Upper Strings Suzuki Studio

Official Studio Policies:

Tuition:

Lessons are once a week. For 30-minute lessons, I charge a flat rate of $140 a month. 45-minute lessons are $185 a month, and 60-minute lessons are $250 a month. I do not offer sibling discounts at this time. This means you will not be paying per lesson, but a monthly fee. Think of this like renting your space in my studio. Just like paying for a monthly gym membership or renting a house, this fee is due every month, whether you miss a lesson or not. As mentioned above, this studio is not a side job or hobby. It is my sole means of income, so your cooperation concerning prompt and regular payment is greatly appreciated!

Payment is due the first lesson of each month. You can pay with cash, by check, Apple Pay, Zelle, or through PayPal (http://paypal.me/lanierviola). If paying with PayPal please send using the Friends or Family option. Otherwise, I have to pay a fee and don’t receive the full payment amount.

In-person lessons (where the student comes to my home) are the only kind of lessons I offer. I do not offer FaceTime or Zoom lessons and I can’t travel to your home to teach lessons.

Cancellation & Make-up policy

Due to the size of my studio, it is very difficult for me to offer any make-ups at this time. If you have to miss for any reason, I will do my best to provide a makeup that works with both my schedule and yours but it is not always guaranteed. Because of this, it is important to make an effort to come to all your lessons! If the student is sick or out of town, I am willing to offer FaceTime or Zoom lessons.

If I have to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances the lesson will be made up or a credit will be given towards the next month. Any make-ups that are given under those circumstances will take place when my schedule permits.

Practice Requirements and Expectations

I value the money I am paid by you to teach your child. This is my job and I take it very seriously. I truly feel that this is my calling in life. I want to develop my students to the best of their abilities and I strive to have the best music studio not just in El Paso, but in all of Texas.

I do not expect perfection from any of my students, but I do expect them to come to each lesson prepared. Being unprepared for a lesson every once in a while is to be expected – life happens! However, please do your best to be prepared as often as possible. Being prepared means being familiar with the material I assign and not scrambling to sightread during lessons. Again, I do not expect perfection, but I need to see that your child is putting forth effort and consistently practicing.

It is important to me that the student practice regularly and apply the instructions and techniques I teach them throughout the week and not just during lessons. Their weekly lesson should not be looked at as a practice session. Practicing is what should be done at home for 20-30 minutes a day. Lessons are where we learn new skills, techniques, and music. Practice at home is when you should be applying those new skills and techniques to your playing. The violin and viola are both very complex and difficult instruments, so practice is mandatory, not optional. It takes intelligence and practice to learn the violin, not talent. There is no replacement for consistent practice.

Parental Involvement

Your involvement in your child’s lessons and at home practice is highly recommended. It is suggested that the student practice daily for a minimum of 20 minutes and your encouragement and involvement can make that happen. My goal is that your student will grow and excel at their instrument and regular practice is the only way to achieve this.

YouTube

I have a YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO6qmwBVyRZPlB5CngdVqfQ) where I post supplemental videos for school orchestra music and assignments I have given. I do this when I am able, as time permits. This is a great way for me to be able to be “with” the students during the week if they are struggling with a certain piece or assignment. This special service is included in your tuition fee! I do not take special requests for videos, but do upload regularly and have a large library of videos at your disposal.

Holidays & Summer

I ask for Thanksgiving and Christmas week off as well as the second week of Fall Break and the second week of Spring Break. Full payment is still due during these months. I teach on all other holidays and payment is expected whether you miss during those holidays or not. If I take any other personal vacations during the year, you will not be charged for those missed lessons. It is up to you to decide whether you want to attend lessons on all other school holidays but please give advance notice if you will be skipping lessons on holidays other than the weeks mentioned above and, once again, payment is still due whether you show up or not.  

Many times, a student has to take the summer off due to family vacations or other commitments. In that case, you will be asked to pay a holding fee of $50 for every month you take off to keep your spot in my studio until your return.

Masks

I do not require students or their parents to wear masks at this time but please feel free to do what makes you comfortable.

Dismissal/Termination Rules

If for any reason you decide to discontinue lessons, please give at least a 1-month notice.

I reserve the right to ask any student to leave the studio or discontinue lessons for any of these reasons:

• If I see that the student is not making any progress and does not accept or listen to my instructions.
• If the student does little to no practicing during the week and continually comes unprepared to lessons.

Finally, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have!

~Chris Lanier