Studio Policy, 2010
Locations are my studio in Scotts Valley, 4637 B-1 Scotts Valley Drive; Le Petit Trianon Recital Hall, 72 North Fifth Street, San Jose, California 95112; and at my home in Santa Cruz near Seabright Beach, by special arrangement.
Days and times are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in Scotts Valley, and Thursday in San Jose. Arrangements can be made to meet at my home on Friday afternoons. Times are arranged to be mutually convenient, usually between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. – 6 p.m. in San Jose. Lessons are usually one hour, but can be a half hour or 45 minutes. They are usually weekly, but other arrangements can be made. Some students prefer lessons every other week.
Tuition is year round, payable at the beginning of the month, and is based on the hourly rate. The rates are different for the San Jose Studio and the Scotts Valley Studio. Please call to inquire.
Policies regarding make-ups and cancellations: Please give 24 hours notice for a cancellation if possible. I will attempt to give make-up lessons for cancellations due to illness or other good reasons, however make-up lessons are not guaranteed. There will be no make-ups for no shows. A make-up lesson that is cancelled will not be rescheduled. I will give credit for lessons that I must cancel if they cannot be made up. I will not charge for lessons cancelled for scheduled vacations. Please understand that these policies are important for my ability to stay in business as a teacher. I will offer make-up lessons one Saturday a month in Scotts Valley.
Group Repertoire Class: I will offer this class once a month on a Saturday in Scotts Valley. There will be an accompanist, and a chance to sing for your colleagues and to do group warm-ups and other group activities. Singers will be asked to give each other constructive feed-back. It's okay to listen and not sing if that's what feels comfortable.
Recitals/Other Performance: Participation in studio recitals, Celebrating Youth, Talent Bank Audition and the NATS Singing Festival is encouraged for all students who are ready. Fees for recitals will be determined by number of participants and expenses for accompanist and venue. There are usually two studio recitals each year. There are fees for Talent Bank, CY and NATS Festival as well.
Certificate of Merit: This program, offered through the MTAC, is recommended (but not required) for students in middle and high school. Adult students my also participate. It provides a systematic and comprehensive plan to develop performance skills, technique, ear-training and sight-reading skills, and understanding of music theory.
Celebrating Youth: This program, offered through the Santa Cruz Chamber Players, is for students 12 to 18 who wish to perform chamber music with other young people. Please inquire if interested.
Practice: Regular practice is expected and keeping a practice journal is encouraged. Singing is fulfilling and joyful, but progress in developing one’s art takes dedication and can sometimes be frustrating. Ask for help and encouragement. Share your talent!
