studio marise mcneill

1. Introduction

This Policy is to provide clear understanding of the expectations and requirements of students and their families as members of the studio. By following the Policy, you will help me spend my time and energy where both you and I want to give them – helping your child realise his or her musical potential. Thank you for your co-operation in this.

Lessons, group lessons, and concerts are provided to foster each student's interest and love of music through music-making.

Students are expected to build on lessons through regular (daily) practice and listening to practice tapes, and through participation in studio concerts, workshops, group lessons and attend local concerts.

Lessons generally start and finish at the stated times – a late arrival means a shorter lesson, otherwise my timetable runs late, and everyone is inconvenienced. Please arrive in time to unpack instrument and be ready to play at your allotted time.

studio marise mcneill teaches violin using the Suzuki Method. Students are encouraged to belong to the Suzuki Association of New Zealand. Please ask for details.

Payment of Term Fees confirms the student’s allocation of a regular time each week during that Term for lessons and the student's commitment to reserving that time. It is not a payment for specific lessons. Non-attendance represents down-time, as casual students cannot be slotted into spare slots when they arise. Accordingly, students and parents need to consider their priorities where conflicting appointments arise generally as the studio will not provide refunds or make-up lessons for non-attendance. Note that Term Fees do not include cost of special workshops, examination rehearsals with the accompanist and master-classes. These will be charged for additionally. It is certainly helpful when parents email me after paying electronically on the internet.

Generally a penalty will be applied where fees are not paid within two weeks after the start of term or as otherwise indicated. Families should contact Marise if they face special circumstances.

3.2 Materials

Students are responsible for lesson attendance. Refunds or make-up lessons for lessons missed by the student are not provided, except in extenuating circumstances and at the studio’s sole discretion.

Students may swap lesson times to avoid missing lessons. Student are responsible for organising the swap. Where the student agrees, a contact list shall be made available so students can arrange swaps. (Note: failure to arrange a swap does not provide grounds for a make-up lesson.)

Where the teacher is not able to take a lesson, missed lessons will be credited to the next term.

Students are responsible for the care and maintenance of their instruments. Please ensure senior students have spare strings.

Strings break and at any time - sometimes when being fitted for the first time or during tuning. Students are responsible for any broken strings. I will fit new strings and tune instruments only on this basis.

Music-making deserves respect and a professional appearance is an important part of overall stage presence. Students are expected to wear the musicians’ uniform – ‘black and white’ at studio concerts i.e. white top, black trousers or skirt, black or white socks or stockings, and black shoes. Performers not meeting this requirement lower the professional appearance of everyone and may be placed at the rear during group items.

Music-making is a rich and rewarding experience for players, their families and their audiences, now and throughout their lives. I look forward to and enjoy helping the members and families of the studio share this experience.