What to bring to lessons

You need to bring the following to the lesson:

• An iPad, laptop or iPhone or any combination of these. If you are using an iPad you will want to store all your sheetmusic in this and in your computer/laptop as well.
• A folder with sleeves to store notes and sheetmusic.
• A recorder: iPhone/iPad to record instructions and demonstrations of material and any other relevant things which will help you with practising at home.
• The required materials which you are asked to purchase at the start of the course (vocalise and method books, song books etc. – you will receive notice on enrolment).
• Any sheetmusic you have purchased and wish to work on.
• Backing tracks you may have purchased.
• Be prepared to have some movement in the classes so wear comfortable clothing. The emphasis is on fun while learning and singing together.
• It is a requirement for students learning in my studio to have a reliable recording device.

What happens if a lesson is missed?

Cancellations are strictly non-refundable. Please understand that I am there to teach even if you do not attend. Should hospitalisation occur a refund can be arranged if a medical certificate is supplied. In the case of illness, 24 hours notice must be given and then in this case you may then find an alternative time during that week (see below for rescheduling). If I have a vacancy then I will offer that to you in that same week only if there is a vacancy. If this new time is unsuitable then the lesson will have to be forfeited. If a new lesson time is made and you miss that lesson then the lesson will not be offered again. In some cases (due to serious illness or serious family difficulties) a lesson may be made-up during the holidays. Please see the studio’s policies.

If you have the very beginnings of a sore throat please advise me prior to the lesson. Text is fine.

If you are able to go to school/uni/work, BUT you have a sore throat or any other symptoms then the lesson that day will be an ONLINE lesson. In this instance last minute notice is accepted as I will be here for your lesson anyway.

Please refer to an article which perfectly sums up the reasons.

What is the studio’s policy?

Studio Policies

For students aged 9-17 enrolling with a regular time each week after school

TUITION includes your exclusive use of my time and expertise for your scheduled lesson. Once a consult lesson has been completed and you agree to enrol in the studio a commitment of at least one year is established by parent and student, and by me, the voice instructor. I turn down other students so I am available to teach you at that scheduled time. Additional fees may apply in cases where I have spent extra time outside lessons doing repertoire searches, accompaniments and obtaining music for you (see below for details regarding recording by a professional accompanist for advanced levels, a fee may apply).

PRACTICE Your commitment to a regular practice routine is expected whilst under my tutelage. Individual students will discuss with me length and content and methods for practising during the course of our lessons. Parents with children in the Junior Voice program are responsible for the practice routine at home. It is not acceptable to expect a child to take full responsibility for the practice. Parents must supervise and in some cases practise with the child.

MATERIALS as well as in-studio expenses for accompaniments done in lessons by me are included in the tuition fee as well as studio certificates, awards etc. It does not include the cost of music, accompanists or fees associated with contests, Australian Music Examinations (AMEB), auditions, recitals etc. Students are expected to purchase their own personal library of music based upon my recommendations.

MATERIALS REQUIRED BY YOU

• Exercise book for notes or iPad
• Suitable recording device, iPad, etc is compulsory
• Music which you are asked to purchase or borrow

MUSIC LIBRARY I have an extensive music library and students are welcome to borrow music from it.

AT HOME

• Music stand
• A keyboard is recommended but not compulsory
• Any other instruments
• Sound output speakers to play the accompaniments on to practise with

PLEASE BE ON TIME for your lesson. This means arriving 2-3 minutes early. I am unable to extend lesson times to make up for lateness. Enter the studio and be seated quietly while I finish with the previous student. If you do not wish for another student to enter the room whilst you are finishing your lesson please inform me of this prior to commencing tuition. If you are the first student of the day please wait quietly on the bench outside, please do not knock, I will open the door when it is time.The waiting area is outdoors so if you are the first student and very early you may want to wait in the car until time. Check with me about this policy if unsure.

CLOTHING Wear comfortable clothing that you can breathe and move in. Some classes and lessons may have a bit of movement involved.

