STUDIO POLICY

Lessons available on all saxophones, flute & piccolo, clarinet & bass clarinet
Jazz, Classical, and Rock, including Jazz Improvisation and Theory
Beginners to Advanced welcome - all ages!
11 years private teaching expereince

Studio located in North Phoenix
(close to the 101, I-17, and the 51 freeways)

FEES:

· $25 for each half hour lesson when you pay for a month.
· $40 for each hour lesson when you pay for a month.
· Lessons may be taken once a week, twice a week, or once every two weeks.
· Note: the cost of lessons taken every two weeks increases to $30 per half hour and $50 per hour.

PAYMENT:

· Lessons are paid for on a monthly basis.
· Payment is due on the first week of each month.
· A $10.00 late fee will be added for each week that payment is late.
· Other arrangements may be considered on an individual basis.

CANCELLATIONS:

· There are NO refunds for cancelled or missed lessons.
· If you are unable to attend your lesson for any reason, I will attempt to schedule a make-up lesson during the same month as the missed lesson. I cannot guarantee that I will have a time available, but I will definitely try.
· If you know in advance that you will be missing a lesson, please let me know as soon as possible. This will enable me to use your time slot for another student who may wish to make up a lesson.
Exception: If I have to cancel your lesson for any reason and am unable to reschedule a make-up lesson, you will not be charged. A credit will be applied to the next month’s fee.

TERMINATION OF LESSONS:

· By the student: If a student wishes to stop taking lessons for any reason, a 30-day notice is required.
· By the teacher: I may ask a student to stop studying with me for the following reasons – 1) irregular attendance, 2) repeated failure to come to lessons prepared, 3) lack of effort or consistently negative attitude, 4) conflicts with other activities.

PHILOSOPHY & EXPECTATIONS

My Teaching Philosophy

I believe that each student is unique and learns differently. I do not have a set “method” for teaching. Instead, I use a variety of methods that I can tailor to each student individually that utilizes the many different ways that people learn. I use a creative combination of ear training, sight-reading, rhythmic studies, call & response, imitation, listening, and improvisation in addition to more standard methods of study such as etudes, exercises, scale studies, and duets.

I want to help my students become musically independent and confident. I want playing music to be a positive experience that helps the student grow both musically and personally. I want to help my students motivate themselves to want to practice and learn as much as they can about music.

Each student comes with his or her own strengths and weaknesses. I want each student to not only be successful, but also discover the joy that is making music. Music is FUN. Music is also hard work and requires dedication – on both the part of the student and the parent.

My expectations of the STUDENT:

· Practice everyday. You must keep a regular practice schedule. Even 15 minutes a day will lead to improvement.
· If you play saxophone or clarinet – always have at least 2 extra reeds in your case.
· Use your metronome every time you practice.
· Bring the following to each and every lesson: 
          o Your instrument 
          o Assignment notebook and or manuscript paper 
          o Books and any music (school, audition, or fun) that you would like help on.
· Ask questions! There is no such thing as a stupid question. I want you to always feel comfortable asking a question.
· Inform your parents of any problems with your instrument so it can be repaired as soon as possible.

My expectations of the PARENTS:

· Make sure your child arrives on time. Lessons cannot be extended due to tardiness.
· Make sure they have everything they need for their lesson. Please purchase lesson materials as soon as possible. If money is an issue, let me know so that I can make other arrangements.
· Communicate with your child about lessons, goals, how and what they are practicing, anything they may need such as music, reeds, etc.
· Come to me with any concerns, problems, or questions as soon as they arise. Feel free to call or e-mail me during the week if need be.