Policies & Expectations

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

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To teach the individual in a unique style that fits their learning needs.

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I cater lessons to each individual student. I do not believe in a one-size fits all approach. I take the time to get to know each student and how they learn best. I believe lessons are a two-way street and encourage feedback from students at any time about how they are enjoying lessons and any changes they might like.

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To empower students with positivity.

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We learn best in a positive environment. Putting ourselves out there and playing for someone can be scary. I get that and positively encourage students to be the best that they can be. In my studio, I value progress over perfection.

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To uplift underrepresented voices.

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I am a firm believer in diversifying the classical music world. I always try to seek out new music and method books by BIPOC, women and queer composers. I think it is so important for students to engage with this music and culture. I want all students, regardless of how they identify themselves to feel empowered and uplifted in my studio.

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To create a community of passionate clarinetists.

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Music is a great community builder. I regularly have group classes and studio recitals so my students have the opportunity to get to know one another, learn from each other and engage with the local community.

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REQUIRED MATERIALS

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-  Instrument in working condition*

-  5 playable reeds at all times of appropriate strength (for beginners 2-2.5 is a good starting point)**

          -Brand Recommendations: Vandoren (JUNO for beginners) or Gonzalez (find at Lisa's Clarinet Shop!)

-  Swab

-  Cork grease

-  Music Folder

-  Pencil

-  Metronome and Tuner

-  Weekly lesson notebook

-  Method/Etude Books as assigned

-  Pad paper

-  Clarinet Stand

*Let me know if you are in need of recommendations for repair and I will be happy to point you in the right direction to a technician.

**This means no chips or splits of any kind.

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LESSONS:

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• Students are expected to come prepared to lessons with their instrument in good working order, any relevant music/handouts, their music notebook, and a pencil.

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• Please arrive at lessons on time. If the student arrives late, the lesson time will not be extended past its originally scheduled end time, and the lesson fee will not be prorated.

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• If you arrive early to your lesson, I ask that you please wait in your vehicle until your lesson time. Students are encouraged to knock at the time of their lesson as I typically lock the studio between lessons (for security purposes). Sometimes my previous student may be packing up when you enter, but you are welcome to set up as they do so.

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STUDENT  RESPONSIBILITIES 

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Students  must have  all materials necessary for lessons such as reeds, music, accessories, etc. Materials will be assigned by me and the student will be expected to have the materials no later than two weeks after the materials have been assigned. Advanced notice will be provided whenever possible.

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Parents: If something is happening at home or school that is affecting your child please let me know. The more information I have, the more I can be sensitive to the needs of your child.

 

Students must have an instrument that is suited to their level and development. I am so happy to help you find an instrument - please let me know if you have any questions. We can work together to find something in your budget and that will grow with your student. Please contact me before purchasing a new instrument so we can ensure it is the best fit for your student. 

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PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS

Practice is essential to improving on the clarinet. Students are required to practice between weekly lessons. Showing up to a lesson without having practiced is unacceptable and can result in re-assessment of the student’s goals and if lessons are a good fit right now.

Amount of practice is very individual to each student, their goals and schedule constraints. I am a firm believer in efficient, healthy practice and this is something we will work on often in lessons. I will not assign a number of hours for a student to practice as I find this ineffective and often unhealthy. Rather, I will work individually with students to create a practice plan for each lesson and we will reflect on how it went each week. I value consistency over quantity, so I tell students if you have just 15 min a day you can commit to 5-6 times a week, that is going to get you much further than 2 hours once or twice a week.

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The best way to ensure regular practice is to have it be on the schedule for the day. I find it very helpful to tie it to something, or find a time of day that works best most days. Often for students a good example of this is: M-F after school, after I’ve had a snack and transitioned from the school day, I practice. This could look like: I get home from school at 4pm. From 4:30-5:15 pm I practice clarinet.

 

RECITALS

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All students will participate in studio recitals. Our hired accompanist will be scheduled for rehearsal before the recital.

 

PARTICIPATION

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Students are expected to be in an outside ensemble (e.g. School band, church ensemble, youth orchestra, community group). This is so important to have people to play with regularly and really helps with motivation! If you need help finding an ensemble - please let me know! I am happy to look at options with you and prepare for an audition (if required).

 

GROUP CLASSES

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We will have regular monthly group classes. These will take place in the large room at the Kindermusik Studio or online. This is an opportunity for students to play with and learn from one another in a community setting. Group classes are included in tuition and will not be rescheduled/ refunded if a student cannot attend.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

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Excused absences include illness, family emergency, or pre-planned events (e.g. travel, school conflicts, etc). Students must notify the instructor of an absence at least 24 hours before scheduled lesson time. Students are encouraged to stay home when sick in efforts to keep a healthy studio environment. The instructor is not required to make up lessons due to unexcused absences.

 

MAKE UP LESSONS

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Excused Lessons (at least 24 hours advance notice OR emergency) will be made up within 30 days. All makeup lessons will be offered online only. Unexcused lessons will not be made up.

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Makeup lessons or absences do not count towards next month’s tuition.

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Monthly invoices are based on the number of lessons the studio schedules that month and will not be altered. Planned vacations or other conflicts communicated in advance receive a make-up lesson credit for that month.

 

TUITION

 

Flat monthly tuition rates are based on the number of guaranteed lessons in the calendar year. There will be a minimum of 44 lessons offered throughout the year, and the weeks where lessons are not held (due to holidays or personal performance opportunities) will be communicated in advance.

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There will be a minimum of 44 lessons scheduled for the calendar year. There are an additional two weeks built into the studio calendar to accommodate for teacher illness. In the case that these are not used, lessons may be scheduled at no extra charge. 

 

Invoices are available in duetpartner through stripe - these will be emailed. Invoices are due by the 1st of the month. All payments are non-refundable. After the first payment, invoicing and payment will run automatically on the same day. Tuition will be drawn on the 1st each month from the method on file. All automatic payments will be run through Stripe.

 

In order to cancel tuition, written notification must be received via email 2 weeks in advance. In the case that notice is not received by that deadline, the full tuition amount will be run automatically on the first of the month, and students have the option to attend all paid lessons that month. Lessons will then cancel for the following month.

 

COMMITMENT

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When students enroll, they are reserving their place in the studio for the entire term. Changes to weekly schedules may be made on a case-by-base basis each month before tuition is due.

 

Please note that a student's time slot will not be guaranteed for the Fall if they were not enrolled in lessons during the summer.

 

 

SCHEDULE 

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RECITALS:

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FALL:  December 7, 2024 7:30pm 

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SPRING: May 3, 2025 7pm

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*There will be a short rehearsal prior to recitals 

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NO LESSONS November 25-29

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NO LESSONS December 23- January 3

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NO LESSONS April 7-13

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PHOTO AND VIDEO RELEASE FORM.

 

From time to time I use photos and short videos of my students around the studio, on the studio website, or in social media posts. These videos and posts are encouraging to other students and helpful to other teachers. If you do not want your child's image(s) to be used, please let me know. In general, the students love to see their pictures and videos on my website or around the studio. They find it motivating and exciting to think that others want to know what they are learning. The students are identified only by first name.

 

By enrolling and paying tuition for my child in Knox Clarinet Studio, I certify that I understand and agree to the studio policies for the 2023/2024 school year.