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 (September - August) that consists of 44 lessons distributed over 11 months. Please note that tuition will not be charged for the month of July, unless the student chooses to schedule lessons during that time.
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 a lesson is missed or cancelled, 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 (@naomistoodley), and Venmo (@naomistoodley) 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 each student. The student should not schedule any other activities during this time. If a lesson is missed, students may choose to attend a makeup class. Each student is allowed up to four makeups per studio year. Additional makeup classes may be offered at the teacher’s discretion.
Makeup classes are scheduled on an as-needed basis. Classes may take the form of an ensemble coaching, group lesson, private lesson, or studio class, depending on the number of students in attendance. Makeup class times will be announced in advance, whereas individual makeup lessons are not guaranteed and are only offered if the teacher is available.
Makeup classes and lessons may be taught in-person or remotely via Zoom. To qualify for a makeup class or lesson, 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 or lesson.
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 I cannot physically attend an in-person lesson, I will offer a remote lesson at the regularly scheduled time. On occasion, I may need to reschedule lessons due to gigs, performances, and rehearsals. If I cancel a lesson, I will offer a private makeup lesson that fits the student’s schedule.
Student and Parent Responsibilities
Learning an instrument is rewarding but requires commitment. Students are expected to practice consistently throughout the week and should refer to their lesson notebook during practice sessions for weekly assignments, goals, and practice strategies. This is extremely important for the student’s development as a musician and allows for maximum productivity during lessons. If the lesson is remote, students must take the lesson in a quiet environment with no distractions.
I recommend that young children practice for 5-15 minutes, beginners for 30-45 minutes, intermediate players for 45-60 minutes, and advanced students for 60-180 minutes, at least 5 days per week. Parents are expected to assist younger students in devising a consistent practice schedule and reinforcing practice goals. 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 younger than 10 years old must have a parent/guardian present at the lesson. Older students may have lessons without parental involvement, although parents are encouraged to observe lessons on an as-needed basis.
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. Students participating in Certificate of Merit™ must also perform in the CM Preparatory Recital.
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.
Studio Holidays
Fall: November 25 - December 1, 2024
Winter: December 23, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Spring: March 24 - 30, 2025
Summer: July 1 - 31, 2025
Studio holidays do not affect monthly tuition, with the exception of my summer break. Students may purchase single lessons or schedule makeups for July, depending on the teacher’s availability.
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.
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.)