About Voice Lessons

Everyone can learn to sing or improve their singing skills. Voice lessons provide a safe environment for exploring all of the amazing sounds you can make and building your musical skill set. Topics covered in lessons include vocal technique, diction, musicianship, and vocal health. Acting as well as audition and performance preparation are covered for those geared toward stage performance careers and/or college auditions.

Voice lessons are geared toward the goals and musical interests of the individual student. We begin by warming up the voice and then explore repertoire suited to you. Lesson lengths are 30, 45, or 60 minutes depending on the level of the student.

Online Lessons

Online lessons had been increasing in popularity even before the Covid-19 pandemic. If you have internet access and a room to sing, you can have online lessons. During the pandemic all lessons have moved to an online format until further notice. Occasional in person lessons will be offered periodically with masks in either Highland Park, Gladstone, or Westfield, NJ.

Attendance Policy

• Regular attendance at lessons, classes, rehearsals, and performances is expected. Your weekly lesson time has been reserved for you.

• No-show (without notice) results in a missed lesson and will not be rescheduled or refunded.

• Eligibility for a makeup lesson requires notification in writing via email at least 24 hours in advance or you will be charged for the missed lesson.

• Students are offered two makeup lessons per academic year. Makeup lesson times will be available between January 31-February 10 and June 21-30.

• Teacher’s cancellation will definitely be rescheduled at an agreed mutual time.

Performances

Performances are TBA depending on the situation concerning use of buildings regarding Covid-19.

Tuition

During the academic year (September - June) payments are made on a quarterly basis or twice per semester. Each pay period consists of nine lessons. Tuition is due on the first lesson of each quarter. Please note academic year payments do not roll over into summer 2021.

Late fee

Tuition due dates are marked with an asterisk on the schedule. A $10 late fee will be assessed if your payment is not received by the due date.

Summer Lessons

Lessons can continue in the summer months by arrangement. Payments are made at each lesson. The student will be charged for lessons missed or canceled without at least two days notice.

Lesson Requirements and Materials

• Because students should stand for the duration of their lesson, a sturdy music stand capable of extending to the student’s shoulder height is recommended.

• Music should be purchased as recommended.

• Each student will need a three ring binder and a pencil.

• Students will need a piano or keyboard to use as a pitch reference.

• A substantial part of voice study is training the ear to be able to distinguish between various sounds. The singer cannot always fully assess their sound while singing. It is suggested that students record each lesson to review and make corrections before the next lesson. Most students use a voice recorder app on their smart phone.

• Additional suggestions for maximizing the quality of your online lessons can be found here.

Illness

Should we be able to meet in person regularly later in the year, please note that students should not attend lessons or rehearsals (in person) if they are ill or contagious. An online lesson is an option if the student is ill, but able to sing.

Schedule Change

• Should a permanent schedule change be necessary during the course of the academic year, two weeks are required to arrange a new time and/or day.

• Lessons missed due to a late schedule change are not eligible for makeup.

Dropping/Lesson Termination Policy

By signing the policy letter, you have agreed to commit to lessons for the academic year. Please bring to my attention any issues or concerns that may lead you to drop lessons; we will explore ways to adjust the lesson plan and format to better fit your goals and needs. If for any reason you decide to no longer continue lessons after our attempt for possible improvement, please provide one month courtesy notice.