Studio Policy 2024-2025, last updated 8/5/2024
Agreement
By registering your child with me for my Suzuki and/or orchestra program, you agree to be bound by this studio policy.
Expectations and Attendance
Each student is expected to attend each lesson, rehearsal, and performance. Those who are too frequently absent will be asked to find a different teacher.
Families are expected to provide a nurturing environment, including daily listening and daily practicing. My program depends on collaboration with each family to create and sustain the environment necessary for success according to the principles laid out by Dr. Suzuki.
Promise
I, the teacher, promise to honor the teachings of Dr. Suzuki. I recognize the possibility that every child can be educated to an unlimited level of ability. My purpose is to develop your child’s ability to the utmost, and thereby make the world a better place. I am fully aware of the privilege and responsibility of being a Suzuki teacher, and I promise to perpetually improve my teaching through continuing study and reflection. I solemnly affirm that I will keep this promise as a Suzuki teacher, and always do my utmost for our common purpose of educating the children of the world.
Fees and Payment
Suzuki Program Tuition for 34 weeks:
- 30’ lesson: 34 @ $54: $1,836
- 45’ lesson: 34 @ $81: $2,754
- 60’ lesson: 34 @ $108: $3,672
- Recital fee, per student $50
Great Meadows Youth Orchestras Tuition, 32 sessions:
- Preparatory Orchestra, 60’ = $750
- Chamber Orchestra 90’ = $1,050
The balance of payment for lessons and orchestra fees is due by September 1, 2024. You will receive an invoice upon registration. Payment may be made 1) In full 2) by remitting 10 post-dated checks for the entire school year. (Checks will not be cashed prior to the first of each month) 3)Scheduled checks from your bank which must arrive by the last day of the previous month. Payment for 34 teaching weeks is prorated to 10 equal payments from September, 2024 to June, 2025. Payment must be made in full prior to attending the first lesson or rehearsal. Credit card payments via PayPal will be assessed an additional 3% fee. Please make all checks (for lessons and orchestra) out to Leah Bartell.
Cancellations and Make-up Lessons
I no longer offer make-up lessons, except in the case of a medical or family emergency. No make-ups will be offered for ensemble absences. Instead, I encourage you to exchange your lesson time directly with another family, and I will provide a directory for this purpose. Make-up lesson options will include:
- Teleconference lesson at the usual scheduled time.
- Teleconference/phone parent-teacher conference at the usual scheduled time.
- Exchange lesson times with another family for that week.
- ‘Correspondence’ lesson: Record a 15-minute video and send it to me, and I will return comments to you.
Inclement Weather (In-person lessons only): In the event an emergency or inclement weather, I may cancel lessons or orchestra rehearsals. I will hold scheduled lessons online, unless power outages make this impossible.
Power and Internet Outages: If power and/or internet service at my studio is not working at the time of your scheduled lesson, your lesson may be re-scheduled. One lesson per school year will be re-scheduled due to outages, for a different day as soon as possible after service is restored. Families may elect to have a lesson via telephone if an internet lesson is unavailable.
Teacher Absences: On occasion, my performance schedule obliges me to be absent from lessons & groups. At my discretion, I may reschedule lessons, or have another teacher take my teaching for that day. If I am ill, I will either teach online or reschedule lessons if I am too ill to teach.
Orchestra Attendance
Consistent attendance at orchestra rehearsals is expected. Frequent absences affect not only your child’s experience but the experience of everyone in the group. If a student misses more than two orchestra rehearsals per concert, s/he will be asked to submit videos demonstrating adequate preparation in order to participate in the concert. An in-person meeting may be substituted for videos, as determined by the music director.
Media
On occasion, I may create or use photo or video material on the internet, social media or print media in connection with publicizing and marketing my violin teaching services. In no event will any child be personally identified. If you prefer not to have your child included in this material, please inform me in writing.
Drop-off, Pickup, and Dismissal (In-person lessons only)
Children must be dropped off by parent or guardian at the student’s lesson time. Students are not allowed to be in the school unsupervised between dismissal and the lesson start time. All students will be met at the outside-facing orchestra room door by the teacher, and students will also be dismissed through that door. Children grade 6 and younger may not be dismissed from my teaching room unless accompanied by his or her parent, or with written consent to another responsible adult or specific destination. Children grade 7 and older may be dismissed on their own. Please advise me of your dismissal plan for students grade 7 and older.
Discontinuance
In the event that a family wishes to discontinue lessons, the family must give 1 month’s notice in advance, and will be responsible for one month’s fee. Further advance payments will be returned or refunded. If a students quits mid-year, I need this time to adjust my teaching schedule. Furthermore, the student should be given the opportunity to wrap up the experience with me, so that we can end the relationship productively.