Studio Policies

Studio Policies

Congratulations on your desire to learn the cello! I am so excited to begin working with you. 🎉

Please make sure that you bring the following materials to each lesson:

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- Cello and your bow 🎻

- Lesson materials (all assigned instruction books and sheet music) 📚

- A 3-ring binder for lesson materials 📝

- Some divider tabs to help organize the different sections of your binder. 🗂️

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Students are required to purchase their own lesson materials. This includes instruction books, sheet music, binders, tapes, pencils, notebooks, instruments, and accessories. When a student is ready to move on from their current instruction book(s), they will be notified during their lesson about which book(s) will need to be purchased next! 

 

Supplemental materials (such as orchestra music, sight-reading materials, or “just-for-fun” pieces) are also encouraged. These will help students to further enjoy their practice time, gain new skills, learn different musical genres, and prepare for their other ensembles. If a student would like to bring supplemental materials to their lesson in preparation for an upcoming performance, they are encouraged to do so!

 

For solo repertoire, I teach primarily using the Suzuki method books. We will attempt to go through this entire series during our lessons together, as the Suzuki method is one of the most popular and widely accepted practices for string instrument instruction in the United States.​

 

Please arrive at each lesson with your cello tuned and ready to go, so we can make the most of your lesson time! 

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My Music Staff

Our studio uses a software called MyMusicStaff to log practice time, attendance, scheduling, studio announcements, online resources, and more. During the onboarding process, parents and students will be sent a link that they can use to create an account. You can log in to MyMusicStaff at any time using the Student Login page on my website. I encourage you to log into MyMusicStaff often and take advantage of the resources I have stored in there!

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Lessons Breakdown

Students should plan to take 30- or 45-minute lessons when they first begin playing the cello. As a beginner, many of the songs a student plays are shorter in length and require less instruction time. 

As a student advances, a longer lesson becomes necessary as their pieces get longer and techniques become more challenging to grasp.

 

Students can increase their lesson length at any time. As a general rule of thumb, students should plan to take 45-minute lessons once they reach Suzuki book three or four and a 60-minute lesson once they reach Suzuki book four or five. 

 

Practicing

Students should plan to practice at least 5 days per week in order to make consistent progress and see results. For beginners, I usually recommend practicing for 30 minutes each day. For intermediate students, plan on 45-90 minutes. Advanced students should plan to practice between 2 and 3 hours per day. Individual practice time can be logged through MyMusic Staff under the “Practice Log” tab.

 

Here are a few tips to make the most out of your practicing sessions!

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• Practice at relatively the same time each day (before school, after homework, while the family is making dinner, etc). Make it a routine!

• Avoid distractions. Silence your electronics, practice in a quiet room of your house, and let others know not to bother you during your practicing hours.

• Track your practice time! This will help you to see trends in your practice over time. I really like using apps like "Tonic" or "Sessions" to track my practice habits, in addition to the MyMusicStaff online tool!

• Consistency is key! Even if you can only practice for a few minutes each day, that is better than not practicing at all. Focus on what you can do, rather than what you can't!

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Parent Observation

Parent observation in lessons is highly encouraged, especially for younger students! Parents are always welcome to ask for advice on the best way to aid their child’s learning. If parents are observing their child’s lesson, they should remain quiet during the instruction. This is a perfect time to take notes and gain ideas for how to help your child at home during the week! 

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I am happy to review lesson assignments with parents and answer any questions after the lesson - so please don't be afraid to ask! I am also willing to modify my teaching approach at any time if you notice that your child could benefit from another style of instruction.

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For students under the age of 16, communication about lessons and scheduling will always be directed to the student’s parent(s).

 

If your student has any disabilities or learning impairments, please let me know ahead of time so I can adjust for individual student needs.

 

Absences, Tardies, and Make-Up Lessons

Your tuition purchases a specific slot in my schedule and will not be refunded if you are late or absent. I want you to take advantage of every lesson!

 

Occasionally, you may need to miss your scheduled lesson time due to illness, a vacation, or another conflicting event. In these situations, I am available to schedule a make-up lesson as long as you give at least 24 hours’ notice of your absence. Please make attending your lessons a priority!

 

Students who give at least 24 hours advance notice of an absence due to illness or another situation are eligible for a make-up lesson which can be rescheduled at any point in time during the month.

 

Students who give less than 24 hours' notice of an absence, or do not give notice for an absence, forfeit that lesson and are not eligible for a make-up lesson.

 

Make-up lessons can be scheduled online through the MyMusicStaff portal. To schedule a make-up lesson, navigate to the Calendar tab and click on one of the available “Open Lesson” slots. Finally, click on the “Register” button and you will be scheduled for your make-up!

