Studio Policies

My Lesson Policy

If you are going to miss a lesson, or suspect that you will have to reschedule, let me know around 24 hours in advance.
Each student gets one free missed lesson with no notice. If you miss or need to cancel two lessons, you still owe me for the 2nd missed lesson. (Should you need to cancel, contact me immediately! Text is preferred if you are canceling at the last minute. Cancellations will be handled on a case by case basis, and I promise to be kind, as I may have to cancel sometimes as well and emergencies happen.)
If you miss more than one lesson without letting me know 24 hours in advance, I will not offer a free makeup lesson.
Let me know if you aren’t going to be there! I worry about missing students!
Regarding makeup lessons, if you miss or reschedule a makeup lesson twice, that particular makeup lesson is forfeited. If you have to reschedule that lesson once, that is fine.
If you are late, or choose not to come, I will no longer reschedule past the one free missed lesson. If I am late, I will make it up.
If I cancel due to illness or additional time off needed, you will be credited for that lesson in the next month’s tuition, or we may be able to reschedule. Rescheduling is preferred.
Should you take time off without payment, I cannot guarantee your spot or time slot will be there when you restart.
If you need to stop lessons, let the and me two weeks before you are planning to stop. That way I can wrap up what we were learning and make sure you are ready to move on to a new teacher, or to take time off lessons.

Practice Expectations

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure proper time for practicing. I will work with you to plan a practice schedule that works for you

As a general guideline, I expect students to practice at least 4 days a week for at least 15 minutes. It may take you/your student more or less time to prepare for your lesson. If you have concerns about this, let me know. I want you to love music, and reach your own goals.

Repetition is what will make lessons most effective, so if I assign something to you, I expect you to repeat it multiple time every time you practice.

Materials and exercises given at the lesson are expected to be prepared for the following lesson.

Please advise me if you are having difficulty finding practice time, so that we can discuss your practice options. I have been there, and I can help.

Let me know about expected school exams, presentations, music competitions, auditions, sports tournaments, anything that will require more of your attention. I will give you work that will help you grow musically without requiring top priority in your busy schedule.

Above all, be honest about how much you were able to practice. It helps me understand how to shape the lesson, and how help you during our short amount of time together.

Student Responsibilities

Arrive on time to lessons and assemble instrument promptly at the beginning of your time slot. If you are late, your lesson will still end at the scheduled time. If I am running late, your time will be made up near the end of the lesson, or at a later date.

If you know you are going to be late, text me (253-232-6804) to let me know.

Bring all materials – books, practice log, pencil, instrument, shoulder rest, to every lesson. If you are not sure which books you will need, email me at speichersusan@gmail.com. I love hearing from you!

Be prepared for your lesson! If you don’t practice, your lesson time will be spent learning practice techniques instead of advancing and learning new skills. This means you will improve MUCH more slowly.
However, a guided practice session is better than no lesson at all! You do not need to cancel if you have not been able to practice.

Try hard and put forth effort.

Prepare for and play in the two recitals I hold every year. One will be in November, and one in March.

Listen and be respectful.

Have fun!