Studio Policy

Studio Policy

Northern Vocal Arts Academy

Studio Policy Statement 2014/2015

Attendance and Cancellations

●         24 hours notice is required for all non-emergency cancellations in order for a make-up lesson to be offered.  Forgotten lessons, last minute cancellations or “no-shows” will not be made up.  Make-ups for missed lessons are subject to my discretion.

●         If you or your child is too ill to attend work or school, you or your child is too ill to attend a lesson.  Please call to cancel for illness.  My contact information is on the bottom of the page.

Fees and Payment

·         Fees can be paid for by the year, 12 week term or monthly.

·         All lessons must be purchased in advance of instruction.

·         Payment can be made with cash, cheque or e-transfer, in person or with PayPal on my studio website.

Per Lesson

Per Month

Per 12 Week Term

·         20% off of lessons completed before 3pm.

Punctuality

●         Arrive early enough for bathroom trips, removing coats, etc. Before your lesson.

●         Please wait outside my studio until your lesson time.  You may enter my studio at your lesson time and wait quietly for me to finish with the student before you. 

●         Departing students should collect their music and leave promptly.

●         Parents or students with questions should ask them at the beginning of the lesson, or via email.

●         Please remember that there is usually at least one student after you.

Music and Music Resources

●         Access to music and music resources is of utmost importance.  Some retailers to consider are:

Long and McQuade

316 George Street,

Prince George, BC V2L 1R3

Ph. 250-563-0691

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·         Other suppliers to consider are:

Sheet Music Plus-www.sheetmusicplus.com

Music Notes-www.musicnotes.com

Practicing

●          Assigned music is required at all lessons.  You will also need to bring a notebook or folder.

●         Bring a voice recorder to every lesson.  Recording each lesson is the most efficient way of reviewing especially if you do not read music or do not have a keyboard at home.

●         Beginner students will need 15-30 minutes per day.  More advanced students are expected to practice daily for at least the length of their lesson time.  Any student interested in mastering vocal technique should practice daily.  Each exercise covered in the lesson needs MULTIPLE REPETITIONS in the practice routine.  Slow practice is always suggested and is very effective and efficient.  When you have not practiced it shows.

Scheduling and Communication

●         Please feel free to contact me at my studio or via email if you need to reschedule, or need to cancel due to illness.  I return calls and emails as time permits.

Performing

●         Performing is a required discipline of music study.  Students who learn to perform develop many character traits that distinguish them from those who have not had such an opportunity.  I will provide performing opportunities through the hosting of Student Concerts and Recitals.  Dates are TBA.

●         Students are expected to perform in recitals unless they are complete beginners.

●         Recitalists are expected to work with an accompanist, not use pre-recorded music tracks.  I strongly discourage the use of pre-recorded tracks for live performances as it does not foster good musicianship or the gaining of valuable experience in working with another live musician.

●         I will provide a list of capable accompanists who will work with us for a reasonable fee.  You are responsible for paying your accompanists for rehearsal and performance time.  Students/parents are responsible for all fees associated with auditions, competitions, recordings, and any other related performances.

Thank you.

Melanie Nicol MMus

Ph.  250-552-8881

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