Music Academy of the Two Rivers

Studio Policies

STUDIO POLICIES

These are the policies by which we abide, in order to create a safe, fair, and welcoming environment, and to ensure that our students' education will be as worry-free as possible.

Tardiness and Cancellation Policy

Cancellations require 48 hour notice via email, or else you will be charged for the lesson, except in the case of medical or family emergencies. Tardiness will not be compensated for by the teacher, unless she deems the reason excusable, and has time available immediately after the lesson. Refunds are unavailable, for any reason.

Rental Policy

A full instrument outfit ( instrument, bow, and case ) will be provided to any student in need of an instrument for a fee that is included in the cost of lessons. The student will be responsible for any damages incurred not due to the wear and tear of time, as the teacher will regularly replace the strings and bow hair. If the student fails to return rental instruments, bows, or cases to the studio in excellent condition when requested, the student will be charged for the purchase of the item. We cannot currently provide other instruments unless otherwise stated, but we will aid our students in finding affordable options.

NOTICE 5/31/23: This rental policy is suspended. Existing rentals are grandfathered in, but no new rentals will be allowed, due to a student refusing to abide by the above policy, resulting in a $300 loss to the studio. Until this cost is recouped, this policy is indefinitely suspended.

Permissions for Performances

Any student currently in the studio may not participate in any performances, auditions, or any other public excursions, without the express permission of the teacher, which will require approval of the pieces in a lesson. Violating this policy may result in expulsion from the studio.

Holidays

The only weeks of the year during which the teacher will not hold lessons are the days during which a mandatory evacuation is in effect, when the teacher is ill, and during Suzuki Institutes they elect to attend, or days otherwise indicated by the teacher. If you will miss a lesson because of a holiday, let the teacher know in advance , or else you will be charged for a cancellation without notice.

Lesson Materials

The student must bring all lesson materials to every lesson . Failure to do so will result in cancellation of the lesson . These materials include but are not limited to the student's instrument/box, bow/stick, books, and a pencil. Certain exceptions do apply, at the teacher's discretion.

End of Book Recitals

At the end of each Suzuki book/reaching each milestone, the student will be required to give a solo recital . This does not need to be a big event, but it can be, if the student wishes.

Extra Help

If the student has any questions or concerns at any time, they may email, text or call ((843) 298-3606), or otherwise contact the teacher for help. She will answer requests within 24 hours, and may invite the student to come in for further (free) instruction if necessary.

Advancement in Repertoire

To advance to the next piece in the Suzuki method, the student must demonstrate that they have learned and mastered the technique introduced in the piece, show both accuracy and consistency in technique throughout the entire piece, and finally, develop a musical sense of the piece. To advance to the next piece past the Suzuki method, the student must demonstrate a precise and complete understanding of every aspect of the piece.

Accommodations; Every Child Can

If a student is in need of any accommodations, for any physical or psychological disabilities, the teacher needs to know exactly what accommodations are necessary, so that the lesson experience can be as comfortable and successful as possible. If the student wishes to disclose specifics of their conditions, the teacher will not share this information outside of the lesson. Remember, every child can learn to play the violin. Every child can.

Studio Recitals

The studio will host recitals and other events throughout the year. All students are encouraged to participate . Any students who participate will be required to rehearse with the studio accompanist before the performance, and to attend a dress rehearsal with the rest of the performing students. No fee is required to participate in the recitals. Students must attend the dress rehearsal and arrive at call time to perform at the recital.

Group Classes

Beginning July 2021, biweekly group classes will be offered for all students at no extra cost . These group classes will be every other Saturday. The teacher(s) will lead the students through the songs in the Suzuki books, being sure to involve everyone, regardless of their technical level. An accompanist will be provided, as well as snacks. Attendance is not required, but strongly encouraged.

Practice with Savannah

Between the hours of 3 PM and 8 PM on weekdays, students may request to come into the studio for an hour, to practice with Savannah , at no cost. Students must have attended a lesson in the past 30 days in order to qualify for this. The student must practice as they would at home, and Savannah will interject to guide them in their practice, to help them better understand how to practice at home. Parents must be in attendance during these hours, in addition to lessons.

Observation

Every student must be prepared to have their lesson observed, by other students in the studio, other teachers in the area, or potential students/parents. At the same time, every student in the studio is allowed- and encouraged- to attend and observe the lessons of their peers. All lessons must be attended by a parent, guardian, or other adult figure who can record the lesson either in a notebook, through audio, or video.

Expletives and Offenses

As the studio caters to adults and toddlers and everyone in between, expletives will not be tolerated; neither will screaming, threats, or violent behavior. Upon any offense, the lesson will immediately end, and the student's enrollment at the studio will be terminated, and any payments made along with any materials rented or borrowed will be forfeited by the student and returned to the studio.

Dress Code

In lessons: Wear clothes that are comfortable , that are not restrictive . Shoes are not required while in the lesson. Tank tops are suggested, as they allow the teacher to see tension in the back, chest, and shoulders, that is not as easily evident in other clothes. Parents and children over 16 must wear masks, or show that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19, and that they have received their flu shot during flu season.

In concert: In solos, the student should wear formal clothes that are comfortable , that are not restrictive . No heels , instead wear shoes with comfortable soles. In ensembles, all students should wear all black , with full length sleeves, and pants or skirts that reach their ankles.

Payment

Payment for lessons may be made via the online invoicing system and must be made the day of the lesson, or earlier . Students may also prepay for lessons through the online store. No refunds can be provided. If a lesson is cancelled within the 24 hour minimum, in the case of medical or family emergencies, the payment can be applied to the following week's lesson.

Scholarship Program

See our Membership page for details.

Extra Lessons

If the student requests an extra hour long lesson, the cost will be $61 per extra lesson. If the student requests an extra half hour long lesson, the cost will be $38 per extra lesson. If the teacher requests an extra lesson, it will be free of charge. The teacher may request an extra lesson for any reason, and though it is not a requirement, it is strongly encouraged.

Advanced

$61

Per hour

For older students with high attention spans, or any student who is covering advanced material, or who wishes to build a large repertoire in addition to advancing technique.

Intermediate

$38

Per half hour

For younger students with high attention spans, or any student learning the violin in their first year, or students who would rather focus on repertoire than technique, or students who merely need a violin tutor in addition to regular private lessons elsewhere.

Beginner

$23