A selective, structured onboarding process designed to ensure a mutual fit for long-term musical growth.

Joining the Studio

A Standard of Commitment

Private cello study requires time, focus, and dedicated partnership. To ensure every student thrives, enrollment is open to families who value consistent daily practice, regular lesson attendance, and active participation in studio events. I follow a 3-step onboarding process prior to enrollment.

The 3-Step Onboarding Process

    • Read through my studio FAQ below to ensure our 7-day practice routine, term structure, and attendance policies align with your family’s goals.

    • Complete the short online inquiry form to share your student’s background, age, and musical goals.

    • Once received, I will review current studio availability and reach out to coordinate next steps.

    • Meet for a 45-minute trial lesson, if applicable.

    • Observe an active studio lesson and group class to see the Suzuki parent-teacher partnership in action.

    • Discuss your family’s goals, the home practice environment, and confirm mutual fit for the studio.

    • Activate your MyMusicStaff portal account.

    • Complete your term registration and secure your weekly lesson time.

    • Read the two required prerequisite parental readings (Nurtured by Love [Suzuki]; Beyond the Music Lesson [Goodner]), sheet music, audio recordings, and properly sized instrument and bow before your first lesson.

Studio Commitments

Please review these core studio expectations before submitting an application.

  • Consistent daily practice (usually 30–60 minutes depending on age/level) is required for ongoing studio standing.

  • A parent/guardian must attend every weekly lesson, take notes, and guide home practice, especially for students 12 & under.

  • Students commit to attending regular group workshops, studio masterclasses, and biannual recitals.

  • Studio enrollment operates on a seasonal term-based tuition schedule. Missed lessons are subject to our formal Studio Policy (no ad-hoc refunds for casual cancellations).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Tuition is billed by the term through the MyMusicStaff portal and is due prior to the start of each term. Payments are strictly non-refundable, and late payments incur a standard late fee.

    The studio year is organized into three terms:

    • Fall Term: September - November

    • Winter Term: December - March

    • Spring Term: March - May

    • Summer Term: May - August (flexible/custom scheduling)

  • Yes. Group classes and our annual studio recitals are core parts of the curriculum. Additionally, students perform a memorized solo recital upon completing each book. Starting in Book 3 (and for all Book Recitals), families hire and pay pianists directly for rehearsals and performances.

  • Parents are essential partners in the learning process. For developing students, parents attend lessons, take notes to guide home practice, and ensure instruments stay in proper playing condition (regular string replacements, needed bow rehairs, and proper sizing).

  • Lesson lengths are determined by the student’s age, book level, and repertoire complexity to ensure adequate time for warm-ups, review, and new technique:

    • 45 Minutes: Recommended for advancing students (Pre Book 1–3). Lesson time may be allotted to assist parents/guardians with home practice

    • 60 Minutes+: Required for intermediate-to-advanced repertoire, sonatas, and concertos (Book 4+).

    Note: Lesson length recommendations are assessed during the initial consultation and adjusted as the student advances.

  • Tuition secures a weekly recurring time slot. Missed lessons are non-refundable and are not rescheduled or credited. If a student is mildly sick or traveling, lessons can easily be converted to a live online session or an asynchronous video check-in during the normal lesson time.

  • Progress in the Suzuki method relies on daily reinforcement. Students are expected to maintain a 7-day-a-week routine consisting of assigned practice, daily audio listening to the repertoire recordings, and consistent review of past pieces.

“Our son has been Mr. Fitz’s student for the last three years and they made a connection from day one. Mr. Fitz has taught him the skills to play his cello beautifully but he has gone beyond the technique, he has given his heart to help our son learn to use music as a tool for life, the discipline of practicing, the love for the instrument, and the fun in exploring different genres that match his personality to help him express himself. Our experience as parents has been incredible! Mr. Fitz has become a team member of our son’s education and that’s something we feel has been a gift to our family. Mr. Fitz, words of appreciation will never be enough to express our gratitude for always giving it all. We look forward to many years of raising a musician with your support.”
— Catalina, Parent

Studio Inquiry

Completion of the form does not guarantee enrollment