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Songbird Voice Studios
Information & Policies

 

 

Attendance and Payment Policies

Lessons are 45 or 60 minutes - held over the Zoom platform for unvaccinated students (due to COVID-19)

Clients/Students typically study either classical or musical theatre vocal styles; I do not generally offer "pop" instruction. 

The studio calendar year begins in September and ends in August, however, the studio has a policy of rolling admission if spots are available. Between September and May, clients/students will have lessons approximately weekly, generally following the Fairfax County Public School calendar with no lessons during major school holidays. Between June and August, clients/students will take 6 lessons on the weeks they choose based upon when the studio is open. Clients/Students will be given performance opportunities and, if eligible, the opportunity to participate in regional music festivals and events.

Tuition is an annual amount and is paid in either 1, 2, 4, or 12 equal payments due on the first of the month. No make-up lessons will be given for lessons missed or canceled by the client/student. Clients/Families are encouraged to use the lesson swap list to trade lesson times in the event of a conflict. If it is necessary for me to miss a lesson, I will contact you as soon as possible, and we will reschedule the lesson as soon as I am able.

For clients/families wishing to "try out" lessons, a month-to-month rate exists. Please inquire for details.

When payment is due, statements will be emailed to the responsible parties in advance. Any payments made after the 1 st  of the month are late and will be subject to a late fee. 

Lessons may be terminated at any time at the instructor’s discretion. Several possible reasons for termination include non-payment, refusal to practice, or non-compliance with studio policies. Any tuition that has already been paid will not be refunded.

 

Music 

Clients/Students must own all music that they will use on a regular basis. With very few exceptions, I will not accept or use photocopied music. I do, however, use some legal music downloaded for free or cost from the internet, and I have electronic licenses to print certain music books and solos. I will purchase books for clients/students (or communicate with parents when applicable about books that a student will require). Music purchases I make for the client/student will be billed as needed. Certain books for sight reading, ensembles or group lessons may be borrowed from my library.

 

Equipment and Supplies 

In addition to printed music (books, internet downloads, etc), voice clients/students will need: 

  • A music stand (metal folding stand is fine)
  • A designated practice space at home, free of distraction.
  • A sturdy tote bag to transport music and supplies
  • A 3-ring notebook for loose sheet music and handouts (1” spine is suitable)
  • A spiral bound notebook to record assignments (5x7” is sufficient)
  • 2-3 sharpened no. 2 pencils
  • A means at home to practice along with background recordings – usually a combination of CD recordings and/or digital recordings. Periodically having a device (phone, iPad/ tablet, etc) in lessons is helpful for recording progress and warm-up sequences.
  • NOTE: While not necessary, a piano or keyboard is a fantastic resource for the voice student, as they are learning to read music.

 

Practice and Assignments

Clients/Students must practice regularly. I will try to assign enough music to fill an appropriate practice period, but as a rough estimate, I would recommend the following practice schedule:

 

Practice Expectations for School-aged Students:

  • First-year students – 15 minutes, 5 times a week (or 75 minutes per week)
  • Elementary students – 20 minutes, 5 times a week (or 100 minutes per week)
  • Intermediate students – 30 minutes, 5 times a week (or 150 minutes per week)
  • Advanced students – 40 minutes, 5 times a week (or 200 minutes per week)

PLEASE NOTE: Research shows that doubling up on practice sessions is not nearly as effective as practicing for shorter durations more often.

Students may also be given written assignments. An important part of learning a musical instrument is being able to read and write in the musical language. These written assignments usually come from workbooks or lesson books and reinforce what we’ve covered in lessons that week. 

It is essential that parents are involved in helping students to schedule practice time. The most successful 'practicers' are the ones who have practice time built into their daily routines. The younger a student is, the more assistance he or she will need with practice.

 

Performances 

No matter what age or level, performance is very important for the music student. I will attempt to provide adequate opportunities for all clients/students to perform throughout the year. Information will be sent out as opportunities occur. I request that if possible, all clients/students sing in recitals. 

I will gladly help prepare clients/students who are interested and eligible for music festivals, talent shows, church performances, auditions, or any other performance opportunities that may arise. Please bring any information you have to me as soon as possible. 

Eligible school-aged students participate in the Hal Leonard Annual North American Voice Competition via pre-recorded video submission. Ask me for more information. 

 

A Note about Parking 

Visitor parking is on the street only. My neighborhood association is very strict about visitors using assigned spaces for any length of time, even drop off / pick up for school-aged students. Please help me keep my business relationship with the neighborhood association (and with my neighbors) strong.