Welcome to the Studio!
Congratulations, and welcome to Thrive Music Studio! I am excited for us to begin working together. Please make sure that you bring the following materials to each cello lesson:
- Your cello and your bow 🎻
- Lesson materials (all assigned instruction books and sheet music) 📚
- A 3-ring binder for lesson materials 📝
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!
Bringing supplemental materials to lessons (such as orchestra music, sight-reading materials, or “just-for-fun” pieces) is also encouraged. Supplemental music will help students to further enjoy their practice time, gain new skills, learn different musical genres, and prepare for their other ensembles. If you would like to bring supplemental materials to a lesson in preparation for an upcoming performance, audition, or rehearsal, you are encouraged to do so!
For solo repertoire, I teach primarily using the Suzuki method books. We will attempt to go through this entire book 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. We will also incorporate pedagogical ideas from the methods of Paul Rolland, Zoltán Kodály, Ivan Galamian, and more.
Please arrive at each lesson with your instrument tuned and ready to go, so we can make the most of your lesson time!
Binders
Each student will use a binder to organize their lesson/masterclass materials, handouts, weekly practice charts, and more. These binders are important in helping us stay organized and will become a great tool for you as you learn and advance on the instrument!
Please bring your binder to each lesson. In your binder, we will track things like lesson assignments, daily practice time, personal goals, and more.
My Music Staff
Our studio uses an online software called MyMusicStaff to log practice time, take attendance, schedule lessons, make studio announcements, link online resources, and more.
During the onboarding process, parents and students will be sent a link to create an account on MyMusicStaff. You can log in to your account at any time using the "Student Login" page on this website.
I encourage you to log into MyMusicStaff often and take advantage of the resources I have posted there!
Lessons Breakdown
Students should plan to take 30- or 45-minute lessons when they first begin their lessons. As a beginner, many of the songs we play are shorter in length and require less instruction time. As students advance, however, a longer lesson becomes necessary as our pieces get longer and techniques take longer to teach.
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 3 or 4 and a 60-minute lesson once they reach Suzuki book 4 or 5.
Practicing
Students should practice at least 5 days per week in order to make consistent progress and see results. I require a minimum practice time of 20-30 minutes, 5 days per week for beginning students. For intermediate students, I require a minimum practice of 45-60 minutes, 5 days per week. Advanced students should practice between 2 and 3 hours per day, 5-6 days per week. 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 practice sessions!
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 practice habits, in addition to the MyMusicStaff online tool. You can also use paper charts and practice journals.
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.
Parent Observation
Parent observation in lessons is highly encouraged, especially for younger students. If parents are observing a 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!
I am happy to review practice assignments with parents and answer any questions you might have after the lesson! 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.
If your student has any disabilities or learning impairments, please let me know during the onboarding process so I can adjust for individual student needs. For students under the age of 16, communication about lessons and scheduling will always be directed to the student’s parent(s).
Suggested Reading Materials
I believe a supportive home environment can make a huge difference in your student’s success! To help parents play a more active role in their child’s music education, I have put together a short list of optional (yet highly recommended) reading materials. These books offer valuable insights to help you foster effective practice habits, deepen musical understanding, and cultivate a love of music at home.
1. Nurtured by Love: The Classic Approach to Talent Education By Shinichi Suzuki
This book is a foundational text for the Suzuki Method, and explores Dr. Suzuki’s philosophy of education and the importance of approaching string playing from a place of love and patience. I think all parents will find this a valuable read for understanding how to cultivate patience, positivity, and perseverance at home! Link to purchase: https://a.co/d/8Ut8NTJ
2. Artistry in Strings: Parent Practice Guide By Robert Frost, Gerald Fischbach, and Wendy Barden
This guide is specifically designed for parents of beginning string students (ages 5 to 12). It offers clear, practical advice on how to structure practice time at home and create a positive practice environment. Link to purchase: https://kjos.com/artistry-in-strings-book-1-parent-s-guide.html
3. Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise By Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool
Based on decades of research, this book reveals how anyone can develop extraordinary skills through deliberate practice. Peak provides insights that are useful not only for musicians but for anyone aspiring to reach high levels of achievement. It’s a fantastic read for parents seeking to understand the power of consistency, motivation, and resiliency. Link to purchase: https://a.co/d/34wIIT2
These materials are a resource to help you feel more confident in supporting your child’s musical progress. Please explore these suggestions at your own pace and consider ways you might integrate these ideas into your family’s practice routine. If you have any questions about these readings or would like guidance on which book to start with, please let me know!
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, we can schedule a make-up lesson as long as you give me 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 within 365 days of the absence. 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.
Please note that no lessons will be held on the following occasions:
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
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 allotted time to make up for student tardiness.
Teacher Lesson Cancellations
There are times when I may be out of town, playing a gig, or otherwise unable to teach during your scheduled lesson time. Depending on the situation, I may ask to reschedule your lesson for another time during the week, or I may need to cancel for that week altogether. You will receive at least 24 hours of advance notice in either case and will always receive a make-up lesson credit!
