Studio Policies
Print or download complete Studio Policies by clicking here.
These policies allow me to spend maximum time preparing for lessons that enable your child’s musical growth and minimize time spent on logistics. Additionally, they encourage good communication and establish mutual respect within my studio. Thank you for taking the time to read them carefully. I look forward to working with you!
Initial Trial Lesson
This obligation-free twenty minute session is a time when a prospective student and I can get to know each other and ask questions to determine whether the Buffalo Cello School program is a good fit. The cost is $20 paid here (scroll down) at the time of scheduling. You will receive a BCS policy and information packet at your trial lesson. Families interested in the Suzuki program will attend the initial trial lesson (20 minutes), followed by a parent orientation session (20 minutes).
Parental Involvement
Parents of children twelve and under are required to attend lessons, listen with full attention, and take notes when necessary. Parents of young children are expected to help initiate and take an active role in home practice. Suzuki parents serve as their child's "home teacher" - a role that requires no musical background and will both challenge and thrill those who choose it. An explanation of the Suzuki parent’s role will be part of the Suzuki parent orientation session that follows the initial trial lesson. To view Suzuki parent orientation materials, click here.
Lesson Length
Lessons are offered in the following time increments:
30 minutes: Beginners thru beginning Suzuki Book 2
45 minutes: Books late book 2-4 or age 13+
60 minutes: Books 5+ or age 16+
I will recommend an increase in the lesson time as you/your child advances.
To maximize lesson time, please arrive early and unpack your instrument before your scheduled time.
Cancellations
My schedule does not permit me to reschedule lessons. If you know of a conflict in advance and would like to try to swap lessons with another student who attends on a different day of the week, I can provide the class list and you can contact another student for a swap. You can also opt for a mid-week video exchange in lieu of a lesson. If I have to cancel a lesson, I will notify you as soon as possible and either reschedule your lesson or credit your account. I allow myself one lesson per year as a sick day--not to be made-up if I am too ill to teach, either in person or on Zoom; I will use this day only when absolutely necessary.
Weather Cancellation:
I will contact you if lessons are cancelled. Generally, even if school is cancelled, we will still have lessons. Roads are often clear by afternoon. If they are not, we can opt for a lesson on Zoom, FaceTime, or Google Meet.
Recitals and performances
Performances are scheduled throughout the year. Students eighteen and under are strongly encouraged to perform at least twice a year. Performance dates and venues listed at TBD on the Annual Calendar will be posted to the Studio Calendar at least three months in advance.
Tuition
We will go over tuition and payment options at your initial trial lesson. Please feel free to contact me if you have an inquiry prior to that.
Contacting Me
I check my studio email and text messages once each weekday and respond at that time. Please call my phone: 716-218-0684 for pressing needs or day-of cancellations. I will check and respond to text and voicemail throughout the day between the hours of 10am and 8pm (or until the end of my teaching day).
BCS Policy and Information Packet
A release form will be included in the packet you receive at your initial trial lesson; it includes a release to video/photograph and a contact information form. Additionally, the packet you receive will include a waiver and enrollment form stating that you have read, understood and agree to the BCS policies listed above. Please sign this form, make a copy for yourself, and bring me a copy at your first regular lesson (you may also scan a signed copy and email it as an attachment); you may download the form here.
Please be sure to submit the enrollment forms at or before your first regular lesson. And always feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Print or download complete Studio Policies by clicking here.
These policies allow me to spend maximum time preparing for lessons that enable your child’s musical growth and minimize time spent on logistics. Additionally, they encourage good communication and establish mutual respect within my studio. Thank you for taking the time to read them carefully. I look forward to working with you!
Initial Trial Lesson
This obligation-free twenty minute session is a time when a prospective student and I can get to know each other and ask questions to determine whether the Buffalo Cello School program is a good fit. The cost is $20 paid here (scroll down) at the time of scheduling. You will receive a BCS policy and information packet at your trial lesson. Families interested in the Suzuki program will attend the initial trial lesson (20 minutes), followed by a parent orientation session (20 minutes).
Parental Involvement
Parents of children twelve and under are required to attend lessons, listen with full attention, and take notes when necessary. Parents of young children are expected to help initiate and take an active role in home practice. Suzuki parents serve as their child's "home teacher" - a role that requires no musical background and will both challenge and thrill those who choose it. An explanation of the Suzuki parent’s role will be part of the Suzuki parent orientation session that follows the initial trial lesson. To view Suzuki parent orientation materials, click here.
Lesson Length
Lessons are offered in the following time increments:
30 minutes: Beginners thru beginning Suzuki Book 2
45 minutes: Books late book 2-4 or age 13+
60 minutes: Books 5+ or age 16+
I will recommend an increase in the lesson time as you/your child advances.
To maximize lesson time, please arrive early and unpack your instrument before your scheduled time.
Cancellations
My schedule does not permit me to reschedule lessons. If you know of a conflict in advance and would like to try to swap lessons with another student who attends on a different day of the week, I can provide the class list and you can contact another student for a swap. You can also opt for a mid-week video exchange in lieu of a lesson. If I have to cancel a lesson, I will notify you as soon as possible and either reschedule your lesson or credit your account. I allow myself one lesson per year as a sick day--not to be made-up if I am too ill to teach, either in person or on Zoom; I will use this day only when absolutely necessary.
Weather Cancellation:
I will contact you if lessons are cancelled. Generally, even if school is cancelled, we will still have lessons. Roads are often clear by afternoon. If they are not, we can opt for a lesson on Zoom, FaceTime, or Google Meet.
Recitals and performances
Performances are scheduled throughout the year. Students eighteen and under are strongly encouraged to perform at least twice a year. Performance dates and venues listed at TBD on the Annual Calendar will be posted to the Studio Calendar at least three months in advance.
Tuition
We will go over tuition and payment options at your initial trial lesson. Please feel free to contact me if you have an inquiry prior to that.
Contacting Me
I check my studio email and text messages once each weekday and respond at that time. Please call my phone: 716-218-0684 for pressing needs or day-of cancellations. I will check and respond to text and voicemail throughout the day between the hours of 10am and 8pm (or until the end of my teaching day).
BCS Policy and Information Packet
A release form will be included in the packet you receive at your initial trial lesson; it includes a release to video/photograph and a contact information form. Additionally, the packet you receive will include a waiver and enrollment form stating that you have read, understood and agree to the BCS policies listed above. Please sign this form, make a copy for yourself, and bring me a copy at your first regular lesson (you may also scan a signed copy and email it as an attachment); you may download the form here.
Please be sure to submit the enrollment forms at or before your first regular lesson. And always feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
