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 group class 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: Practice Planner, Folder, Pencil and Studio Tote Bag.
Check the page Fees for more details.
CANCELATION & MAKEUP POLICY
To be able to book a makeup lesson, I must:
- Have a free spot in my schedule within the current term.
- Have received a 24 hour notice from you.
Please understand that this is 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.
If you are running late, please let me know as soon as possible. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, the lesson is forfeit and no refund will be given.
The same as stated above applies to all online education. If you are going to be late or unable to attend your scheduled lesson please let me know ASAP.
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.
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.
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.
Please do not criticise your child in front of me. I am happy to arrange a special time to talk on the phone, email or in person if there is anything you would like to discuss with me.
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
Summer lessons are required to maintain a spot in my studio. At least ONE summer lesson is required and students are highly encouraged to book more if possible.
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 daily practice.
- Communicate with me frequently so we can work together to improve and enjoy the process. It is a cooperative effort!
INSTRUMENT & MATERIALS
Students are expected to bring an appropriate instrument and bow in good working condition along with all other materials to each lesson. Cello and bow must be set up and inspected by teacher before beginning lessons. Finger nails must be trimmed short enough to properly play.
PARENT EDUCATION
Parent education is a big part of my Studio. You will gain access to recorded 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 Parent Email Masterclass, a series of eight emails full of helpful information for new Studio parents. Please take the time to read them carefully to make the most of your experience in my Studio.
I also have a list of five 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.
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 starting in Book 4, but only after the student and parent have learned and developed effective practice skills.
LISTENING
You are expected to listen to the current repertoire regularly.
Please listen to the official Suzuki recordings, not a different version on Youtube or Spotify, they are not good listening models to the student and I do not recommend. At your enrolment, you will receive a link to download the official recording.
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!
LESSON NOTES
Parents are to take notes and practice videos during lessons. Please bring a suitable smartphone to lessons for recording. These videos are to be watched daily as part of your practice. If child is practicing alone, please set him/her up with necessary tools to take notes and videos in lessons or provide access to them at home.
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.
You can use your phone for making assignment videos, but please take notes on the Practice Planner, not on your phone, as to minimise distractions.
GROUP CLASSES
All students up to 13 years old in my studio are required to participate.
These classes are key to my cello program. In group class, we review and polish our common repertoire, learn ensemble skills, 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 group classes are endless and are often the highlight of learning the cello. Group classes serve as a motivator for students and help develop their self-confidence. Most importantly, group classes are FUN! They are held once a month on Saturday afternoon.
PERFORMANCES
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. As performing is a vital part of a cellist’s education, concert attendance is required for all students up to 13 years old.
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.
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 refer to Suzuki Family Membership to be able to participate in these events.
VIDEOS & PHOTOS
From time to time I use photos and short videos of my students on Instagram as inspiration posts or to share teaching ideas. The students are not identified by their name and I respect their privacy by not showing their full face (unless on group photos).
I also use studio photos on my website and share some concert videos on Youtube.
Please note you can withdraw your consent at any time if a specific use causes concern.
