessons online via FaceTime or Zoom.

SUMMER LESSONS

Students are expected to continue lessons during the summer if they are in town. My schedule is more flexible during this time, so lesson times can be adjusted as needed. If you’re traveling or have other commitments, we can arrange lessons around your schedule.

I am unable to hold lesson times for breaks longer than two weeks. Online lessons via FaceTime or Zoom are available if you are traveling.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

For younger students under 8 years old, a parent or guardian is expected to attend lessons and assist with daily practice at home. This support helps younger students stay motivated and progress effectively. As students mature, parental attendance can gradually decrease to encourage independence.

PRACTICE

I cannot stress enough the importance of daily practice for consistent progress. The most effective approach is to schedule practice at a regular time each day to build a routine.

Recommended daily practice time varies by level: 

  • Young children: 1-2 hours to establish strong fundamentals. 

  • Advanced students preparing for auditions and competitions: 3-4 hours.

  • Adults looking to continue improving: 1-2 hours.

Practice should take place in a quiet, distraction-free space.

RECITALS

Performance opportunities may be offered periodically. Students are encouraged to participate when available. Details and recital fee will be shared in advance.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Please bring your cello and all assigned music to every lesson. Sheet music can be purchased in-store or online (e.g., Amazon, Johnson String Instrument, Shar, Sheet Music Plus, Ficks Music).

At home, students should have:

  • Music stand

  • Rosin

  • Endpin stop/anchor

  • Tuner

  • Metronome

Please keep fingernails trimmed to be able to play with proper technique. 

Regarding instrument maintenance, it is important to keep your instrument in good condition. Strings should be changed at least twice a year, and the bow should be rehaired as needed. Light scratches may occur on the varnish with daily use, especially for younger students; please visit a luthier for touch-ups as needed.