Attendance at weekly lessons

The study of cello is a rewarding experience, and one that requires commitment to bring the best of those rewards.  Our agreed-upon weekly lesson time is a time I have committed especially to you.  We all need flexibility now and then, and I am happy to be flexible within certain parameters, listed below. 

           · In the case of illness or serious family emergency, make-up lessons may be arranged, up to a maximum of three lessons per semester. It is helpful if you initiate scheduling the make-up.

          · For reasons other than illness or serious family emergency, lessons may be rescheduled if I am notified a minimum of 48 hours in advance of the lesson to be missed.  The sooner I am contacted about schedule changes, the more chance there is to be helpful to everyone who needs to make adjustments. 

           · There are no refunds or credits for missed lessons.  I have found it necessary to have this policy.  Please check your schedules carefully so that we can plan well ahead of time for vacations, sports events and practices, orchestra rehearsals and concerts, youth group and scouting special events, school field trips, et cetera.

           · if I must miss a lesson, and no mutually agreed-upon make-up lesson time can be arranged, a credit will be given toward the next semester or month, as appropriate.

Daily practice

There is nothing like being able to do something you couldn’t do before, and then realize you’re starting to get really good at it!  Because cello playing is a mixture of art, physical skill, and quick, careful thinking, it takes some time every day to teach your brain, fingers, arms, ears and eyes to work together.  Please plan on spending time with your cello at least 6 days a week.  Beginners should easily be able reach their weekly goals by playing for about 30 minutes a day; more advanced players will notice that an hour goes by quickly while working on achieving expertise on more challenging pieces and technical work.

 Use your time in the way that works best for you- some players concentrate best by playing for 15-20 minutes at 2 or 3 different times during the day; some find they improve the most by working carefully for a half-hour or hour at a time.  The most important thing is that you reach a goal or notice an improvement, no matter how small, each day.

 On your busiest, crazy-schedule days, commit yourself to playing your cello for at least 5 minutes, trying to accomplish one small goal.  It’ll feel good.

Tuition and payment

Tuition is due at the beginning of the semester, if paying in full, with a small discount. You may also choose the option of paying in monthly installments. Fall semester will have 4 monthly installments, spring semester will have 5 monthly installments, and summer will have 2 or 3 monthly installments. Monthly installments are due the first week of each month.