Teaching Philosphy & Studio Policies
“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.” ~ Anonymous
My goal is to help each student reach their potential as a musician for their own fulfillment and the joy of others throughout their life. I believe anyone can learn to play the violin beautifully, no matter their age or previous ability. I strive to teach to each student’s unique capacities and goals in playing the violin.
In each lesson and interaction, I hope to inspire and motivate my students, giving them a vision of what they can achieve. I utilize Suzuki method books as well as many other Etudes, scales, and pieces to develop a broad understanding and ability on the violin that will serve any genre the student desires to pursue. I incorporate musical theory during each lesson as it applies to the material the student is learning.
Students participate in group lessons and two solo recitals each year. This gives them the opportunity to notice the good and praise other violinists in their work, and learn to perform with confidence and heart.
An inspiring teacher can make all the difference for a student in their efforts to learn the violin. Let’s make music together!
Teaching Studio
Lessons
Students may enroll for 30-minute, 45-minute, or 60-minute lessons, depending on level of experience.
Lessons take place at Dayna’s Studio in Colorado Springs, or virtually.
Schedule
Lessons are held weekly with consideration given to holidays and school breaks. Summer lessons are available while both the student and teacher are in town, but with flexible scheduling.
Tuition
Tuition reserves the student’s weekly time slot in the teacher’s schedule throughout the year and is required regardless of attendance.
Rates
60 min. lesson = $60
45 min. lesson = $45
30 min. lesson = $30
Tuition is paid monthly for the scheduled lessons. Additional lessons are allowed based on the teacher’s availability.
Payment
Tuition is to be paid on the first lesson of each month. Tuition is payable by cash or check for local students, or Venmo, PayPal, Zelle or SquareCash apps for virtual lesson students. Method of payment will be agreed upon before lessons begin. Late payments will incur a $10 fee.. There is a $30 fee for returned checks.
Tardiness
The student will contact the teacher by phone or text if they expect to be late for a scheduled lesson.
If a student arrives after their scheduled lesson time has begun, the teacher will complete the lesson in the remaining time scheduled. Additional time for student tardiness is not guaranteed.
Rescheduling
Students needing to reschedule a lesson should let the teacher know as soon as possible to ensure a time slot.
Cancellations
Students must cancel lessons by phone or text with at least 24 hours notice. Cancellations are excused for illness, family emergency, or severe weather (public school closures). Excused cancellations with sufficient notification will be given a make-up lesson within the month or lesson credit towards the following month. No-shows, or cancellations without sufficient notification will not be given make-up lessons, lesson credits, or refunds.
The teacher may need to reschedule or cancel a lesson due to illness, family emergency, or performance engagements. In this case, the teacher will provide a make-up lesson within the month or lesson credit towards the following month.
Make-Up Lessons/Lesson Credits
Only 3 excused cancellations will be allowed per academic year. Excused cancellations will be given make-up lessons within the month or lesson credits towards the following month. If a student cannot attend a scheduled make-up lesson, the lesson will be considered forfeited. Make-up lessons are not guaranteed and are subject to availability. If a make-up lesson is not possible, a lesson credit will be applied toward the following month. After 3 excused cancellations, further cancelled lessons will be considered forfeited and will not be given make-up lessons, or lesson credits.
Withdrawal
Students should consult with the teacher if they are considering discontinuing lessons to make sure there are not areas that can be resolved. If the student still decides to discontinue lessons, one month’s notice is required. The lessons remaining in that month will be finished out, or held for 6 months as credit in case of return. There are no refunds for withdrawals.
Practicing
Students are expected to practice daily. Teacher and student can discuss appropriate practicing strategies for each individual student. Parents should be involved in seeing that practicing is consistent and of quality, especially in young children.
Materials
Instruments and additional materials are not included in tuition. Students are expected to bring all necessary materials to their lessons. This includes their instrument, shoulder rest, rosin, cleaning cloth, assigned music, lesson notebook, and a pencil. Recommended online resources for materials include http://www.sharmusic.com and http://www.swstrings.com.
If a student is considering purchasing an instrument or graduating to a larger size instrument, the teacher should be consulted to ensure a proper instrument for the student.
Parental Involvement
Students eight years and younger must have a parent or guardian present at the lesson. The parent will act as the student’s “home teacher”. Parental involvement is welcomed and strongly encouraged for all students, but not required for students ten years and older.
Recitals
There will be two studio recitals given per year (one in the Spring and one in the Fall). Participation is required with the exception of unforeseen conflicts. All students are also required to attend a group lesson in place of their regularly scheduled private lesson during the week of the recital to practice performing in front of their peers before the recital performance. The dates for group lessons and recitals will be given at least 3 months in advance to allow for planning.
Summer Lessons and Festivals
Lessons are expected to continue during the summer as long as the teacher and student are both in town. The summer months are a wonderful chance to make great progress on an instrument, as school is not imposing on a student’s time and energy. Regular practice is still expected, though conditions where an instrument is not available due to travel are understood. Students are encouraged to take their instrument with them to practice on long trips if at all possible.
Students should seek to participate in summer music programs and festivals. The student is expected to consult with the teacher for their expert opinion regarding potential programs to ensure that the best decisions are made for the student’s education.
*These policies are in place to protect the student, the parent, and the teacher, and to ensure that lessons run smoothly and without conflict. Music lessons are meant to be enjoyable as well as educational, while also taken seriously. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, or your child’s lessons, please do not hesitate to contact me.