COST
Students pay a monthly fee to participate in studio. This fee covers the cost of private lessons, group lessons, and recital venues.
The fee is a flat rate of $80 per month for weekly 30 minute lessons. 45 minute and hour long lessons are also available at the same $40/hr rate.
Additional payments may be needed for advanced students who need an accompanist.
PAYMENT IS DUE WITHIN THE FIRST SEVEN DAYS OF EACH MONTH, A late fee of $10 will be assessed to payments received after this period of time. Preferred forms of payment are Venmo, check, and cash. The Venmo ID is eringordon11 and checks should be made out to Erin Gordon.
LESSONS
In order to make use of all the lesson time, please arrive a few minutes before the start of your lesson. The door will be unlocked, so you may enter quietly and begin to unpack your instrument while I finish with the student before you. Parents are welcome to attend lessons with their students, but it is not required. Siblings are more than welcome to accompany students to lessons so long as they are respectful and don’t disrupt the lesson.
Missed Lessons
Learning a musical instrument is difficult and requires a significant investment of time and energy on part of both the student and the teacher. As such, it is crucial that the student be present for all lessons. No refunds will be offered for missed lessons. Any lessons missed by the teacher will be refunded by reducing the cost of the following month. Essentially, you are paying for a time slot in the studio. Just like other services offered (day care, sports registration), You do not get a refund for weeks you choose not to go.
To help accommodate for family vacations, you may choose one summer month to only pay for half of the month.
No makeup lessons will be offered unless the teacher has been notified at least 24 hours prior to the missed lesson. Makeup lessons are not guaranteed, but the earlier you notify me, the better chance you have of scheduling an alternate time.
PRACTICE COMMITMENT
Success in learning the cello requires consistent, daily practice. 20-40 minutes per day will result in much greater progress than 2 hours, one day of the week. The amount of time students should practice each day depends on the student’s age, playing level, and personal aspirations. This amount may be discussed between the teacher, parent, and student, but here is an idea of what I expect from my students:
- Under 9yrs/ Beginner (Suzuki Bk 1-Rigadoon): 20 minutes a day 5 days a week
- 9-10 yrs/ Beginner (Rigadoon-Bk 2): 30+ minutes a day 6 days a week
- 10-12 yrs/Intermediate (Bk 2-Bk 3): 40+ minutes a day 6 days a week
- 12+ yrs/Intermediate (Bk 3-Bk 4): 45+ minutes a day 6 days a week
- Advanced (Bk 4 +): 1+ hour a day 6 days a week
PARENT PARTICIPATION
As a student begins learning an instrument, parent help and participation at home are crucial. Parents will need to commit to helping their student develop effective practice techniques throughout the week. The amount of help needed will depend on the age and level of the student.
STUDIO RECITALS
Recitals are a wonderful way to celebrate and track progress. There will be recitals at the end of each season, excluding Summer. Students will perform selected repertoire they have learned over the season. Learning to play for an audience is a specific skill that takes practice. Students will receive guidance on how to prepare for and conduct themselves in performances. As students progress to an advanced level, they will be encouraged to prepare solo recitals at certain milestones in their playing, such as their senior year of high school or after learning larger works like Bach Cello Suites and Concerto movements.
ENSEMBLES
One of the most enjoyable aspects of playing a string instrument is playing with others. There are many opportunities to play in orchestra, string quartets, and other groups that will help students’ musical development and provide the chance to perform. It is highly encouraged that students play in ensembles offered by schools where available, and in extra-curricular programs and youth orchestras when possible.
The teacher will advise students and parents on suitable programs to join. Some popular programs in Cache Valley include Mountain West String Academy, public school orchestra, Cache Valley String Festival, the Chamber Music Project, All State Orchestra, Young Artist’s Cup, and Solo and Ensemble.
If you are particularly interested in a specific program, let me know early enough so we can effectively prepare for it.
