Congratulations on your decision to study at the Siders Studio! We hope that you will find enjoyment and self-fulfillment as your singing, playing, and musicianship improves. We are looking forward to working with you to achieve the goals you have set. Please never hesitate to ask questions or express concerns as we work together – our purpose is to help you in any way that we can.
Attendance
Regular attendance to lessons should be a priority and is imperative to your musical progress! You will receive a reminder email the day before your lesson. Should you need to cancel a lesson for any reason, at least 24-hour advance notice is required, and you will need to reschedule a “make up” lesson at your teacher's convenience within the same month, or you will be charged in full for the lesson. Please keep in mind that due to the studio being busy, makeup lessons can be difficult to schedule. Weeks where there is no school you may cancel the lesson without having to make it up. In the case of inclement weather, not feeling well, transportation issues, etc., lessons are available online to make attendance easier. We can make exceptions to this policy in case of emergency.
Due to recent events, we ask that when students show any symptoms of illness, such as coughing, sneezing, sore throat, fever, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, flu-like symptoms, or gastrointestinal upset, they opt to do their lesson online instead of in person. The Siders Studio teachers will do the same.
Materials
Each week you will need to bring to your lesson all the music you are working on, a notebook for me to write your assignments in, and anything else you are asked to bring.
Over time, you will need to acquire a variety of music books and/or sheet music. These will be recommended based on your goals and abilities. We select materials based on the quality, value, and variety of music. These materials should be considered an investment and will be a valuable resource for years to come. Many vocal song books now come with practice CDs or downloads that have the accompaniments, which are very helpful for practicing at home. These resources may be purchased at many music stores, at web sites such as amazon.com, musicnotes.com, or sheetmusicplus.com, or through us – we will generally check different web sites for the least expensive option that will arrive in a timely manner, and will add the expense to your next invoice. If you have other materials you would like to use, feel free to bring them as well.
Practice
The fastest way to learn anything is practice, practice, practice! Give yourself time. Most often things won’t happen overnight. Singing and playing the piano are both physical and mental activities, and unless the muscles and the mind are exercised daily, little progress will be made. We suggest a minimum of 15 minutes per day, six days per week spent practicing for beginning students. Other students should practice at least as many minutes per day as there are minutes in their weekly lesson, six days per week. Practice time may include technical exercises, assigned pieces, theory assignments, sight reading, listening activities, performing, and other assigned activities. Using the notes from your lesson or lesson recordings will be helpful during practice sessions.
We like to see students take more and more responsibility for the frequency and quality of their own practicing as they get older, but we've also found that support from parents at home can make a big difference in a student’s progress.
Performance Opportunities
There will come a time (believe it or not) that you will want to show off what you have learned. Some of these opportunities will include masterclasses, recitals, festivals, and competitions. Some will be casual and others will be more formal. Certain events might require entrance and/or accompanist fees. You will receive more information as each opportunity arises.
Masterclasses for voice lessons will be held on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 9:00-10:00 am. These group classes will be very helpful in your development as a singer. It is imperative to practice the singing and performance skills you are learning, in front of others. You can get performance experience, learn from others, and get support and feedback in your efforts. You will also receive information that can be easily taught in a group setting. Our hope is that you will make attending masterclass a priority, but we also understand if you occasionally have to miss class.
At least once a year, usually in the spring, the Siders Studio hosts a showcase for students to invite family and friends.
Release of Liability & Media
While reasonable caution is taken at the Siders Studio, parents/legal guardians of minor students and adult students fully waive and relinquish any and all claims against the Siders Studio from injuries, sickness, and/or damages as a result of participating in any activities associated with voice or piano lessons.
Photographs or videos of registered students taken during events, lessons or classes with the Siders Studio are considered for publication and public use, unless the student, parent, or legal guardian submits a written request.
Student Withdrawal
When you decide to discontinue private lessons, please give at least two weeks notice.
Pricing
Monthly invoices will be sent out around the first of each month showing all lessons for the new month, any materials purchased, any applicable performance fees and any balance from the previous month. Payment is due by the first lesson of the month by check, electronic payment such as Venmo (Carli-Siders) or a bank transfer. If you need to pay on a lesson-by-lesson basis, please make arrangements with your teacher. If your account is not kept up to date, then late fees can be assessed and/or future lessons canceled.
Current fees:
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$33 for 30 minutes
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$49.50 for 45 minutes
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$66 for 60 minutes
A $15 masterclass fee for voice lessons will be on the monthly invoice, regardless of your attendance.
Please contact us for pricing for group workshops, accompanying, or piano tracks.