Welcome to my studio!
Mrs. B's Philosophy
In vocal pedagogy, we focus on the physiological aspects of the singing individual and how to use our bodies when we sing. My goal as your teacher is to help you sing with power and ease. I am so passionate about voice, and I cannot wait to help you achieve your goals!
As a singer in my studio, I expect you to show up with an open mind and an eagerness to learn. I will assign repertoire for you that I believe will challenge you and help you become a better singer.
Attendance
Each week, you are expected to attend your scheduled lesson (virtual or in-person). Attendance is very important. If you know you will be out of town or unable to attend your lesson during the month, please let me know at the time tuition is due for that month.
If you are sick, please notify me 24 hours in advance and I will happily reschedule your lesson.
I understand that emergencies happen, and if this should occur within 24 hours of your lesson, I will do my best to reschedule you.
Please understand that I do not issue refunds for tuition, and frequently missed lessons for last minute reasons are not acceptable.
Common illnesses that I will not provide instruction and will reschedule are the following:
- Upset Stomach
- Fever
- Contagious illness in the last 24 hours
- Pain in the throat while speaking
Common illnesses that I will provide instruction are the following:
- Common cold (congestion, stuffy nose, scratchy throat, etc.)
- Braces (new, tightened)
- Sports injuries (student may sit during lesson)
- Fatigue/lack of energy
- Seasonal allergies
Please know that I will always make the most of your lesson. If you are dealing with the second set of illnesses, I will work with you that day on other musical things (diction, rhythm, music theory, etc). There is always something new to learn!
Lesson Scheduling
I will schedule lesson times in weekly 30-minute slots and weekly 60-minute slots. 30-minute slots are encouraged for students 13 years old and younger. 60-minute slots are encouraged for students 14 years old and older.
Please let me know 30 days in advance if you need to modify your assigned weekly lesson time.
Tuition and Fees
I charge a monthly tuition for lessons. This is to account for absences and make-up lessons. Tuition will be due on the first day of the month and can be paid with check or via PayPal. Should you choose PayPal, you will be responsible for associated fees. Please contact me for current rates.
As stated previously, I do not issue refunds. If you will be absent for an extended period of time, please let me know at least 30 days prior to time of absence. Frequently missed lessons are not acceptable and might result in suspension from Beeson Studio of Voice.
Virtual Lessons and Expectations
I will be using Zoom as a medium for voice lessons and will set up a recurring meeting for you and will send you the link via email.
In Zoom lessons, it is expected that you to be in a room where you can stand comfortably and are able to sing without inhibition. I also would prefer that you are in a room that is free from distractions such as other people talking, television on, etc. I understand that these are unprecedented times, so please let me know if you ever encounter issues with this.
Additionally, I request that you have something to put your music on (i.e. music stand).
Below you will find a link for the music stand that I use.
I also recommend that my students have a mirror close-by. I might ask you to watch yourself in the mirror as we work on vocalizing.
Repertoire
I will assign music to you as we work together, and this music will consist of material that I will find suitable to your voice. I will gladly take personal requests into consideration, as this is your voice lesson! I ask that you will trust me to find music for you to sing that will benefit you in the long run.
I will email scans of your repertoire to you. Please print this music out and have in a binder. This is mostly for you and will save you time!
Practice
As we work together, please know that while I am there to guide you, the results you get will only be successful if you put in the work outside of our lessons together.
I will assign you a practice log that I expect you to use when you are working on your own. This will consist of guided questions and room for your thoughts/questions for me.
Personal Conduct
Please know that I expect you to come in with a positive attitude toward me, toward music, and toward yourself. When learning how to sing, mistakes will be made and concepts might take time to understand. When these things happen, it might be easy to get frustrated, shut down, or get angry, and this might affect how you interact with me, your teacher. While it is okay to be frustrated, I expect you to keep going. If behavior becomes an issue, I will dismiss you for the day and that lesson time will be lost. Respect is crucial for a successful experience.