Studio Policy

Welcome to Flute With Maddi! 

Your Musical Journey Begins Here:

Our Guiding Principles:

At Flute With Maddi, we believe that everyone has the potential to find their voice through music. We are dedicated to providing a supportive and inspiring learning environment where:

• Your Musical Journey Matters: We focus on your individual progress and celebrate every step you take in developing your flute skills. Perfection isn't the goal – growth and enjoyment are!

• Quality Education is Accessible: We are committed to providing high-quality, tailored instruction to students of all ages and levels.

• Performance Inspires Growth: We offer valuable performance opportunities, such as our annual recitals, festivals, and competitions (optional), to build confidence and share your musical achievements.

• Music is a Lifelong Companion: We aim to cultivate a lasting love for music, offering opportunities for both young learners and adults to enrich their lives through the flute.

What You Can Expect From Lessons:

Our private lessons offer focused, one-on-one instruction, whether in person or online.

• Lesson Structure: Each lesson typically includes a review of previous concepts, introduction and practice of new skills, and work on current repertoire. We'll tailor the focus based on your individual needs and upcoming performances.

• What We Learn Together: Our lessons are thoughtfully structured to guide you through each stage of your flute journey.

  • Beginners will focus on establishing a proper embouchure, breath control, basic fingerings, reading fundamental rhythms and music notation, and playing simple melodies that will increase in difficulty as the students continues in their musical journey.

  • Intermediate students will expand their technique through scale studies, arpeggios, and articulation exercises, delve into more complex rhythms and musical concepts, and explore a wider range of repertoire. 

  • Advanced players will refine their tone and technique to a high level, tackle challenging repertoire from various periods, develop advanced articulation and phrasing, explore extended techniques, and may prepare for auditions, competitions, or professional performance. 

  • Throughout all levels, we integrate music theory, ear training, and musicality to foster a well-rounded and expressive musician. Performance opportunities are provided for all musicians at all stages to help them grow in their musical journey.

• Parent Involvement: Parents are welcome to attend the first lesson and any subsequent lessons they wish, especially for younger students.

• Materials: Students are responsible for purchasing their own method books and bringing them to each lesson.

• Practice: Consistent practice is key to progress! We encourage a minimum of 90 minutes of practice per week and will work together to set achievable weekly and monthly goals.

Online Lessons:

Online lessons follow a similar structure to in-person lessons, with the added benefit of optional lesson recordings for you to review. You will need a computer with a reliable internet connection and a working camera. A separate device (phone, tablet, etc.) with a tuner and metronome app is also required.

Your Commitment as a Student:

To ensure a thriving studio community and maximize your progress, we ask for:

• Consistent Monthly Enrollment: We are a year-round music studio, and we operate on a monthly recurring lesson commitment. Weekly lessons are generally most effective, but bi-weekly options are available for self-motivated students (45 or 60 minutes).

• Regular Attendance: Your consistent presence is important for your development and the smooth operation of the studio.

• Active Participation: Engaging fully in lessons and studio events enhances your learning experience.

• Meeting Expectations: Active student status is maintained by adhering to these commitments. Your status as a student is considered active when you are enrolled in a monthly lesson commitment (during the summer months, June-August, a minimum of 60 lesson minutes per month is required to maintain active student status). Please communicate any challenges in meeting these expectations so we can find a solution together.

Lesson Options & Pricing:

You are reserving a specific lesson time and the teacher's dedicated preparation for your musical growth.

• Private Lessons (Weekly):

  • 30 minutes: $22

  • 45 minutes: $32

  • 60 minutes: $42

• Private Lessons (Bi-Weekly):

  • 45 minutes: $35 (Requires strong self-motivation)

  • 60 minutes: $45 (Requires strong self-motivation)

• Group Classes: Pricing varies based on class size and duration. Private lesson students enjoy waived member fees for group classes.

• Lesson Levels: Beginner through advanced, ages 4 to adult are welcome!

• Instrument Rentals: Limited rentals are available with a separate monthly fee of $10 and a one-time maintenance service fee of $30 (3-month minimum commitment and rental contract required).

Tuition & Payments:

• Monthly Billing: Tuition is billed on the 1st of each month for all services.

• Due Date: Payments are due on the 1st of each month.

