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Anne Vaaler Voice Studio

Voice Studio Policies, August 2024 - July 2025

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


Beginning with Fall 2024, this studio will follow a tuition-based model. Fall and Spring Terms each include 17 weekly lessons over 20-22 weeks, allowing for holidays and some flexibility. There is additional information about tuition costs and what tuition includes at the bottom of this page. (*Small print alert: if you don't miss any lessons, you might find yourself with a bonus lesson or two!)

Fall Term: August 19, 2024 - January 16, 2025 (studio closed Sept. 2; Sept. 10-12; Nov. 27-29; Dec. 23 - Jan. 3, 2025).

Spring Term: January 20, 2025 - June 12, 2025 (studio closed Feb.17; April 14-18; May 26).

*Small Group Lessons: 10 week sessions, Singing Club and Sing & Strum (ukulele and singing); Session I - Sept. 10 to Nov. 15; Session II - Dec. 9 to Feb. 23; Session III - March 10 to May 23

Summer Term:  June 23 - August 14, 2025. Summer lessons will be offered in 6 or 8 lesson packages. 

*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 the age, needs, and experience of each unique student.  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, and are 50 minutes in length, for a 10-week session. 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 and what doesn't!


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.

  • If the Instructor has to cancel a pre-paid lesson for any reason, and that lesson cannot be rescheduled to the satisfaction of both parties, the tuition will be applied toward a future lesson. Refunds are not available.


 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 and cancel the lesson and I will be notified. Missed lessons will not be rescheduled; remember, there are more weeks than lessons in each term. Group classes are not eligible for make-up classes 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, student must have access to a laptop/ipad* for best results. This is a valuable way to avoid losing your 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 as soon as possible.  We all know that unexpected things happen, but you have my contact information and I ask that you make me aware as soon as you are able. 

  • 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 not only the actual lesson time spent with the student but also 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

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 - $300 for 10-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.


Payment methods

 An automated invoice is sent each month of the term and 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 the student decides to discontinue lessons that are paid by the month, 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 $10 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. 

  • *Tuition payments are due on the 15th of the month

    • Fall: August, September, October, November, December

    • Spring: January, February, March, April, May

    • Summer: June, July




Contact information:

annevaaler@gmail.com

530-210-0138

Website: annevaalervoice