Katie Teaches Cello
Lesson Information & Policies
Contact Information: Katie Teaches Cello
Contact Information:
Cell phone: 724-712-4183
E-mail: katieteachescello@gmail.com
Location:
Archmere Ave
Cleveland, OH 44144
Required Supplies:
● Cello
● Suzuki Recording (CD, iTunes or Amazon Music)
● Rock Stop Strap
● Folder & Music Books
● Notebook
● Pencil
● Extra set of strings (not required but highly recommended)
Suzuki Philosophies: Whether you are signing up for Suzuki lessons in particular or just private violin lessons, it is important to note that the Suzuki Method greatly influences all of my teaching.
● Suzuki Triangle Parent – Teacher – Student. The development of a student lies on the shoulders of many individuals. Because of this, I believe that parents/guardians should be involved in their child’s education. For students under the age of 10, parents/guardians are expected to be present in lessons and also when the child practices.
● Listening & Learning by Ear – Developing the ear is a survival skill for any musician. Two ways of developing the ear are by listening to high quality recordings and also learning music by ear. With lots of listening, students will come to already know their pieces before they pick up their instrument. In addition, I have found teaching by ear to aid students of all ages tremendously, increasing their capacity to memorize, perform, and have fun with their music. Don’t worry! We WILL work on reading music!
● Everyone Can Learn! Dr. Suzuki believed that every child could learn to play, and I think so too! I also strongly believe in the transfer of skills from the instrument to other aspects of human development: fine motor skills, math, reading & writing skills, etc. Learning an instrument is helpful to everyone, not just to those aspiring to pursue music.
Practicing: Daily practice is critical for continued development on your instrument. I suggest at least 5 out of 7 days of practice in addition to daily listening. The length of practice time will be determined by a list of practice items created in lessons. Practice session should be as long as it needs to check off all items on the list. For some students this may only be 5-10 min, while others will be 30-60 min. If a student is repeatedly unprepared, advancement will be very slow, and goals may not be met.
For students under the age of 10 parent involvement is required for lessons and practice. This requires note taking during lessons and acting as a coach for home practice. For students near this age range, I do ask parents to be involved and present for the first few months of lessons.
**A failure to prepare for lessons will result in the consideration of the student to be dismissed from taking lessons.
Scheduling:
● Semesters: Lessons are offered in 3 semesters: Fall, Spring, & Summer. The number of lessons per semester may vary based on the available dates. Summer semesters are slightly shorter and more flexible in scheduling.
● How to Schedule: Returning students are granted priority. I will send out a scheduling email prior to the next semester. The day & time agreed upon will be held until the first day of classes. Openings are then filled on a rolling basis.
** The day and time you sign up for is reserved for you for the entire semester. Please look ahead in your calendar and avoid picking a day that will have regular conflicts with other activities later in the semester.
Registration & Payment:
Tuition is charged by semester. Payments can be made via cash, check (made payable to Katie Teaches Cello LLC), or Zelle (katieteachescello@gmail.com). Payment plans available if needed.
Lesson Rates:
$25/30min Lesson
$37.50/45min Lesson
$50/60min Lesson
Absences:
● Excused Absence: This is an absence notified BEFORE the beginning of the semester. If absence is communicated before semester billing is due you will not be charged for this lesson. You may have up to two excused absences per fall/spring semester.
● Teacher Absence: In the event that I need to cancel, I will notify you as soon as possible. All absences by the teacher will be rescheduled. A make-up will be offered during the designated make-up week (last week of semester) or at a mutually agreed upon time.
○ If the teacher is unable to fit in lessons owed, it may be applied as credit to next semester.
● Student Absence: Students are charged for all lessons for which they register, including those missed through student absence. Teacher is not required to make-up lessons missed by a student nor reschedule a missed make-up lesson. As a courtesy, students are expected to notify their teacher directly of any impending absence from lessons.
If student/parent is able to find an available time on lesson calendar, you are welcome to ask to reschedule lesson BEFORE it is missed.
If student/parent cannot find an available time for that lesson, teacher is not obligated to work outside of regular hours to “make up” that time.
Recurring absences will result in the consideration of the student’s lesson time to be given to a new student.
Student absences will not be “roll over” or “credit” to the next semester.
● Tardiness: Student tardiness will not be made up. As a courtesy, I do appreciate you contacting me by text or leaving a message on my cell phone if you are running late. If you are more than 15 minutes late with no effort to contact me regarding your arrival, I will assume you are not coming and record your absence in my attendance records.
Communication: There are a couple different ways that parents and students will hear from me.
● Email: A large portion of my communication is done by email (scheduling, announcements, etc). Please be sure to have a current email address on file with me.
● Phone and/or Text: For changes within 48 hours of a lesson and any concerns/questions. If you text me past 8pm, I may not reply until morning.
○ Students under 18 should not text me directly. If there is an emergency, and a student needs to contact me right away they may do so in a group chat with parent or guardian.
○ Students are encouraged to email me. I believe lessons can be a good opportunity for older students to practice professional communication via email and taking responsibility for their own education and schedule.
Suggestion for Cello Rentals:
Bowed String Shop
17305 Madison Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
https://bowedstringshop.com/
Cleveland Violins
2917 Mayfield Rd
Cleveland, OH 44118, USA
https://www.clevelandviolins.com/
Stearns Violins
5398 Fulton Dr NW,
Canton, OH 44718
https://www.stearnsviolins.com/
Royalton Music Center
10167 Royalton Road
North Royalton, Ohio 44133
https://www.royaltonmusic.com
Suggestion for Purchasing Music and Supplies:
Shar Music (very fast delivery)
https://www.sharmusic.com/
Royalton Music Center
10167 Royalton Road
North Royalton, Ohio 44133
https://www.royaltonmusic.com