Canceling & Rescheduling Lessons
To cancel or reschedule a lesson, log in to your MyMusicStaff account and go to the Calendar tab. Click on the lesson you'd like to change, then select either "Cancel Lesson" or "Reschedule Lesson." If you're rescheduling, available time slots will appear based on my availability. Please use one of your make-up lesson credits to register for a new time.
Note: Make-up lessons can only be scheduled if you have at least one make-up credit in your account.
Physical Adjustments
During lessons, I may use physical adjustments to help students 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 during the onboarding process, “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 feel uncomfortable during a lesson!
In-Person vs. Online Lessons
I love providing virtual lessons for the families in our studio! There are many great advantages to doing online lessons, such as:
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 to me if you'd ever like to switch to a virtual lesson for the week! That said, I prefer to treat online lessons as the exception rather than the "go-to" format for weekly lessons.
Limitations with online lessons include:
We are unable to play things 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
There are no opportunities for hands-on adjustments (which can save time and offer clarity when learning new concepts)
I cannot quickly write anything in the student's music (fingerings, bowings, tempo markings, etc.)
There are more distractions at home vs. attending lessons in a focused and calm studio space.
Enrollment Fee
At the time of enrollment, a $50 Enrollment Fee will be charged to the student's account in MyMusicStaff. This fee is required, and is only charged once per student.
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! The pricing breakdown for lessons is as follows:
30-minute lessons = $165/per month
45-minute lessons = $225/per month
60-minute lessons = $275/per month
Students may receive 3-4 lessons per month, with one of those lessons being a group class, 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 the families in our studio.
In addition to your weekly private lessons, your regular tuition price includes:
Studio masterclasses (offered 3-5 times per year and available indefinitely through MMS)
Group classes (with a chance to collaborate with other musicians 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 and Instagram page, where I regularly post helpful and educational content
24/7 access to me through text or email, so you can ask questions outside of your lessons!
For those who prefer to enroll in bimonthly lessons (2-3 lessons per month), tuition will be adjusted as follows:
30-minute lessons = $100 per month
45-minute lessons = $150 per month
60-minute lessons = $200 per month
Note: Those who take bimonthly lessons may receive fewer private lessons when a masterclass, group class, or recital is to be held. For example, an every-other-week student might receive one private lesson and one group lesson during a 4-week month.
Tuition for all students is collected electronically through MyMusicStaff, which uses Stripe as their payment processor. Options for payment include debit/credit cards (includes a 3% transaction fee) or bank transfers (no transaction fee).with either a debit/credit card (includes a 3% transaction fee) or a bank transfer (no transaction fee).
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.
Payment Method on File
All families at Thrive Music Studio are required to keep a valid credit or debit card on file. Card information is securely stored in Stripe via your private MyMusicStaff portal, keeping your data 100% safe, encrypted, and confidential.
Please note that storing a card on file does not enroll you in auto-pay; it simply serves as a backup payment method to help us maintain a smooth and professional studio experience for all. Your card on file will be charged only if:
Tuition remains unpaid 7 or more days into the month, and no other payment has been received.
There is any unresolved balance* in your account that has gone unpaid for 30 or more days.
*This may include outstanding items like competition or festival dues, accompanist fees, your final month’s tuition, late fees, or the enrollment fee.
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 a ton of progress! Lessons in our studio work the same way year-round. I do not offer special programs or promotions during the summer months.
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 our favorite annual traditions that I hope you will look forward to!
Pausing or Stopping Lessons
Intent to discontinue or pause lessons must be given with at least 30 days of advance notice or tuition for the next month will be charged and not refunded. Please be aware of this policy if you plan to take time off of lessons during a given time of year!
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. I reserve the right to enroll students from my studio waiting list any time a new spot becomes available.
Studio Recitals
Studio recitals will be held 3 to 4 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, as it will take the place of their regular lesson for the week. There are no additional fees associated with recitals.
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!
Students will be asked to memorize their pieces and perform with an accompanist, when possible.
Studio Masterclasses
Masterclasses are held regularly throughout the year. Studio masterclasses focus on topics relevant to students of every age and experience 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.
If a student cannot attend a masterclass live, recordings will be made available in the “Online Resources” tab in MyMusicStaff. Private lessons will not be held during the week of a masterclass, as the masterclass will count as each student’s lesson for the week. Please make every effort to attend studio masterclasses!
Group Classes
Group classes are held roughly every other month. Students 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, collaborate with others, and learn "pedagogical" pieces that aren't typically covered in a private 1-on-1 lesson. During group classes, students are able to meet other like-minded musicians 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.
Note: Whereas masterclasses are held studio-wide, group classes are specific to age and experience level.
Concert Attendance
Students are encouraged 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 a music 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. Many local concerts and recitals are free to the public or have reduced ticket prices available for students.
Here are some organizations I’d like you to bookmark. Keep an eye on their upcoming performances and make every effort to attend them!
Sunday’s at 7 Series (UofU)
Teacher Contact Policy
Parents and students are welcome to contact me anytime during the week if you have questions about scheduling, practicing, weekly assignments, or studio policies! The best way to get in touch with me is through email or text.