Studio Policies
My goal as a voice instructor is that, as my student, you would:
Studio Policies:
Please feel free to call me with any questions regarding any aspect of your vocal study. If these policies are respected things go smoother for everyone and learning how to sing becomes as enjoyable as teaching it. Know that I will be praying for you this season with faith that your training and experience is all you hope it will be. I am honored to walk alongside of you in your singing journey!
When you book your first lesson, you are acknowledging that you have read and agree to the above terms.
- Acquire and reinforce principles of healthy vocal technique and develop an awareness and knowledge of how your unique vocal instrument functions and responds.
- Apply vocal technique principles to the interpretation of standard classical and/or commercial vocal repertoire and gain an appreciation of different styles of vocal music.
- Develop and polish presentation skills that include memorization, diction, interpretation and communication of text, and deportment.
- Develop skills in time management, self-motivation, self-confidence, listening, goal setting, and research through the regular practice of singing.
- Be prepared to audition and thrive in college music or theatre departments, if applicable.
- Gain tools to cultivate habits that enhance a lifestyle as a vocal artist and that can be integrated into other academic, professional, and personal areas.
Studio Policies:
- Enrollment: Students will be considered for regular instruction after an initial conference/lesson with the instructor.
- Lesson Scheduling: Student and teacher will meet for regular lessons at a mutually convenient time scheduled via MyMusicStaff. NOTE: Please be on time! Tardiness is deducted from your lesson time.
- Rates and Payments: Private lesson fee is $65 per hour and $50 per 45 min. lesson. Fees do not include music materials. Fees for the upcoming month of lessons are due on the first day of every month. The student will receive a reminder one week prior. Payments may be made via Check, Stripe (coming soon on MyMusicStaff), Square, Venmo (@Elda-McGintyPeralta), and Zelle. If the student is starting their lessons in the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th week of the month, they will pay the number of lessons left in that month, and then continue regular payment on the first day of the following month.
- Missed Lessons: There are no refunds or credits for absences in which I have not received 24-hours notice, except in the case of sudden illness or family emergencies. No shows or failure to notify the teacher within 24 hours is considered a forfeited lesson. If you know of dates ahead of time where you/your child cannot make a lesson, please notify me when booking/paying for your lessons. I will make up excused absences, as well as any lessons that I have missed.
- Make-up Lessons: Any lessons cancelled at least 24 hours ahead of the scheduled lesson will receive a make-up lesson at a time convenient to both the teacher and the student. Make-up lessons not used after 90 days will be considered forfeited. A make-up lesson can be booked through the Student/Parent Portal.
- Student’s Responsibilities: The student should arrive at each lesson on time, well prepared, and with all the necessary materials (sheet music, books, etc.), if applicable. Student is responsible for purchasing music materials. He/she must schedule, when at all possible, regular practice without distractions. A student’s vocal progress will depend on regular practice; time frames for practicing vary depending on the individual’s schedule and responsibilities, but I highly encourage you to schedule your practice time and use a practice journal where you describe what you practice and your goals for the week. Warm-ups will be made available to students via Google Drive. If you opt to practice longer than a one hour at a time, take a 10-minute quiet break, or do intermittent quiet practice. Often, several short practice sessions are better than one long one (i.e. two to three 20-30 minute sessions.) Reduce/adjust your practice time if you are recovering from illness or have a taxing singing schedule with other rehearsals, coaching sessions, performances, etc. Do not sing when you are acutely ill (coughing, hoarse).
- Library: The student may be lent books, sheet music, or other material. I check this material out in my records. These are educational materials, and, to protect the livelihoods of the performers and composers, they should not be duplicated unless I specify. All material should be returned the next week, unless renewed or specified otherwise. Replacement fees will be charged for any items not returned after one month.
- Dismissal/Discontinuing Lessons: The instructor reserves the right to dismiss any student who cannot or will not maintain a reasonable standard of work, whose behavior/ attitude is not conducive to progress, or has not had consistent attendance. Students may be dismissed for continually being unprepared, for showing disrespect for the instructor or learning, or for other reasons. A probationary period is given in most cases, following an initial conversation with the student. Additionally, if the student decides to discontinue lessons, 2 weeks’ notice must be given or the equivalent payment must be made.
Please feel free to call me with any questions regarding any aspect of your vocal study. If these policies are respected things go smoother for everyone and learning how to sing becomes as enjoyable as teaching it. Know that I will be praying for you this season with faith that your training and experience is all you hope it will be. I am honored to walk alongside of you in your singing journey!
When you book your first lesson, you are acknowledging that you have read and agree to the above terms.