STUDIO POLICY, GUIDELINES & INFORMATION
Please contact me at any time with questions, concerns or to cancel/reschedule lessons! Text and e-mail are best
This policy is in place to protect the student, the parent, and the teacher, and serves to ensure that lessons run smoothly without conflict. Remember, that while taken seriously, music lessons are meant to be enjoyable as well as educational. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy or your child’s lessons, please do not hesitate to contact me. --THANK YOU!
EXPECTATIONS - Students must practice regularly in order to progress. The amount of practicing will vary according to the student’s age/level. I will talk with students/parents individually about how much and how often they should be practicing. Please practice 5-6 days out of the week, even if it is only for 10 minutes! Students are required to play in recitals twice a year, as well as any other performance opportunities that come up. Please come to each lesson prepared and ready to continue perfecting the tasks at hand and adding new material and techniques. If there is something that is confusing, please feel free to ask. Good things take time, so give yourself the patience to learn.
LESSONS - Students may enroll for lessons at any time, and after the second lesson, are expected to remain enrolled for the entire academic year. Lessons will take place at the teacher’s studio in Gaithersburg, MD.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS - I do offer a trial lessons for a fee. This gives us the opportunities to meet, understand expectations and set goals for our musical journey.
SCHEDULE - Lessons will be held weekly for the Fall semester (September through December) and the Spring semester (January through June). Summer lessons are required while both the student and teacher are in town, but with flexible scheduling.
CALENDAR - I will follow the official Montgomery County calendar schedules for Start/End of school, Winter/Spring Break and all holidays and Professional days.
RATES
30 min. lesson = $45
45 min. lesson = $67.5
60 min. lesson = $90
*Payment*
Check
Cash
PayPal! - PayPal.Me/CSimmelink
Venmo: https://venmo.com/ChristianSimmelink
PAYMENT - Tuition reserves the student’s weekly time slot in the teacher’s schedule throughout the year and is required regardless of attendance. Tuition is to be paid at the first lesson of the month. Anything paid past the 15th will have a 10% late fee.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT - Students 12 years and younger must have a parent or guardian present at the lesson. The parent will take notes and act as the student’s “home teacher.” Parental involvement is strongly encouraged for all students, but not required for students 12 years and older.
I encourage you to purchase the Rocketbook (www.getrocketbook.com) for ease of note taking. You can write freely, and then via the APP, take a picture, and keep the lesson notes logged digitally and in your handwriting! I will be keeping track of my own, and send after the lesson is complete. See Technology or Resources
MATERIALS - Instruments and additional materials are not included in tuition. Students are expected to bring all necessary materials to their lessons. This includes their instrument, shoulder rest, rosin, cleaning cloth, assigned music, lesson notebook/Rocketbook and a pencil. Anything that we add to the repertoire is to be expected at the next lesson, unless there is a shipping issue. Any videos sent/taken for practice tips by and of me, should not be shared publicly. They are for the sole purpose of helping you to practice, improve and understand the concept, and practice alongside me!
TECHNOLOGY - As I bring the studio to modern times, I will be utilizing certain technology. I am open to more suggestions to help continue our modern exploration. It will also help to lower our carbon footprint!
Please be sure to sign off on the social media release form, if you so choose!
Rocketbook – will be used for ease of note taking. I will do my best to keep notes and send them to you. Please also consider using this as your note taking tool. www.getrocketbook.com and found on www.amazon.com
ZoomQ4 – We will be recording lessons, so please bring an SD card of about 16 or 32GB. This way you can take it home and re-watch/listen to the listen for additional feedback.
Cell Phone – I will at times ask to take a picture, or video to further increase our productivity. I will sometimes use it to view youtube clips together and can play it on my portable speaker for better sound quality.
TARDINESS - The parent/student will contact the teacher by email, phone, or text if they expect to be late for the scheduled lesson. If a student arrives after their scheduled lesson time has begun, the teacher will complete the lesson in the remaining portion of the time slot. Additional time for the student tardiness is not guaranteed.
If the teacher arrives after a scheduled lesson has begun, the teacher will give additional time past the time slot, to compensate for their tardiness, with mutual acceptance of the student’s schedule.
CANCELLATIONS - Student must cancel lessons by phone or email with at least 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations are considered excused for illness, family emergency, or severe weather (public school closures). Excused cancellations with sufficient notification will be given a make-up lesson within the month or lesson credit towards the following month. No-shows, or cancellations without sufficient notification will not be given make-up lessons or lesson credits.
Any movement or rescheduling will most likely be worked out. If you have to miss for any reason (illness, etc) please try to stick to the 24-hour rule. If it's a day of sickness, I completely understand. If it is a last-minute cancel, I am not obligated to make up this lesson and it will still be part of the monthly payment without a refund. However, most of you know I am flexible.
