I mentioned in the letter that I have sent home with students I saw this week that I am making changes to "maintain the quality of my studio." Many music teachers use the word studio to refer not only to the place lessons are held, but also, and more accurately, to the teacher's business. It encompasses all the materials, resources, policies, preparation time, people involved, training, and services offered.
The biggest coming change to my studio is the increase in lesson rates. I made this decision because I want to have competitive rates, attract dedicated students, and help motivate my current students. When I teach dedicated students with good support systems, I am able to use my creativity to help students reach their highest potential. It is fulfilling to watch my students grow and succeed, and it helps me to become a better teacher as I implement new ideas to motivate and teach. I also want to be able to seek out new learning experiences to excite and inspire my students, and the coming changes will help me to be seek out those opportunities.
On the other hand, I do not want to lose any of my current dedicated students or prevent someone from receiving lessons in the future, so I will be offering six need based scholarships to individual students and families. Students who are awarded a scholarship will receive up to a $10 off per month per student, up to $30 per month. Students under scholarship will be required to practice four days each week and earn at least 10 points through practice each month. Students who do not meet the practice requirements will lose their scholarship. They will be able to reapply three months after it is lost. Under extenuating circumstances such as illness, lengthy vacation, or family emergency, I will be lenient about practice. Applications will be available within the next two weeks, along with the 2014-2015 policy letter.
There are three additional small changes coming in September.
- I will be offering referral bonuses to my students. If you refer someone to my studio, I will give you a credit equal to the new student's rate after they have been taking lessons for 3 months.
- I am excited to officially offer viola lessons. I have wanted to be able to teach it for a long time, and now that I have an instrument I can teach using firsthand experience and not just theoretical knowledge.
- Lastly, I will be teaching at Whittlesticks on Tuesday only, and and at my apartment on other weekdays. If you'd like to have lessons at Whittlesticks, let me know so I can work you into my Tuesday schedule in the fall.
Thank you for your continued support. It is because of you that I am able to continue to do something that is so important and that I love to do. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
HW
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