Studio rue Avant
Studio rue Avant
Studio Policies ~ Private Lessons ~ 2013-2014 Season
Instruction___________________________________________________________________________
x All students enrolled in my string studio are offered my personal dedication to their musical instruction in violin or viola. Private lessons at Studio rue Avant focus primarily on training in repertoire, technique, musicianship and theory, with other topics addressed as time allows.
x Lessons are currently given at the Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden WA 98264, and in
my home, 811 Front St., Lynden. Parents or guardians are welcome to attend individual lessons.
As of February 1, 2014: Lessons are now given at the joint office of Studio rue Avant and The Claire de Lune Lynden Music Festival iupstairs n the Dutch Village Mall at 655 Front St., Lynden
Schedule_____________________________________________________________________________
x This year’s studio season runs from September 2013-July 2014. A lesson calendar can be found in your binder and the information is on line at www.studiorueavant.weebly.com
x I offer summer study in June and July because I feel that continuous study offers the most benefit to the student. Summer is a great time for practicing without the worry of homework and other school activities.
x Studio rue Avant is giving three studio recitals this year, plus the opportunity to take part in a Lynden Music Teachers Association (LMTA) recital. Students are expected to take part in studio recitals. I believe it is a valuable and positive learning experience. My recitals are usually quite casual and are free to the public.
x Recital and Recital Rehearsal Dates are as follows:
December 9 ~ Recital Rehearsal, schedule and location TBA
December 11 ~ Community Service Recital – Lynden Manor (pending)
December 17 ~ Studio Christmas Recital, location the Jansen Art Center
July 7 ~ Recital Rehearsal, schedule and location TBA
July 15 ~ Studio Recital, location TBA
Tuition_______________________________________________________________________________________
x Tuition payments are expected in advance, before the 5th of each month. Payment received after the 5th of the month will be subject to a $10 late fee, to be included with your payment. Payment by cash or check is accepted at the first lesson of the month. If the student’s first lesson of the month is after the 5th of the month, your payment may be mailed directly to me at 811 Front St., Lynden, 98264. If you desire a receipt for your payment, please attach a note to your check and one will be issued to you. There is a possibility I may be able to take credit card payments as well. That is not confirmed at the writing of this policy.
x Checks should be addressed to Studio rue Avant.
x Tuition is made in 11 equal monthly payments. 30 minute lessons - $70.00, 45 minute lessons - $100.00,
60 minute lessons - $137.00. Please see Tuition Rate page for more information. You must sign the accompanying contract . A copy will be delivered or mailed to you.
x Tuition does not include music, study materials, accessories, adjudication fees, or certain accompanist fees. (I happily provide the accompanist for recitals)
x Tuition payments cover the time I dedicate to giving each lesson, time spent in preparation, and the value of my experience and skill as a musician and a teacher. I recognize and appreciate the sacrifices required for parents to bless their children (or themselves) with the gift of music lessons and I take very seriously the responsibility of giving my best as a teacher.
Cancellation, Make-up Lessons, and Swapping______________________________________________
x Please note that except in extreme circumstances, there is a 24 hour cancellation policy. Missed lessons are not made up or refunded, nor is tuition adjusted for future months.
x Make up lessons will be available only when 24 hour notice is received. If I am unable to take your call, I will honor answering machine messages or emails that are left with the proper amount of notice.
x Make up lessons are not available for last minute (less than 24 hour) notice such as car trouble, heavy homework, orthodontic appointments, rescheduled sporting events, etc…
x Exception: In case of illness, please call! I will gladly reschedule. I wish for us all to be cautious during flu season and not risk exposing other children or adults to sickness. I prefer to schedule make up lessons on the designated make up lesson days.
x Cancellation on my part: I will schedule a make up lesson. In anticipation of inclement weather and flu season, I have scheduled in advance two make up lesson days for Ferndale and Bellingham students and three for Lynden students. The dates are posted on the studio calendar and on my web site. I will do my best to keep track, but I ask that you keep a record for yourself as well. When schools cancel - we will most likely cancel, although the schools in the county don’t always do the same thing. When in doubt, please check your email and my website www.studiorueavant.weebly.com
If you do not have access to email, please let me know, and I will arrange a “phone tree”.
x Swap Lesson Times: I encourage you to swap lessons with another student as an alternative to attempting to reschedule. A list of names and phone numbers can be made available with the permission of students and/or parents. If you do not wish to have your name and phone number included, please let me know right away.