PARENTS If your child is between ages 8-10 and enrolled in the Junior Voice you may sit in on lessons from time to time or, if I think appropriate, each lesson. I will discuss this in each individual case. If you do sit in on lessons then you are expected to take notes in lessons and are encouraged to discuss the student’s progress (with me separately).
Parents of students not in the Junior Voice program are not required in lessons and are welcome to attend lessons from time to time in a supportive but non-intrusive role. Please do not interject during the lessons. Please arrange with me prior to the lesson if you wish to attend.

CONTACTING ME is done by email for any rescheduling of lessons (see below how it works). For letting me know last minute if you will be away that day you may sms me or email me. For last minute notice about illness an online lesson will be given if the student is well enough. Cancellations are strictly non-refundable. If you wish to discuss issues pertaining to your or your child’s progress please let me know and I will phone you.

EXAMINATIONS – AMEB I reserve the right to decide if and when a student is to present for an examination. Students who are not adequately prepared will not be permitted to present.

EISTEDDFODS I will inform you of eisteddfods and talent quests, auditions and any other relevant performance opportunities and guide you how to prepare for these.

ACCOMPANIMENTS In lessons I provide students with enough accompaniment for practice purposes. For exams and important performances students are required to hire a professional accompanist and this cost is paid by the parent. I will advise on who to contact. It is always best to spend as much time as you can afford with a pianist before the event.

RECITALS Small recitals in lessons are planned and for older students these can take place at a public venue. Solo recitals for general students are recommended but not compulsory. I endeavour to hold studio events throughout the year but I am well-aware that students are flat out most of the year with school productions so I keep this in mind if I schedule my own events.

FEES are payable in advance by the term according to how many weeks are in a term (varies between 8-11). (for Adults see Adults page)

EARLY BIRD To qualify for the Early Bird fee payment must be made on or before the due date marked on your term account. After that fees must be paid by the first lesson of term or the place in the studio will be forfeited. Fees are not refundable. I will try to accommodate other activities in which the student may be involved, but it must be understood that this is not always possible. If this commitment does not receive sufficient priority then this type of tuition is probably not suitable. Regular attendance at lessons is necessary to ensure continuous progress. If too many of the regular lesson times have to be missed due to clashes with other commitments then casual lessons may be an option.

MISSED LESSONS Cancellations are strictly non-refundable. Please understand that I am there to teach even if you do not attend. Should hospitalisation occur a refund can be arranged if a medical certificate is supplied. In the case of illness, 24 hours notice must be given and then in this case you may then find an alternative time during that week (see below for rescheduling). If I have a vacancy then I will offer that to you in that same week only if there is a vacancy. If this new time is unsuitable then the lesson will have to be forfeited. If a new lesson time is made and you miss that lesson then the lesson will not be offered again. In some cases (due to serious illness or serious family difficulties) a lesson may be made-up during the holidays.

If you have the very beginnings of a sore throat please advise me prior to the lesson. Text is fine. If you are well enough then your lesson will be at home online.

RESCHEDULING PRIVATE LESSONS DURING THE YEAR You may reschedule your private lesson occasionally if required by swapping with another student for that week. In this case you may email me (please not sms) and request phone numbers of other students in alternative times. In your email you should list the days and times you are available so that I can choose the appropriate people for you to contact.

Please do not sms me or ask me at the end of the lesson when it takes up the next person’s lesson time.

At least 7 days notice must be given. It is then up to you to make the swap. The more notice you give others to swap the better the chances are of getting your request. Most people are happy to oblige knowing that one day it may be them asking a favour. If you do not wish your name and number to be given to another parent please advise me.
NB.In the case of swapping with another parent an email of your exchange with the parent who is doing the favour for you must be CCd to me by you. Please text, phone or email the parent you have asked to swap for you the night before to remind them.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY LESSONS are optional and sometimes recommended for students preparing for AMEB examinations, auditions, or other performances. Holiday lessons cannot always be offered. Extra fees are charged. There are no makeup lessons in the holidays if you have missed a lesson.

HOLIDAYS DURING TERM TIME “Term Tuition” payments means exactly that. As with many other extra curriculum activities this means that should you decide to go away on a holiday during term then this is your choice and fees are not refundable. If you know you are going to go away some time during the year but would like to keep your place for that lesson time when you come back then full fees apply. As there is always a waiting list I am not able to hold this time and must take on a new student who has been waiting for a place. Upon your return you may then be required to go on the waiting list for a new time when one becomes available. The missed lessons cannot be made up or credited to the following term’s fees. This arrangement secures a continued place in the studio. If this is not suitable then you may consider “Casual Rates” but you will not have a secured time slot. In the event that I am away you will not be charged for lessons.

