Studio Policies & Philosophy
My primary goal for all my students is to help them connect deeply with music. I believe every aspiring musician deserves guidance, regardless of the obstacles they may face. I’m committed to being transparent and supportive, ensuring each student discovers the same passion for music that has shaped my own journey. Together, we’ll build a strong foundation that will serve as the cornerstone of their musical career.
I encourage every student to consistently strive to put their best foot forward. In my teaching, “mistakes” are not failures. But rather, they’re opportunities to learn and grow, both as musicians and as individuals. Through dedication and perseverance, we’ll transform challenges into stepping stones toward success.
SIGNING UP FOR LESSONS CONSTITUTES AN AGREEMENT TO THESE POLICIES.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email, and I will be happy to discuss any policy with you.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Studio teacher: to conduct lessons in a professional manner, to impart knowledge to the best of my ability, and to instruct the student on the best ways to practice outside of lessons. I am personally committed to each of my students and will strive for excellence in performance and practice. I will consistently communicate with both the students and their guardians to ensure every week is met with the same understanding of the intended goal in mind. Weekly plans and schedules will be laid out accordingly, depending on the student's needs.
Student: to arrive promptly at all scheduled lessons, with all required materials, and with an open mind. You are expected to come to lessons prepared, as much as possible, and cover all materials instructed the previous week. You are expected to give your best effort at all times. Students in my studio may choose to prepare for and participate in All-Region and All-State auditions when level-appropriate. Any other auditions can be shared and brought to my attention in order for us to prepare the needed material.
Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Ensure the student is attending all scheduled lessons, with all required materials on time. Parents are critical in making sure students learn great practice habits. Encouragement is needed, enforcement is not. Reminders and guidance within the home is best suited for fostering a young musician and their aspirations. You are also responsible for making sure lesson payments are made in a timely manner. Communication and schedule falls heavily on your end, especially in younger students.
PAYMENT
Payments for in-school lessons will be determined by the rate set by each school’s district. Tuition for lessons outside of school will be based on current market rates, and will be determined when setting up lessons. Payments can be made either on a weekly or monthly basis, just communicate what works best for you. A late fee of $20 will be added if payment is not received by the completion of the following lesson . If payment is not received by the end of the second lesson, lessons will be suspended until payment is made. Additionally, the late fee will be added for every missed/unpaid lesson following. Ex: three lessons unpaid = fees for each lesson + $60 ($20/each lesson)
Payment should be made by check, Venmo (@adrian-fernandez-111), or Zelle (6502415701). Cash is also acceptable, however not preferred. If you are interested in making online payments using a service other than Venmo or Zelle, please contact me for consideration. Returned checks will result in a $30 fee, and online payment will be required moving forward.
A NOTE ON VENMO: please be sure to use “payments between friends.” Payments marked as goods and services will result in a balance due on the next invoice equal to the fee charged by Venmo (currently 2.99%).
MAKEUP LESSONS
If a lesson is missed by a student for any reason other than illness/family emergency, or without 24 hour notice, there will be NO attempt to schedule a makeup lesson, and payment for the missed lesson is expected. If a lesson is missed by a student for illness or emergency, a makeup lesson will be considered based on availability of both parties. Lessons cancelled by me will either be made up at a different time of the month or skipped till the following week. Lessons that begin late due to the student will end at the scheduled time. Lessons that begin late due to the teacher will either receive the full time, or the time will be made up in future lessons.
CANCELLATION
Should it become necessary to cancel your spot in my studio, notice of at least two weeks is required. Students may stop lessons immediately if desired, but communication is always expected on both sides.
STUDIO PROTOCOL
The first lesson will focus on getting to know the student, discussing the student’s goals for lessons, and reviewing what the student should expect from lessons. Weekly lessons are ended with assignments specifically designed for the improvement of each student. The expectation is for each student to fulfil these requirements each week to see growth throughout their time studying with me. Any interest in auditioning for a higher school orchestra, regional/state orchestra, summer festivals, outside programs, can be communicated and further planned based on each student's interests.
MATERIALS
Due to copyright laws, students will sometimes be asked to purchase books for technique and/or repertoire. This is also a wonderful way to build up a library of quality materials. The technique materials we will use are typically used over an extended period of time, increasing the value of these purchases. When needed, students will be given detailed information on what to get, as well as various options for convenient purchase.
If you are considering the purchase of an instrument, PLEASE speak with me and/or your director beforehand. We can help you with finding a quality instrument at the best price possible.