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 distributed over 12 months. Please note that tuition is not charged for July, and no lessons will be given during summer break (July 1st through 28th).
Tuition for the upcoming month of lessons is due the first week of each month. A late fee of $10 will be charged for payments received after the 10th of the month, and a $30 fee will be charged for returned checks. If the student cancels or misses a lesson, tuition will not be refunded or credited toward regularly scheduled lessons. Tuition rates may be adjusted at the beginning of the studio year. Cash, checks, PayPal, and Venmo are accepted.
*Any fees incurred through online payment methods will be charged back to the student.
Makeups and Cancellations
Lessons are weekly appointments reserved specifically for the student. Please do not schedule other activities during the student’s designated lesson time. Students may choose to attend a makeup class in place of a missed lesson. Each student is guaranteed four makeups per studio year, and the student or parent is responsible for requesting a makeup. Additional makeup classes may be offered at the teacher’s discretion.
Students may take four consecutive weeks off per studio year without tuition due, and their lesson time will be held during this period. Absences shorter than four weeks are included in the annual tuition plan and do not qualify for tuition adjustments. To ensure a consistent schedule for all students, lesson times may be released if tuition is not continued during an extended break.
Makeup classes are scheduled on an as-needed basis. Depending on the number of students in attendance, makeup classes may take the form of an ensemble coaching, group lesson, private lesson, or studio class.
Makeup classes may be taught in-person or remotely via Zoom. To qualify for a makeup class, at least 24 hours’ notice is required for cancellations, although notice at the beginning of the month is appreciated. Students who do not cancel the lesson 24 hours beforehand are considered no-shows and are not eligible to attend a makeup class.
If a student cannot attend an in-person lesson due to illness, travel, or transportation issues, a remote lesson may be held at the usual lesson time. If the teacher cannot physically attend an in-person lesson, she will offer a remote lesson at the regularly scheduled time. On occasion, the teacher may need to reschedule lessons due to gigs, performances, and other professional obligations. If the teacher cancels a lesson, she will offer a private makeup lesson that fits the student’s schedule. If the teacher is unable to reschedule, tuition for that month will be prorated, or the student will receive a tuition credit that will be applied to the next month.
Student and Parent Responsibilities
Learning an instrument is rewarding but requires commitment. Students are expected to practice and listen consistently throughout the week and should refer to their lesson notebook for weekly assignments, goals, and practice strategies. Parents of younger students are expected to take notes during lessons, whereas the teacher will take notes for older children and adults. During lessons, older children and adults should be prepared to make markings in their music. If the lesson is remote, students must take the lesson in a quiet environment with no distractions.
It is recommended that young children practice for 5-15 minutes, beginners for 30-45 minutes, intermediate players for 45-60 minutes, and advanced students for 60-150 minutes, at least 6 days per week. Parents are expected to assist younger students in devising a consistent practice schedule and reinforcing practice goals.
For students under the age of 10, lessons are most effective when a parent or guardian participates. With the teacher’s approval, older students may have lessons without parental involvement, although parents may be asked to observe on an as-needed basis.
Group Classes
Group classes will be offered throughout the year, and participation is strongly encouraged. Each class consists of two or more participants and may include mixed levels or be tailored to a specific age group or level. If the group class serves as a makeup lesson, there is no fee to attend. If the group class serves as a supplemental lesson, there is a $40 fee to participate.
Group classes build community within the studio, allowing students to connect with and learn from other members. In a group setting, students work on cultivating musical artistry, collaborating with peers, refining performance repertoire, and mastering review pieces.
Performances
Participation in studio recitals and festival events is encouraged. Please only commit to these dates if you are sure of the student’s availability.
Please inform the teacher of any upcoming auditions or performances, and she will help the student prepare. The teacher can also provide recommendations for summer festivals and workshops.
Studio Holidays
Fall: November 23 – 29, 2026
Winter: December 21, 2026 - January 3, 2027
Spring: March 22 - 28, 2027
Summer: July 1 - 28, 2027
Studio holidays do not affect monthly tuition, with the exception of summer break. No tuition will be due during the month of July. Lessons may also be given on various SFUSD holidays throughout the year. Studio holiday dates are subject to change, and students will be notified in advance of any adjustments.
Withdrawal
Students considering discontinuing lessons 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.)