TUITION
Classes are payable per term in advance and dates 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.
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 and your child, it involves time to prepare for each student as well. This includes:
- Weekly lesson planning.
- Group class planning.
- Concert planning and preparation.
- Studio resources (handouts, teaching materials, website maintenance).
- Teacher’s continuing professional development training.
Your are also required to pay an annual registration fee at the beginning of each year or when you first join the studio, to cover administrative costs.
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 this case, a private lesson can be arranged online.
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.
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.
TEACHER CANCELATION
If I must cancel a lesson for any reason, 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 private lesson is required and students are highly encouraged to book more if possible. I offer the option to book summer lesson packages at a great discounted rate.
PARENT PARTNER
Parent participation is required for students up to 14 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 group classes 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!
PARENT EDUCATION
Parent education is a big part of my Studio. I hold Parent Nights on Zoom three times a year 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!
GROUP CLASSES
All students up to 14 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 14 years old.
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 share the concert videos on Youtube. Please note you can withdraw your consent at any time if a specific use causes concern.