Lesson Policies

Philosophy
I expect students to come into my studio with a strong desire to learn how to play the flute well. Regardless of ability or "talent," each student should expect to practice daily enough time to cover all of the material assigned with the goal of playing each segment perfectly. Weekly lessons are the student's opportunity to 1) show the teacher what progress has been achieved during the week's practice, 2) ask the teacher any questions that have come up during the practice periods, 3) listen to the teacher's instructions to guide the next week's work.

I expect students to be curious. Progress in learning depends on curiosity (e.g. "If I try it this way, what will happen?") I expect students to learn how to enjoy the process of learning and to take joy in their achievements on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis.

Missed Lessons
If I miss or cancel a lesson, it will be made up.

If you have a conflict with your lesson time, please arrange to switch lesson times with another student. I will publish a Swap List with local students' names and telephone numbers so that you may switch lesson times if a conflict arises.

For a missed lesson (when switching lesson times does not work out), you may sign up for one of the make-up lessons that will be published with the calendar in September. To qualify for a make-up, I require that you have attempted to switch lessons with another student, and I require 24 hours advance notice for all reasons except sudden illness and family emergency: 6 hours for illness/emergency.

Lesson Switch Policy
If you have an unexpected or short term conflict with a particular time and wish to change lesson times for that week, you may call another person on the schedule to
switch times with them.

The following procedure must be followed to ensure the integrity of my teaching schedule:

You must call the other party to get permission to "switch" The other party must be willing to attend during your scheduled lesson time for that week. You must then
call or e-mail me and leave a message as to the "switch." If you desire a permanent "switch", you must notify me, as must the other party by telephone or e-mail. I will give all students an updated copy of the schedule. You may not schedule in an open slot without first getting permission from me.


Requirements
I expect every student to be making an effort to improve and to show curiosity and interest in music. I am a committed teacher, and I expect my students to demonstrate commitment through regular practice, lesson attendance and appropriate conduct both at my studio and at all studio functions.

Since taking lessons is a commitment. I expect:

· Daily practice on lesson music. Practice times should include enough time to work on your lesson music and your band music. Generally, beginning students should practice about 30 min/day, intermediate students 30-45 min/day and advanced students at least 1 hour/day.
· Brief written information (birth and death dates, nationality, and a few interesting facts) about the composers being studied.
· Definitions to all musical terms in your music. (Please purchase a dictionary of musical terms. I will be happy to bring pocket dictionaries to lessons for you to purchase. They cost around $5.00.)
· Attendance at a classical music concert (one that the student is not participating in) at least two times per year.
· An 8 1/2 X 11 spiral notebook which is used solely for flute lessons.


For more effective flute playing
· Please bring your instrument, your music and a pencil to lessons.
· For effective practice, all students need a music stand and a metronome.
· I recommend a soft cloth to clean the inside of your flute after every practice session. I also recommend a soft flannel cloth to wipe the outside of your instrument.
· I strongly suggest that you have your flute serviced at least once every year or two by a qualified flute repairperson. Having an instrument in good working condition is important for the student’s progress. You are responsible for maintaining your instrument so that it is in correct working order. If a key breaks or something seems wrong, you need to take it in for repair and secure a “loaner” during the time that your instrument is under repair. A broken instrument does not excuse a student from practice or from attending his/her lesson. If you have a question about a problem with your instrument, I will be happy to give you advice or see if the problem is something I can fix.

Parents
· Please provide your child with a place to practice that is free from distractions.
· If you have anything to discuss with me, please bring it up at the beginning of your child’s lesson, not at the end, so that we do not run into the next student’s lesson time, or call me during the week.
· Parents are invited to sit in on their child’s lesson periodically.
· Parents are strongly encouraged to attend musical events with your child.