Learning to sing is a long process that requires commitment, dedication, and lots of practice. Even professional singers still take regular voice lessons! Your progress will depend on how much time and effort you put into your at-home practice sessions.

Practicing: Students must practice regularly, in order to see results. I recommend at least 20 minutes a day for beginners, and 60 minutes a day for more advanced singers. It is important to record each lesson and use this recording as a practice tool. Use a singing journal to write down any questions, observations, and struggles to discuss at your next lesson.

Payment: Monthly invoices must be paid for in advance; payments are due by the first lesson of the month. Each month you will receive an e-invoice that directs you to the PayPal website and gives you instructions on how to securely pay with your credit card, debit card, or checking account. For information on rates, click here.

Scheduling, cancellation & tardies: Please inform me if you have any upcoming schedule conflicts, so that I can plan ahead and prepare an accurate monthly invoice. Most lessons are scheduled back-to-back with other students. If a student is late, the lesson cannot be extended past the regular time. If a student is unable to attend a lesson, they should notify at least 24 hours in advance, in order to receive a makeup lesson or credit (except in the case of sudden illness or emergency.) My rehearsal schedule often requires flexibility on your part. If I cancel a lesson, I will provide a makeup lesson or a credit by the end of the semester.

Illness: Please do not come to a voice lesson if you are sick. It is bad form to share your germs with other singers! When in doubt, cancel 24 hours in advance.

Bring to each lesson:

• Two 3-ring binders with copies of all current repertoire (one for me, one for you)
• Singing journal/notebook and pencil (write down exercises, notes, questions)
• Water bottle
• Recording device such as a smart phone with a voice memo function, Griffin's iTalk mic (compatible with certain iPods) or a digital voice recorder

Music and Copyright:

As a music teacher I must uphold copyright laws, so I prefer that students purchase their own books/music. During the first few lessons I discuss repertoire preferences with a new student before asking them to purchase books, and during that time I have copies of music to lend. Older 'public domain' music free of copyright issues is available to print on imslp.org - start there before you purchase sheet music.

Lesson termination: Sometimes the student/teacher relationship just doesn't "click." It's important to communicate with your teacher when this happens, so that we can work together to find a solution. If a student decides to terminate lessons or find a new teacher, 30 days' notice is requested. I am happy to help you in your search for a new teacher, if needed.

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