Studio Policies

Attendance

I will make a new schedule for lesson each fall, spring, and summer. To make the schedule, I will ask students/parents to give me their top three preferred day/time slots and if a time listed will not work, I will contact them with other options. Once the lesson time is agreed upon and in the schedule, the student will have a lesson at that time every week (with exception to holidays, predetermined breaks, etc.). If a lesson needs to be cancelled/rescheduled by either myself or the student, it must be done at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled lesson time. Family and/or other emergencies (illness or bad weather) are exceptions and I will reschedule a make-up lesson. Regardless of the situation, make sure to be in contact with teacher (via email or phone).

Materials

Each student is expected to own their own music including but not limited to daily exercises, etudes, and solo pieces. While I may own the music the student is working on, it is the student’s responsibility to have their music with them at all lessons. A tuner and metronome are useful and it is highly recommended that the student also own them and bring them to every lesson. In order to efficiently keep track of what is being worked on in lessons, each student should bring a notebook and pencil to every lesson so that they can write down assignments and practice techniques. I will also keep track of assignments to ensure smooth progress from lesson to lesson. Finally, I also expect the student to have at least one useable pencil in their case, bag, or folder at all times (lessons, rehearsals, home practice).

Practice

I will suggest an appropriate practice schedule to each student (i.e. X hours per day X days a week). The student expected to honor this agreed schedule and practice in preparation for each week’s lesson. If the student has not practiced a sufficient amount the lesson becomes a practice session. Always come to lessons prepared!

Scales and etudes are essential to the growth of musicianship in solo repertoire – to encourage student efforts in these areas, students can complete Scale Karate tests. Students will work on scales in every lesson and can choose to play a set of scales to earn a "belt". Please ask me about this process to receive more detailed information.

I may suggest that the student find a recording of what they are working on so that the student can listen to professional flutists perform. The student should take this suggestion seriously as it will only improve their playing and overall sense of awareness. Score study may also be recommended and the student should always have the score (if there is one) at lessons.

There are countless ways that students benefit from private lessons and the benefits transcend music. All I ask is that my students come prepared, open-minded, and willing to learn!