 

Please note that no lessons will be held on the following occasions:

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• New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day

• Memorial Day

• 4th of July

• Labor Day

• The week of Thanksgiving

• The week of Christmas

• The week of a recital

• The week of a group class

• The week of a masterclass

 

Any other lessons can be scheduled and rescheduled according to your individual needs and preferences! 

 

Teacher Lesson Cancellations

Sometimes I may be out of town, playing a gig with my quartet, or otherwise unable to teach during your scheduled lesson time. Depending on the situation, I may reschedule your lesson for another time during the week or cancel it for that week altogether. The student will receive at least one week’s advance notice in either case and will always have the option to schedule a makeup lesson for a later date!

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Student Tardiness

Students who are tardy to their lesson by 15 minutes or more will forfeit that lesson. While I understand that accidents and emergencies happen, no rescheduled lessons will be offered for lessons when the student is more than 15 minutes late.

 

Students who are less than 15 minutes tardy will receive instruction for the duration of their lesson time slot. Lessons will not go over their scheduled time slot to make up for time lost due to student tardiness.

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In-Person vs. Online Lessons

I love providing virtual lessons for the families in my studio! There are many great advantages to doing online lessons, such as:

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- Greater flexibility with scheduling/rescheduling lessons 🗓️
- Saving drive time, especially driving during peak hours of the day and when there is bad weather ❄️
- Attending lessons when you may not be feeling well 🤒
- Joining your lesson from any location 🏝️
- And more!

Don't hesitate to reach out via text or email on the day of your lesson if you'd like to switch to a virtual lesson. I'll provide a recurring weekly Google Meet link on the MyMusicStaff calendar to accommodate your preference for online lessons whenever they are needed.

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That said, please treat online lessons as the exception rather than the "go-to" format for weekly lessons. Limitations with online lessons include:

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- Teacher and student are unable to play together/play at the same time (this affects our ability to play duets, do intonation work, work with drones, etc.) 🎼
- Connectivity/internet issues can waste valuable lesson time 🛜
- No opportunity for hands-on adjustments, which can save time and offer clarity when learning new concepts 😕
- Teacher cannot quickly write anything in the student's music (fingerings, bowings, tempo markings, etc.) ✍️
- More distractions at home vs. attending lessons in a focused and calm studio space 🧘‍♀️

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LESSON PROCEDURES, TUITION & CONTACT POLICIES​

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Physical Adjustments

During our lessons, I may use physical adjustments to help the student achieve more proper technique. These will include small hands-on corrections that alter the student’s hold of the bow, left-hand fingers, elbow height, etc. If you are uncomfortable with having the teacher use physical touch during lessons, be sure to communicate this by letting me know in an email or text, “I am not comfortable with physical adjustments in (my/my student’s) lessons.”

 

Our studio is a space where I want you to feel comfortable and respected. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you ever feel uncomfortable during a lesson!

 

Tuition

Tuition is non-refundable once it has been paid. Tuition is due by the 3rd day of each month and is the same amount monthly, regardless of the number of lessons received. In other words, tuition for our studio is not prorated.

 

A $10 late fee will be charged for any payments made after the 3rd day of the month, and an additional $10 late fee will be applied for any payments made after the 7th day of the month.

 

Prior to the beginning of each month, an invoice will be automatically emailed as a reminder that your payment is coming up! With standard 30, 45, and 60-minute lessons, the pricing breakdown is as follows: ​

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• 30-minute lessons = $150/per month

• 45-minute lessons = $200/per month

• 60-minute lessons = $250/per month

 

Students may receive between 2 and 5 lessons per month, with one of those lessons being a monthly group lesson, recital, or masterclass! Tuition prices remain consistent throughout the year regardless of holidays, summer vacations, and other planned absences. Paying for your lessons on a subscription-type basis allows me to be more flexible as a teacher and offer additional value to those in my studio.

 

In addition to your weekly private lessons, your regular tuition price includes:

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• Regular studio masterclasses (offered 3-5 times per year and available indefinitely through MMS)

• Regular group classes (with a chance to collaborate with other cellists in the studio, perform for others, and make friends)

• Studio recitals (offered 3-4 times per year)

• State competitions, such as the Federation competition in March (teacher covers studio application fee)

• Our studio’s Facebook group, where I regularly post helpful and educational content

• 24/7 access to me through text or email, so you can ask questions outside of lessons!

 

For those who prefer to attend lessons less frequently (typically every other week rather than weekly), tuition will be adjusted as follows:

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• 30-minute lessons = $80 per month

• 45-minute lessons = $100 per month

• 60-minute lessons = $120 per month

 

Those who take lessons every other week may receive fewer lessons when a masterclass, group class, or recital is to be held. Tuition for all students is collected electronically through online payments (MyMusicStaff), Venmo, Auto-pay, and Zelle. 

 

Auto-pay

There is an auto-pay feature available on MyMusicStaff that you are welcome to set up if you would like your monthly tuition payments to be processed automatically. Auto-pay can be nice if you don't want to worry about forgetting payments or paying late fees.