Responsibilities________________________________________________________________________
x Teacher: Provide an environment of positive encouragement, motivation, and excellence
Provide quality lessons
Teach to the student’s unique needs
Value the student’s creativity and build on it
Answer questions and be willing to learn
x Student: Be prepared for each lesson
Bring necessary books and materials to every lesson
Follow directions in class and at home
Ask questions when you don’t understand
Maintain a positive and respectful attitude
PRACTICE! Set aside the same time each day to practice. Develop the habit.
x Parents: Provide a good violin or viola. (I’m happy to give advice! Please ask first.
A bad instrument is discouraging to the student)
Encourage good practice habits and give positive feedback
Read the student’s assignment page the day of or after the lesson while info is fresh
Check that your student is reading, understanding, and following the instructions Attend the lessons of young students and practice with them at home
Keep the line of communication open with me – relay concerns, ask questions
Expectations__________________________________________________________________________
x Students are expected to practice a minimum of 5 days/wk for as many minutes as is age appropriate and is necessary to learn the material and progress. We will talk about what that means for each individual as time goes on.
what you’ll need….____________________________________________________________________
x Books and materials – I will let you know as needed
x A full-length mirror in or near their designated practice space so that they may at times see bow strokes and other arm and body positions.
x A music stand. A metal folding stand is sufficient but a heavier stand makes turning pages and keeping music at the right height easier. (For very young beginners, this can wait a while)
x A designated practice space. Preferably one with few outside distractions and plenty of light. You could really make this space fun for your child! Let me know if you want to talk about some ideas to make that happen. Feel free to share your ideas, too! We can pass them on to other families.
x A shoulder rest. This is essential in maintaining the proper position of the instrument while minimizing stress and bad habits. Shoulder pads can be of many different materials or professionally made. Sponges work sometimes, ones that don’t slip off the instrument. Fabric stores and Hardware Sales sell dense foam that can be shaped. Sometimes Hardware Sales has a bin of free dense foam pieces. The 1 to 1 ½ inch thick works pretty well. If you purchase a shoulder rest, I suggest you avoid the “Resonans”. We have several local music shops that are very good. The staff will help you find a shoulder rest that fits well and is the right height. Here are a few shops I recommend: Quist Violins; 647-1984 or Allegro Strings, 671-8059 or 671-2075.
x A metronome. There are options in a wide range of prices. Feel free to ask for help finding one.
x Highly recommended, but not required, a chromatic tuner. If you decide to purchase a tuner, I’d be happy to review the options with you.
Studio rue Avant
Studio Policies ~ Private Lessons ~ 2013-2014 Season
Instruction___________________________________________________________________________
x All students enrolled in my string studio are offered my personal dedication to their musical instruction in violin or viola. Private lessons at Studio rue Avant focus primarily on training in repertoire, technique, musicianship and theory, with other topics addressed as time allows.
x Lessons are currently given at the Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden WA 98264, and in
my home, 811 Front St., Lynden. Parents or guardians are welcome to attend individual lessons.
As of February 1, 2014: Lessons are now given at the joint office of Studio rue Avant and The Claire de Lune Lynden Music Festival iupstairs n the Dutch Village Mall at 655 Front St., Lynden
Schedule_____________________________________________________________________________
x This year’s studio season runs from September 2013-July 2014. A lesson calendar can be found in your binder and the information is on line at www.studiorueavant.weebly.com
x I offer summer study in June and July because I feel that continuous study offers the most benefit to the student. Summer is a great time for practicing without the worry of homework and other school activities.
x Studio rue Avant is giving three studio recitals this year, plus the opportunity to take part in a Lynden Music Teachers Association (LMTA) recital. Students are expected to take part in studio recitals. I believe it is a valuable and positive learning experience. My recitals are usually quite casual and are free to the public.
x Recital and Recital Rehearsal Dates are as follows:
December 9 ~ Recital Rehearsal, schedule and location TBA
December 11 ~ Community Service Recital – Lynden Manor (pending)
December 17 ~ Studio Christmas Recital, location the Jansen Art Center
July 7 ~ Recital Rehearsal, schedule and location TBA
July 15 ~ Studio Recital, location TBA
Tuition_______________________________________________________________________________________
x Tuition payments are expected in advance, before the 5th of each month. Payment received after the 5th of the month will be subject to a $10 late fee, to be included with your payment. Payment by cash or check is accepted at the first lesson of the month. If the student’s first lesson of the month is after the 5th of the month, your payment may be mailed directly to me at 811 Front St., Lynden, 98264. If you desire a receipt for your payment, please attach a note to your check and one will be issued to you. There is a possibility I may be able to take credit card payments as well. That is not confirmed at the writing of this policy.
x Checks should be addressed to Studio rue Avant.
x Tuition is made in 11 equal monthly payments. 30 minute lessons - $70.00, 45 minute lessons - $100.00,
60 minute lessons - $137.00. Please see Tuition Rate page for more information. You must sign the accompanying contract . A copy will be delivered or mailed to you.
x Tuition does not include music, study materials, accessories, adjudication fees, or certain accompanist fees. (I happily provide the accompanist for recitals)
x Tuition payments cover the time I dedicate to giving each lesson, time spent in preparation, and the value of my experience and skill as a musician and a teacher. I recognize and appreciate the sacrifices required for parents to bless their children (or themselves) with the gift of music lessons and I take very seriously the responsibility of giving my best as a teacher.
