Soundings Studio Private and Group Instruction Fees
Fees are due at the first of each month unless an individualized payment schedule is arranged.
NOTE: Fees paid by the semester receive a 10% discount.
- private voice lessons ($50 per hour)
- group voice classes ($25 per hour; minimum of 3/maximum of 6 students)
- studio recital accompanist fee: $35 for one, one-hour rehearsal and the recital performance
- private music theory lessons ($50 per hour)
- group music theory classes ($25 per hour; minimum of 3/maximum 6 students)
Soundings Choral Group 2009-2010 Fees
Fees are due at the first rehearsal of the semester unless an individualized payment schedule is arranged. These fees only cover instructional fees and cost of music and instructional materials.
- $90 per semester
Soundings Choral Group Rehearsal Attendance Policy
Each member is asked to miss no more than 2 rehearsals per semester. Any singer who misses more than two will be asked to schedule a catch-up session with the director.
Soundings Studio Policies
NOTE: I am indebted to David Gordon, a well-known and highly-respected voice teacher in California for allowing me to use his studio policies as a framework for my own. His website full of useful advice for singers. Check it out at www.spiritsound.com.
What you can expect from me
I work hard for my fee! During your lesson, you will have my full and undivided attention (I do not answer the phone during lessons.) In a safe and confidential environment, we work together to unblock your voice and give you more joy in your singing.
We record your lesson.. You take the recording with you at the end of the lesson, and refer to it as a study aid. Periodically we make a custom "vocal workout" recording, with vocal exercises you can sing along with. These exercises are carefully tailored to your vocal needs.
Attendance
Regularity and consistency are important to your vocal progress.
Please be on time and ready to sing, with your voice lightly warmed up. My front porch acts as a waiting room for my students.
I work on a tight schedule, so if you are late for a lesson we probably will not be able to extend your lesson past your scheduled time slot.
Canceling a Lesson
If you must cancel your lesson for any reason, I require at least 24 hours notice. If you give me the required amount of notice, I will gladly reschedule your lesson.
Of course, emergencies happen, and I always try to be understanding. If you have a last-minute emergency that prevents you from coming to your lesson, always notify me by telephone, not by e-mail. Please do not use e-mail for urgent matters.
Please note that I do not answer the phone during lessons.
Acceptable excuses for missing a lesson include illness, genuine emergency, car breakdown, etc.
Unacceptable excuses include scheduling difficulties, conflicting appointments or rehearsals, traffic delays, and the like.
If you arrive late for a lesson, I will TRY to give you your full hour (i.e. we can run a bit beyond the scheduled ending time). However my teaching schedule is usually full, and I can't bend it too much.
Payment for Missed Lessons
Please note that if you do not give me 24 hours notice, or an reasonable excuse, you are still responsible to pay for lessons that you miss.
If you are ill...
... please do not come to your lesson. For your sake as well as mine. Especially if you have a cold, flu, or other respiratory illness. If you think you are too sick to sing, please phone me right away. We can always reschedule. No lesson, audition, rehearsal, or performance is more important than your own health. And I don't want to get sick, either!
Stay Organized!
I recommend a three ring binder dedicated to your vocal repertoire, exercises, and and other material. You will use it to keep your music organized and to store your lesson and practice records and other handouts.
Recording is Recommended
If you can invest in a mini digital recorder, do so and record all your lessons. The process of listening and relistening to your lesson(s) is an invaluable tool.
Stay Healthy!
Whatever is good for your body and mind is also good for your voice and singing. Stay healthy and physically active. Eat well, get enough rest, and try to include a program of exercise and movement in your daily routine.
If you find yourself experiencing vocal difficulty, discomfort, illness, or any other problem related to your physical or emotional vocal health, please phone me! I am always on call to answer questions and give advice.
Practice Regularly
Your lessons are only one element of your total vocal program. Without regular practice, you will not make progress. I will always try to be clear about your realistic vocal goals and I will always explain how the exercises I give you will help you reach them. It's your responsibility to practice and make that happen. This is where the real improvement happens... Try to practice at least 20 minutes every day! REMEMBER: shorter periods of intentional practice is far more beneficial than long, unfocused rehearsal.
My Commitment to You
I promise to work as hard as you do! If you show up with regularity and consistency, if you bring your sense of adventure (and your sense of humor) to the lessons, and if you practice on a regular basis, we will do good work together, you will make progress, and I will truly do everything I can to help you develop your voice.
