Parent Involvement

Parent involvement is a main element of the Suzuki Method. Parent involvement can make a huge difference in the success and of the student in addition to whether or not they find music gratifying in the long term. Parents are expected to regularly attend lessons with their student and be present and active in practicing. Many of the exercises assigned for practicing, even with students that are not beginners will require parent involvement. There are many elements of practicing that will not achieve the intended reinforcement if done by the student alone.  

-At least one parent or grandparent who will be involved in practicing must be present at all private lessons for students age 15 and under.

Required Materials *

-Students are responsible for the purchase of their own books, instruments, and other materials needed for the lessons. I can refer you to shops, online stores, etc. where materials are available for purchase.

Link to List:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KdtuEZt9BFfybQhqN_lPZYwgqqE_FJbf-DhLvW_nFbo/edit 

Practicing

Practicing is an integral and required element of lessons and music performance. It is essential that students practice consistently and well. It is expected that students will record all practicing on the practice charts provided and sent home from lessons each week. The weekly practicing requirement is 5 days each week 

Cell Phones

Students are not allowed to use cell phones during lessons. If phones are brought to lessons, they must be put on a silent setting and put away out of sight for the duration of the lesson. Parents are also encouraged not to use phones during lessons, as they often draw the attention of the student. All cell phones (parent, sibling, and student) must be on silent at all times during lessons. If parents must take a call during a lesson, this needs to be done outside the building.  

Missed Lessons *

Students are responsible for their weekly time slot. If you realize that you may be late, please try to make it to as much of the lesson as you can. I will save every minute of your time slot, even if it is only the last 5 minutes. No-shows are counted as a lesson, and are charged as such. Credit towards the next month's lessons is not given for no-shows. Planned absences such as family vacations need to be scheduled with me before the start of the month, when tuition is due. Last minute absences are treated as no-shows. If you let me know as soon as possible, we may be able to alter scheduling, but this is not always possible.

Tuition *

-Tuition for the month is due at the first lesson of the month

-Cash, Venmo, and Personal Check are accepted

Recitals

Recitals are held 3-4 times per year. Recital dates will be given as soon as they are scheduled and can always be checked and referenced at www.dodgestringstudio.webnode.com/studio-events-and-dates/  . Students are required to be present at all recitals, with few exceptions. Generally recital dates are generally given 2+ months in advance, so strive to get them into your schedule/ calendar ASAP, so that scheduling does not become an issue. Students should arrive 15-20 minutes before the start of recitals to allow time for tuning and setup. Students that arrive after the start of a recital may not be allowed to participate. Students are also expected to be dressed in appropriate recital attire. There are no sleeve, neckline, or skirt length expectations to be considered appropriate, but please no jeans, shorts, or flip flops!

Food

- No food is allowed in the studio during private or group lessons

Siblings

-Siblings are welcome in private lessons, unless they become a distraction to the lesson. If they become distracting, they may be asked to sit in the waiting room.

-Parents are asked to make other arrangements for siblings during group lessons.