Studio Policies - Anne Vaaler Voice Studio

Anne Vaaler Voice Studio

Voice Studio Policies, rev. 6/25

I am so happy to have you in my studio! This policy includes information and expectations for students in my voice studio. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Becoming a better singer and musician takes time, patience, and commitment. I look forward to supporting you and/or your child on this musical journey!

Voice Lessons: an investment that lasts a lifetime!

The joy and pleasure of singing with confidence and skill belong to everyone! As Ella Fitzgerald said, "The only thing better than singing is more singing!"

Anne Vaaler Voice Studio follows a tuition-based model, with students paying the same monthly amount for weekly lessons. The cost is amortized over the full year and accounts for 46 weekly lessons, two "floating" weeks for illness/travel, emergency, one week off in the Fall and Spring, and two weeks off for the Winter holidays. Our make-up policy is based on availability; if there is an opening, a singermay book a make-up lesson. Tuition also includes regular "Singing Workshops" at no extra cost. There is additional information about tuition costs and what tuition includes at the bottom of this page. Tuition is billed at the beginning of each month and is due by the first lesson of the month.

*Small Group Lessons: Offered in the summer and by arrangement. 8-week sessions, Singing Club and Sing & Strum (ukulele and singing).

*A la Carte lessons/Bi-weekly lessons: offered for adult and advanced high school students, for performance coaching and audition preparation.

What type of lesson is best for me or my child?

I recommend 45- or 60-minute lessons, depending on each unique student's age, needs, and experience. Younger students can do quite well in a 45-minute lesson, although I do offer 30-minute lessons for younger students who do best in a one-on-one setting. I also offer small group classes, or Singing Clubs, for young singers. These classes have 3-5 students of similar age. A small group class is a fun and effective way for students to learn about singing.

Student Expectations

Bring a positive attitude & energy to your lessons - they will be more fun!
Be on time! Lessons will end at their scheduled time, regardless of the time of the student’s arrival.
Bring all required music, water, a pencil, a 3‐ring binder, and/or a spiral notebook and folder for music.
Progress is directly related to time spent practicing. Every student progresses at their own pace and according to their own ability and desire. I will provide materials for practicing, and it is up to the student to use them.
Be willing to learn and try new things. Games, play, and silliness are all parts of learning!
Communicate with your teacher, and help her learn what works for you!

Instructor Expectations

The instructor shall provide individualized and personalized music instruction, with attention to the needs and interests of the student.
The Instructor shall begin lessons at their scheduled time, or the Instructor shall extend the lesson to meet the required lesson time.
The Instructor will, during the scheduled lesson time, make rehearsal recordings when possible.

Missing a Lesson

If you must miss a lesson, contact me at least 24 hours before the lesson by text, email, or log into the student portal, cancel the lesson, and I will be notified. Individuals may schedule a make-up lesson ahead of time through the student portal. Group classes are not eligible for make-up lessons unless specifically arranged by the teacher (in cases of severe weather or teacher cancellation). Lesson options for mild illness, transportation difficulties, and inclement weather include:

Forte—"Zoom" for singers can be set up with fairly short notice. For best results, students must have access to a laptop or iPad, plus a second device for playing music tracks from their side. This is a valuable way to avoid losing individual lesson time. *Chromebooks do not play well with Forte or Zoom.
Facetime - in a pinch, Facetime can work in the same way as Forte or Zoom. Again, a valuable tool to avoid losing lesson time.
If you or your child are too sick to "Zoom", I can send a short, recorded video lesson, and add new materials to the individual YouTube playlist.

Arriving late to a lesson

If you know you will be late for a lesson, please notify me by text . We all know that unexpected things happen, but please make me aware as soon as safely possible.

Lessons end on time, regardless of what time YOU arrive, unless previous arrangements have been made.
Please remember, it is up to you to communicate when there are difficulties.

What does your tuition include?

Tuition holds your spot in the studio and covers the actual lesson time spent with the student and time preparing for each student/class. This includes, but is not limited to:

An individualized and consistently updated plan for each student’s course of study
Development of teaching materials
Teacher training and experience
Continuing Teacher Education
Singers' workshops and Open Mic opportunities
Licensing and Certification Fees
Keyboard and equipment maintenance
Technology updates and access to online materials
Studio finances, sole-proprietorship taxes, and studio insurance

Tuition rates for 2024-25 (effective 9/1/24)*

60-minute lessons - $240/month, 5-month term

45-minute lessons - $180/month, 5-month term

30-minute lessons - $125/month, 5-month term

Small group 50-minute lessons - $220 for 8-week sessions

A la Carte lessons: offered for adult and advanced high school students, for performance coaching and audition preparation. 60-minute session - $70, paid at the time of scheduling.

Bi-weekly lessons: 60-minute lessons for adult and advanced students; these are offered when I can coordinate two students into the same lesson time, alternating weeks. Communication is critical to avoid missed/overlapped lessons. Bi-weekly 60-minute lessons will be billed at $130/month. Each student will receive 9 lessons.

*Tuition rates for 2025-26 (effective 9/1/25)

60-minute weekly lessons - $250/month

45-minute weekly lessons - $190/month

30-minute weekly lessons - $135/month

Small group 50-minute weekly lessons - $270 for 8-week (two-month) sessions

A la Carte lessons: offered for adult and advanced high school students, for performance coaching and audition preparation. 60-minute session - $80, paid at the time of scheduling.

Payment methods

An automated invoice is sent each month of the term. Payment is due before the first lesson of the tuition month*. Stripe, via My Music Staff (includes a usage fee), Venmo, checks, and cash are acceptable forms of payment.

Students/Parents may log in to the My Music Staff student portal and check their balance. If lessons are to be discontinued, two (2) weeks’ notice must be provided, and any remaining lessons will be completed or forfeited.
Missed lessons are not refundable.
A late fee of $20 will apply for tuition that is two weeks overdue.
For tuition that is four weeks overdue, lessons will be discontinued, and you will forfeit your time to another student.
Invoices will be received on the 1st of the month
Note: Spring 2025 will be billed February, March, April, May, June; this accounts for 17-18 lessons over the course of the term
Beginning in July 2025, ongoing students will be billed on the first of the month throughout the year. If a lesson pause is necessary, please make arrangements with the instructor. If lessons will be discontinued, a 2-week notice is required, as stated above.

Contact information:

annevaaler@gmail.com

530-210-0138

Website: annevaalervoice