CASUAL LESSONS for adults (age 18 and above) are scheduled as required when the vacancies arise.

TERMINATION OF TUITION (FOR TERM ENROLMENTS) 2 full weeks’ notice (14 days) is required or fees for the following term apply. This also applies during the summer holiday period over December/January each year.

What is the cancellation policy?

For cancellations of less than 48 hours notice a $50 fee applies for a rescheduling of that lesson. For missed lessons on the day full fee must be paid in order to reschedule another lesson. The rescheduled lesson is charged at the normal full rate. The only exception is serious illness on the day of the cancellation in which case a rescheduled lesson may be booked if a space is available and the cancellation fee waived. Online lessons will be given in case of mild symptoms.

Please refer to an article which perfectly sums up the reasons.

For Students Enrolled for the year paying by term (students aged 17 and under) – once tuition has commenced there are no refunds for any reason.

How do I pay for the lessons?

Under 17 School-aged students’ parents pay by the term.

Adult and first-time students must pay via the internet with direct bank transfer to secure the appointment. After the first lesson, future lessons may be paid cash OR via bank transfer at the start of the lesson. Once a booking for a lesson is made you will be invoiced with the required amount to be paid before the first lesson is booked. A receipt of your payment must be sent via email prior to the lesson. This will be discussed in your email exchange with me in your initial booking.

If fees are not paid by the starting date of your lesson your place is not guaranteed. More information here.

Resources

Music Borrowing

The Perth Music and Performing Arts Library
The library is free to join.
Address: 2nd Floor, The Library and Information Service of WA
Alexander Library Building, Perth Cultural Centre, Perth WA

Music Purchases

Music can be purchased from any good music store. Here are a few I recommend:

Zenith Music (zenithmusic.com)
Zenith Music has sold pianos, guitars and other instruments, sheet music and recorded music from their location in Claremont for over thirty years.
Address: 309 Stirling Highway, Claremont, Western Australia

Tempest Music (tempestmusic.com.au)
Established in 1979 with the view to provide the serious musician with the “complete” service, where musicians could purchase everything for their craft.
Address: 69 Manning Rd, Como, WA, 6152, Australia

Sheet Music Plus (sheetmusicplus.com)
The world’s largest online selection of sheet music.

Music Notes (musicnotes.com)
Thousands of sheet music arrangements to play instantly.

Useful Links

ANATS: Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing (anats.org.au)
A professional association dedicated to serving all those who teach singing in Australia, ANATS was established to encourage the highest standards in the art of both singing and the teaching of singing. ANATS promotes vocal education and research in all genres and at all levels, both for the enrichment of the general public and for the professional development, advancement and interest of both singers and teachers.

A Capella Central (acappellacentral.com.au)
Your central resource for all things a cappella in Australia – information about choirs and groups, how to get in touch with, when and where they will be performing.

AMEB: Australian Music Examinations Board (ameb.edu.au)
A comprehensive system of evaluation in all major areas of Music, as well as Speech and Drama. Today we provide the broadest range of support and assessment available.

Rock School Grade Music Exams (rockschool.ameb.edu.au/vocals/)
Our performance pieces are focused on the most popular contemporary genres and written to put every ounce of your technique and performing ability to the test.

Gondwanna Voices (gondwanavoices.com.au)

Australia’s national children’s choir equips children to perform at the highest professional level of music making in the country. These children are not necessarily training to be future singers, they are training to be artist musicians with a broad understanding of the arts in general and a rich appreciation of Australian culture.

WA Opera (waopera.asn.au)
From humble beginnings in 1967 the West Australian Opera Company has evolved into one of the State?s most celebrated arts companies producing work of an international standard.

West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (waapa.ecu.edu.au)
WAAPA was established in 1980 to provide performing arts tuition comparable to the highest caliber of national and international training benchmarks to be able to meet industry needs around the globe. Students will need to build their own library of vocal music.