Policies & Pricing

Please read through all the policies carefully and voice any concerns/questions before enrolling. You will also be given a physical copy of the handbook if you enroll with me. By signing this studio policy, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms below.

Student Expectations

A successful lesson includes preparation on behalf of the student before the lesson. This includes consistent daily practice on assignments given by the teacher. Students are to arrive on time and bring all relevant materials to the lesson such as:

Cello & Bow that is properly sized
Sheet music or method books
Recordings or forms
Chair(if younger)

Parent Expectations

For students of younger ages and are beginning music, parents are required to be present. Parents are the home teacher, and they need to learn all the information in order to present it away from private lessons. Parents of younger children are to assist with practice at home. Please make sure you bring a notepad to take notes and ask any questions you have during the lessons. Do not wait until you get home and then need an answer while practicing. Sometimes, questions still pop up and you are more than welcome to send me a message. However, I will try my best to reply as quickly as possible but will reply in the next business day if I am unable.

Traditional older/advanced students who feel comfortable having lessons without the parent present are an option. If progress declines the parent will be asked to attend lessons again. Parents are welcome to watch all their students’ lessons anytime and I encourage them to pop in and see how things are going!

Practice

It is of utmost importance that daily practice is established. Progress slows when practice does not occur, since every lesson is a piece of the puzzle. Practice should be worked into a students schedule just as other homework/activities are. I encourage finding a productive time the student is fully engaged and cooperative to practice. When time gets very cramped even pulling the cello out for 10-20 minutes is beneficial.

When practicing with your student, please be careful about critiquing- always remain positive and give praise. Additionally, many students forget that listening and following along with your music is a form of practicing. You can absorb many facets of the music by just listening- make sure it is included in your practice!

Make up Lesson Policy

Any lesson canceled less than 24 hours' notice will not be made up at all or refunded. Do not ask. Lessons missed on behalf of the student will not be credited.*

*Exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

Cancellation Policy

Should you decide to discontinue lessons, I require 2 weeks notice of cancellation policy. If the student/teacher relationship is not a good fit I am more than willing to recommend other teachers for the student to reach out to during that time. This will allow for a smoother transition to a new teacher.

Many cancellations or no-shows have consequences to your placement in my studio.

Payment

Tuition can be paid monthly or by the individual lesson. All lessons include private instruction and assistance via text or email from me during the week. Replies will be within the next business day. Tuition also includes parental handbooks, various printed music if you cannot afford the Suzuki books, and supplemental resources or practice kits.

Semester Rates:

Semesters include 16 lessons

30 min lessons - $560 per semester or $140 monthly($35/lesson)

45 min lessons - $840 per semester or $210 monthly($52.5/lesson)

Payment is due the day of the lesson for individual lessons. A $5 late fee will be added if payment is late for individual lessons. Monthly payment is due by the second week of that month, otherwise, you will pay the individual rate.

Individual lessons:

30 min lessons are $40/lesson.

I accept cash or check. I am working on setting up a Venmo account as well.

For my protection, students and families must agree to the following statements:

1. Samantha Kerns is not liable for injury to students or people accompanying them on my property.

2. Samantha Kerns is not responsible for students outside of their lesson time.

3. No student or family of a student may bring legal action to me(Samantha Kerns)

Zoom Lessons

Zoom lessons are a great option for when you are traveling or live in a different location than your teacher. Zoom lessons are scheduled just like normal in-person lessons. Reliable internet and device with microphone(or preferably external mic) is important in zoom lessons.

Zoom lessons are $25/30 minutes

Lesson & Recital Etiquette

Lesson:

Do not arrive more than 10 minutes early to your lesson. If I finish a lesson early, this means two things:
- You have achieved the goals for today's lesson- Yippee! Wonderful progress is being made and that is the most we can learn for today’s lesson(remember lessons are based on prior weeks' practice). I will add a layer of teaching for the next lesson so that we make the most use of our time. Sometimes our brains can only absorb so much information every week as well.
- You did not successfully prepare for your lesson over the week(practice). You will get one practice lesson with me, and then we will discuss future lessons if the habit continues.
Arriving late will not extend your lesson to the full time, as I have students scheduled after you. I will still end at the designated time.
Bring all materials to the lesson
We will not have a lesson if you left your music/instrument or bow and the lesson will not be refunded or rescheduled.
Electronic devices need to be placed on silent, and siblings/visitors, need to be seated and quiet while the lesson occurs.

Recitals/Performances:

Students need to wear business/formal church attire to play in recitals.
Skirts must be longer than the knee (they rise when you sit to play cello and bow!)
Black slacks or khakis are acceptable. No black jeans.
Tucked in shirts if possible.
No gym shoes are allowed. Black shoes that are open sandals, closed-toed, or dress shoes are acceptable.
Always arrive 15 min early for a performance.

FOOD & BEVERAGES

No eating/snacking during lessons.
Bottled water can be brought into the lesson.

MASKING & SICK/COVID POLICY

If you are feeling ill and have exhibited any symptoms please do not hesitate to ask to reschedule. I will try my best to reschedule you. You can also wear a mask or request me to wear a mask at your lessons at any point.