A Philosophy on Studio Policies
A dedicated music studio thrives on mutual respect, consistency, and clear communication. These policies ensure that your reserved lesson time is protected, administrative processes remain smooth, and each student receives the highest quality of instruction.
Tuition & Billing Structure
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Tuition is billed as a flat monthly fee rather than per individual lesson. This covers your reserved weekly time slot, preparation, studio recitals, group workshops, and ongoing pedagogical support throughout the year.
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Invoices are issued electronically on the 25th of each month for the upcoming month.
Tuition is due on or before the 1st of the month.
Accepted methods: Electronic bank transfer (ACH), Zelle, or designated studio payment portal.
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Invoices not paid by the 5th of the month are subject to a $15 late fee. Unpaid accounts may result in suspension of lesson slots until the balance is resolved.
Attendance, Cancellations & Make-Up Guidelines
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Studio enrollment guarantees a specific weekly recurring time slot. Because this time cannot be reassigned to other students, missed lessons cannot be refunded or credited.
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If a student must miss a lesson due to illness, school conflicts, or planned travel:
Option A (Asynchronous Video Lesson): Submit a video recording of current assignment pieces and technique. The teacher will provide detailed, timestamped written and video feedback during your scheduled lesson time.
Option B (Studio Swap List): Families may contact other studio members via the private Studio Roster to swap lesson slots for that specific week. (All swaps must be confirmed with the teacher 24 hours in advance.)
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Missed lessons without prior notice or on the day of the lesson are forfeited.
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If the teacher cancels due to illness, professional performance obligations, or weather closures, a make-up lesson will be scheduled, an online lesson will be offered, or a tuition credit will be applied to the following month's invoice.
Student Expectations
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Minimum 30–60 minutes of deliberate, focused practice daily (scaled according to age and repertoire level).
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Arrive 5 minutes prior to your lesson time. Bring your cello, bow, endpin anchor (rockstop), rosin, cleaning cloth, current music books, notebook/binder, and a pencil.
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Ensure fingernails are kept trimmed short and hands are washed before playing.
Parent Expectations
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For students 12 & under: Attend all weekly lessons quietly taking detailed notes, recording brief reference clips of new concepts when appropriate.
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Guide and structure daily home practice using lesson notes, maintaining a calm, encouraging, and focused home environment.
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Ensure daily listening to current and upcoming Suzuki/repertoire recordings.
Performance Events & Group Classes
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Formal solo performance opportunities held at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters.
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Collaborative sessions focusing on ensemble playing, scale technique, performance psychology, and theory.
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Instruction includes preparation for WSMA Solo & Ensemble festivals, MYSO auditions, and chair placements.
Instrument, Sizing & Luthier Standards
A properly sized and adjusted instrument is critical for healthy posture, tone production, and technique.
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Avoid low-quality, factory-varnished "internet box" instruments.
All instruments must be rented or purchased through a recognized violin shop or reputable luthier with properly cut bridges, soundposts, and real ebony fingerboards.
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Korinthian Violins (Milwaukee, WI)
Peter Seman Violins (Skokie, IL / Regional)
White House of Music (Waukesha / Regional)
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Quality rosin (e.g., Andrea/Cecilia, Bernardel, or Pirastro)
Heavy-duty non-slip endpin anchor / rockstop
Soft microfiber cleaning cloth for daily string wiping
Standard cello mute (tourte style) and digital tuner/metronome
