Studio Policy
So you want to take voice lessons! That’s wonderful! Here are the next steps:
Step One: Initial Singing Evaluation
The first step is to schedule an inital singing evaluation. This appointment is 45-60 minutes. During this time I will hear you sing a song of your choice, work with you as I would in a lesson to assess your coachability, and hear about your vocal goals/challenges. Following this consultation, I will provide a written evaluation of your current vocal abilities and plan for how I would work to help you accomplish your goals.
Step Two: Group Lessons
Once we’ve determined that we’d like to proceed with voice lessons, the next step is to get plugged into a group lesson. These group lessons run for 3 months and have 2-4 participants. The classes meet once a week for 1 1/2 hours. During this time we will learn and master the 13 figures of the Estill Voice technique and apply those figures to repertoire.
Step Three: Private Lessons
Once you’ve completed 12 weeks of group lessons, we can start private lessons. Most lessons are 30 minutes, but I also offer 45 minute and hour time slots. These lessons are held weekly.
Coaching:
Perhaps you’re not terribly interested or in need of detailed work regarding your technique and the craft of singing. I’m happy to meet with you as a coach and address the stylistic and dramatic aspects of your repertoire. These sessions are scheduled on a “as needed” basis and are an hour long. You will need to bring an accompanist book (music should be double-sided and hole punched) of your repertoire from which I will play.
Scheduling:
One of the things I love about my life is the variety that makes it full; teaching, performing, and being a mother and wife keep me very busy. I know your life is busy as well and finding a time for your lesson will be collaboration. I will work hard to find a time that works for us both.
Fees:
Initial Singing Evaluation= $75
Group Lesson= $25 per week
½ hour = $25.00 per session
45 min. = $35.00 per session
1 hour = $50.00 per session
Coaching (1 hour)= $100
Payments:
For recurring group and private lessons, I ask that you pay at the end of the month for lessons taken.
Payment for the Singing Evaluation and Coachings are due at the time of those meetings.
You may pay by:
Check (made out to: Emily Sternfeld-Dunn), cash, or credit card (I can accept card payments at the lesson or you can pay online at emilysternfelddunn.com via the payment link).
If you decide to pay in advance for monthly lessons and end up canceling, I cannot do a makeup lesson or credit that payment towards a future lesson (see Cancellation Policy).
Cancellation Policy and Make-up Lessons:
YOU MUST PROVIDE 24 HOURS’ NOTICE TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE. No refunds will be given for no-shows or tardiness. If you cannot be at a lesson because of illness or any other reason, please contact me as soon as possible. The easiest and fastest way to let me know of missed lessons is by text. Please attempt to reschedule if you are running a fever or have laryngitis.
Teacher-Missed Lessons:
Part of my career is performing. Sometimes this requires me to travel. I will communicate frequently and clearly about any lessons that I will miss. These missed lessons will either be made up or not charged.
Group Lessons, Master Classes, and Recitals:
All students involved in private music lessons are strongly encouraged/lightly required to participate in specially scheduled events. These are a vital part of the student’s development. I will give ample notice of these extra events.
Practice Expectations:
Students enrolled in 30 minute lessons are expected to practice a minimum of 20 minutes each day; 45 minute lessons require 40 minutes of practice each day; hour lessons require 50 minutes of practice each day. Students who wish to excel should allow for more practice time. Daily practice will help the student accomplish his/her musical goals, which will lead to greater self-esteem and the enhancement of learning abilities. If you have any questions concerning your student’s practice habits, please let me know.
I look forward to working with you!