I don’t teach to produce professional musicians. I think everyone should have the opportunity to learn an instrument, because it’s just so much fun! It’s my ultimate  goal for you to be able to pick up your instrument, a piece of music, and be able to play it. But I do expect a few things in order for you to get the most out of learning music. First and foremost, approach your lessons with positivity, a willingness to learn, and come with an open mind. 

• Arrange a time to practice. Every student should practice at least 5 days a week in order to progress. The length of practice time increases as you get more advanced, and you only need a short time each day when you begin.
• Find a space that is free of distractions(TV’s, siblings etc)
• Parents are encouraged to stay in the lesson and be involved! Particularly if the child is very young, we can’t expect them to practice effectively on their own yet. They are still learning those skills, and more importantly, music is a great way to learn those skills.
• A note to Parents, you don’t need to know how to play music in order to help your child learn! I will give you clear instructions on what you and your child can work on each week. I will guide you in how you can help your child practice and progress with joy and a sense of achievement. As your child grows, they will eventually gain the confidence and the skill to practice effectively on their own.
• Participate in events. I organise recitals, masterclasses, workshops, concerts which include rehearsals with other musicians etc. Participating in these events is essential to fostering a sense of community, building confidence, consolidating skills, and generally where a lot of the fun happens! So I do expect students to join in as many events as they can.
• Arrive at your lesson 5 minutes before your scheduled time, come in and unpack your flute. I often ask students with back-to-back lessons to play together or perform for each other so be ready to play! This is also a great time to hear your peers playing and cheer on their successes, as well as have your successes celebrated too!
• Phones must be on silent (including mine!) If you must answer your phone, please go outside and don’t disturb the lesson.
• Talk to me and keep the lines of communication open. If you are having issues with practice/lesson time, if you have things to prepare for school, if there is an audition for a community orchestra you want to prepare for… I am here to support you in your musical endeavours, and I want you to be the best you can be! Flute lessons are a safe and open environment for self-growth.

• If you haven’t begun playing yet and don’t have a flute, don’t worry! You don’t need a flute to start lessons with me. I firmly believe a good working instrument is important to setting yourself up for success. I can help findyou, or recommend a good quality instrument that fits your budget, whether it’s a 2^nd hand instrument, or a brand new one. We can talk about your needs when you start lessons.
• Bring a notebook and pencil/pen to your first lesson.
• If you are a Suzuki beginner I will give you a starter pack which includes Suzuki Flute Volume 1, recordings (CD or digital download), fun practice charts and stickers.
• Music stand for home practice and ensemble rehearsals.
• A reliable way to listen to music. Eg. An iPod and speaker, or CD player. We can discuss ways this can be done without breaking the bank.

• I will send an invoice at the beginning of the term for payment. A $20 late fee will be incurred if not paid on time. Monthly payments can be arranged if you need.
• What’s likely to be included in your itemized invoice-lessons, group class, rehearsals, concert tickets, sheet music, exam fees etc.I know we are all pretty busy, so I order sheet music for my students so this cost is added to the invoice. There will be a one-off $20 admin fee for the beginning of the year. Payments can be made by bank transfer, direct debit or cash.

• Your tuition fee is made up of the time put aside for you weekly lesson, or rehearsal, as well as time and effort I put into student development outside the lesson time.