When the orchestra teacher of your child's string program recommends private lessons, you may find yourself thinking, "why does my child need them?" Here are just a few of the many reasons private lesson will help your child succeed in music:

• Learn how to practice outside of teacher contact

• Foster independence in your musical learning and performing

• Build confidence in your personal artistry and ability

• Non-parental adult support and encouragement

• Overcoming obstacles independently (with personal, one-on-one, gentle guidance)

• Improved time management skills

• Problem solving strategies

• Non-judgmental approach to self-assessment

• Application of self-discipline

• Overcoming harmful habits

• Encouragement of curiosity

• Stimulation of creativity

• All lessons will be 45 minutes in length.

• Parents are expected to attend lessons of students younger than 6th grade. All new parents in the studio should attend the first 2 to 4 lessons to take notes and learn about their child's learning style and teacher expectations. 

• If a student is a beginner or very young, 30 minutes may be spent in "student instruction mode" and the remainder will be used to facilitate and relate notes to the parent.

• Advancing students may need additional time if preparing for an audition or working on longer repertoire. As such, the 45 minutes may be extended to 50/55 minutes as needed, with no additional charge.

• It is imperative students commit to daily practice. The amount of time per day depends on each student’s goals and should never be less than 15 minutes per day. Remember, practicing takes many forms.

• See Teaching and Learning Section

• $65 per session

• A fee of $15 will be charged for any tuition payment received seven days after the given lesson

• A fee of $30 will be charged for each returned check

• Payment for lessons can be completed using Cash, Check, Venmo, and Zelle at the conclusion of each lesson

Cancellations

If you know you must miss a lesson, call or text immediately at 971.990.3896 or email darian.s.todd@gmail.com

A student who has a weekly lesson slot is committed to taking a lesson every time I am teaching during that slot for the entire Fall or Spring Semester. Cancellations for credit or non-payment are not allowed. If I need to miss a lesson, I will contact you at least 48 hours in advance to reschedule.

Makeups

Provided a student gives more than 48 hours notice of any absence, the student will receive a “make-up” lesson to be taken within the next thirty days. The rescheduled lesson will be in addition to regularly-scheduled lessons (i.e., extending a half-hour lesson to a one-hour lesson, or having two forty-five or one-hour lessons in a given week). The student/parent is responsible for contacting me to reschedule a lesson. A “make-up” lesson can be taken BEFORE a planned absence.

Whenever there are up-coming openings in my schedule, I will notify you via email. If you have a “make-up” lesson that is about to expire, and you cannot find an opening that works, please let me know. I will find a slot for you.

If less than 48 hour cancellation notice is given for any reason, the lesson will be forfeited by the student, and no “make-up” lesson will be scheduled. There will be no exceptions to this policy.

A “make-up” lesson cancelled at any time, for any reason, cannot be rescheduled.

No cash refunds will be made under any circumstances.

Lesson Materials

The student must own, rent, or have access to the instrument studied in lessons. Also necessary for daily practice is; a metronome, shoulder rest, and a music stand. The student must bring a practice journal, etudes/studies, repertoire, appropriate warm-up materials, and instrument to every lesson.

Materials Purchase

For your convenience, I have access to most materials required for lessons. Before purchasing any equipment, instruments, or supplies; please talk with me first. I generally refer students to David Kerr Violin Shop: 4451 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97202; www.kerrviolins.com for supplies and instruments.