The teacher may need to reschedule or cancel a lesson due to illness, family emergency, or performance engagements. In this case, the teacher will provide a make-up lesson within the month or lesson credit toward the following month, at a mutually agreeable time.
I will keep you posted monthly of any form of travel that affects lesson times.
SKYPE LESSONS - I am available to offer SKYPE lessons. This will be allowed as an option for make-up lessons. However, I do not offer fulltime SKYPE lessons, as I believe certain things are lost in translation over the facetime.
WITHDRAWAL - Students should consult with the teacher if they are considering discontinuing lessons to make sure there are not areas that can be resolved. If the student still decides to discontinue lessons, one months’ notice s required. The lessons remaining in that month will be finished out, or held for 6 months as credit in case of return. There are no refunds for withdrawals.
VIOLIN RENTALS – RESOURCES - Violin rentals/purchases/materials: Potters Violin Shop. Online: Sharmusic.com
If a student is considering purchasing an instrument or graduating to a larger size instrument, the teacher must be consulted to ensure a proper instrument for the student.
RECITALS - Recital fee, per recital: $40 due during that month’s tuition or the week before the recital.
There will be two studio recitals given per year (one per semester) at a professional venue in the area. Participation is required except for unforeseen conflicts. A potluck reception will follow each recital. The Recital Fee includes hall rental, accompanist and rehearsal time. Specifics will be provided closer to the recital date.
Dress code, it is encouraged to dress at your finest for your performance. Please, no jeans, sneakers, t-shirts. And, please have all hair tied back, and out of the student’s face for ease of playing and pictures.
CONCERT ATTENDANCE - Each student must attend 4 classical concerts this school year. It can include one of my concerts, something at Strathmore, the Kennedy Center, a friend’s recital, etc. You must show me the program to prove that you attended, and write a small paragraph blurb about your experience as a member of the audience. Remember, I can connect you with discounted and Free Kids Tickets to The National Philharmonic and MCYO events :)
SUMMER LESSONS and FESTIVALS - Lessons are expected to continue during the Summer, if the teacher and student are both in town. It is expected to have four lessons throughout the Summer, to maintain your position in the studio. The Summer months are a wonderful chance to make great strides on the violin, as school is not imposing on a student’s time and mental energy. Regular practice is still expected, though conditions where an instrument is not available due to travel are understood. Students are encouraged to take their instrument with them to practice on long trips if possible.
Since you have made it down this far, remember, if there are any questions please feel free to ask me!
Thank you all and I look forward to a wonderful Fall season!
Ms. Christian
Please contact me at any time with questions, concerns or to cancel/reschedule lessons! Text and e-mail are best
This policy is in place to protect the student, the parent, and the teacher, and serves to ensure that lessons run smoothly without conflict. Remember, that while taken seriously, music lessons are meant to be enjoyable as well as educational. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy or your child’s lessons, please do not hesitate to contact me. --THANK YOU!
EXPECTATIONS - Students must practice regularly in order to progress. The amount of practicing will vary according to the student’s age/level. I will talk with students/parents individually about how much and how often they should be practicing. Please practice 5-6 days out of the week, even if it is only for 10 minutes! Students are required to play in recitals twice a year, as well as any other performance opportunities that come up. Please come to each lesson prepared and ready to continue perfecting the tasks at hand and adding new material and techniques. If there is something that is confusing, please feel free to ask. Good things take time, so give yourself the patience to learn.
LESSONS - Students may enroll for lessons at any time, and after the second lesson, are expected to remain enrolled for the entire academic year. Lessons will take place at the teacher’s studio in Gaithersburg, MD.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS - I do offer a trial lessons for a fee. This gives us the opportunities to meet, understand expectations and set goals for our musical journey.
SCHEDULE - Lessons will be held weekly for the Fall semester (September through December) and the Spring semester (January through June). Summer lessons are required while both the student and teacher are in town, but with flexible scheduling.
CALENDAR - I will follow the official Montgomery County calendar schedules for Start/End of school, Winter/Spring Break and all holidays and Professional days.
RATES
30 min. lesson = $45
45 min. lesson = $67.5
60 min. lesson = $90
*Payment*
Check
Cash
PayPal! - PayPal.Me/CSimmelink
Venmo: https://venmo.com/ChristianSimmelink
PAYMENT - Tuition reserves the student’s weekly time slot in the teacher’s schedule throughout the year and is required regardless of attendance. Tuition is to be paid at the first lesson of the month. Anything paid past the 15th will have a 10% late fee.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT - Students 12 years and younger must have a parent or guardian present at the lesson. The parent will take notes and act as the student’s “home teacher.” Parental involvement is strongly encouraged for all students, but not required for students 12 years and older.