 

With auto-pay, all transactions are processed through Stripe so your information is 100% safe and secure. As always, you will receive an invoice a few days before your payment becomes due so you know exactly how much your card will be charged.

 

To set up AutoPay for your account, all you'll need to do is log into MyMusicStaff and click on your name in the top right-hand corner. Choose the option that says, "Profile Settings."

 

On the right side of that page is a space where you can link a bank account or add a card. Once you've entered your information, click the box at the bottom of the form that says, "Automatically pay emailed invoices."

That’s it!

 

*Please note that Stripe charges a 3.5% non-refundable transaction fee for online payments.

 

Summer Lessons

Students are expected to continue lessons in the summertime, as this is a perfect time to get in some extra practice and make huge progress! Lessons in our studio work the same way year-round. I do not offer special programs or promotions during the summer months.

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Each year, students are invited to participate in a studio-wide "Summer Practice Challenge" from June through August, where they compete to see who can practice the most hours before school starts again. It is one of my favorite annual traditions that I hope you will look forward to!

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Extra Lessons

If a student would like to schedule an extra lesson during the week of a masterclass, competition, audition, group class, or recital, they may do so at the following rates: 

 

- $35 for a 30-minute lesson 

- $50 for a 45-minute lesson

- $60 for a 60-minute lesson

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Extra lessons can be helpful when preparing for a special event if you don't have any make-up credits available and want extra help on your pieces!

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Pausing or Stopping Lessons

Intent to discontinue or pause lessons must be given with at least two weeks (14 days) of advance notice, or tuition for the next month will be charged and not refunded. This two-week notice gives me time to find a new student and fill vacancies within the studio. Please be aware of this policy if you plan to pause or discontinue your cello lessons.

 

Even if you take a multi-week vacation or an entire month off of lessons, you will still be required to pay tuition. This allows me to hold your spot in the studio! 

 

If you’d prefer to take time off of lessons without having to pay, your spot in the studio will not be held or reserved. Kaitlin Booth Cello Lessons reserves the right to enroll students from the studio’s waiting list any time a new spot becomes available.

 

Studio Recitals

Studio recitals will be held at least three times each year. Recitals will typically be held sometime in the Spring, at the end of the summer, and around Christmas time in December. All students will be encouraged to participate in studio recitals; however, participation is not required. 

 

There are no additional fees associated with recitals. The student's regular monthly tuition will cover the teacher's time, rental of a recital hall, accompanist fees, refreshments, and any associated costs!

 

Students are encouraged to take recitals seriously, as they provide wonderful insights into what we’ve learned so far, and what future goals we’d like to set with our playing. The dress code for any recital is business attire or "Sunday best."

 

When possible, students will be asked to memorize their pieces and perform with an accompanist! Regular lessons will not be held during the week of a recital, as the recital will count as the student’s lesson for that week. 

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Studio Masterclasses

Masterclasses are held 4 to 6 times per year and offered at no additional cost to students. Studio masterclasses focus on topics relevant to students of every age and level, such as practice techniques, instrument care, improvisation, performance strategies, music history, music theory, and other topics that are not normally covered in traditional 30-minute lessons. Even if a student cannot attend a masterclass live, recordings will always be available in the “Online Resources” tab in MyMusicStaff. 

 

Regular lessons will not be held during the week of a masterclass, as the masterclass will count as the student’s lesson for that week. If students would like to schedule an extra lesson during the week of a masterclass or recital, they may do so at the following rates: $35 for a 30-minute lesson, $45 for a 45-minute lesson, or $55 for a 60-minute lesson.

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Group Classes

Group classes will be held once per month, up to 5 times each year. Your student will be assigned a group class at the time of enrollment based on their experience level (beginner, intermediate, advanced, or adult learner).

 

Group classes are a great time to gain performance experience, collaborative experience (playing with others), and learn more "pedagogical" pieces that aren't typically covered in a private 1-on-1 lesson.

 

During group classes, students can meet other like-minded cellists and join a community of friends who share similar goals. Since there is no substitute for attending a group class live and in person, make-up lessons will not be offered when you are unable to attend a group class. 

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Concert Attendance

Students are highly encouraged (and expected!) to attend as many local concerts and performances as their circumstances allow. There is no better way to learn the language of music than by immersing yourself in it! 

 

As my cello student, I want you to be active in your community by supporting local community and professional orchestras, solo artists, chamber groups, university groups, and more.

Every time you attend a concert, you are invited to send me a short email letting me know how it went! At the end of each month, a prize will be given to one student at random who sent me a concert report. 😊

 

Teacher Contact Policy

Parents and students are welcome to contact me anytime during the week regarding scheduling, practicing, assignments, recitals, and any other music-related questions! Communications can be made through my email address and/or Facebook page, Kaitlin Booth Cello Lessons.​