Studio Policy

Contact Information

Phone: (805) 258-3011

Email: naomistoodley@gmail.com

Address: San Francisco, CA 94107

Website: naomistoodley.com



 Tuition

Tuition is based on a yearly cycle that consists of 44 lessons per studio year (September - August). Tuition for the upcoming month of lessons is due the first week of each month, and a late fee of $10 will be charged for payments received after the 10th of the month. A $30 fee is charged for returned checks. With the exception of July, studio holidays do not affect monthly tuition. No tuition is due in July, unless the student chooses to purchase lessons at the single-lesson rate. If a lesson is missed or cancelled, tuition will not be refunded or credited toward regularly scheduled lessons. Makeup classes are available for eligible students. Tuition rates may be adjusted at the beginning of the year. Cash, checks, PayPal (naomistoodley@gmail.com), and Venmo (@nhstoodley) are accepted. 


Makeups and Cancellations

At least one makeup class is offered per month. Makeup class times will be announced at the beginning of each month. In order to qualify for a makeup class, at least 24 hours’ cancellation notice for the regularly scheduled lesson must be given, although notice at the beginning of the month is preferred. Students who do not cancel the lesson 24 hours beforehand are considered no-shows and are not eligible to attend a makeup class. Students are allowed to attend up to four makeup classes per studio year, and advance notice of 48 hours is required to participate.

Students who cannot physically attend an in-person lesson at my residence—due to illness, transportation issues, or travel—may have a remote lesson at the normal lesson time. If I cannot physically attend an in-person lesson, I will offer a remote lesson at the regularly scheduled time. If I cancel a lesson, I will offer a private makeup lesson (in-person or remote) that fits the student’s schedule. 

 

Student and Parent Responsibilities

Learning an instrument is rewarding but requires commitment. Practicing at least five days per week is ideal for optimal progress, and practice sessions should be structured similarly to lessons. Students should refer to their lesson notebook during practice sessions for weekly assignments, goals, and practice strategies. Please speak with the teacher for an individualized practice plan, but general practice duration recommendations are as follows: 5-15 minutes for young children, 15-30 minutes for beginners, 45-60 minutes for intermediate students, and 60-150 minutes for advanced players. Parents and students should also plan on incorporating active and passive listening into their weekly schedule.

Active listening counts toward practice time and includes humming/singing along, learning a piece by ear, or thinking about articulations, bowings, dynamics, fingerings, etc. while listening. Passive listening, also known as background listening, does not count toward regular practice time but is essential to developing musicianship skills. Listening while driving to and from school, cooking a meal, completing homework, and getting ready for bed are convenient ways to integrate passive listening into the students' daily activities. Students should actively and passively listen to review songs, current pieces, and future works in the Suzuki repertoire, but the teacher may also assign listening beyond the Suzuki canon, as well. 

Students should practice and take remote lessons in a quiet environment with no distractions. This is extremely important for the student’s development as a musician and allows for maximum productivity during practice sessions and lessons. Parents are expected to assist younger students in devising a consistent practice schedule and reinforcing practice goals. 

 Students 10 years old and younger must have a parent/guardian present at the lesson. Older students may have lessons without parental involvement, although parents are encouraged to observe lessons occasionally. 

 

Performances

Participation in studio recitals and MTAC events is encouraged. Please only commit to these dates if you are sure of the student’s availability.

My students’ playing represents my teaching. Please let me know ahead of time if you have an upcoming audition or concert, and I will help you prepare. If you are interested in attending a workshop or summer festival, I will provide you with recommendations.

 

Scheduling

Lessons are weekly appointments that the teacher reserves specifically for an individual. The student should not schedule any other activities during this time. If I need to cancel or adjust lesson times, I will give you advance notice and will do my best to accommodate your schedule. 

 

Studio Holidays

Fall: November 25 - December 1, 2024

Winter: December 23, 2024 - January 5, 2025

Spring: March 31 - April 6, 2025

Summer: July 1 - 31, 2025

Lessons will be given on various SFUSD holidays throughout the year, including but not limited to Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples' Day, Veterans Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lunar New Year, Presidents' Day, and Memorial Day.

During the month of July, students may choose to purchase lessons at the single-lesson rate.


Withdrawal

Students considering discontinuing lesson should confer with the teacher first to make sure that there are not areas that can be resolved. If the student decides to discontinue lessons, the teacher must be informed one month ahead of time. If not, tuition for the following month will still be due.


Media Release Form

As the student or parent/guardian of the student, I hereby consent to the use of photos/videos taken during the course of the studio year for publicity, promotional, and/or educational purposes (publication, presentation, or broadcast via newspaper, internet, social media, or other media sources). I do this with full knowledge and consent and waive all claims for compensation for use or for damages. (Notify me if you would like the student’s face blurred and/or name omitted. Otherwise, students will be identified by their first name.)