TUITION
Classes are payable per term in advance and are non-refundable.
Dates are based on NSW Public School term dates. It might be different from the normal term dates according to my professional engagement, please refer to the Studio Calendar for details.
Payments are due at the beginning of each term and can be made by cash, bank transfer or credit card (2% fee applies). We are a registered Active & Creative Kids provider and accept vouchers as part of your payment plan.
Tuition Fees are increased each year and calculated as per the recommended minimum fees from the NSW Music Teachers Association.
Your tuition covers more than the time slot reserved exclusively for you, it involves time to prepare for each student as well. This includes:
- Lesson planning and cello choir planning
- Concert planning and preparation
- Studio resources (handouts, teaching materials, website maintenance)
- Teacher’s continuing professional development training
- Accreditation and professional organisation memberships
- Business fees and liability insurance
Your are also required to pay an annual registration fee to secure your spot.
When you first join the Studio, you will receive a Welcome Pack, which includes a music bag and folder. Parents of younger students up to 13 years old also receive the book Practice Pie.
Check the page Fees for more details.
MISSED LESSONS
Please note, when you sign up for lessons in my studio, you have a weekly spot reserved for you, whether you come or not. It is not like a doctor’s appointment that I can easily fit another person. Your spot is reserved for you on a weekly basis, in blocks of 10 weeks.
To be able to book a makeup lesson, I must have a free spot in my schedule within the current term. This depends on having another student also cancelling ahead of time, as my schedule is currently full.
Please understand makeup lessons are not always possible and there will be no refund or credit for a missed lesson.
If you or your child is unwell, please do not attend lessons in person. If you are well enough, a Zoom lesson can be arranged.
PUNCTUALITY
Students are expected to arrive for lessons in a timely manner, with all required materials and music. Music lessons run on time, so it is essential that you arrive on time. Late arrivals will have a shorter lesson period.
LESSON ETIQUETTE
Please do not criticise your child in front of me. I am happy to arrange a time to talk on the phone, email or in person if there is anything you would like to discuss or share any concerns.
COMMUNICATION
It is important you let me know if there’s anything special during the week (a quick text message before the lesson helps a lot), so I can understand if the child is underprepared for lessons.
TEACHER ILLNESS
I rarely cancel lessons unless I am unwell. If I feel well enough to teach, lessons will be online on Zoom. Otherwise, a holiday lesson credit will be given to be used during the school holidays throughout the year. This way, you are guarantee to have 40 lessons in total in a year.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
If your lesson is on a public holiday, you will be given a holiday lesson credit to be used on any school holidays throughout the year. This way, you are guarantee to have 40 lessons in total in a year.
SUMMER HOLIDAYS
I offer summer lessons during the holidays and students are highly encouraged to book at least one if possible, so the break is not so long and we can keep up the momentum in between school terms.
INSTRUMENT & MATERIALS
Students must purchase or hire an instrument in good working condition and at their appropriate size. We recommend the Sydney String Centre for hire/purchase. Student are also required to bring along all required materials to each lesson.
PERSONAL HIGIENE
Finger nails must be trimmed short to properly play.
NO PHONE POLICY
I kindly ask parents not to use their phones for personal/work related issues during lessons. It is very distracting for me and the student.
PARENT PARTNER
Parent participation is required for students up to 13 years old.
In my Studio, I work very closely with the parents to teach them how to assist their children at home. In the initial stages, this is very hands-on. Parent participation is vital! It is your responsibility to:
- Foster a musical environment at home by listening to the repertoire recordings every day.
- Attend lessons and take notes for home practice.
- Set a time in the family schedule for regular practice (minimum 5x a week).
- Communicate with me frequently so we can work together to improve and enjoy the process. It is a cooperative effort!
PARENT EDUCATION
Parent education is a big part of my Studio. You will gain access to recorded videos (Parent Nights) where we learn and discuss on a deeper level many of the topics involved in your family’s music journey.
You will also receive my regular emails and newsletters full of helpful information. Please take the time to read them carefully to make the most of your experience in my Studio.
I also have a few books I recommend for parents of my students. You don’t need to purchase them, I have physical copies of these books in the Studio and will hand them out to you in rotation with other families.
PRACTICE
Students and families are required to practice regularly, minimum 5x a week.
The parent partner is always expected to guide the student for pacing and effective practice strategies. Do not schedule other commitments during this practice time. Independent practice will be achieved around Book 4, but only after the student and parent have learned and developed effective practice skills.
VIVID PRACTICE APP & LESSON NOTES
Families need access to a device to download the Vivid Practice app for assignments and to listen to the required music.
I highly recommend parents attending lessons to bring a notebook and take notes for home practice. Your notes will be valuable when practicing with your child and trying to remember that important tip or skill the teacher discussed in detail during lesson. Believe me, we all forget!
Please do not use your phone for taking notes as it is very distracting for me and the student.
LISTENING
You are expected to listen to the current repertoire regularly.
Please listen to the official Suzuki recordings, not a different version on Spotify, they are not good listening models to the student and I do not recommend. At the practice app, you will gain access to the official Suzuki recordings.
Students who listen regularly learn faster. It is, perhaps, the only shortcut that exists in music study! Once the minimum listening has been achieved, the family is welcome to listen to other genres, more advanced Suzuki book levels, or any music that stimulates happiness. The goal is to create a musical environment!
GROUP CLASS
*Compulsory for students up to 13 years old. Optional for teens and adults.
These classes are key to my cello program. In group classes, we review and polish our common repertoire, develop ensemble skills through our cello choir, and most importantly, learn from our friends. It builds our community and motivates us as we learn from others. The musical, social, and inspirational benefits of these classes are endless and are often the highlight of learning the cello.
Cello choir is an orchestra made of cellos and is part of the group class, where we play fun repertoire outside of the Suzuki pieces. Students love our cello choir! It serves as a motivator and helps develop their self-confidence. Most importantly, cello choir is FUN! Group classes are held twice a term on Saturday afternoon.
CONCERTS
*Compulsory for students up to 13 years old. Optional for teens and adults.
Performance opportunities are scheduled throughout the year as a chance to share your hard work with family and friends, as well as to hear your studio mates play. Performing is a vital part of a cellist’s education and an opportunity to celebrate their musical journey.
FESTIVALS & WORKSHOPS
I am an active Suzuki teacher and expect my students to participate in Suzuki Festivals, Suzuki Graduations, Spring School and Summer Camps. They are highly motivating to the students and and an important part of being a music student. Please check the page Events on my website to know more.
Please note, you need a Suzuki Family Membership to participate in these events.
SUZUKI FAMILY MEMBERSHIP
A Suzuki Family Membership is highly recommended for all students learning from a certified Suzuki Teacher. Benefits include:
- Supporting the training and professional development of your teacher.
- Access to Suzuki events such as workshops, concerts, graduations and other special events, many with special guest tutors and artists from interstate and overseas.
- Quarterly Newsletter containing helpful articles and information on events.
- Opportunity to gain recognition by graduating via attaining internationally recognised, prescribed levels of the Suzuki repertoire.
- Free Parent Education lectures.
- Becoming part of a national and international community of Suzuki families and teachers.
Please refer the website of Suzuki Music Australia for details.
VIDEOS & PHOTOS
Every year on enrolment, I ask for your consent to use studio photos on my website and share concert videos on Youtube. Please note you can withdraw your consent at any time if a specific use causes concern.
LESSON TERMINATION
If you wish to discontinue lessons, please let me know well in advance. Notice must be given by the end of the current term, not the beginning of the new term as this makes really hard to plan for the upcoming term and to accommodate families on the waiting list.
Refunds or credits are not possible.