• Member Fee: A one-time $30 member fee applies upon initial enrollment, granting you active student status. If your active status lapses (e.g., taking a significant break), the fee will apply upon re-enrollment.

• Late Fee: A $10 late fee will be applied to payments received more than 5 days past the due date.

• Lesson Cancellation Due to Non-Payment: Lessons may be canceled if payment for the month has not been received.

• Automatic Billing: Opting for automatic payments can help you avoid late fees and ensure uninterrupted lessons.

Cancellations & Make-Up Lessons:

• Teacher Cancellation: If the teacher needs to cancel a lesson, you will receive a credit towards a future lesson.

• Student Cancellation (Advance Notice): If you are unable to attend a lesson due to illness or other reasons, a make-up lesson credit will be issued if you notify me before 8:00 PM the day before your scheduled lesson.

• Late Cancellation or No-Show: Notifications received less than 24 hours before your lesson, or failure to attend without notification, will result in a forfeited lesson (missed tuition). A video-recorded mini-lesson will be offered in these cases.

• Make-Up Lesson Scheduling: Make-up credits can be used to schedule a lesson outside of your regular time.

• Cancellation of a Make-Up Lesson: If you schedule a make-up lesson and then cancel it, that make-up credit will be forfeited.

• Lesson Reminders: You will receive an email reminder 24 hours before your scheduled lesson. Please ensure you provide an email address you check regularly.

• Online Option for Illness: If you are feeling unwell but still wish to have your lesson, online options are always available!

Studio Activities & Events: Sharing Our Music!

Performance is a valuable part of your musical journey, providing motivation and the joy of sharing your progress.

• Annual Spring Recital: All local students are expected to participate in our annual in-person spring recital. Online students outside of Utah will participate in a virtual recital via Google Meet. A $10 absence fee applies for non-participation in the spring recital. If performing a solo causes anxiety, we will gladly discuss alternative performance options, such as performing duets.

• Additional Opportunities (Active Students Only):

  • Festivals, master classes, and competitions through organizations like the Utah Flute Association, Utah Valley Flute Festival, and the National Flute Federation (NFMC) are available to students who desire more than one performance opportunity throughout the year.

  • Student solo recitals upon reaching significant milestones: When students reach a significant milestone, for example, going from the beginner level to the intermediate level, graduating high school, etc. Students may have their own individual recitals to celebrate the significant advancement.

Celebrating Your Achievements:

We love to recognize your hard work and dedication!

• Achievement Awards: Our awards system celebrates mastery in scales, music theory, and performances. More details are on the studio website.

• Student Spotlights: We'll highlight student successes on the studio website and Facebook page throughout the year.

• Practice Challenges: Fun, periodic practice challenges offer opportunities to earn prizes and stay motivated.

Staying Connected: Parents & Students

• Monthly Newsletter: Important studio updates, events, and news will be shared via a monthly email newsletter.

• Weekly Lesson Updates: Updates on what was discussed in your lessons, practice assignments, and important information will be added to your student portal. A copy of the lesson notes will also be emailed to your provided email.

• Studio Calendar: Keep an eye on the online calendar for upcoming events.

• Facebook & Website: Our Facebook page and website will be regularly updated with current information.

• Open Communication: Parents are welcome to contact me with any questions or concerns. Evening hours after 6:00 PM are the best time to reach me via call, email, or text.

Joining Our Studio:

• Waiting List: If the studio is currently full, please fill out the waiting list form on our website, and we will notify you when a spot becomes available.

Your Comfort & Safety:

• COVID-19 Policy: I am vaccinated and will not hold lessons if feeling unwell. While masks will not be worn during in-person lessons due to the nature of playing a wind instrument, we will maintain appropriate social distancing. Vaccination is not required for students. Online lessons are always available for any situation preventing in-person attendance.

• Student Confidentiality: Your contact information will be used solely for studio communication and, with your consent, for participation in external events. We will not share your information with others without your permission.

• Equal Opportunity Studio: We welcome students of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on age, race, religion, culture, sex, gender, or sexual orientation.

Policy Updates:

We reserve the right to update this policy as needed. Any changes will be communicated to parents and students.

Agreement:

By registering for lessons, you and your student agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this studio policy.

Policy Consent:

Your registration for lessons signifies your understanding and acceptance of these policies.