Studio Mission and Policies
Updated August 2023
All students/families agree to the following policies upon enrollment.
Students must follow current wellness procedures/mandates to ensure the safety of all students.
In this studio we support:
Maintaining high standards of personal conduct and professional integrity.
Recognizing the dignity and the potential of all individuals.
Provide an encouraging environment in which students can develop their musical potential.
Instruction with loving awareness of each child’s individuality.
Sharing talents with family and loved ones.
Setting an excellent personal and musical example.
Considering first the welfare of the child when guiding decisions on his/her behalf.
Maintain confidentiality in personal matters regarding student and family.
Maintain an appropriate teacher-child relationship.
Educating and encouraging parents to participate effectively in their child’s musical education.
Respecting and supporting parent efforts.
Providing loving, nurturing, music education with the heart and focus of the philosophies of Dr. Suzuki.
Mission Statement Adapted from Suzuki Association of the America’s Ethical Conduct Guidelines May 2021
Lesson Tuition Email: ntxlessons@gmail.com for details.
Online Lessons via Zoom: Email: ntxlessons@gmail.com for details.
All lesson policies apply to online lessons. The student is to login and be present at the scheduled start time. The student is responsible to be present and available during the entire lesson time.
Payment
Lesson tuition is due the 1st of the month.
Tuition not paid on time is subject to a $15 late fee.
The instructor reserves the right to suspend lessons for students that are not current with payment and lesson instruction will resume once the payment is received in full.
Students more than 30 days late in payment may be removed from the studio.
This studio is my livelihood and I appreciate your consistent and on-time payments. Thank you!
Options:
Online: Zelle (use studio email address: ntxlessons@gmail.com)
Email if another form of payment if needed.
Checks returned with an “insufficient funds” letter will be assessed a $35 fee.
Attendance and Make-Up Policy
Your lesson time is reserved specifically for YOU and no one else!
Always review your emailed invoice prior to the upcoming month to make sure there are no conflicts (i.e., field trips, athletic events, etc.). Please avoid scheduling appointments during your lesson time.
It is the parent's/student's responsibility to notify me of any upcoming conflicts so we can work together for the proper accommodations.
“No-shows” or lessons missed for other reasons (i.e., lack of preparation/planning, lack of materials, instrument, etc.) will be considered “unexcused” and neither rescheduled nor refunded.
If you need to terminate lessons, the minimum time to give notice is 30 days.
Music and Equipment
___ I UNDERSTAND Students are required to purchase a metronome, tuner, and any other accessories necessary for the use and maintenance of their instrument.
___ I UNDERSTAND Students are to bring a pencil, notebook or journal for lesson assignments.
___ I UNDERSTAND In accordance with copyright law, students must purchase their own copies of sheet music and etude books.
___ I UNDERSTAND The instructor reserves the right to terminate instruction for students who are consistently unprepared for lessons or who are unwilling to practice as prescribed.
Payment
___ I UNDERSTAND The instructor reserves the right to suspend lessons for students that are not current with payment and lesson instruction will resume once the payment is received in full.
___ I UNDERSTAND Students more than 30 days late in payment may be removed from the studio.
___ I AGREE to pay a $35 fee for any checks returned with an “insufficient funds” letter.
Practicing
___ I UNDERSTAND It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to help their child make practicing a part of their daily routine and to ensure that the student has a place where they can practice with minimum distractions.
___ I UNDERSTAND Beginning students are expected to practice a minimum of 30 minutes a day, without more than two days off in a row.
Intermediate and advanced students are to practice 45 minutes to an 1 hour daily. A practice journal or helper may be used to both assign and monitor practicing activities.
___ I UNDERSTAND In addition to practicing, students may be given listening and recital attendance assignments which are crucial to development as a musician.
Curriculum
___ I UNDERSTAND If student has any questions about band music or assessments, specific help and instruction can be provided upon request.
___ I UNDERSTAND Private lessons have very specific purposes in the development of a student’s playing ability. Please note that these lessons are not considered tutoring for band class. Because of this reason, assignments and approach to learning may be completely different from the band curriculum but will support the overall development of the student.
Recitals and Group Class
___ I UNDERSTAND A big part of developing as a musician is learning the etiquette and ability to perform in front of an audience. Recitals provide a real-life opportunity to experience nervousness and how deal with it. The more opportunities a young musician has to perform, the more confidence they will gain to perform in front of others!
___ I UNDERSTAND Group classes and recitals provide an excellent opportunity for younger musicians to see and hear the talent of more proficient musicians and get excited about their personal growth. It is also rewarding for the more experienced hornists to see how much they have advanced and to feel a sense of accomplishment in their development.
