Studio Information at a Glance
When the orchestra teacher of your child's string program recommends private lessons, you may find yourself thinking, "why does my child need them?" Here are just a few of the many reasons private lesson will help your child succeed in music:
Benefits of Private Lessons
- Learn how to practice outside of teacher contact
- Foster independence in your musical learning and performing
- Build confidence in your personal artistry and ability
- Non-parental adult support and encouragement
- Overcoming obstacles independently (with personal, one-on-one, gentle guidance)
- Improved time management skills
- Problem solving strategies
- Non-judgmental approach to self-assessment
- Application of self-discipline
- Overcoming harmful habits
- Encouragement of curiosity
- Stimulation of creativity
Lesson Policies
Fees
Fees
- $45.00/half-hour, $60/forty-five minutes, $90.00/hour
- For weekly students, tuition is billed by semester as follows: Fall Semester: mid-August through December; Spring Semester: January through May; Summer Session: June through early August. Fall and Spring Semesters are payable in one, two, or four equal payments. Two- and four-payment options include a slight premium added to each payment. By selecting a weekly slot in the Fall or Spring Semester, you are committed for the entire semester, regardless of the payment schedule you select.
- A fee of $15 will be charged for In-Home lessons
- A fee of $15 will be charged for any tuition payment received seven days after the due date
- A fee of $30 will be charged for each returned check
- If you know you must miss a lesson, call immediately at 971.990.3896 or email darian.s.todd@gmail.com
- A student who has a weekly lesson slot is committed to taking a lesson every time I am teaching during that slot for the entire Fall or Spring Semester. Cancellations for credit or non-payment are not allowed. If I need to miss a lesson, I will contact you at least 48 hours in advance to reschedule or provide a “make-up” voucher. Unless stated otherwise, I teach on mid-semester back holidays excepting Thanksgiving Day.
- Provided a student gives more than 48 hours notice of any absence, the student will receive a voucher good for one “make-up” lesson to be taken within the next sixty days. The make up lesson will be in addition to regularly-scheduled lessons (i.e., extending a half-hour lesson to a one-hour lesson, or having two forty-five or one-hour lessons in a given week). The student is responsible for contacting me to schedule a “make-up” lesson before the expiration of the voucher. A “make-up” lesson can be taken BEFORE a planned absence.
- Whenever there are up-coming openings in my schedule, I will notify you via email. If you have a “make-up” voucher that is about to expire, and you cannot find an opening that works, please let me know. I will find a slot for you.
- If less than 48 hour cancellation notice is given for any reason, the lesson will be forfeited by the student, and no “make-up” lesson will be scheduled. There will be no exceptions to this policy.
- A “make-up” lesson cancelled at any time, for any reason, cannot be rescheduled.
- No cash refunds will be made under any circumstances.
- The student must own, rent, or have access to the instrument studied in lessons. Also necessary for daily practice is; a metronome, shoulder rest, and a music stand. The student must bring a practice journal, etudes/studies, repertoire, appropriate warm-up materials, and instrument to every lesson.
- For your convenience, I have access to almost all materials required for lessons. Before purchasing any equipment, instruments, or supplies; please talk with me first. I generally refer students to David Kerr Violin Shop: 4451 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97202; www.kerrviolins.com for supplies and instruments.
- It is imperative for the student to commit to daily practice. The amount of time per day depends on each student’s goals and should never be less than 15 minutes per day.
