Studio Policies

/Studio Policies
Studio Policies2022-10-05T20:16:59+00:00

Tuition Rates & Fees

Tuition is due on a monthly basis, either on the first or last lesson of the month. Please contact me for current rates.

Additional costs may include lesson materials and Certificate of Merit evaluation fees, as well as any additional recitals and/or competitions that the student may choose to participate in.

Cancellation Policies

  1. Cancellation of a lesson must be made AT LEAST 24 hours prior to the scheduled lesson time in order to receive a make-up lesson (for definition of a make-up lesson, please see below). This includes leaving messages on my voicemail, a text or email. That being said, students are allowed one “free pass” per year in the case of sickness or emergency.
  2. No shows or failure to notify the teacher within 24 hours is considered a forfeited lesson.
  3. There are NO refunds on unused or cancelled lessons.
  4. Any lesson that I have to cancel will be made up or a credit will be given.

Make-up lessons

Any lessons cancelled at least 24 hours ahead will receive a make-up lesson at a time convenient to both the student and me. If no suitable time can be found, I will credit you the following month.

  1. Students agree to be prepared for each lesson: cello unpacked, bow rosined, preferably warmed up prior, and having their assignment books and music with them. Please do not lose books I provide, or I will have to charge for replacements.
  2. To make good progress, daily quality practice is necessary. Please ask questions! Let me know if there is anything you don’t understand or wish for me to clarify.

Studio Classes

Studio classes are held on Saturdays once a month, from 12:30-2:30pm at Play Music Studio in Cupertino, 7335 Bollinger Rd. Dates for the 2022-2023 school year are as follows:

  • October 1st
  • October 22nd
  • November 12th
  • December 3rd
  • February 11th (TBD)
  • April 1st (TBD)

Students are encouraged to attend and perform at as many classes as possible, but I understand how busy everyone is, so required attendance is at least 2 out of the 6 yearly studio classes!

Certificate of Merit Exam

All students are encouraged to participate in the Certificate of Merit (CM) Exam, organized by the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC). The exam, ranging from Levels Prep through Advanced, consists of three parts:

  1. Performance Test – Technique, Sight Reading, Repertoire (2-5 pieces, depending on level)
  2. Written Test – Music Theory
  3. Aural Test – Ear Training

The 2022 CM exam dates are as follows:

  • Performance and Theory Exams: January 16 – February 21, 2023 

For those taking CM exams this year, please keep all above dates as open as possible. Make-up exams are NOT offered, so plan accordingly.

Competitions / Performances / Master Classes

There are many performance opportunities for students, outside of our studio recitals. I will do my best to keep everyone informed about these events. Feel free to contact me to chat about what will be appropriate for each student. Here’s a quick list of some of the events in our area (there are many more!):