While I do enjoy sharing, if you are unwell, I would prefer the illness not be spread. If you are on the tail end of an illness, I request that masks be worn in my home if you are coughing/sneezing, and I do have masks available if you need one. When you wear a mask, I will as well.
Students at AMEB Gr 3 are encouraged to have 45 minute lessons. At AMEB Gr 5 and above, you MUST have 45 or 60 minute lesson if preparing for exams.
Lessons Prices for 2024
- To secure a spot for lessons, first month’s tuition is required.
- The 2024 term begins on Monday 29 Jan and runs through Saturday 14 Dec 2024. The studio will be closed during school holidays unless otherwise arranged; lessons are held on Monday public holidays during the school terms.
- Tuition for the year per student is divided into 11 monthly payments (or prorated accordingly); rates vary depending on lesson length (see below).
- Drop-in lessons are also available, however, no weekly lesson spot will be reserved. Lessons can be scheduled in advance up to one calendar month. Students paying per lesson are ineligible for payment discounts. Prices are listed below.
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Tuition includes:
- personalized instruction tailored to your individual goals;
- access to the Klein Cook Studio website to review lesson notes, check attendance and billing, pay invoices, request lesson swaps into open slots or with other students, keep track of your progress in the interactive practice log, and download backing tracks and pedogogical material; AND
- a student subscription to "The Sight Reading Factory" (https://www.sightreadingfactory.com)
- Tuition for the year is calculated on a minimum of 36 lessons and students can attend up to 40 (if no lessons are cancelled).
- Tuition payment should be paid in cash before the 1st lesson of the month, direct deposit, or by credit card (which includes an automatic 3.5% bank processing charge)
- If, at the end of the calendar year, a student has not attended 36 lessons, credit will not be granted for the following year.
- Payment is due on the 1st of the month.
- Payment that is made after the 5th month will be issued a $30 per-family late-fee for the month which will be added to the following month's invoice.
- If tuition is not received by the end of the month, lessons will be suspended until previous and next month’s tuition is paid electronically and monthly electronic payments have been established.
Discontinuing lessons requires 30 days notice. Full tuition payment for the month is required, regardless of the number of lessons attended.
Drop-in/Casual prices
- 30 minutes - $62.00
- 45 minutes - $91.50
- 60 minutes - $122.00
Discounted, monthly tuition (billed monthly from February through December for up to 40 lessons weekly lessons during the school terms)
- 30 minutes - $180/month ($1980 for up to 40 lessons)
- 45 minutes - $248.73/month ($2736 for up to 40 lessons)
- 60 minutes - $327.28/month ($3600 for up to 40 lessons)
Additional supplies / expenses:
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Instrument, bow & case: Hired/purchased from luthier or reputable shop
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Lesson books: Generally $25 - $30 for beginner method books; advanced material may be more expensive
- Notebook and pencil: Approximately $5 (please supply your own)
- Music stand: please purchase one that is tall enough so the shelf can be level with your shoulders when standing.
- Microfiber cleaning cloth
- Rosin
- Exam registration (optional): AMEB or ABRSM examination fees if you choose to take any exams. These start from $80+ depending on the level.
- Accompanist fees: If you choose to take an exam, a piano accompanist will be required. Fees vary by number of pieces and how many rehearsals with your chosen pianist are required, and are to be paid directly to your accompanist. Accompanists are also nice for recitals, though not required until very advanced.
If you take you lessons seriously, as I do, then I expect you and your student to be ready for your lessons as I will have arranged my time to be there and ready to give my best. Consistency over time is what makes progress. As such, cancellations should rarely happen. But if they do, here’s my cancellation policy...
When you cancel a lesson - there are no make ups. Remember that tuition covers up to 40 lessons per year for the price of 36.
Missed lesson alternatives - If you are having trouble with transport, you have another sick child at home or your child is contagious but still well enough to play the violin, we can have a lesson on the Forte Lessons website! If you would like to use this option, contact me in advance of your lesson time (the more notice you can give me to get organized the better). All students have a private Forte Lessons login, to insure privacy and security. Just log in at your lesson time and I will admit you to your online lesson room, just the same as ringing the doorbell!
Another alternative, if you are not available at your regular time, is to have a Video Feedback Lesson. Again, let me know as much in advance as you can, then record yourself playing through your assignment(s). Multiple, shorter videos work best. You can choose whether to play all of your assignments or just some. I suggest playing things that you think are ready to be passed off, or passages that you have questions about and may need more help. Upload your videos to your practice log BEFORE YOUR LESSON and I will review the videos and respond during your lesson time.
When I cancel a lesson - if for some reason I need to cancel a lesson, I will make it up. If for some reason we can’t, those lessons will be credited back to you toward your future lessons balance or, refunded.
Discontinuing lessons altogether - If for some reason, you decide not to continue lessons together… First off, I’m sorry to see you go, but I wish the best for you and your musical goals. Please give me 1-month's notice so I can fill that lesson space with someone on my waiting list. Please know that pre-paid lesson tuition is non-refundable and that unpaid lesson spots will not be "held" if you decide to return in the future.
Communication:
Mainly, I’ll be communicating via email. But I also will text and call. For questions, I will get back to you in, at most, 1-2 days.
Holidays / Vacations - Given that I invoice families in advance for lessons, we should already be in communication about this so that there are no surprises. I generally follow local school calendars regarding holidays to make sure we’re in sync on what days work best for all of us, and things will go smoothly. :)