Cancellation, Make-up Lessons, and Swapping______________________________________________
x Please note that except in extreme circumstances, there is a 24 hour cancellation policy. Missed lessons are not made up or refunded, nor is tuition adjusted for future months.
x Make up lessons will be available only when 24 hour notice is received. If I am unable to take your call, I will honor answering machine messages or emails that are left with the proper amount of notice.
x Make up lessons are not available for last minute (less than 24 hour) notice such as car trouble, heavy homework, orthodontic appointments, rescheduled sporting events, etc…
x Exception: In case of illness, please call! I will gladly reschedule. I wish for us all to be cautious during flu season and not risk exposing other children or adults to sickness. I prefer to schedule make up lessons on the designated make up lesson days.
x Cancellation on my part: I will schedule a make up lesson. In anticipation of inclement weather and flu season, I have scheduled in advance two make up lesson days for Ferndale and Bellingham students and three for Lynden students. The dates are posted on the studio calendar and on my web site. I will do my best to keep track, but I ask that you keep a record for yourself as well. When schools cancel - we will most likely cancel, although the schools in the county don’t always do the same thing. When in doubt, please check your email and my website www.studiorueavant.weebly.com
If you do not have access to email, please let me know, and I will arrange a “phone tree”.
x Swap Lesson Times: I encourage you to swap lessons with another student as an alternative to attempting to reschedule. A list of names and phone numbers can be made available with the permission of students and/or parents. If you do not wish to have your name and phone number included, please let me know right away.
Responsibilities________________________________________________________________________
x Teacher: Provide an environment of positive encouragement, motivation, and excellence
Provide quality lessons
Teach to the student’s unique needs
Value the student’s creativity and build on it
Answer questions and be willing to learn
x Student: Be prepared for each lesson
Bring necessary books and materials to every lesson
Follow directions in class and at home
Ask questions when you don’t understand
Maintain a positive and respectful attitude
PRACTICE! Set aside the same time each day to practice. Develop the habit.
x Parents: Provide a good violin or viola. (I’m happy to give advice! Please ask first.
A bad instrument is discouraging to the student)
Encourage good practice habits and give positive feedback
Read the student’s assignment page the day of or after the lesson while info is fresh
Check that your student is reading, understanding, and following the instructions Attend the lessons of young students and practice with them at home
Keep the line of communication open with me – relay concerns, ask questions
Expectations__________________________________________________________________________
x Students are expected to practice a minimum of 5 days/wk for as many minutes as is age appropriate and is necessary to learn the material and progress. We will talk about what that means for each individual as time goes on.
what you’ll need….____________________________________________________________________
x Books and materials – I will let you know as needed
x A full-length mirror in or near their designated practice space so that they may at times see bow strokes and other arm and body positions.
x A music stand. A metal folding stand is sufficient but a heavier stand makes turning pages and keeping music at the right height easier. (For very young beginners, this can wait a while)
x A designated practice space. Preferably one with few outside distractions and plenty of light. You could really make this space fun for your child! Let me know if you want to talk about some ideas to make that happen. Feel free to share your ideas, too! We can pass them on to other families.
x A shoulder rest. This is essential in maintaining the proper position of the instrument while minimizing stress and bad habits. Shoulder pads can be of many different materials or professionally made. Sponges work sometimes, ones that don’t slip off the instrument. Fabric stores and Hardware Sales sell dense foam that can be shaped. Sometimes Hardware Sales has a bin of free dense foam pieces. The 1 to 1 ½ inch thick works pretty well. If you purchase a shoulder rest, I suggest you avoid the “Resonans”. We have several local music shops that are very good. The staff will help you find a shoulder rest that fits well and is the right height. Here are a few shops I recommend: Quist Violins; 647-1984 or Allegro Strings, 671-8059 or 671-2075.
x A metronome. There are options in a wide range of prices. Feel free to ask for help finding one.
x Highly recommended, but not required, a chromatic tuner. If you decide to purchase a tuner, I’d be happy to review the options with you.