Studio Policies

Private (30 minute) and group (55 minute) voice lessons are for all students ages 10 to adult. Group lessons have no more than 4 students. Lessons occur weekly with the exception of some master class and holiday weeks as listed in the studio calendar. Students will work towards a final performance (with students only) or recital (with family and friends) at the end of each semester.  Some semesters will not have a final performance, depending on scheduling.

You can expect 3-5 minutes of “passing minutes” at the end of each lesson in order to transition from one student to the next.

Occasionally master classes will be scheduled during the semester. When this happens, students will prepare and work towards their performance in the master class. Master Classes are for students only. Master Classes will take the place of the student’s regular lesson for that week unless otherwise specified in the studio calendar. Lessons and master classes are held in Hillary’s home studio.

There may be one (or two) recital(s) per year, usually in May and/or November. Before each recital we will review recital etiquette and the expected preparation for each student. Recital locations are TBA.

All master classes and recitals will be scheduled at the beginning of each semester and will be listed on the studio calendar.

There are no make-up lessons for cancellations made by the students because of scheduling conflicts or illnesses. If the student or parent knows there will be a scheduling conflict, the parent or student may contact another student and swap lesson times for that week. Please notify me if a lesson swap has been arranged. Click here for the swap list. There are also no makeups for missed master classes or recitals.

Much like missing swim practice, soccer practice, or dance classes, if a student does not attend a lesson/master class for whatever reason, they forfeit that lesson/master class. If family vacations or trips conflict with a certain week in the month, please plan ahead and make arrangements to swap with another student for that week. Of course make-up lessons in the case of students with extenuating circumstances such as an extreme illness or a family emergency will be considered.

Students should arrive on time. If the student is late, lessons will still end at the regularly scheduled time and the lost time will not be made up. Students should not arrive more than 5 minutes early. If they arrive too early they will need to sit outside until their lesson begins. Parents, please drop off and pick up your children on time.

If Hillary cancels a lesson, she will make it up. Hillary will work with the student (or parent) to arrange make-up lessons.

30 days notice is required if a student decides to discontinue their music class. Notice should be given by phone/text or email.

Students should come prepared to each lesson. This requires daily practice. As a general rule, a specific amount of practice time is not required, but please make sure the lesson assignments are fully completed whether it takes a half hour or more than an hour per day.

Students are required to purchase their own music books and other music supplements. Students should bring all current repertoire to every lesson.

All students should bring a recording device to record each lesson. Only voice recording is needed, but video recording works as well.

All youth should not have their cell phones out during lessons unless they are being used to record the lessons and are put on the designated recording spot. Active participation during their entire lesson is expected.

Payment is considered a monthly tuition. Tuition payments are not on a per-lesson basis. The number of lessons and master classes per month will change from month to month. Regardless of the month to month schedule or scheduling conflicts, illnesses, holiday breaks, or vacations, your monthly tuition remains the same during each semester.

Tuition payments are due by the 8th of each month. After the 8th, a $10.00 late fee will be added to your total. Accepted payment forms are cash, credit, debit, Venmo, or Paypal.