Attendance & Cancellations:
• The Attendance & Cancellation policy reflects my desire to accommodate the maximum number of students as possible in the available time slots throughout the year.

• Advance notice of 24 hours is required for lesson cancellation. “No shows” and lessons cancelled without the proper advance notification will be charged as a scheduled attended lesson and you will be responsible for payment in full.

• Students are expected to attend regularly and arrive on time. Regular lesson attendance maximizes progress and holds your specific lesson time. Remember that you have reserved the time slot, not the number of minutes.

Preparation & Practice:
• Students need to keep their music and handouts in a binder/folder and bring it to every lesson. Also, I highly recommend that you bring a recording device to record your lesson, and use these recordings when you practice during the week. If your taking lessons via video, Zoom gives you the capability of recording your lesson so you can review and practice with it throughout the week.

• Daily practice is necessary for the full benefit of lessons. The amount of time spent practicing varies from student to student, but it needs to be consistent. Science has shown that shorter practice times conducted more frequently each week will allow you to grow the fastest. The important thing is that each minute of practice be filled with “thinking-singing”/”thinking-playing” and concentration. Problem areas that are discussed during lessons need to be corrected at home. The student and I will come up will attainable practice goals.

Focus & Concentration:
• Progress in singing and piano technique relies on the ability to detect sounds and feel sensations in your voice and body that can be quite subtle. Therefore, I rarely take a phone call while I am teaching and I request that you also refrain from answering your cell phone during your lesson time unless it is an emergency.

Teacher Expectations & Responsibilities
1. Provide each student with the personal attention and respect necessary to develop his/her/their individual talents. Encourage a feeling of success with each student’s individual rate of learning.
2. Guide each student to a greater understanding and enjoyment of music!
3. Guide each student toward an awareness of their capabilities – clearly communicating short-term and long-term goals. This may be verbal or written communication. I will also provide regular feedback about student progress.
4. Guide each student toward musical independence and initiative through a balanced program of vocal/piano technique, repertoire, and music theory/ear training –
• Vocal Technique – the physical mechanics of the voice and how to healthily and properly produce sound. This is the groundwork and foundation of singing.
• Repertoire – a list of pieces to be learned based on standard classical, musical theatre, jazz, or popular music. The repertoire we choose will be based on the student’s interests and goals. If you like what you’re singing/playing, you’re more likely to practice. And practice is the KEY to progress!
• Music Theory/Ear Training – studying the “grammar” of the language of music.

Student Expectation & Responsibilities
1. Schedule time for practice every day. The amount of time you spend practicing directly reflects how quickly you develop and improve. Practice, practice, practice!
2. Carefully review any suggestions or instructions given in the previous lesson. Recording your lessons helps with this – highly recommended! You can use the recordings during your practice time throughout the week.
3. Arrive promptly at your lesson time. You reserve the time slot, not the number of minutes.
4. Ask questions! If any arise during the week, please contact me; better to understand now than wait a week. Email, call, or text and I will respond within 24 hours.
5. Take risks, make crazy sounds, and have FUN! You have UNLIMITED potential if you are a dedicated, hard worker. Hard work = Practice!

Parental Expectations & Responsibilities (for students under age 18)
1. Support the fulfillment of your child’s musical potential. Consistency is the key to learning. This means promptly arriving to lessons, encouraging practice, and attending performances.
2. Encourage progress – many small steps throughout the year yield big results. For voice students, remember the voice is growing and maturing just like the human body.
3. Remind your child of daily practice and help them to schedule this practice time in their daily routine.
4. Provide a practice environment that is free from interruptions (family, friends, TV, computer, or phone).