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Studio Policy

Full studio policy details are at the bottom of this page.

~ General Lesson Info ~

String Lessons

Violin and viola lessons are offered from beginner to advanced levels. Cello lessons are offered from beginner to intermediate levels. I have had many students over the years involved in the Wichita Symphony Youth Orchestras program, inluding principal (first chair) players.

 

My teaching approach involves scales, note-reading, various technical exercises, and whatever solo or ensemble pieces the student is currently working on. I typically start out students with the Suzuki method, a common beginning of many world-famous orchestral string artists. I also offer beginner through advanced fiddle lessons.

 

To begin lessons, students will need an instrument, case, and bow, a shoulder rest (violin/viola) or a rock stop (cello), rosin, a notebook for practice instructions, and any applicable books discussed at registration.

Piano Lessons

Piano lessons are offered from beginner to advanced levels. I gave my very first formal piano lessons to my best friend when I was 13 years old. (Her parents paid me $5 per lesson!!!!) Over the past 25 years, some of my students have gone on to major in music, won various competitions, and some have gone on to become music teachers themselves.

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I feel students should take a year of piano before selecting another instrument to play. It makes it so much easier!

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My teaching approach involves music theory, scales, chords, inversions, arpeggios, and other basics. I use select method books, depending on the particular student and the age and musical experience of the student. I emphasize classical music, as it helps advance technical skills much more quickly. But other genres and improvisation are also optional areas of focus. 

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To begin lessons, students will need a piano to practice on, a notebook for practice instructions, and any applicable books discussed at registration.

Voice Lessons

I offer beginning voice lessons. My mother and grandfather taught voice lessons and choir their whole lives. So growing up, I was exposed to singing every single day. I have taught middle school choir and voice lessons, and particularly enjoy seeing students expand their confidence and vocal range.

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To begin lessons, students will need a notebook for practice instructions, and any applicable books or music discussed at registration.

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Studio Policy

TEACHING APPROACH:

I use many mixtures of methods and resources – depending on age and skill level. Curriculum and repertoire selection are based on the student’s individual goals and interests.

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TUTION FEES/ENROLLMENT: 

Weekly ½ hour private lessons are $84/month ($105 for 5 week months). 1 hour lessons are $168/month ($210 for 5 week months). Full month's tuition is due at the first lesson of each month, or by the 10th of the month.

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Weekly 45 minute group classes are $84/month ($105 for 5 week months). Full month's tuition is due at the first lesson of the month, or by the 10th of the month.

 

*NOTE: Lesson fees will be increasing to $84/month ($105 for 5 week months) beginning January 1st, 2024.

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*I do not send out reminders for payments. I recommend adding notifications on your phone or calendar, so I do not have to charge late fees. Also be sure to check whether you have 4 or 5 lessons each month before submitting your payment.

 

LATE FEE:

If payment is not made by the 10th of the month, a late fee of $10 will be added to each student’s account for that month.

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REGISTRATION FEE:

There is an initial, non-refundable registration fee of $30 for each student. ($50 max per family). Students who take a break and later return, will also be charged the same amount for re-enrollment.

 

PAYMENT:

Forms of payment accepted include cash, check, Venmo (@RebeccaErin), or Paypal (Rebeccaerin84@gmail.com)

 

PAYMENT FOR MISSED LESSONS:

Fees are calculated per month, rather than per lesson. Each student’s fees reserve a guaranteed space for a specific time slot, regardless of attendance. I do not wave or adjust monthly fees for missed or cancelled lessons. However, I try to accommodate make-up lessons in the event that I have to cancel on my end due to illness or other conflicts. Virtual lessons are also offered as make-up options.

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MAKE-UP LESSONS:

Make up lessons are not guaranteed and are only possible when other students cancel. Virtual lessons are also an option. I will not do more than one make up lesson per month per lesson cancelled or rescheduled by the student. No make ups are available for group classes.

 

EARLY/LATE ARRIVAL:

For early arrival, please wait to come in until your scheduled lesson time. I have a full schedule and a big family. For late arrival, I will still need to end lessons at the scheduled time.

 

HOLIDAYS:

I take breaks for Thanksgiving week, 2 weeks Christmas break, and Spring Break. If students need to reschedule due to trips or other engagements, please notify me well in advance so we can reschedule an alternate time for those lessons, as I do not wave lesson fees for vacations and other activities.

 

SUMMER:

Lesson enrollment is year-round, and continues during the summer. 
 

LESSON TERMINATION:

Notice is required by the 10th of the month to terminate enrollment and not be charged for the following month. If lesson termination is after the 10th of the month, then attendance is optional but full month's fees will still be charged for the following month. 

 

RECITALS:

I have 2 studio recitals per year. Late Spring and Christmas. Students are expected to participate, but may opt out if necessary. Students and parents will be informed of these in advance. Friends and family are welcome and invited to attend. Video and pics are welcome as well. Pics and video may be posted on social media.

 

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

  • Notebook (for weekly assignments & practice instructions)

  • Lesson books 

  • Instrument (for practice between lessons)

~ Piano: preferably a full size 88-key keyboard, electric or acoustic

~Strings: correct size instrument (¾, full size, etc.)​, case/bow/rosin, & shoulder rest/or rock stop

 

PRACTICE SUGGESTIONS:

Students are expected to practice every day, if possible, following the notes in their lesson notebook. Parents will need to supervise/assist younger students. Recommended practice times are:

  • 10-15 minutes for ages 4 - 6

  • 15-20 minutes for ages 7 - 12

  • 30 minutes for older students.

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