Anne Vaaler Voice Studio
Voice Studio Policies
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. I am looking forward to getting to know you and helping you become a better musician! Please understand that, for most students, you are committing to taking lessons for one term: September - mid-January, February - June, or Summer mid June - August). If you are an adult student, I can offer "a la carte" lessons, depending on availability.
Location
My studio is located at 10055 Wolf Rd, Suite 12, in Grass Valley at the intersection of Hwy 49 and Combie/Wolf Roads, near Lake of the Pines. If you are a Charter School student, registering through Miners Harmony Music Store, my studio is right upstairs. I am also able to provide lessons by Forte (Zoom for music folk), when necessitated by inclement weather or minor illness.
Lesson length
I offer 3 types of session plans. Please check which plan you would like when you sign-up. In order to receive the monthly pre-pay discount, payments MUST be made IN FULL by the 10th of the month. Otherwise, a la carte lesson fees will apply.
1. Monthly Pre-Paid Tuition (x lessons in a month, usually 4, sometimes 5):
30 minutes for $35 (recommended for ages 5-10) = $140-$175 per month
45 minutes for $50 (recommended for ages 12-16, and older beginners) = $200-$250 per month
60 minutes for $65 (recommended for upper high school and older, especially experienced singers) = $260-$295 per month
2. Semester-based Tuition, 14 lessons within a term: $500/14 - 30 minute lessons; $700/14 - 45 minute lessons. Each term is approx. 16 weeks, allowing for some flexibility - make-up lessons must be scheduled within the same term. Payment is due no later than the first lesson of term.
Fall Term: September 1, 2023 - January 19, 2024 (no lessons Nov. 20-24, Dec. 22-Jan. 5)
Spring Term: January 22, 2024 - May 17, 2024 (no lessons March 25-29, 2024)
Summer Term: Summer lessons will be billed as monthly lessons
3. A la Carte (pay as you go) Lesson Fees, available to adult students, continuing high school students:
45 minutes for $55
60 minutes for $70
Group classes:
- One-hour group lessons for ages 6-11; please contact me directly to learn more about group lessons and how they work.
- Rhythm Kids (a Music Together program), for ages 4-8; please contact me directly for registration information
Late Fee:
If more than two lessons pass without remitting payment, you will be charged a $10 late fee per lesson.
Payment
You will receive an automated invoice each month and payment is due before the first lesson of the month in order for the pre-pay discount to apply. A la Carte lessons must be paid at time of scheduling. Paypal via My Music Staff, Venmo, or checks made payable to Anne Vaaler are acceptable forms of payment.
You are able to log-in to the My Music Staff student portal and check your balance. You can also make payments via Paypal (or Stripe if registered through Miners Harmony). 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.
Semester based tuition is non-refundable.
Should lesson payments not be made for four weeks, lessons will stop and you will risk forfeiting your spot to another student.
Missing a Lesson
If you need to miss a lesson, please contact me directly 24 hours prior to the lesson by text, email, OR, even better -- log into your student portal and cancel your lesson.
If 24-hour notice isn’t given you will be charged for the lesson
Missed lessons without proper notification, as a general rule, will not be rescheduled
Makeup credits will be issued if proper notice is given and must be used within 90-days. Make-up lessons may be scheduled on the parent/student portal or with instructor consultation
Please keep in mind, if you verbally tell me you will be missing a lesson in between students at pick up or drop off time, I cannot be guaranteed to remember this. YOU are responsible for notifying me by text or email
Group classes are not eligible for make-up classes, unless specifically arranged by teacher (in cases of severe weather or teacher cancellation)
Arriving LATE to a lesson
If you know you will be late for a lesson, please notify me by text as soon as possible. I know sometimes things happen, but you have my contact information and I ask that you make me aware as soon as you can. While I understand sometimes unexpected things happen, please try not to make a habit of arriving late.
If you arrive more than 15 minutes late to a lesson you will be charged for the lesson and the lesson will not occur
Late lessons without proper notification, as a general rule, will not be rescheduled
Lessons end on time, regardless of what time YOU arrive, unless previous arrangements have been made
If you are late more than 3 (three) times without proper written advance notice, you may be removed as a student
Please keep in mind, if you verbally tell me you will be late to a lesson in between students at pick up or drop off time, I cannot be guaranteed to remember this. YOU are responsible for notifying me by text or email
Taking a Break
We all need a break from time-to-time. If you need to miss more than two weeks of lessons for any reason, a two-week, non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. If you decide to not pay the non-refundable deposit, you will be placed on a waiting list and contacted when a lesson spot opens up.
Responsibilities of Instructor
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
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
Expectations
Be on time! Lessons will end at their scheduled time, regardless of the time of student’s arrival
Bring all required music, water, a pencil, a 3‐ring binder, and/or a spiral notebook and folder for music or notes
Practice vocal exercises and repertoire as often as possible
Be willing to learn and try new things
Bring a positive attitude & energy to your lessons - they will be more fun!
Music
From time to time, it may be necessary to purchase a methodology book, soundtrack or sheet music, especially for younger singers. For your convenience, if you would like me to purchase these for you, they will be added to your lesson invoice. I use a music-licensing service that allows me to purchase and print sheet music, rather than purchasing an entire book. In most cases, music is delivered electronically for the student to print. This music is utilized during your lessons to enhance your vocal techniques and to give students more choices in the music we work on together.
Contact information:
530-210-0138
Website: annevaalervoice