Welcome to BLC Music Studio! These policies are to inform you of what to expect when working with me and to increase communication and expectations regarding attendance, payment, and level of commitment. You can read about my teaching style and philosophy here.

What you can expect from me:

Professional instruction and career advice from an operatically trained soprano with over 30 years performing and teaching experience. In our lessons we will go over such things as breath-body connection, healthy body alignment, high tongue position, how using certain physical and mental tools can help maintain a consistent and supported airflow, choose repertoire suited for your voice type, lyric diction and IPA, song interpretation and character development, audition coaching, vocal health and wellness tips and how a classical technique can be applied to any style and genre.

What I expect from you:

Consistent attendance, coming prepared to and willing to work during lessons, practice on your own, have an open mind to learn new things, no matter how “silly” they may seem, and have a passion for learning and telling stories through song!

Virtual Lessons:

BLC Studio offers online lessons exclusively at the moment using either ZOOM or FaceTime. Please sign on for your lesson a few minutes before your lesson begins so it doesn’t put me behind for other students. If you are having technology issues and cannot connect to ZOOM, we can try FaceTime and if that doesn’t work, a reschedule will be the option. Please try and let me know via text or email 30 minutes prior to your lesson start time or as soon as possible.

Lesson Scheduling & Cancellations:

• Lesson Duration: All virtual lessons are 45 minutes long. I offer flexible scheduling to accommodate busy lives, but consistency is key to progress.
• Rescheduling: If you need to reschedule a lesson, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice. Lessons canceled after 24 hours of the scheduled time may not be rescheduled, and the lesson fee will be forfeited.
• Missed Lessons: Missed lessons without prior notice will not be rescheduled. Exceptions may be made in cases of emergency.
• Teacher cancellation: If I need to cancel for any reason, your lesson will be rescheduled to the next available slot that works for you.

Payment:

• Payment Options: Payment is due monthly at the first lesson of each month. Payments can be made via Venmo, Google Pay or PayPal. *If you have signed up for the 3 or 4 lesson “subscription” plans, 25% of the total package price will be due at the first lesson of the month. You can see all pricing options here.
• Late Payment: A late fee of $25 will be applied if payment is not received by the second lesson of the month.
• Refunds: Tuition is non-refundable. If you need to discontinue lessons, a two-week notice is required.

Practice Expectations

• Daily Practice: Consistent practice is crucial for vocal progress. Students are expected to practice daily and come prepared to each lesson with the materials provided. Recording yourself is highly encouraged so that you can see and hear what needs to be worked on.
• Materials: Students are responsible for purchasing sheet music, books, and other materials as recommended. I will provide certain sheet music and vocal exercises as well as provide workbooks, checklists and other educational material to help with learning.
• Required for each lesson: Students must bring assigned sheet music, repertoire, a recording device (can use phone voice memo), a pencil to make notes on music and water to stay hydrated.

Studio Etiquette

• Punctuality: Please sign on/arrive on time for your lesson. If you are late, the lesson will still end at the scheduled time.
• Environment: BLC Studio is a safe, inclusive, and supportive space for learning. Respect and kindness are expected at all times.
• Health & Safety: If you are feeling unwell, particularly with symptoms that affect your voice, please reschedule your lesson. *Student’s will also have the option to have a non-singing session where we can dive into the translation of your piece(s), work on IPA together, work on character development, dive into your desired niche for music or begin building a brand for you.

Performance Opportunities

• Recitals & Events: Students are encouraged to participate in studio recitals and other performance opportunities. These events are an excellent way to showcase your progress and build confidence.
• Preparation: Participation in performances requires commitment to practice and lesson attendance.

Communication

• Contact Information: For any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out via text or email. I aim to respond within 24 hours.

Studio Closure

• Holidays & Breaks: BLC Studio will be closed on major holidays and during scheduled breaks, which will be communicated in advance. *Studio will be open during the Summer.