Teaching Policy

Violin Studio Policy 2023-2024

Studio Policy 2023-2024, last updated 8/15/2023

Agreement

By registering your child with me for my Suzuki program, you agree to be bound by this studio policy.

Attendance

Each student and a responsible parent are expected to attend each lesson, group class, rehearsal, and recital. Those who are too frequently absent will be asked to find a different teacher.

Expectations

Every student is expected to both listen and practice EVERY DAY. Families are expected to provide a nurturing environment. My program depends on the collaboration of a responsible parent from each family to create and sustain the environment necessary for success according to the principles laid out by Dr. Suzuki, especially the DAILY aspect of listening and practicing.

Promise

I, the teacher, promise to honor the teachings of Dr. Suzuki. I recognize the possibility that every child can be educated to an unlimited level of ability. My purpose is to develop your child’s ability to the utmost, and thereby make the world a better place. I am fully aware of the privilege and responsibility of being a Suzuki teacher, and I promise to perpetually improve my teaching through continuing study and reflection. I solemnly affirm that I will keep this promise as a Suzuki teacher, and always do my utmost for our common purpose of educating the children of the world.

Fees and Payment

Suzuki Program Tuition for 34 weeks:
30’ lesson: 34 @ $51: $1,734
45’ lesson: 34 @ $76: $2,584
60’ lesson: 34 @ $102: $3,468
40’ group class: 34 @ $23: $782
Recital fee, per student $100

The balance of payment for lessons and group class fees is due by September 1 2022. You will receive an invoice upon registration. Payment may be made 1)In full, or 2)by remitting 10 post-dated checks for the entire school year. Payment for 34 teaching weeks is prorated to 10 equal payments. Payment must be made in full prior to attending the first lesson or group class. Credit card & electronic payments will be assessed an additional 3% fee. I offer my teaching services on a sliding scale. If my teaching fees are not affordable for you, please let me know, and we can make an arrangement.

Cancellations and Make-up Lessons: I do not offer make-up lessons, except in the case of a medical or family emergency. No make-ups will be offered for group class absences. Instead, I encourage you to exchange your lesson time directly with another family, and I will provide a directory for this purpose. Make-up lesson options will include:

• Teleconference lesson at the usual scheduled time.
• Exchange lesson times with another family for that week.
• Teleconference/phone parent-teacher conference at the usual scheduled time.
• ‘Correspondence’ lesson: Record a 15-minute video and send it to me, and I will return comments to you.

Inclement Weather (In-person lessons only): In the event an emergency or inclement weather, I may cancel lessons & groups. Families may elect to have a lesson via videoconference such if travel is impossible.

Power and Internet Outages: If power and/or internet service at my studio is not working at the time of your scheduled lesson, your lesson may be re-scheduled. Families may elect to have a lesson via telephone if an internet lesson is unavailable.

Teacher Absences: On occasion, my performance schedule obliges me to be absent from lessons & groups. At my discretion, I may reschedule lessons & group classes, or have another teacher take my teaching for that day.

Media

On occasion, I may create or use photo or video material on the internet, social media or print media in connection with publicizing and marketing my violin teaching services. In no event will any child be personally identified. If you prefer not to have your child included in this material, please inform me in writing.

Pickup and Dismissal (In-person lessons only:)

Children grade 6 and younger may not be dismissed from my teaching room unless accompanied by his or her parent, or with written consent to another responsible adult or specific destination. Children grade 7 and older may be dismissed on their own. Please advise me of your dismissal plan for students grade 7 and older.

Discontinuance

In the event that a family wishes to discontinue lessons, the family must give 1 month’s notice in advance, and will be responsible for one month’s fee. Further advance payments will be returned or refunded. If a students quits mid-year, I need this time to adjust my teaching schedule. Furthermore, the student should be given the opportunity to wrap up the experience with me, so that we can end the relationship productively.