| Davis Violin Studio Policies |
Teaching Philosophy
It is my goal as a teacher is to help students develop the skills to be comfortable playing the
violin and to get great enjoyment from it. I will do my absolute best to help my students
become expressive and confident musicians. I believe that anyone can learn to play the
violin; all it takes is an interest in learning, attention to instruction, and a daily commitment
to practicing.
Practicing
Practicing is the most important part of any musical education. Consistent daily practice
habits allow the student to become increasingly comfortable on the violin and to more fully
enjoy his/her playing. When a student does not practice regularly, it almost always results
in frustration and loss of progress. Practicing every day takes commitment and results in
greater enjoyment for the student as their ability progresses.
Communication
You should always feel free to call me with any questions or concerns you may have. Please
do also call if you have good things to report, such as practicing going well or success with a
certain piece of music. Our lesson time is both limited and precious so I strongly prefer we
speak outside of lessons.
Tuition
Tuition is due at the first lesson of each month. Tuition is the same every month, regardless
of the number of lessons in the month. It is assumed that lessons will continue year round;
there are scheduled weeks off for holidays and breaks between semesters. Students are
expected to continue lessons year round. If a student decides to stop lessons for any reason,
I ask for at least a month’s advance notice. If sufficient notice is not given, one month’s
tuition will be expected at that time. If for any reason you are considering discontinuing
lessons, I ask that you speak to me about the situation so that we can work on it together.
Please contact me regarding current tuition rates.
It is my goal as a teacher is to help students develop the skills to be comfortable playing the
violin and to get great enjoyment from it. I will do my absolute best to help my students
become expressive and confident musicians. I believe that anyone can learn to play the
violin; all it takes is an interest in learning, attention to instruction, and a daily commitment
to practicing.
Practicing
Practicing is the most important part of any musical education. Consistent daily practice
habits allow the student to become increasingly comfortable on the violin and to more fully
enjoy his/her playing. When a student does not practice regularly, it almost always results
in frustration and loss of progress. Practicing every day takes commitment and results in
greater enjoyment for the student as their ability progresses.
Communication
You should always feel free to call me with any questions or concerns you may have. Please
do also call if you have good things to report, such as practicing going well or success with a
certain piece of music. Our lesson time is both limited and precious so I strongly prefer we
speak outside of lessons.
Tuition
Tuition is due at the first lesson of each month. Tuition is the same every month, regardless
of the number of lessons in the month. It is assumed that lessons will continue year round;
there are scheduled weeks off for holidays and breaks between semesters. Students are
expected to continue lessons year round. If a student decides to stop lessons for any reason,
I ask for at least a month’s advance notice. If sufficient notice is not given, one month’s
tuition will be expected at that time. If for any reason you are considering discontinuing
lessons, I ask that you speak to me about the situation so that we can work on it together.
Please contact me regarding current tuition rates.
Recitals
Students are strongly encouraged to play in recitals throughout the year. There will be at
least one studio recital per semester, as well as opportunities to perform at other venues. The
more a student performs, the easier it gets and the more fun it becomes, so be sure to take
advantage of these opportunities!
Missed Lessons
Missed lessons do not change the monthly tuition. I do not give make-up lessons. If you
know in advance of a conflict, call me, and I will let you know if there are alternate times
within the same week when you could have your lesson. I reserve the right to two sick days
throughout the year in the event that I am severely ill. My hope is that I won’t need them. I
will not cancel lessons unless it is an absolute emergency. On occasion I will need to
reschedule lessons in order to pursue professional opportunities, but I try very hard to limit
these instances.
Group Classes, School Orchestra and Youth Orchestra
Participating in group classes, school orchestra and youth orchestra is greatly encouraged!
Playing music with your friends is one of the best aspects of being a musician. While I do not
provide group classes, I am happy to give you information about Denver Talent Education, the
local Suzuki group class provider. I also have information about local youth orchestras. If
you and some friends would like to work together on a piece of chamber music, I am more
than happy to coach you.
Students are strongly encouraged to play in recitals throughout the year. There will be at
least one studio recital per semester, as well as opportunities to perform at other venues. The
more a student performs, the easier it gets and the more fun it becomes, so be sure to take
advantage of these opportunities!
Missed Lessons
Missed lessons do not change the monthly tuition. I do not give make-up lessons. If you
know in advance of a conflict, call me, and I will let you know if there are alternate times
within the same week when you could have your lesson. I reserve the right to two sick days
throughout the year in the event that I am severely ill. My hope is that I won’t need them. I
will not cancel lessons unless it is an absolute emergency. On occasion I will need to
reschedule lessons in order to pursue professional opportunities, but I try very hard to limit
these instances.
Group Classes, School Orchestra and Youth Orchestra
Participating in group classes, school orchestra and youth orchestra is greatly encouraged!
Playing music with your friends is one of the best aspects of being a musician. While I do not
provide group classes, I am happy to give you information about Denver Talent Education, the
local Suzuki group class provider. I also have information about local youth orchestras. If
you and some friends would like to work together on a piece of chamber music, I am more
than happy to coach you.
Lesson Etiquette
Attendance
Do your very best to be on time or early to your lesson. If you are late, your lesson time will
be shortened to allow the next lesson to begin on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late,
I will assume you are not coming.
Lessons in My Home
When you come for lessons, students and families should enter the house, remove their
shoes, and come directly downstairs to the studio. There is space in the studio with a
comfortable chair for parents attending the lesson, as well as plenty of books and a basket
with crayons, toys, puzzles and scrap paper for siblings to amuse themselves. I ask that you
respect my home while you are a guest in it.
Siblings
If siblings come to the lesson, they must be able to play quietly within sight of the parent.
Please do not leave young siblings unsupervised in my home. Parents or other relatives are
welcome to bring toys for siblings to play with as long as the playing is quiet, and the toys
are picked up before leaving.
Thank You
Thank you for taking the time to read and understand my studio policies. I look forward to
working with you and your child on learning the violin! Sincerely, Ms. Davis
Attendance
Do your very best to be on time or early to your lesson. If you are late, your lesson time will
be shortened to allow the next lesson to begin on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late,
I will assume you are not coming.
Lessons in My Home
When you come for lessons, students and families should enter the house, remove their
shoes, and come directly downstairs to the studio. There is space in the studio with a
comfortable chair for parents attending the lesson, as well as plenty of books and a basket
with crayons, toys, puzzles and scrap paper for siblings to amuse themselves. I ask that you
respect my home while you are a guest in it.
Siblings
If siblings come to the lesson, they must be able to play quietly within sight of the parent.
Please do not leave young siblings unsupervised in my home. Parents or other relatives are
welcome to bring toys for siblings to play with as long as the playing is quiet, and the toys
are picked up before leaving.
Thank You
Thank you for taking the time to read and understand my studio policies. I look forward to
working with you and your child on learning the violin! Sincerely, Ms. Davis
