POLICIES
Who Is Elligible? Ages 8 to Adult Vocal Technique Instruction and Performance Coaching are available to all interested singers--from 'not yet' singers to accomplished performers who wish to study Contemporary Commercial Music (pop, blues, jazz, rock, folk, gospel, metal, etc.) and Musical Theater.
Initial Vocal Assessment: One Hour/$40.00 As it is important to ensure a good match between student and teacher, the first lesson consists of a vocal assessment and goal-setting as a pre-requisite for enrollment as a student. At this lesson, you will learn: How your voice is currently supporting you or working against you Your current range & how it can be expanded How your 'ear' is working (intonation, aural recall) Strengths and weaknesses in your voice & how they can be addressed & corrected Optimal Set-up & Breathing As time permits, you will leave with a CD of basic exercises designed specifically for your needs. Student Showcases: Public Student Showcases are conducted 3 times per year. A minimal fee of $5 per student is charged per student to help cover concert hall rental fees. Students may also schedule periodic Mini-Concerts in the studio during their lesson time to gain performance skills. Up to 6 guests may be invited. For a successful experience, a minimum of a 6 month commitment is suggested. This allows the student to un-do vocal habits that have been getting in the way of freedom and flow, and to develop understanding and consistency with new techniques and choices.
Create a routine by setting aside a specific time & place to practice.20-60 minutes every other day is great. If your week is hectic and practice is missed, attend your next lesson to get back on track! Discuss difficulties with me right away so we can find solutions for you.
Visit THE 5 B's page for more suggestions.
Students are required to provide 2 WEEKS NOTICE of intent to stop lessons. Lessons terminated prior to the end of the month cannot be refunded.
Unfortunately,I cannot guarantee make-ups as my studio is typically full. Therefore, please make your lessons a priority in your schedule & cancel only for true emergencies. A Swap Sheet is provided to each student upon enrollment to enable you to swap lessons with another student if you must be absent for your scheduled lesson. For Vacations or a conflict you cannot avoid:
For Extended Absences (3 weeks+) full tuition is due if you want to keep your slot. In this special circumstance, I will commit to making up these lessons as quickly as possible upon your return. On occasion, I may be able to fill your slot with a short-term student during your absence. In this eventuality, no tuition will be due to keep your slot! Note on School Plays: It is a generally accepted practice that high school students may be excused from play practice for private music lessons until the 2 weeks before the performance, when no absences are allowed. Be sure to work this out with your school teacher at the onset of rehearsals.
Snow
Days/School Closures. Most often, a
‘storm’ clears by noon & lessons can proceed as scheduled. However, I will telephone each student by
mid-morning to discuss their options:
proceed as scheduled; move their lesson to earlier in the day when roads
are best; schedule a Skype video lesson
instead of traveling to the studio, or request to be put on the Cancellation
list to await a potential opportunity to do the lesson at a later date. No credit or refund can be given. Lessons are conducted in my home studio on the north side of Colorado Springs, off Vickers and Academy Blvd.
Please park your vehicle by the two large shrubs on the street in front of my home so that my family may come and go with ease. Please be considerate of our neighbors in the cul-de-sac by avoiding excess noise, speed, blocking their driveways, etc!
A waiting room is provided adjacent to the studio for quiet relaxation while lessons are being conducted. If the student is dropped off for their lesson, please arrive a few minutes early to pick them up as I am unable to supervise waiting students while teaching.
TUITION INFORMATION
Lesson Fees: The standard monthly tuition is based on $40/lesson with typically 4 lessons per month ($160/mo). When there are 3 or 5 weeks in a month, the student will pay that corresponding amount instead. See Calendar.
There is no charge for my vacation time. All fees subject to change with one month notice. Due Date: All tuition is due for the month at the first lesson of each month. No exceptions.
Consultation Fees: $40 per hour Individuals not enrolled as a regular student may request consultation appointments on a space available basis for needs such as:
>Performance or Touring preparation
>Audition preparation
>Music selection for a performance
>Developing or learning harmony parts
>Keying material
>Self-promotion assistance (i.e. creating promo packs)
>Recording Studio preparation
Thank You! |