Victoria Stewart Studios
Hello!
I’m excited to have you or your student in my studio! You may have heard the saying, “The enjoyment of the arts is a gift that lasts a lifetime!”. It truly has been a gift to me, and has brought many enjoyable moments and experiences into my life! I love being a music and acting teacher, and being able to share this gift with others!
Here is some useful information that will help lessons run smoothly and set a course for success. Please read my studio policies and let me know if you have any questions.
I’m looking forward to an amazing year of growing musically together!
Victoria
Victoria Stewart Malone
Instructor - Piano, Voice and Acting 3085 Park West Blvd.
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 843.377.3077 victoriastewartmusic@gmail.com facebook.com/victoriastewartstudio
STUDIO POLICY 2018-2019
Commitment
When students enroll, they are reserving their placement in the studio for the entire year. The enrollment agreement is a firm commitment and guarantees your place in the studio. Please understand that the tuition you pay reserves an exclusive weekly time in the schedule of your child.
Tuition
Includes private lessons, and playing opportunities--recitals, ensemble/solo playing, award programs. As the student advances, additional lesson time is necessary and very beneficial.
Tuition covers not only the contact time spent with the student, but also the time spent in preparation for the student:
•Development of teaching materials
•Teacher's training and experience
•Recitals: Preparation of programs and refreshments
•Studio expenses of bookkeeping, printing and incentive programs
•Continuing education
Payment of Fees
Rates for Lessons
30 minutes - $30 45 minutes - $45 60 minutes - $60
Monthly Flat Fee Payment
$120 flat fee/month for weekly 30 minute lesson
$180 flat fee/month for weekly 30 minute lesson
$240 flat fee/month for weekly 30 minute lesson
Your lesson payment is a monthly flat fee. A total of 34 Lessons will be taught over the 9 months academic year of 2018-2019 (Sep.10-May 31) The studio will be open for a total of 7 weeks during June - August. Every student is expected to enroll in four summer lessons in order to maintain their place in the teacher’s schedule the following year, and this is included in the 36 lesson payment. If you attend every lesson, you will receive 2 free lessons (you will be paying for 36 but receiving 38).
Payment Methods
Before the beginning of each month, you will receive an emailed invoice. Please make full monthly payment on the 1st lesson of each month. A $10 late fee will be processed if you fail to make payment by the 2nd lesson.
Payments for lessons may be paid by:
- cash
- checks (payable to Victoria Malone)
- Venmo (vsecret10@aol.com)
- Cash App
- PayPal ($3.50 fee) vsecret10@aol.com
- mymusicstaff.com with the “Pay Invoice” button on your monthly invoice. This uses
PayPal and requires a $3.50 fee.
Missed Lessons
Absences
There will be no pro-rating for lessons missed unless the lesson is cancelled by the instructor. Students who consistently come to lessons show quicker advancement than those who are frequently absent so make every effort to be at your lessons. Lessons missed by the teacher will be made up.
Be sure to choose a lesson time that is one in which you feel confident that you will have no other conflicts. Those students requesting Monday or Friday lesson times, please note that there will be lessons scheduled on some minor holidays (Labor Day, Presidents Day). If Mondays or Fridays are best, and holidays are a conflict, you may request a make-up lesson time slot.
Lesson Swaps
Please join the Group Me and Phone Lists online to arrange to swap lessons with another student if available. Please utilize the MyMusicStaff.com Calendar to enter lessons to be missed and sign up for an open lesson slot. Instructions and sign-in info will be sent in an email once all student info is gathered. You must swap with someone who has the same lesson length as you do, unless you are willing to forfeit part of your lesson if yours is the longer lesson. (30 min swap for 30 min is equal. 45 min swap for 30 min lesson is allowable but you only get the 30 min time slot.)
Monday Make-ups
Monday lessons are hit the most with holidays. If the teacher and student are both available to do a lesson on a Monday holiday, the lesson may take place. I have scheduled Monday Make-up Days on Fri or Sat of a Monday holiday so you may plan ahead and not miss a Monday lesson. I will try to schedule lessons all on the same day if possible. No monetary credit will be given for lessons missed by the student. Please utilize GroupMe to switch lessons with someone, and/or MyMusicStaff.com to enter lessons to be missed and sign up for an open lesson slot.
Book Fees
The Book Fees are determined by the instructor on an individual student basis. This fee is used to order instruction books, CDs, flashcards, etc. to use in the lessons and at home. The books generally last an entire year. The fee is usually under $40. I will also be happy to download music for you from musicnotes.com which is generally about $5/ song. I will add that to your account and you can pay at the next month’s lessons. You are also welcome to order your own books if you prefer to do so or download your own music. I will be happy to give you the information you need. Books are for the student to play from and keep.
Termination of Lessons
The teacher may terminate lessons due to negative behavior, failure to practice, lack of parental involvement, or failure to comply with studio etiquette. Any termination initiated by the parent or student requires one month written notice and paid tuition.
