The Studio of Emily Ann Peterson

424-CEL-LIST | emilyannpeterson@gmail.com www.emilyannpeterson.com

Practice
Practice at home is essential for learning to play any instrument. Parents need to help, encourage, assist, plan and remind daily. A good routine, regardless of your age, usually works best. Look at your schedule and or discuss with the student and the other family members as to the regular time that works best for all concerned. Schedule it. In pen. No one likes to practice all of the time. All of us, including myself, have difficulty getting into it. However, it is much more difficult if several days go by without anything done on it. A consistent daily session works best. Daily practice is ideal and should be the norm, however I understand that life doesnt always allow that to happen. On tough weeks or in special circumstances, make a point to schedule an equivalent amount of practice time, just in fewer chunks. [Example: If you practice 30/day, make sure you practice at least 210 minutes total in the week. This could mean three 70 minute practices, or two 105 minute practices, etc.]

Environment & Listening

A good musical environment is the best help you can give yourself (and the student.) Listening to the Suzuki CD, or any other cello repertoire will help put your mind in the context of the cello. Listening is especially good for the days when youre super busy and cant possibly practice. However, this doesnt replace practicing; it makes practicing easier. I sometimes encourage students to incorporate active listening (coloring, holding the bow, feeling posture) into their scheduled practice time. Make sure your practice environment is clean, rid of distractions, and conducive to hard work. A messy bedroom, TV in the background, loud conversation in the other room, etc. will make practice really frustrating. Part of creating a great learning environment is getting outside. Make sure to attend as many musical concerts as possible. Any genre or instrumental performance is a great experience; however if any cellists perform in the area, please make an effort to attend. (And invite your fellow cello-friends!) It truly is a treat to see a master at work. Occasionally, well have a Cello Field Trip. Please keep your eyes and ears peeled for possible Field Trips and feel free to share with me!

Financial Policies
Enrollment in the Studio of Emily Ann Peterson is not a payment per service arrangement, but rather a tuition-based business. Enrolling in music lessons is a purchase of a teachers services and a reservation of the teachers time. Tuition entitles a student to school membership and scheduled lessons. Your lesson time is reserved for you; a lesson missed is time and money lost since the time passes whether a student uses it or not. The full monthly fee is to be paid whether or not the student attends all lessons; lessons missed by the student for any reason will not be made-up nor tuition refunded. Notification of inability to attend a lesson is appreciated, but does not excuse payment for contracted lessons. Tuition is due on or before the 1st day of each month. Please remember that my entire income is based upon the timeliness of your payment for lessons. Such is life. Late payment before or on the 5th of the month will result in a late fee of $30. Your teacher reserves the right to increase the late fee in $15 increments per 5 days should payment be made even later than the 5th of the month. I offer a select amount of scholarships to students in difficult financial situations. Please remember that I would rather you continue lessons than to quit because of financial reasons. Do not hesitate to ask if there is an available scholarship opening. If donating a scholarship to a student in financial need interests you, please let me know. Music is a priceless gift to give in any circumstance. There are NO refunds.

Missed Lessons
If absences are not explained, I will interpret them as weak commitment. Your music education is important and regular attendance needs to be a priority. It is usually impossible to reschedule your lesson time. Please keep this in mind as you schedule vacations, other activities & commitments. It is clear to see your priorities based on how you schedule your life.

Lesson Bank
It is not possible to schedule make-up lessons when a student misses a lesson for any reason including illness or prearranged vacation. Please do not ask for a make-up. I reserve the right to gift a student a lesson in their lesson bank. But please note that a student may not have more than 3 gifted lessons in their lesson bank and that they expire after 3 months.

Lessons missed by the teacher at any time for any reason will be made-up at a mutually convenient time for the student and the teacher, or a credit for the lesson will be given to the students lesson bank. Please do not assume that I understand that a student will miss scheduled lessons during the holidays or because of other functions you attend. Because my students are of all ages, in various school systems, or are not yet in school, the studio will not follow any particular school calendar. My studio calendar is available on my website where your schedules lessons will appear.

Inclement Weather & Illness

In the case of inclement weather, lessons will be cancelled and group classes will not meet when the King County School District cancels or dismisses classes early unless you hear from me via email. If a student arrives late for a lesson, the student will receive instruction for the remainder of the scheduled lesson only. Your lesson may be sandwiched between other students lessons and flexibility to extend your lesson time may not be available. I suggest each student aim to arrive 5-10 minutes early to unpack and get ready for their lesson. Please do not come to your lesson sick. If you are too ill for school/work, you are too ill for a music lesson. Unfortunately, these lessons, I wont offer lesson banks equivalents.

Group Lessons
For cellists of any age, group lessons are a wonderful opportunity. I believe this so much so that when offered, I offer them to students at no charge. Because of the varied ages and aptitude of the students in my studio, a group lesson may not be available for you. Students in your group lesson are gathered based on level of cello acquisition. However, please make it known that you would like to be a part of one, and I will try to schedule a recurring group lesson with cellists of similar playing ability. If you are part of a group lesson, please make every effort to attend these wonderful opportunities. If absences are not explained, I will interpret them as weak commitment.

Summer Lessons
Cello lessons are a 12-month, year-round program without exceptions. Study during the summer is crucial for students to continue their progress and maintain their abilities. Information regarding the scheduling of summer lessons is distributed in May each year.

Conflicts/Problems

Conflicts are a natural part of life and any educational endeavor. Open communication is strongly encouraged and appreciated between the student, (parent,) and teacher. Any conflicts or problems that may arise in the course of the year should immediately be brought to my attention. I am easy to work with and always want to help and improve! Parent conferences or consultations with or without the student can be arranged in lieu of a lesson if the parent and/or myself feel it is necessary for the education of their child.

Lesson Termination
I work very hard for each student and when this amount of care and work is not reflected by a students commitment it is very disappointing. Therefore, I must reserve the right to discontinue any student who does not exhibit sufficient interest to progress. This may reveal itself as irregular attendance, repeated failure to prepare assigned material, or inappropriate behavior during the lessons. A 30-day trial period following a student/(parent)/teacher conference will precede termination of lessons. If you elect to end lessons, a 30-day notice must be given and you will be financially responsible for that months tuition. Please understand that I grow very attached to my students and would like to have an opportunity to end well with them. This is one of the ways in which I teach respect, responsibility, and follow-through to my students.

Instruments & Supplies

It is important to have instruments that are in good playing condition. Bows should be rehaired and strings changed at least once a year. Those students who practice every day will need to do this more often. Every student should carry an extra set of new strings should a string break. The following businesses have my recommendation. Unfortunately, MANY poor quality instruments, over-priced and marked-up retailers, and outright crooks exist in the music business. Only the following businesses can I endorse in complete faith For instrument care, purchase, and rentals: Birschofberger Violins 1314 E John St | Seattle, WA 98102 | 206-324-3119 | http://www.bviolins.com/ To order music, strings, and related supplies at a 50% discount try: Shar Music 1-800-248-SHAR | www.sharmusic.com For purchasing Suzuki Materials CDs, books, etc.: Young Musicians 1-800-826-8648 | www.ymonline.com