Lesson Structure and Practice
Lessons
Lessons are highly based on what the student needs and wants. During the first lesson of the semester, we discuss any issues with your voice that you may have and then set goals that we can accomplish together during the next few months. My lessons take place in person in my home but I'm also willing to travel to your home. (See payment section for details)
During the course of a lesson, I generally focus on technique for the first bit of the lesson. This is done as we warm up and learn different ways to use our voices and tackle problems. After that, we focus on the songs that we have chosen to work on and learn to apply the skills that the student is developing.
Practice
A student's practice is VERY important. Without practice, changes will come incredibly slowly if at all. An effective practice should consist of warming up the voice and then doing the assigned work that has been outlined during the lesson. (e.i. singing through the song, listening, working trouble spots, working on technique, etc.) These will be written down in a binder that the student brings, or outlined on a shared google doc.
Payment and Pricing
Payment is collected on a monthly basis and is due during the first 7 days of the month. After the 7th day, there will be a $10 late fee added to the monthly price. Pricing of lessons are as follows:
30 minute lesson: $30
45 minute lesson: $45
60 Minute lesson: $60
I charge $5 extra per lesson if I am traveling to your house to teach in order to compensate for the cost of fuel and service.
Payment can be made with a personal check made out to Allyson Winters or through the following payment apps:
Missing Lessons
Please make coming to your lesson a priority. If you will be out of town or have an important emergency conflict, please contact me at least 24 hours prior to your lesson, and I will do my best to find a time that works better. Otherwise, after 24 hours, you will need to pay for your lesson and there will be no make-ups. I want you to improve, so let's work together to do so!
In case of sudden illness or emergency, I will work with you to find a new lesson time.
Recitals
Performing has an extremely important role in the ability to sing, and the only way to get better at it, is to do it!
We will hold a recital at the end of every semester. This allows you to show off your hard work and invite your loved ones to be a part of your singing journey.
These performances will REPLACE ALL LESSONS during those weeks. There won't be makeups available so do everything possible to be there. Students and parents will be contacted with details of when those dates and locations will be.
Parents
If the student is under 18, it is requested that the parent attends the first 10-15 minutes of the first lesson of the semester. This will allow me to know what the parent's expectations are for their child as well as confirm their understanding of the basic policies outlined here. This also allows parents to ask any questions they may have.
Parents may need to play a role in the practice of younger students. If the child is not practicing, no matter what I do, there won't be much progress. Please help your child do what they can to practice.
Also, parents, please fee free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have!
Commitment
Lessons will be organized into trimesters, each ending in a recital to showcase their work. Semesters will be roughly broken up as follows:
January - May
June - August
September - December
I ask that students commit to their progress once they have begun a semester.* There is a $65 drop out fee for those who cannot finish the semester after the first month. This dropout fee will not apply to brand new students during their first month with me. Please contact me with questions and concerns.
*Note: I am also available for single one-time lessons for people preparing for an audition or performance or only need to come once or twice. Contact me for details.