Seasoned Sonority Studios

Practice Partner Policy

All students under 12 are required to have a practice partner who will attend regular lessons and assist regular practice sessions. Usually this is the parent, although an older sibling, friend, or relative may also do this. This person must commit to being a partner for the whole semester. Students 12+ are strongly advised to have a practice partner even if it is on a less regular basis.


Payment & Cancellation Policy

Because private music study is a long-term commitment, I require all student to contract & pay for lessons by the semester. Students with demonstrated financial need may pay by the month or request other assistance.

If you arrange to pay monthly and discontinue lessons (for any reason), you are financially responsible for all remaining lessons in the semester.

While there are no make-ups offered for lessons missed by students, I still ask that you call as soon as possible if you will not be at a lesson. If I must cancel a lesson it will be made up at a mutually agreed time.


Communication Policy

This is a policy for parents & students.

Most of you are wonderful about communicating with me. I am happy to know that the vast majority of my students & their parents are completely honest with me about progress, thoughts, & frustrations. But in any studio there remains the potential of communication breakdown. The following is just a reminder of what most of you already understand.

Sometimes sticky issues arise that are ignored or avoided to keep away from potential conflict. For instance, if a parent feels their child is not progressing or enjoying lessons as much as before, it is common for the parent to go find a new teacher or decide "last-minute" not to continue lessons next semester. (Interestingly, this is most common in transfer students...)

But often the root cause of these problems is fixable--- and these problems will become an issue eventually with the new teacher as the cycle of avoiding the real problem just continues. Emergent gossip & poor repute cause hurt & confusion; parents warn other parents of the "bad teacher"; teachers warn colleagues of the "trouble family".

Please be up front with me about any concerns. It may be your child needs help practicing; practice skills are learned, success only comes with good practice, and without success students stop enjoying their instrument, however much they loved it to begin! It may be your child needs social experiences in music; music is most special when shared. It may be your child needs more encouragement at home; are honest efforts met with continued criticism? It may be any number of things unrelated to the teacher. Or it may be a respect issue.

After discussing concerns with the teacher and trying solutions, if it simply isn't working, speak with the teacher again. The child's best interests are always at heart; if a teacher/instrument change is advisable, your teacher will be the first to admit it.

Please be confident in coming to me. I am willing to listen. And the more we understand each other, the better off we all shall be!