Studio Policies
Thank you so very much for the privilege of being your voice teacher! I have been teaching private voice for 14 years, and enjoy teaching adults as well as high schoolers. I have studios at Keller High School and my home studio in Lewisville, Texas
Course Description
My goal as a private voice teacher is to find each student’s best and natural voice, and to equip them with the tools to grow as a singer and a musician. In addition to proper vocal technique, we will practice sight-reading, musical terms and concepts, and learn and work on appropriate repertoire.
Objectives
My Music Staff
I use a web-based program called My Music Staff, a system that enables students and parents to login and view the lesson calendar, attendance records, and account balances/invoices. Students can also access files that I share with them, such as sheet music and accompaniment tracks. You will receive an email from me with information on how to login to the site. Students and parents will create a separate login, and I strongly urge students to add the login page as a home screen on your phone. Students will be expected to refer to My Music Staff for the studio schedule, and are responsible for knowing when their voice lesson is scheduled each week.
Required Materials
Expectations
Practice
If you do not practice outside of lessons, you will not make progress. Many people believe that just by taking lessons, they will become better singers. (While my colleagues and I are quite good at our jobs, I assure you that we do not possess magical powers.) You will only get out of lessons what you put in. I will often leave reminders of what you need to practice on mymusicstaff.com. Please login to the site at least once during the week before your next lesson. We implement recordings during lessons, so please listen to your lesson at least once during the week. Please come to your lessons with a positive attitude and be ready to work. Parents, please ensure that your child has an approved practice space in your house, and that you have discussed when practicing may take place. I often have students tell me that they do not feel that they are able to practice at home without disturbing their families. If I suspect adequate practice is not taking place, I will offer guidance and help students form a practice plan. Students who regularly neglect practicing responsibilities may lose their spot in my studio.
Learning Assigned Music
During our lessons, I will provide students with all the tools necessary to learn and practice their assigned music at home. They will receive recordings of their vocal line, foreign language diction, accompaniment tracks, and any other applicable tools. If we miss a lesson for any reason, (illness, school holiday, etc) students are still responsible for learning and practicing their songs! Do not use a missed lesson as an excuse for not making progress.
Respect
I work very hard to cultivate an environment of mutual kindness, trust, and respect. Disrespect will not be tolerated. If a student is being disrespectful, I will first address the situation with the student, and then the parents. If the issue continues, the student may be dismissed from the studio. Continual instances of disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.
Attendance Policy
It is the student’s responsibility to know the day and time of their voice lesson! (CHECK MY MUSIC STAFF!) Never assume that your lesson is cancelled unless we have discussed otherwise. The studio schedule will be updated regularly on My Music Staff. Please take whatever steps are necessary for you to remember your lesson!
Please notify me at least 24 hours in advance if you know you will be absent. You may send a text or an email. Please take a look at your calendar each month and make absolutely sure that you inform me about any conflicts (doctor appointments, sporting events, etc.) I do understand that you may not be able to notify me in case of emergency or sudden illness. If you miss a lesson without giving notice, you are still obligated to pay for that lesson. I will do my best to schedule a make-up in cases of emergency. If you have to cancel a lesson with less than 24 hours’ notice, you may arrange for someone to swap lesson slots with you so that you do not lose your lesson. You can refer to the studio calendar on mymusicstaff.com.
Gum/Food
Please do not come into your lesson eating or chewing gum! Gum+singing = Choke hazard:) If you see ME eating in your lesson, which should be rare, it is simply because I have not had a break in hours and am about to pass out:)
Music Reading
Many of my students are either new to singing or have “holes” in their music theory knowledge. It is easy to get lost in the shuffle of a large choir, and not have a clear understanding of musical terms and concepts. I offer instruction from a book titled: Theory and Sight-reading for Singers. The cost is $10.83 including tax. After it is determined what level of theory book a student needs, I will have the book shipped directly to their home and charge accounts accordingly. Students should bring this book with them to each lesson.
Vocal Health
The vocal health of my voice students is of utmost priority. Students will be expected to practice good vocal habits, including drinking enough water, avoiding known allergens, getting adequate sleep, and refraining from vocal abuse (yelling, singing or talking for long periods without rest). If the student comes to their lesson hoarse, or if I determine that the student should not sing, he or she will be dismissed from the lesson. The student will receive a makeup lesson or a credit if a makeup is not possible. However, this will not apply if the student has willfully participated in vocal abuse (yelling, pulling an “all-nighter”, etc.) If this is the case, he or she is strongly advised to arrange a lesson-swap with a fellow student to avoid missing a lesson.
Vocal Injury
If at any time I suspect that a student may have vocal damage that should warrant the attention of a doctor, I will make a recommendation for an ENT or, in some cases, a speech language pathologist. In instances of suspected vocal damage, I will recommend that the student go on complete or limited vocal rest.
Illness
Illness is something we all have to deal with, and in the school setting, it is especially challenging! I am a performer and have 2 teenage boys of my own, so staying healthy is a huge priority. If you are sick, (unless you are ABSOLUTELY sure it is just allergies and your voice is not affected) please let me know by text, rather than coming into the studio, and we can work together to try to reschedule your lesson. If I am sick, I will let you know as soon as possible, and you will receive a makeup lesson or a credit.
Tuition
Tuition is due monthly. I accept cash, check, Venmo, Paypal, and Zelle. All payment information is available on My Music Staff. Automatic invoice reminders will be emailed through My Music Staff, and parents can check account balances and payment records at any time through the site. Please allow 3 business days for payments to be posted to your accounts.
Thank you in advance for your timely payments!
No Shows/Responsiveness
Students are expected to respond to communications by email and text. Please ensure that I have your correct phone number and email. I will make every attempt to be communicative with students and parents. Please do not hesitate to contact me via text or email should either you or your parents have questions! Non- responsive students in a large studio can make things very difficult when situations arise that require scheduling.
PLEASE NOTE: BY CONTINUING TO USE MY SERVICES, YOU ARE AGREEING TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THIS DOCUMENT.