My responsibilities as the teacher is to teach and encourage consistency, accountability, growth, and a love for music. My goal is to develop a deep love and appreciation for music while giving my cellists the tools to share their art with confidence.

Progress requires teamwork between student, parent, and teacher. 

Parents are expected to help students build consistent home practice habits and assist younger students as needed. Together we will create a routine that fits your family through scheduled practice times, weekly goals, etc.

Students must keep a Cello Journal to track assignments, goals, and progress. For younger students, parents are responsible for helping maintain the journal during lessons and at home.

Practice expectations are individualized based on age, level, and goals.

Parents: If something is happening at home or school that is affecting your child please let me know. The more information I have, the more I can be sensitive to the needs of your child.

All core lesson materials are provided by me. As students progresses, families may occasionally be asked to purchase a method book or textbook. On top of their instruments, students should have access to a device for listening to assigned recordings, as frequent listening is an essential part of musical growth.

Students may bring orchestra, chamber, or audition music for help when needed. However, lessons focus on complete musical development not ensemble music exclusively.

Students must have their own instrument for home practice, as well as a music stand, tuner, metronome, and a reasonably large mirror. I am happy to guide families toward reliable sources for obtaining these materials.

*Please note that tuition reserves the weekly time slot, but may not directly correlate with lessons received if the student does not attend the scheduled lesson times.

Flat monthly tuition rates are based on the number of guaranteed lessons in the calendar year. There will be a minimum of 44 lessons offered by the studio throughout the year, and the weeks where lessons are not held (due to holidays, personal performance opportunities, or illness) will be communicated in advance. 

All payments are non-refundable. After the first payment, invoicing and payment will run automatically on the same day. Tuition will be drawn on the 1st of each month from the method on file. All automatic payments will be run through My Music Staff.

If a payment is returned or declined a 48-hour window will be provided to adjust the payment method and resubmit payment. Recurring late payments may result in the termination of the student’s enrollment. 

Lessons canceled with under 24 hours' notice will not be eligible for a make-up lesson. Lessons canceled with 24 hours' notice may be credited as a make-up lesson for that month. Make-up lessons do not count as credit for the next month’s tuition. Make-up lessons must be used within 30 days. 

Depending on studio availability, make-up options may include:

• Self-rescheduling through My Music Staff

• Online lesson

• Sending a recording for feedback

• Alternate available lesson time

The studio reserves the right to occasionally reschedule or cancel a lesson with short notice in the case of teacher illness, professional performance opportunities, or other personal emergencies. Teacher cancellations outside of the guaranteed 44 annual lessons will be rescheduled within 30 days.

Tuition is based on the number of lessons the studio schedules and will not be altered.

*A student's spot will not be guaranteed for the fall term if they were not enrolled in lessons during the summer term.

Group classes are an important part of the studio experience. They provide a safe space for students to share their music, build confidence, and strengthen our studio community. Activities may include games, technical challenges, collaborative music-making, and performances.

Group class dates will be announced at the beginning of each Fall, Spring, and Summer session. Tuition is included in the regular monthly rate.

Groups may be organized by age, level, or goals. Families may request to switch groups with advance notice when space allows.

Missed group classes are not eligible for make-ups, credits, or refunds. When available, students may join online or view a recording. Please notify me in advance if your student cannot attend.

Participation in studio recitals is expected for all students except in significant scheduling conflicts. Students may also be encouraged to organize one informal solo performance each year for family, friends, or community members.

From time to time I use photos and short videos of my students around the studio, on the studio website, or in social media posts. These videos and posts are encouraging to other students and helpful to other teachers. If you do not want your child's image(s) to be used, please let me know. The students are identified only by first name. 

To end lesson enrollment for the next month, written notification must be received via email by the 15th of the current month. If notice is not received by the deadline, the full tuition amount will be automatically charged on the first of the month, and students will have the option to attend all paid lessons that month. Lessons will then be canceled for the following month.

Tuition payments are non-refundable.