Studio Policies
To print, download 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); please bring something to occupy your child during the parent orientation session.
Parental Involvement
Parents of children twelve and under are required to attend lessons, listen with full attention, and take notes when necessary. All 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 Suzuki Book 2
45 minutes: Books 3-4 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.
Make-up Lessons
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. Please let me know if you do not want your name and contact information on the class list.
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 semester 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 or FaceTime.
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 will be posted to the Studio Calendar about three months in advance. I will notify you as soon as dates are posted; please let me know at that time if you foresee a scheduling conflict. There is a $20 non-refundable recital participation fee that applies only to formal recitals where a paid piano accompanist is required.
Tuition
Tuition rates for 2022-2023 are:
30 minute lesson $35
45 minute lesson $42
60 minute lesson $50
Monthly Suzuki group lessons: $27/child (per 60-70 minute class)
Adult group lessons: $27/adult (per 45 minute class)
Adult Cello Choir: $22/adult (per 45-60 minute class)
Fees
Registration fee: $25 (one-time fee)
Returned check service fee: $25
Late Payment fee: $25
Formal recital fee: $20/student
Payment can be made by check, cash, or through the BCS website (see Payment) at or before your first lesson of the semester. No refunds are issued unless a family moves or faces an extenuating circumstance. Returning families who schedule after the start of fall or spring term will not receive a prorated rate, but may be eligible for make-up lessons.
Payment options
Option #1: Pay in Full
a. Credit Card Payment through PayPal (see Payment)
b. Check or cash at first lesson of semester
Ex. Fall 2022 semester tuition payment = $396 (30 min), $459 (45 min), $531 (60 min)
Option#2: Monthly Installments
a. Monthly post-dated checks:
Fall 2022 monthly tuition amount, dated the first of each month, submitted at first lesson of the semester.
b. Subscribe to automatic credit card billing via PayPal (see Payment)
Ex. Fall 2022 monthly installment (3 payments) = $132 (30 min), $153 (45 min), $177 (60 min)
If you join the studio mid-semester, please contact me about payment options.
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 form, tuition payment, and registration fee at or before your first regular lesson. Always feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
To print, download 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); please bring something to occupy your child during the parent orientation session.
Parental Involvement
Parents of children twelve and under are required to attend lessons, listen with full attention, and take notes when necessary. All 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 Suzuki Book 2
45 minutes: Books 3-4 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.
Make-up Lessons
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. Please let me know if you do not want your name and contact information on the class list.
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 semester 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 or FaceTime.
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 will be posted to the Studio Calendar about three months in advance. I will notify you as soon as dates are posted; please let me know at that time if you foresee a scheduling conflict. There is a $20 non-refundable recital participation fee that applies only to formal recitals where a paid piano accompanist is required.
Tuition
Tuition rates for 2022-2023 are:
30 minute lesson $35
45 minute lesson $42
60 minute lesson $50
Monthly Suzuki group lessons: $27/child (per 60-70 minute class)
Adult group lessons: $27/adult (per 45 minute class)
Adult Cello Choir: $22/adult (per 45-60 minute class)
Fees
Registration fee: $25 (one-time fee)
Returned check service fee: $25
Late Payment fee: $25
Formal recital fee: $20/student
Payment can be made by check, cash, or through the BCS website (see Payment) at or before your first lesson of the semester. No refunds are issued unless a family moves or faces an extenuating circumstance. Returning families who schedule after the start of fall or spring term will not receive a prorated rate, but may be eligible for make-up lessons.
Payment options
Option #1: Pay in Full
a. Credit Card Payment through PayPal (see Payment)
b. Check or cash at first lesson of semester
Ex. Fall 2022 semester tuition payment = $396 (30 min), $459 (45 min), $531 (60 min)
Option#2: Monthly Installments
a. Monthly post-dated checks:
Fall 2022 monthly tuition amount, dated the first of each month, submitted at first lesson of the semester.
b. Subscribe to automatic credit card billing via PayPal (see Payment)
Ex. Fall 2022 monthly installment (3 payments) = $132 (30 min), $153 (45 min), $177 (60 min)
If you join the studio mid-semester, please contact me about payment options.
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 form, tuition payment, and registration fee at or before your first regular lesson. Always feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
