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 4th through 31st).

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.

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 60-180 minutes, at least 5 days per week. Parents are expected to assist younger students in devising a consistent practice schedule and reinforcing practice goals. 

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 $35 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 24 - 30, 2025

Winter: December 22, 2025 - January 4, 2026

Spring: March 23 - 29, 2026

Summer: July 4 - 31, 2026


Studio holidays do not affect monthly tuition, with the exception of summer break. No tuition will be due during the month of July.

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.


Cello Rentals and Supplies

Students will need to bring a cello and bow to the first lesson. It is recommended that beginning students start out with a rental instrument, as well as look into rent-to-own programs and trade-in policies.

In order to practice at home, a few materials are needed, including a music stand and tuner. Students should also bring an endpin anchor, cleaning cloth, pencil, and rosin to lessons. These materials may be purchased online or from a shop that supplies cello rentals.


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.)