Reaching Me

regina@songbirdvoicestudios.com
Cell: (302) 290-3034
www.songbirdvoicestudios.com

Thank you for the privilege of helping you find your voice! In order to make our time productive, I have established the following policies:

Agreement

Clients committing to lessons for the year are required to sign the annual agreement in addition to this document.

Annual Deposit

A non-refundable $150.00 Deposit is due July 15th to reserve your place for the Fall semester. Lesson days and times are first-come-first served. Once I receive your deposit and signed paperwork, I can plug you into the schedule.

Lesson Duration & Frequency

Lessons are 45 or 60 minutes online or at the studio. The studio calendar year runs from September to August. Between September and May, clients take lessons approximately weekly, generally following the Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) calendar with no lessons on major school breaks. Between June 1 and August 31, clients take 6 lessons. June lessons take place at your regular lesson time until FCPS is out. After that, lesson times are first-come-first-served during summer weeks that the studio is open.

Tuition

Tuition is an annual amount and paid in 1, 2, 4, or 12 equal payments due on the first day of the semester/quarter/month. No make-up lessons will be given for lessons missed or canceled by the client. If it is necessary for me to miss a lesson, I will contact you as soon as possible, and we will schedule a make-up as soon as I am able. Payments received after the 1st of the month will be subject to a $35.00 late fee.

The easiest way to ensure that payments are made on time is to set up a regular payment with your bank or credit card. Checks (made out to Songbird Voice Studios) or cash can be given to me in person, dropped at my residence outside of lesson times, or mailed to me. Clients choosing the monthly option will be required to enroll in Stripe-powered auto-pay using a bank account or credit card. There is a 1.5% fee to use a credit card.

Logistics for In-Person Lessons

  • Please see the note about parking later in this document

  • Please wait at the front door until exactly your lesson time so you do not interrupt the lesson prior to yours

  • Please kindly remove your shoes once inside

Logistics for Online Lessons

  • Having your computer hardwired to the internet via an ethernet cable is highly recommended

  • You must Zoom from a desktop or laptop: a phone or tablet does not allow for sufficient fidelity

  • A phone or tablet is necessary for playing accompaniment recordings on your end

  • While not necessary, a quality external microphone will greatly aid my ability to work with and for you (ask for more info)

Attendance

Regular and prompt attendance is required to make appropriate progress. If you are unable to make it to a lesson, please call, email, or text with as much advance notice as possible.

Sheet Music

Clients must own legal copies of all music they will use regularly. I will not accept or use photocopied music. I DO utilize legal music downloaded from the internet, and I have electronic licenses to print certain music books and solos. I am happy to recommend songbooks you may require or enjoy. Music purchases I make on your behalf will be billed as needed. See the next section for more details.

Required Equipment and Supplies

  • Legal copies of your music (approximately $50-$75 per year for songbooks and/or downloads)

  • A metal music stand for hands-free practicing (the Manhasset M4801 Music Stand is the industry standard)

  • A sturdy tote bag to transport your 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) – or a dedicated section in your binder

  • 2-3 no. 2 pencils

  • A designated practice space at home, free of distraction

  • Access to a full-length mirror in your practice space

  • A computer or device (phone/tablet) to play accompaniment recordings at home. Recording your lesson or parts of lessons is very helpful for learning new exercises and tracking your progress over time

  • NOTE: While not necessary, a piano or digital keyboard is a fantastic resource

Practice and Assignments

Clients who wish to make steady progress should build in time for regular practice. Practicing often for short periods is far more effective than a single marathon practice session. As an estimate, I recommend the following:

  • Beginning Songbirds – 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times a week (up to 60 minutes per week)

  • Intermediate Songbirds – 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a week (up to 80 minutes per week)

  • Advanced Songbirds – 30+ minutes, 4-5 times a week (150+ minutes per week)

Performance Opportunities

No matter what age or proficiency level, performance is very important for the music student. Opportunities will be provided for clients to perform throughout the year. I highly encourage all clients to participate in studio events and recitals.

I will gladly help prepare clients who are interested and eligible for auditions, music festivals, talent shows, performance opportunities at places of worship, or any other such opportunities that may arise. Please bring any information you have to me with as much advance notice as possible.

Missed Lessons

Because specific times are set aside for each client, a client who does not attend a lesson will simply miss the benefit of that lesson. Tuition covers far more than the time with you in your lesson, so you do not need to worry that missing a lesson means wasting money. I frequently use missed lessons to plan for your next lesson, conduct research, locate materials, etc.

To Avoid Missing Lessons:

  • Lesson Swap List: Singers may trade lesson times with another singer to help avoid absences. Request a swap with as much notice as possible to increase your chance of success.

  • Gifting a Lesson: You are welcome to ‘gift’ a lesson to a friend or family member – I ask for 24 hours’ advance notice.

Illness

Clients who are running a fever or who are contagious in any way should NOT come to the studio. If I get sick, no one gets a lesson! If you are ill but can still sing without pain, we can arrange a Zoom lesson during your regular lesson time (see ‘Logistics for Online Lessons’ above).

Inclement Weather

Lessons will be held over Zoom in the event of inclement weather. I utilize the Remind app for such notifications via your choice of email or text.

Summer Lesson Scheduling

In early to mid-June, I provide access to my online July and August calendar. Lesson slots are first-come-first-served. Sign up early to grab your choice days/times – I cannot hold or guarantee suitable times for individual singers.

Late Payments

Payments made after the 1st of the month will be assessed a $35.00 late fee.

Additional Costs

  • Recitals: $45-$50 per recital for the accompanist (includes 2 rehearsals and the performance)

  • Singing Brunch fees: $25-$30 for the accompanist

  • Other group outings: TBD

Communication

For longer messages, please email (regina@songbirdvoicestudios.com) call (302) 290-3034. Texting is reserved for quick messages or pressing logistics.

Parking

Visitor parking is on the street only. My neighborhood association is very strict about visitors using assigned (numbered) spaces for any length of time. Please help me keep my business relationship with the neighborhood association (and with my neighbors) strong.

Termination of Lessons

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

By joining SVS, I agree that I fully understand and will abide by the policies stated above. I understand that failure to do so may result in termination of services, with no refunds for tuition and fees, as stated in the agreement.