Thank you for your interest in private lessons. I hold a Master of Music in cello performance and a Bachelor of Music Education from Loyola University New Orleans. I am also certified to teach music in Louisiana and Arkansas. I am also certified to teach instrumental music K-12 in Louisiana and Arkansas. I look forward to working with you/your student. This contract will give you information about payment options, materials, and my expectations of the student.
PAYMENT AND MATERIALS
Lessons for beginners are 1/2 hour per week for $20/lesson. Lessons for intermediate and advanced students are either 45 minutes for $25 or a full hour per week for $30/lesson. Payment in advance on a monthly basis is preferred; however, paying each week (per lesson) is also acceptable. Payment is due for a lesson by the lesson date itself. Payments made after the lesson date will be assessed a $5 late charge. Payment by check is preferred; please make checks payable to CASEY BUCK. Requests for refunds must be in writing and will be granted at the sole discretion of Mr. Buck.
Each student will need either a small notebook or binder with paper for lesson notes and assignments. This is to be brought to each lesson and used as a guide for at-home practice. As the student progresses, he/she will also be required to purchase new music and/or materials. The following list is what I normally require students to get; however, some exceptions may apply for age and learning abilities.
Beginner cellists will need:
* Essential Elements for Strings, cello book 1, by Michael Allen and Robert Gillespie (not Essential Elements 2000) Hal Leonard Corp., $5.50
* Suzuki Cello School, cello part, vol. 1, by S. Suzuki
Publisher: Summy-Birchard Music (Warner Bros. Publications), $6.95
Intermediate and advanced cellists will need:
* 170 Foundation Studies, volume 1, ed. Alwin Schroeder
Publisher: Carl Fischer (around $17)
* Technical Studies, vol. 1, by Julius Klengel, ed. by Leonard Rose
Publisher: International Music Co. (around $15)
*Other music at teacher’s request
Two good places to order music and supplies from:
* Hutchins and Rea http://www.hutchinsandrea.com 800.753.BACH (2224)
* Shar Music http://www.sharmusic.com 800.248.SHAR (7427)
Other Supplies
Students should have a pencil for marking music (no pen!), metronome, rosin, rock stop, and music stand for at-home practice. A soft cloth for cleaning the instrument is also recommended. Intermediate and advanced students with more expensive instruments may also invest in a humidifier, instrument polish, and a higher-quality set of strings. I will make suggestions as necessary for these and other materials.
Requirements and Expectations
Practice: It is a standard expectation in any music environment for the students to practice daily for at least the duration of the lesson (example: a student in a 30 minute lesson should practice for at least 30 minutes a day). Practice is absolutely essential to a musician’s progress, as it reinforces the critical physical and mental techniques of playing an instrument. For the student to get the most out of each lesson, it is imperative he/she come prepared. Mr. Buck reserves the right to suspend or cancel lessons if insufficient progress is being made.
Performance: At the end of each semester, students will be required to give a performance on a studio recital. I will arrange for an accompanist as necessary, with at least one or two rehearsals prior to a performance. If opportunities arise and the students are prepared, there may also be other performance opportunities during the
semester.
Instrument care/maintenance: In addition to practice, the student is responsible for the proper care and maintenance of their instrument. The string instruments are made of wood; they are not very forgiving when it comes to temperature changes and/or extremes, physical abuse, and moisture. Please exercise common sense when handling and transporting your instrument! If there is a problem, major or minor, please let me know about it when it happens. I can handle some basic repairs myself (especially broken strings) or refer you to someone who can – DO NOT attempt to fix an instrument yourself!!!
Missed Lessons: In the case that a student must miss a lesson, 24-hour notice must be given. If notice is given, the lesson may be rescheduled or funds will be applied to the next lesson or the next month. If notice is not given, however, the payment for that lesson is forfeited. In the event I cancel a lesson, funds will be applied to the next lesson. In either situation, it is better to reschedule for another time that week instead of skipping a week of lessons.
Cancellation of Services: In the event that a student no longer wishes to continue in lessons, a written request must be made. Refunds will be made based on payment schedule.
Physical Contact: Due to the nature of private lessons, it may be necessary for me to touch the student’s hands, arms, or shoulders in order to adjust hand or holding position on the instrument. If this makes the student or parent uncomfortable in any way, let me know immediately.