Terms and Conditions

Making Sure Everyone Is On The Same Page

Roanoke Fiddle Lessons

Student Expectations

Have fun in your lessons and practice. If you or your child are not enjoying playing music, something is wrong.

Please be on time.

If you arrive early, please wait until your lesson time.

Procure all necessary materials for playing (instrument, case, shoulder rest, chin rest, rosin, finger guides, strings, music books, etc). If you are unsure, ask! I am happy to help.

Bring all necessary materials (instrument, notebook, folder, sheet music, books, etc.) to each lesson.

Practice regularly as is appropriate based on the age and ability of each student. We will discuss appropriate practice times. If a student has not practiced adequately, the lesson time will be reduced.

Keep your instrument tuned between each lesson. Practice should include tuning.

Be an active participant in each lesson.

Ask questions and let me know when further clarification is needed.

Treat yourself, instruments, materials, my studio, and me with respect.

Parents are welcome and encouraged to be present for their students’ lessons. However, I ask that parents not interfere with the normal course of the lesson. There may be times when a parent might think their student is being inattentive, disruptive, or asking irrelevant questions, but I will deal with any issues in the best way I know how in my music classroom. If I believe there is a serious behavior issue, I will alert the parent(s) and ask for their help.

Teacher Expectations

I will attend every lesson on time and with all necessary materials.

I will research and find appropriate music for the student to learn and play.

I will occasionally recommend that students purchase certain items. Some of them are essential (rosin, chinrest, shoulder rest, etc).

Other items will be suggestions (music stand, humidifier, etc). These make playing easier and more enjoyable, but are not crucial to continuing lessons. All of my recommendations are based on more than 40 years of playing experience.

When I make suggestions on what to buy, I will take into account the student’s budget. Please understand, there are certain items that are not worth buying if they are not of a minimum quality (as determined by my experience and assessment). Some violins will not meet a minimum standard for even a student, and I will not be able to teach a student with a sub-standard instrument.

I will explain things in a clear and understandable manner.

I will show respect for the student, myself, all instruments, and all materials.

I will modify, adapt, and prepare material that is appropriate to the age, ability, and unique learning style of each individual student.

I will do my best to make each lesson enjoyable and rewarding.

I will teach the principles of music and the instrument so that the student can gain the most out of their musical education.

I will challenge students to go beyond what they think they can do. However, I will never deliberately set a student up for failure.

Recitals

All students are strongly encouraged to participate in the regular recitals put on by Roanoke Fiddle Lessons. Further details will be made available to students as soon as possible.

My goal in recitals is to get students comfortable with playing in front of other people. My goal is NOT to make students afraid.

Lesson Rates

When you commit to lessons, you are reserving a specific day/time that cannot be filled by other customers or students. This is how my shop stays in business.

Payments

I accept Credit Card, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, Google Pay, Check, and Cash. A $5 surcharge will be added to PayPal payments. A $3.50 surcharge will be added to credit card payments. I do not accept payment in-kind.

A $20 fee will be charged for all returned checks.

Lesson plans

Each 45-minute lesson: $50

Four pre-paid 45-minute lessons (due at the start of the cycle): $140

I reserve the right to raise lesson rates. Students will be given at least one month notice before any new rates are applied.

Lesson Schedule

Lessons are scheduled on a weekly basis in 45-minute increments. Once a day/time is agreed upon, that time will be reserved for that student.

Lessons are held year-round.

Holidays

No lessons will be held on Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, or the week between Christmas Day and New Years.

Snow Days/Inclement Weather

I do not follow the public school system when determining when to close due to inclement weather.

I will notify the students of any cancellation or closing.

Tardiness

Students are expected to arrive at their lesson on time. Students arriving up to 15 minutes late may have the remainder of their scheduled lesson. However, I reserve the right to not add missed time to the end of the lesson.

If I am running late for any reason, I will let you know via text.

Cancellations

Students who have prepaid for lessons and have a reserved time slot may have one free cancellation each calendar month. After that, missed lessons will be charged normally. Any no-shows, or lessons cancelled less than an hour beforehand will be charged the full amount.

If a student makes a habit of cancelling lessons (ie, four canceled weeks in a row), I reserve the right to cancel the remainder of the lesson contract.

I reserve the right to cancel a lesson for any reason. No charges will be assessed if I cancel a lesson. Students will not be charged for any missed lessons due to my absence, and that lesson will not be counted towards the one free cancellation per month policy.

Students who do not show up on the day a new billing cycle starts will lose their reserved time slot.

Sickness

Please do not come if you or your child are feeling unwell. I see many students in my studio, and one sick person can spread illness to everyone else.

Makeup Policy

I will offer makeup lessons on a case-by-case basis, based on my availability and that of the student.

An option for makeup lessons is an asynchronous lesson: the student can create a video of them playing, up to 5 minutes long, and submit it for my review, after which, I will send either a video or detailed notes offering constructive feedback.

Another option is for a 25-minute video-conference lesson.

The option to do asynchronous makeup lessons will be offered at my discretion.

Termination of Lessons

Students may cancel their lesson contract at any time. However, no refunds or pro-rate will be given for any unused lessons.

Materials

There are certain items that are essential for playing music, beyond just the instrument. For violin/fiddle and viola students, these include, but are not limited to: violin/viola/fiddle, bow, strings, chinrest, shoulder rest, instrument case, music book(s), finger guide (when appropriate), rosin, tuner, music stand. If students do not have these items, they cannot learn effectively.

I will occasionally print sheet music for students to learn, beyond what is in the course book. Sometimes this music is not free and must be purchased online. Students will be responsible for the cost of such materials. This music and the cost will be agreed upon before making any purchases.