Expectations and Policies
With the intention of giving you the best music lesson experience possible,
I offer you the following
expectations and policies from Grace Notes Music Studio. Clear communication
is vitally important.
Expectations
My expectations of each student are to:
- Arrive on time for lessons
- Practice the assigned lesson
- Keep two playable reeds in rotation
- Maintain your instrument in playable condition
- Speak up if your motivation wanes
I welcome your questions, thoughts, and ideas about your educational and playing
experience. If you, the student, keep to these guidelines, your success is
ensured!
Recitals
Each student performs twice each year at the Spring and Fall recitals. The Fall recital consists of performances of small ensembles; duos, trios, and the like. Playing groups are formed with other Grace Notes Studio students. You may also form an ensemble with family members or other individuals upon approval by Meg Grace.
The Spring recital is your opportunity to perform a solo work, with or without accompaniment. Accompaniment may be piano, guitar, accordion, or another chord-playing instrument. In most cases, the music will be chosen for you in accordance with your skill level. However, I am always open to student ideas for solo/ensemble music choice. Performance in recitals is required except in extreme circumstances.
Monthly Music Lesson Package
Your Grace Notes Music Monthly Package includes:
- Up to four music lessons per calendar month. These lessons
are custom-tailored to your unique needs as a musician and they evolve over
time as your skill develops. The lessons can be used at any time during a
calendar month but unused lessons do not rollover into subsequent months.
- Brief consultations by phone between lessons, should you
have a question or encounter a problem in your practice.
- In addition to developing greater skill, comfort, and ease in playing your
instrument, you'll learn the critical sight reading skills that
every musician must know in order to play at a moment's notice and not lose
the fun!
- I'll also show you how to properly care for your instrument,
including using cane and synthetic reeds. And if you currently need to purchase
an instrument, I'll give you tips on how to select the best instrument for
your needs and your budget and where to make your purchase.
- Additionally, I'll provide an ongoing focus on both music appreciation
and music theory, both of which are essential elements in becoming a well-rounded
musician.
- You'll also get two performance opportunities each year with ongoing support
for participating in those performances.
And throughout your time with Grace Notes Music, I'll always hold
the vision of you already being the talented musician you dream of becoming.
I'll inspire and call forth your innate musical genius, walk side-by-side
with you while you grow as a musician, and encourage you to have fun all
along the way.
Fees and Payment
The monthly lesson package is available in three different
length lessons. Thirty-minute lessons are $100 per month; 45-minute lessons are $150 per month;
and one hour lessons are $200 per month. Payment is expected at the beginning
of the month for that month of four lessons. Checks made out to Grace Notes
Music or cash are acceptable forms of payment.
Make-up Lessons
If you cannot make a lesson for any reason, to avoid
being charged for a missed lesson, please reschedule at least 24 hours in
advance by calling 503-236-4348. Make-up lessons will be held either on a fifth weekday or doubling a future
lesson if space allows. No-shows and last minute cancellations will be charged
as a regular lesson.
Unexpected illness on the part of the student is the one exception to this
policy. If the student wakes up sick or comes home from school during the day,
a make-up is allowed. If the student’s driver is ill, they must make other
arrangements to get the student to the lesson, as no make-up will be granted
for this.
Parking and Other Logistics
Please park on SE Belmont St. and not in the driveway. You may pull in the driveway to drop off students and then park on the street. The entrance to the studio is on the West side of the house, halfway down the driveway. Please enter and follow the stairs down to the waiting room.
My studio is located on the #15 bus line. Bus riders may find more information at Tri-Met's website.
Please put your instrument together before your lesson time and be ready to play for your appointed lesson. Other family members are welcome to sit in the waiting room during the student’s lesson, provided they read or talk quietly. A parent may sit in on the first lesson if it is agreeable to the student. Many times I will share important information directly with a parent, especially when it is something I want to reinforce with the student.
