Lessons & fees

Everything worth knowing before you start, in plain language.

Lengths and tuition

Payment

Zelle and Venmo are the most commonly used methods. Apple Pay, check, and cash are also acceptable. Tuition is due by the first lesson of the month, with a $10 late fee assessed on the 10th of the month. Setting up an automatic payment on Zelle is the easiest way to avoid the late fee. If something comes up, please tell me — I would much rather work with you than have it become awkward.

If a month ever gets less than 3 lessons due to my cancellations or other extenuating circumstances, I may offer the next month at ½ tuition.

Turning up

• Please arrive about five minutes early to unpack and get settled.
• If you are running late, text me. Otherwise, I will text you 10 minutes after the start time and assume a no-show after 15.

Rescheduling and missed lessons

• Less than 24 hours' notice: no make-up lesson guaranteed. The more notice you can give me, the more likely we are to find a time that works — so please say as soon as you know.
• If I need to cancel: I will try to give you at least a week's notice for rescheduling.
• Video lessons over FaceTime or Zoom are always available for illness, travel, or anything else that gets in the way.

Your own studio page is the fastest way to tell me — it takes one tap and I get it straight away.

Recitals and moving up

• An occasional group class replaces one regular weekly lesson and focuses on performing.
• Students give a book recital when they finish a unit or level in the Suzuki method books.
• Everyone is encouraged to attend other students' recitals.
• I sit down with each student and family to talk about goals and where they are heading.

The school year

Lessons mostly follow the Alpine School District calendar. I tend not to teach on school holidays, but you are welcome to request one.

You will be given a link to your own student's page, which carries your lessons and the rest of the scheduling information you need.