___ I UNDERSTAND Recitals and Home Mini-Performances provide an opportunity for students to share with loved ones and friends all the hard work and dedication they have put into the instrument. It is very rewarding to a student when siblings, parents, grandparents, etc. attend a performance, whether formal or impromptu. A little positive feedback and genuine praise go a long way!
___ I UNDERSTAND Life is busy and it is important for me to take time to truly focus on what my child is accomplishing. I will make a point to celebrate the successes of my musician. Watching my child at a recital is a rare opportunity to focus on just their music making.
___ I UNDERSTAND Group class and recitals help to develop a sense of community and belonging. Seeing and interacting with fellow studio members helps to foster camaraderie and pride.
___ I UNDERSTAND Cost of recital participation is determined based on specific needs for the recital (accompanists, rental of hall, refreshments, etc.) and I will be notified in advance.
Use of Technology, Social Media, Video and Photography
___ I UNDERSTAND By enrolling in the studio I grant Lisa Alvis the permission to use photographs and videos for any legal use, including but not limited to: educational purposes (demonstration, encouragement, communication with parent, etc.), publications, illustrations, copyright purposes, advertising, publicity and web content. Furthermore, no royalty, fee or other compensation shall become payable to you by reason of such use.
Suzuki
___I UNDERSTAND starting August, 2023 “The Hummel Studio” will be known as “North Texas Suzuki Horn” and is the first Suzuki horn studio in Texas and one of the first in the world.
___I UNDERSTAND Lisa Alvis is currently working with the very first Suzuki Brass trained musicians of the world to design, collaborate and refine this method and instruction for horn and some material may be subject to use ONLY for my child as it is in the PROTOTYPE stages.
___I UNDERSTAND and have received the studio mission statement, information in regards to The Suzuki Method and I support the philosophy of nurture-based, innovative, thought provoking, creative and inspiring lessons that support the best interests of my child.
___I UNDERSTAND that I will be given a link to the online studio calendar with all holidays, group lessons, and recital dates and times in advance.
___I UNDERSTAND Starting August 2023 tuition must be paid via Zelle using the email: ntxlessons@gmail.com and if I require another form of payment, I will ask via email.
___I AGREE that group classes and rehearsals are an important part of my students’ success. They are a vital part of the Suzuki program.
___I UNDERSTAND that if I am late to a lesson, instruction will only be given for the remaining time. As a teacher, I try to respect your time by keeping lessons on schedule. I cannot go past your scheduled time.
___I UNDERSTAND that regular and consistent practicing and listening are vital to my student’s progress and success. Students should be practicing at least 5 days a week, for at least an amount of time equal to their lesson.
___I UNDERSTAND that siblings are welcome at lessons to listen and to learn, but not at the expense of the child receiving a lesson. Please do not bring food for them- the studio can get very messy very quickly. Siblings who attend lessons must remain in the studio area.
___I AGREE that if I or my child is ill, I will not bring them to lessons. I understand that if a child is too sick to attend school or daycare, they are too sick for lessons and should be kept at home. Online lessons are an option if a child or a parent is ill. I agree that the teacher reserves the right to end the lesson if she feels that a child, parent, or attending sibling presents as ill before or during the lesson.
___I AGREE that communication between parents and teacher is vital. If you have concerns about your child or about lessons, please bring them to my attention, so we can work together to solve them. Please let me know of conflicts or questions as they arise. Please make email your first mode of contact, and please do not call or text before 8 am or after 9 pm and on the weekends unless it is an emergency. If you have an important matter to discuss, please either use email to contact me, or we can schedule a time outside of lessons.
THIS SECTION IS ONLY FOR NEW SUZUKI HORNISTS NOT ENROLLED IN BAND
___I UNDERSTAND that listening to the reference recordings is essential to my student’s progress. A student who doesn’t listen regularly progresses about four times slower than one who does listen. NEW Suzuki horn students are recommended to listen at least 8 pieces ahead of their current piece in the Suzuki books, as well as to other classical recordings. A list of suggested listening outside of the Suzuki repertoire will be provided. Attendance at concerts and recitals outside of the studio is highly encouraged.
___I UNDERSTAND that if my child is under age eleven, I am required to attend lessons with my child. Please be respectful of your child’s lesson by turning off the ringer on your cell phone. It is extremely distracting to teacher and students to have another conversation taking place during lessons.
New Students
In order to ensure that the student and teacher are the right match for each other, an interview may be conducted via phone or in person before the first lesson.
All students/families agree to the above policies upon enrollment.
Contact
ntxlessons@gmail.com