Teaching Policy
Lessons include instruction to develop and strengthen technique and individual artistry, I use scales, etudes, and a variety of repertoire, including Suzuki Method materials, to provide a framework for student progress. I believe that the focused study of music can help individuals develop important qualities, such as responsibility, confidence, compassion, leadership, determination, hard work, and patience. I teach people through pieces of music, not just the pieces themselves.
Student Files
I create a "student file" for each student in google sheets that shows their contact information, payment ledger, lesson assignments, and music history and theory assignments. I provide a link through which parents and students can view this file at any time. This link remains valid as I update this file weekly, so changes to the file can be seen without my having to resend the link.
Student Expectations
Parent Expectations
The Importance of Practicing
I expect students to prepare for lessons. If a student is consistently unprepared for lessons, meaning they have not practiced the material assigned for the amount of time discussed in their lessons, they may be asked to leave my studio so I can invite another waiting student to take their place. Students are also expected to report their practicing in their lesson notebook. Consistent practice at home is essential for a student to progress. Parents and students should make practice time a regular element in their daily routine, even if this requires significant effort.
Tuition
Monthly tuition, meaning the entire month's payment, is due at the first scheduled lesson of the month. If payment is made after the first lesson, a $15 late fee will be incurred. Payment can be made by check (please write it to “Felicia Voght”), cash, or through Venmo or Google Wallet. There will be a $25 fee for returned checks.
Payment amounts will be posted to each student file prior to the beginning of each term (Spring, Fall, and Summer) and updated monthly. Tuition includes weekly individual lessons and masterclasses (potentially one per month) as well as a monthly $5 fee to cover studio recitals (usually two per year) and studio incentives.
The monthly fee reflects lessons scheduled, not lessons given. You are paying for a reserved time each week. You are welcome to swap times with another student, should the need arise. Information for contacting other students or their parents will be provided privately. If a lesson is missed due to illness or another legitimate reason (to be handled on an individual basis) a make-up lesson can be scheduled once per term during specified weeks. If you need to cancel or swap a lesson, I require 24 hours notice. If I have a need to cancel a lesson, credit for that missed lesson will be moved forward to the next month.
Leaving the Studio
If a student chooses to leave my studio, I require one month’s paid notice to tie up any lines of instruction the student may need to transition into another studio or area of study.
Summer Lessons
Students are expected to continue lessons through the summer. Because summer time is more flexible, I can either move, reschedule, or cancel lessons as long as students or their parents give me at least 24 hours notice.
Group Lessons and Masterclasses
Students are expected to attend group lessons and masterclasses. Musicians learn invaluable lessons as they observe their peers and study together. These lessons encourage students in their personal development, especially as they strive to become confident performers. Group lessons and masterclasses will include time for students to perform solo repertoire as well as learn additional skills, such as playing in small ensembles. These classes may replace or take place in addition to private lessons for that week.
Studio Recitals
Recitals give students the opportunity to formally share their accomplishments and develop performance skills. There are usually two full studio recitals per year and students are expected to perform at both. Additional performance opportunities may also be scheduled throughout year.
Updated September 2019
Student Files
I create a "student file" for each student in google sheets that shows their contact information, payment ledger, lesson assignments, and music history and theory assignments. I provide a link through which parents and students can view this file at any time. This link remains valid as I update this file weekly, so changes to the file can be seen without my having to resend the link.
Student Expectations
- Practice daily between weekly lessons
- Keep a record of your assignments and practicing in a notebook
- Complete music history and theory assignments at home before lessons, with online assignments submitted at least the night before
- Bring books, notebook, instrument, and any other needed materials to your lessons
- Ask questions!
- Attend weekly lessons and participate at masterclasses and recitals
- Maintain a positive attitude and encourage your peers
Parent Expectations
- Encourage and/or help your musician to practice regularly and set aside time for them to do so
- Attend lessons with your musician and take notes until the teacher determines the student can attend independently
- Purchase needed materials
- Provide or arrange transportation to and from lessons
- Provide a current email address and check that email on a reasonably regular basis
- Check your musician’s student file at least monthly
The Importance of Practicing
I expect students to prepare for lessons. If a student is consistently unprepared for lessons, meaning they have not practiced the material assigned for the amount of time discussed in their lessons, they may be asked to leave my studio so I can invite another waiting student to take their place. Students are also expected to report their practicing in their lesson notebook. Consistent practice at home is essential for a student to progress. Parents and students should make practice time a regular element in their daily routine, even if this requires significant effort.
Tuition
Monthly tuition, meaning the entire month's payment, is due at the first scheduled lesson of the month. If payment is made after the first lesson, a $15 late fee will be incurred. Payment can be made by check (please write it to “Felicia Voght”), cash, or through Venmo or Google Wallet. There will be a $25 fee for returned checks.
Payment amounts will be posted to each student file prior to the beginning of each term (Spring, Fall, and Summer) and updated monthly. Tuition includes weekly individual lessons and masterclasses (potentially one per month) as well as a monthly $5 fee to cover studio recitals (usually two per year) and studio incentives.
The monthly fee reflects lessons scheduled, not lessons given. You are paying for a reserved time each week. You are welcome to swap times with another student, should the need arise. Information for contacting other students or their parents will be provided privately. If a lesson is missed due to illness or another legitimate reason (to be handled on an individual basis) a make-up lesson can be scheduled once per term during specified weeks. If you need to cancel or swap a lesson, I require 24 hours notice. If I have a need to cancel a lesson, credit for that missed lesson will be moved forward to the next month.
Leaving the Studio
If a student chooses to leave my studio, I require one month’s paid notice to tie up any lines of instruction the student may need to transition into another studio or area of study.
Summer Lessons
Students are expected to continue lessons through the summer. Because summer time is more flexible, I can either move, reschedule, or cancel lessons as long as students or their parents give me at least 24 hours notice.
Group Lessons and Masterclasses
Students are expected to attend group lessons and masterclasses. Musicians learn invaluable lessons as they observe their peers and study together. These lessons encourage students in their personal development, especially as they strive to become confident performers. Group lessons and masterclasses will include time for students to perform solo repertoire as well as learn additional skills, such as playing in small ensembles. These classes may replace or take place in addition to private lessons for that week.
Studio Recitals
Recitals give students the opportunity to formally share their accomplishments and develop performance skills. There are usually two full studio recitals per year and students are expected to perform at both. Additional performance opportunities may also be scheduled throughout year.
Updated September 2019