Annual Registration/Materials Fee - The Annual Materials fee of $40 is used to cover handouts, supplemental repertoire, printing expenses, mymusicstaff.com scheduling software/website, Piano Maestro membership, group lessons, rehearsals, concerts, recital costs, contests and incentives. All these “extras” are tools that the teacher uses to create excitement and encourage practice and participation.
Group Lessons
Group lessons enhance the private lesson. In group lessons we discuss composition technique, study composers and music history, have performance opportunities, practice ear training skills and play music games that reinforce music theory concepts. Group lessons are one of the highlights of the studio experience. We have fun and learn in ways that are impossible one on one.
Music is a beautiful language. It is a means of expressing thoughts and feelings. Music plays a vital part in our lives. Please remember the following: (1) Encourage your child to practice regularly, (2) provide your child with an instrument in good condition, and (3) provide an atmosphere that is conductive to practicing and concentrating.
I am looking forward to the opportunity of sharing music with your child.
RESOURCES
1. MY MUSIC STAFF (mymusicstaff.com)
I use a scheduling program called My Music Staff. My Music Staff features a fully functional Parent/Student Portal, and is a great way to share information.
The student portal allows you to:
- View the calendar of upcoming events, lessons, public events
- Register and cancel lessons
- View your attendance
- Track practice time and leave notes or questions that they have from their
practice session - View email history
- View my contact information
- Keep up-to-date with studio news
- View the family’s account and invoice information (only visible to parents/
adult students)
2. Piano Maestro by JoyTunes
As my piano or voice student, you will receive a free membership to use the app, Piano Maestro, by Joytunes on an iPad. Piano Maestro helps students practice their songs in the Alfred Premier Series and improve their sight reading, rhythm, technique, playing with both hands and much more. I used Piano Maestro with my iPad during the lesson times.
In addition students will:
Progress up in chapters, unlock new songs and raise their difficulty level along the way. Learn to play songs step by step and have access to practice options and be able to personalize their learning experience
Piano Method Books Included (Alfred Premier Series and others)
Teach songs from some of the most well known and beloved piano method books used today. A digital way to compliment the use of your favorite method book, all books can be found in the Library in the 'Methods' section.
As a teacher, I will be able to:
-Receive weekly progress reports to track progress in between lessons.
-Assign Home Challenges, to have students practice songs and exercises as homework with Piano Maestro
3.Premier Piano Assistant
http://www.premierpianocourse.com/videos/poa/ Utilize online videos for assistance in learning your piano pieces that go with each lesson in your Alfred Premier books.
4. Social Media
I have a Facebook page that I would love to be able to share pictures and videos of lessons, contests, concerts, and other activities. Please add me as a friend on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoria.stewart.2017 or https://www.facebook.com/victoriastewartstudios/ and Like our page!
2018 - 2019 STUDIO CALENDAR
FALL 2018
SEP 2018
MON 10, 17, 24 3 TUE 11, 18, 25 3 WED 12, 19, 26 3 THU 13, 20, 27 3
OCT 2018
MON 1,8,15,22,29 5
TUE 2,9,16,23, 30 5
WED 3,10,17,24,31 5
THU 4,11,18,25 4 Costume Concert - Date TBD
NOV 2018
MON 5,12,26 3
TUE 6,13,27 3
WED 7,14,28 3
THU 1,8,15,29 4 (Thanksgiving Break - Nov 19—23)
DEC 2018
MON 3.10.17 3
TUE 4,11,18 3
WED 5,12,19 3
THU 6,13,20 3 (Winter Break - Dec 21-Jan4) Holiday Concert - Date TBD
TOTAL FALL LESSONS
MON 14 TUE 14 WED 14 THU 14
WINTER/SPRING 2019
JAN 2019
MON 7,14,28 4 (Holiday - Mon Jan 21 MLK; Makeup Fri Jan 25/Sat Jan 26)
TUE 8,15,22,29 4
WED 9,16,23,30 4
THU 10,17,24,31 4
FEB 2019
MON 4,11,18, 25 4 (Holiday Mon Feb 18 President’s Day; Makeup Fri Feb 22/Sat Feb 23)
TUE 5,12,19,26 4
WED 6,13,20,27 4
THU7,14,21,28 4
MAR 2019
MON 4,11,18 3
TUE 5,12,19 3
WED 6,13,20 3
THU 7,14,21 3
( Holiday Mon Mar 25 - Fri Mar 29 CCSD Spring Break) Friends and Family Concert - Date TBD
APR 2019
MON 1,8,15, 22, 29 5 (CCSD Easter break Mon Apr 22; Makeup Fri Apr 26/Sat Apr 27)
TUE 2,9,16,23,30 5
WED 3,10,17,24 4
THU 4,11,18,25 4
MAY 2019
MON 6,13,20, 27 4 (Memorial Day Holiday May 27; Makeup Fri May 31/Sat Jun 1)
TUE 7,14,21,28 4
WED 1,8,15,22,29 5
THU 2,9,16, 23,30 5
Final Concert - Date TBD
SUMMER 2019 - Schedule 4 lessons during available times
JUN 2019
- Weeks of June 3, 10, 24
JUL 2019
- Weeks of July 8, 22, 29