Welcome to McClave Voice and Piano Studio!  I look forward to getting to know you better as we together explore the art of music.  

Please read this studio policy carefully to get an idea of my expectations for students and parents who are a part of my studio.  Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Thank you!

Katie McClave

(720) 626-1677

mcclavevoiceandpiano@gmail.com

Lesson Schedule

Private lessons occur weekly or every 2 weeks from August through May.  During the 8-week summer session (June-July), students are required to take at least 4 lessons in order to hold their spot with me for the following school year.  Learning an instrument requires consistent training and practice, and this policy is in place to ensure that students maintain their training year-round.

Lesson times for the school year are chosen in July on a first-come, first-served basis.  You will be notified in advance of the date scheduling will begin and will receive an email from me on the scheduling date prompting you to submit your schedule request.  Students maintain their lesson time for the full school year, unless a request to change times is made and my schedule allows for such a change.

Summer lessons can be on a regular schedule or different days and times.  Summer scheduling will occur in late April.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition covers instruction of private lessons along with my preparation time.  Invoices will be sent on a semester basis (Spring, Summer, Fall) ahead of the first lesson of the term.  Tuition is payable in full or in monthly installments and is due by the first lesson of each month. A late fee of $15 is added to accounts if tuition is paid after the first lesson of the month.  I accept check, cash, or credit card payments.

Tuition rates are as follows:

30 Minute Lessons $44/lesson

45 Minute Lessons $61/lesson

60 Minute Lessons $78/lesson

Spring/Fall Only: Accounts that are paid in one full payment will receive a discount equal to half the cost of one regular lesson. Every other week students who pay in one full semester payment will receive a discount equal to 25% of the cost of one regular lesson.

Cancellation and Makeup Policy

Please understand that when you have reserved a lesson time slot in my schedule, I have committed to honoring that time slot for the duration of your lessons.  My schedule is very full and does not allow for regular rearrangement of lessons.

No credits will be given for missed lessons.  I require cancelled lessons to have 24 hours notice in order to make up the lesson, and I will offer makeup times for up to 3 advanced cancellations per semester.  Makeup times will be offered for late cancellations (less than 24 hours notice) only in the case of emergency.  

Weather Policy: In general, I will follow the SVVSD weather cancellations.  However, I will often leave the decision to cancel based on weather up to you and whether you feel you can safely drive to my house.  I will offer either an online lesson during your regular lesson time or a makeup for weather cancellations.

If I have to cancel due to illness or any other reason, I will offer a makeup lesson to you.

Discontinuing Lessons

If you need to discontinue lessons in the middle of a term, I will refund you any overage you have paid for lessons untaken. 

Instrument Requirement (Piano Students)

Piano students must have access to a piano for daily practicing.  Beginners may use an electronic keyboard for the first 2 years of lessons, but as technique advances, it is important to work on a well-tuned, acoustic instrument.  Please contact me if you need a referral for a tuner in your area.

Practice Expectations

Instrument study is a skill that must be honed through regular practice.  Students cannot expect to progress at an acceptable rate with inconsistent or infrequent practice.  This is a serious time commitment that must be understood at the outset of lessons and taken into consideration when scheduling other extracurricular activities.

The practice requirements differ based on the instrument taken.  The following are general suggestions, but please discuss your specific level and situation with me to find out my expectations for your practicing.

Piano: Beginning students are expected to practice 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times per week.  Intermediate students are expected to practice 30 minutes, at least 4-5 times per week.  Advanced students are expected to practice 45-60 minutes, at least 4-5 times per week.

Voice: Beginning students ages 7-12 are expected to practice 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times per week.  Beginning students over age 13 are expected to practice 20 minutes, 2-3 times per week. Intermediate students are expected to practice 20-30 minutes, 3-4 times per week.  Advanced students are expected to practice 30+ minutes, at least 4-5 times per week.

Recitals

Performing is an important part of study of any musical instrument and is thus emphasized in my studio.  There will be one recital held every year in the spring semester. The date for this recital will be set at least 6 months in advance.  Performing in the recital is optional, but highly encouraged.

Other Performance Opportunities and Competitions

I am an active member of both NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) and NFMC (National Federation of Music Clubs).  Both organizations offer annual festivals and competitions in March and April for students to participate in, which I highly encourage for those students who are interested and ready.  I will communicate competition information to parents and students by email as it becomes available.