Information & Policies
Required Documents
Singers (or Parent/Guardian if singer is a minor) committing to lessons are/is required to sign this document as well as an annual tuition contract.
Annual Deposit
A non-refundable deposit is required for continuing singers to reserve their place for the Fall. 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. The studio calendar year runs from roughly mid-August to mid-August; however, the studio has a policy of rolling admission if spots are available. Between late August and mid-June, singers take lessons approximately weekly, with no lessons on Winter or Spring breaks. Everyone receives at least 31 lessons during the academic year. Between mid-June and mid-August, singers take 3 lessons. Summer lesson time slots are first-come, first-served.
Logistics for In-Person Lessons
• Please have your singer wait to enter until exactly their lesson time
• Please pick up your singer promptly
• Parents are required to be available during lessons via cell phone
Illness
Students who are running a fever or who are contagious in any way should NOT come to the studio.
Tuition
Tuition is an annual commitment and is paid in one (1) or five (5) or twelve (12) payments. Families choosing the 2, 5 or 12-payment plans are required to enroll in auto-pay with a checking account or credit card. The studio invoicing and billing system runs on Stripe and is secure.
Sibling Discount
10% tuition discount for siblings (10% applied to second singer’s tuition)
Required Equipment and Supplies
Basic home A/V tech setup
Legal copies of your music
A metal music stand for hands-free practicing
A 3-ring notebook for loose sheet music and handouts
A spiral bound notebook to record assignments
2-3 sharpened no. 2 pencils
A private practice space at home, free of distraction
Access to a full-length mirror in the home practice space
A computer or device to play accompaniment recordings at home. Recording your lesson or parts of lessons with a device is very helpful for learning new exercises and tracking progress over time.
NOTE: While not necessary, a piano or keyboard is a fantastic resource
Required Equipment for Online Lessons
Please inquire for further info
Attendance
Regular and prompt attendance is required to make 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 / Songbooks
Students 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. Music purchases I make for the student will be billed as needed.
Printing at Home
Students must have a way to print digital copies of their sheet music at home.
Practice and Assignments
Students must practice regularly for voice lessons to be effective. Practicing in short bursts is often most effective.
Beginner Songbirds – 10-15 minutes, 4 times a week (not exceeding 60 minutes per week)
Intermediate Songbirds – 15-20 minutes, 4 times a week (not exceeding 80 minutes per week)
Advanced Songbirds – 30+ minutes, 4-5 times a week (150+ minutes per week)
The most successful ‘practicers’ are the ones with practice time built into their daily routines. The younger a student is, the more parental assistance they may need.
Performance Opportunities
No matter what age or proficiency level, performance is important for the music student. Opportunities will be provided for students to perform throughout the year. I highly encourage (but do not require) all singers to participate in studio events and recitals.
I will gladly help prepare singers 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.
A Note about School Productions
Students who anticipate earning a part in a school production should choose a lesson time that will not be impacted by rehearsals. Middle and High school students involved in large school productions usually have to miss their lesson during ‘Tech Week’, given the rehearsal schedule that week. Aside from this, be sure to make use of the Lesson Swap List – or gift your lesson! - for any other conflicts.
How to Support Your Songbird
Would you believe this?: Rule #1: Listen to your singer without offering ANY (even ‘constructive’) criticism.
Please see the full “How to Support Your Songbird” for tips on how to best engage with your young singer
Lesson Visitors
While I don’t have a waiting room for parents/guardians, I do invite them to observe part of a lesson from time to time. This is done on a case-by-case basis, as some students are uncomfortable / inhibited having a visitor listen in on their lesson. Please notify me in advance should you wish to attend on a specific date.
No Make Ups Policy
No make up lessons will be given for lessons missed or canceled by the student. The only exceptions to this rule are emergencies or extended illness.
If it is necessary for me to miss a lesson, I will contact you as soon as possible, and we will reschedule as soon as I am able. I have built specific weeks into the year for rescheduled lessons. On those days, if I missed one of your lessons in the previous quarter, you will simply come at your regular time.
Because specific times are set aside for specific singers, a singer who does not attend a lesson will simply miss the benefit of that lesson. Tuition covers far more than the actual face time with your singer, so you do not need to worry that missing a lesson means wasting money. I frequently use missed lessons to plan for your student’s next lesson; to conduct research, locate materials, investigate new repertoire, etc.
For a better understanding of the studio rationale behind this policy, please see the article entitled “Make up Lessons from an Economist’s Point of View”.
Online Lessons (highly recommended)
Songbirds who want the option of occasional virtual lessons (for example, they don’t have a ride, or are contagious but can still sing) need to invest in a decent microphone and some basic computer/tech equipment. Please speak with me before purchasing anything.
To Avoid Missing Lessons:
Online Lesson: Singers who have the at-home tech setup can opt for an online lesson instead
Lesson Swap List: Singers who opt in can trade lesson times with another singer to help avoid absences.
Gifting a Lesson: You are welcome to ‘gift’ a lesson to a willing friend or family member with 24 hours’ advance notice.
Summer Lesson Scheduling
In early to mid-June, I provide access to my online summer 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.
Extra Lessons
Singers preparing for auditions and/or performances may want additional training. Individual lessons and packages of lessons available for purchase and scheduled on an as-needed basis.
Late Payments
Late payments will be assessed a $35.00 fee.
Additional Costs
Recitals: approx. $50 per recital for accompanist (includes 2 rehearsals and the performance)
Masterclasses: $35-$45 per event to cover cost of guest clinician
Communication
Parents/Guardians should stay in touch regarding your singer’s progress and practice habits. For longer messages, please email (regina@songbirdvoicestudios.com) or call (571) 786-9591. Texting is reserved for quick messages or pressing logistics.
Termination of Lessons
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.