I encourage you to purchase the Rocketbook (www.getrocketbook.com) for ease of note taking. You can write freely, and then via the APP, take a picture, and keep the lesson notes logged digitally and in your handwriting! I will be keeping track of my own, and send after the lesson is complete. See Technology or Resources
MATERIALS - Instruments and additional materials are not included in tuition. Students are expected to bring all necessary materials to their lessons. This includes their instrument, shoulder rest, rosin, cleaning cloth, assigned music, lesson notebook/Rocketbook and a pencil. Anything that we add to the repertoire is to be expected at the next lesson, unless there is a shipping issue. Any videos sent/taken for practice tips by and of me, should not be shared publicly. They are for the sole purpose of helping you to practice, improve and understand the concept, and practice alongside me!
TECHNOLOGY - As I bring the studio to modern times, I will be utilizing certain technology. I am open to more suggestions to help continue our modern exploration. It will also help to lower our carbon footprint!
Please be sure to sign off on the social media release form, if you so choose!
Rocketbook – will be used for ease of note taking. I will do my best to keep notes and send them to you. Please also consider using this as your note taking tool. www.getrocketbook.com and found on www.amazon.com
ZoomQ4 – We will be recording lessons, so please bring an SD card of about 16 or 32GB. This way you can take it home and re-watch/listen to the listen for additional feedback.
Cell Phone – I will at times ask to take a picture, or video to further increase our productivity. I will sometimes use it to view youtube clips together and can play it on my portable speaker for better sound quality.
TARDINESS - The parent/student will contact the teacher by email, phone, or text if they expect to be late for the scheduled lesson. If a student arrives after their scheduled lesson time has begun, the teacher will complete the lesson in the remaining portion of the time slot. Additional time for the student tardiness is not guaranteed.
If the teacher arrives after a scheduled lesson has begun, the teacher will give additional time past the time slot, to compensate for their tardiness, with mutual acceptance of the student’s schedule.
CANCELLATIONS - Student must cancel lessons by phone or email with at least 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations are considered excused for illness, family emergency, or severe weather (public school closures). Excused cancellations with sufficient notification will be given a make-up lesson within the month or lesson credit towards the following month. No-shows, or cancellations without sufficient notification will not be given make-up lessons or lesson credits.
Any movement or rescheduling will most likely be worked out. If you have to miss for any reason (illness, etc) please try to stick to the 24-hour rule. If it's a day of sickness, I completely understand. If it is a last-minute cancel, I am not obligated to make up this lesson and it will still be part of the monthly payment without a refund. However, most of you know I am flexible.
The teacher may need to reschedule or cancel a lesson due to illness, family emergency, or performance engagements. In this case, the teacher will provide a make-up lesson within the month or lesson credit toward the following month, at a mutually agreeable time.
I will keep you posted monthly of any form of travel that affects lesson times.
SKYPE LESSONS - I am available to offer SKYPE lessons. This will be allowed as an option for make-up lessons. However, I do not offer fulltime SKYPE lessons, as I believe certain things are lost in translation over the facetime.
WITHDRAWAL - Students should consult with the teacher if they are considering discontinuing lessons to make sure there are not areas that can be resolved. If the student still decides to discontinue lessons, one months’ notice s required. The lessons remaining in that month will be finished out, or held for 6 months as credit in case of return. There are no refunds for withdrawals.
VIOLIN RENTALS – RESOURCES - Violin rentals/purchases/materials: Potters Violin Shop. Online: Sharmusic.com
If a student is considering purchasing an instrument or graduating to a larger size instrument, the teacher must be consulted to ensure a proper instrument for the student.
RECITALS - Recital fee, per recital: $40 due during that month’s tuition or the week before the recital.
There will be two studio recitals given per year (one per semester) at a professional venue in the area. Participation is required except for unforeseen conflicts. A potluck reception will follow each recital. The Recital Fee includes hall rental, accompanist and rehearsal time. Specifics will be provided closer to the recital date.
Dress code, it is encouraged to dress at your finest for your performance. Please, no jeans, sneakers, t-shirts. And, please have all hair tied back, and out of the student’s face for ease of playing and pictures.
CONCERT ATTENDANCE - Each student must attend 4 classical concerts this school year. It can include one of my concerts, something at Strathmore, the Kennedy Center, a friend’s recital, etc. You must show me the program to prove that you attended, and write a small paragraph blurb about your experience as a member of the audience. Remember, I can connect you with discounted and Free Kids Tickets to The National Philharmonic and MCYO events :)
SUMMER LESSONS and FESTIVALS - Lessons are expected to continue during the Summer, if the teacher and student are both in town. It is expected to have four lessons throughout the Summer, to maintain your position in the studio. The Summer months are a wonderful chance to make great strides on the violin, as school is not imposing on a student’s time and mental energy. Regular practice is still expected, though conditions where an instrument is not available due to travel are understood. Students are encouraged to take their instrument with them to practice on long trips if possible.
Since you have made it down this far, remember, if there are any questions please feel free to ask me!
Thank you all and I look forward to a wonderful Fall season!
Ms. Christian
Jellyfish - by A.S.
