Studio Policy

Studio Policy for Singing Strong with Mary Mirtschin

Congratulations on choosing to participate in music lessons!

 My Responsibilities:

  • I will do my best to treat every student as an individual, providing a positive and enthusiastic atmosphere for learning, helping them to achieve their full potential.
  • I will provide a well structured, enjoyable program that will build the necessary skills to develop the student into a well rounded musician.
  • I will guide each student to a greater understanding and enjoyment of all musical styles.
  • I will guide each student towards an awareness of her/his capabilities – clearly communicating short-term and long-term goals. This may be verbal or written communication.
  • I will encourage a feeling of success at each student’s individual rate of learning.
  • I will guide each student towards Musical Independence and Initiative through a balanced program of theory, technique and repertoire.
    • Theory – studying the “grammar” of the language of music.
    • Technique – the physical mechanics of the instrument
    • Repertoire – a list of pieces to be learned based on standard classical, jazz and popular music essential to gaining an understanding and appreciation for music of many different kinds
  • I will ensure that I am on time for lessons.
  • I will continue to study for musical growth.

Student Expectations and Responsibilites:

  • Students agree to arrive at each lesson punctually, well prepared, with all necessary materials. Remember, you reserve the time slot, not the number of minutes.
  • To make good progress, regular practice is necessary. Students should aim to schedule 15-30 minutes of practice each day for at least five days per week. Two of those days should include the day of and the day following the private lesson.
  • All students are encouraged to perform as much as possible. This assists in developing performance skills and confidence.   Cafe concerts are arranged each term where students are invited to participate in a relaxed setting.  There is a concert at the end of each year held in a formal setting for students to participate in.
  • If questions arise, be sure to ask questions during lessons; I want you to understand the set homework and expectations.

Practice

“You don’t have to practice every day, just on the days that you eat.”

This is good advice, but not always the most practical. The most important time for the student to practice is immediately following the lesson – or at least on the same day as the lesson, after the student has received instruction. Research indicates that retention rate is as high as 90% on the first day, whereas it drops to almost 60% if the student waits just 24 hours.

Aim for six and expect five days of practice. If a student has 30 minute lessons, a good daily practice session would last between 15 and 20 minutes each day. If a student has a 45 minute lesson, a good daily practice session would last between 30 and 45 minutes each day.

You get out of it what you put into it – what I require is consistency and the results speak for themselves.

Music has been found to enrich the lives of all who participate in its creation or in its enjoyment. When you choose to take music lessons, you are choosing to learn a skill that will benefit you and bring you joy your entire life! No price can be put on such a beautiful art as music. Yet, obtaining the skill will certainly require assistance from a professional like myself. I have chosen to make music my business. As with any business, costs are calculated to both ensure that the highest quality product is given and that the business makes enough profit to continue providing quality tuition to you or your child.

Terms and conditions:

  1. Students must commit for a full terms lessons. 

This is a minimum of eight  lessons, depending on the length of the term.

The number of lessons will be indicated to you at the beginning of each term but will be no more than 10 lessons.

Please note that students are charged by the term. 

As of  January 2024, all new students will pay the following fee structure:

Lessons are calculated at $45 per ½ hour, $67 for 45 mins or $90 per hour.

  1. All lessons must be completed within the term and may not be carried over into any subsequent blocks of lessons.
  2. Tuition fees are usually paid by the term. 

Please make every attempt to pay this in the first few weeks of each term.

If you find it easier to pay weekly, please let me know that you wish to pay this way.

The full amount for each term must be paid regardless of how many lessons you attend. This is because you are not just paying for the minutes spent one on one with myself.

There is a one off fee of $50 which is to be paid when starting singing lessons.

Tuition covers not only the actual lesson time spent with the student. Tuition includes but is not limited to:

  • Time spent with the student.
  • Preparation time for lessons
  • Lesson notes and follow up emails
  • Development of teaching materials
  • Training and experience
  • Lessons, performance classes, rehearsals, group lesson.
  • Professional organization memberships
  • Continuing education
  • Music lending library
  • Maintenance of user website
  • newsletter
  • photocopying
  • Performance and repertoire planning
  • sheet music/ backing tracks supplied
  • opportunities for performance provided by Singing Strong
  • Workshops
  • Insurance
  • Superannuation

Please note that at times there are extra expenses which may include recital costs, rehearsal costs with pianists, and exam fees.  Students will be notified when these payments are required.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all scheduled lessons each term.  All adult students and parents receive an attendance contract to sign upon enrolment.

Tuition and enrollment fees are non-refundable and makeup lessons are not scheduled.

Because specific times are set aside for specific students, a student who does not attend a lesson will simply miss the benefit of that lesson. I will then use that time or other times to plan for the student’s progress, locate materials, etc. Remember that your tuition pays for more than your weekly lesson.  (as stated above).

Absence

No missed lessons are made up. Each term there is a performance class day/makeup class with several times to choose from. If I am unable to provide a lesson an opportunity will be provided at the end of the term to make this up. Please note that these classes are not for students who miss lessons due to play dates, games, school activities, non-emergency doctor appointments or family vacations.

Privacy

Unless otherwise indicated, you agree to allow “Singing Strong!” to use photographs or video/DVD footage of students for reasons of improving coaching methods and also for promotional purposes.

Disclaimer:

The student is responsible for their own vocal health, and while the teacher will work closely with the student to ensure that they use good vocal technique, the teacher will not be held responsible in the unlikely event of vocal damage.  It is important to note that while the teacher will do all they can to ensure students make satisfactory progress, this cannot be guaranteed.   In particular, careful regular practice as advised by the teacher is a prerequisite of success.

At least 4 weeks  notice must be given if you wish to terminate your singing lessons.