SopranoJoy Studios
STUDIO POLICIES: 2022-2023
MY RESPONSIBILITIES
I will teach your child the language of self expression through vocal performance. My studio is a warm, supportive environment in which art is made. I provide a safe, positive, learning climate in which each student has a highly specific curricula tailored to emphasize their vocal attributes while addressing and improving their baseline skill, proficiency, and artistry.
I will do my best to give your child a set of tools which will enable them to use music as a comfort for the rest of their lives. I will also create and share references and materials as needed for each lesson.
This year, our goal remains to prepare students for performance opportunities. We will continue to build our repertoires so students can feel prepared for myriad recitals and future auditions.
STUDENT/FAMILY EXPECTATIONS
Preparation
Singing is a different, far more physiologically demanding practice than playing an instrument. Therefore, at the beginner level, daily practice is not required. That said, singing (at home, in the shower, or just along with mainstream artists) should absolutely be a part of each student’s day. Of course, as students grow and goals change, it is natural that practice time should increase. If your student is older, has been with me longer, or is trying to get into a summer festival or undergraduate music program, they should practice at least five times a week.
Scheduling
Students are to arrive at their lesson promptly, and notify me prior to absences.
24 hour notice is expected for all absences. After one unannounced absence, regular lesson fee for missed time is expected. I will firmly enforce this. Repeated, last-minute cancellations will be charged in full.
Invoices and Payment
Invoices will be sent automatically, using our billing system, on the 15th of every month. Invoices reflect unpaid lessons from the prior month and any overdue balances.
Payment of invoices is expected within 2 weeks of receipt. Students whose payment is not current at the time of a recital will not be permitted to perform.
Any questions regarding invoices and payment should be directed to emily@sopranojoy.com and she will get back to you as soon as she is able!
INSTRUCTION RATE
My fee is $75/hour for instruction. Instruction comes in the form of lessons, competition preparation, offsite support, and recording consultation.
Instruction time usually ranges between 30-60 min per session. For offsite sessions, duration may be longer. The hourly rate remains constant.
Occasionally, students may be scheduled for joint lessons prior to recital performances. The hourly rate per student for this instruction will stay consistent at $75/hour.
REGISTRATION AND FEES
Each student pays a yearly Administration Fee of $100 and a yearly Recital Fee of $200. These fees may be paid in installments, but will be included in your first invoice of the year. This covers the cost of running the studio as well as the time spent on things other than actual face-to-face teaching. These include:
● Bookkeeping
● Pre-lesson preparation of required materials
● Sourcing of accompaniment tracks and available accompaniments ● Scheduling
● Website cost, maintenance and improvement
● Correspondence
● An individualized plan for each student’s course of study
● Multi genre repertoire research and development
● Piano tuning and maintenance
● Highly individualized repertoire planning
● Professional organization memberships
FOLLOW UP
Please don’t hesitate to contact me or my studio assistant, Emily, with any questions or concerns. For invoice-related questions, kindly direct them to Emily.