Studio Policies

Welcome to my private music studio! I’m excited to begin this musical journey together. Music lessons are an investment not only in musical ability, but also in personal growth and development.

As a teacher, my philosophy is to lead with kindness and empathy while encouraging each student to become the best version of themselves. I prioritize positive reinforcement and expect students to practice their assignments a minimum of five times a week between lessons.

What You Can Expect From Me

Music should be fun above all else. My ultimate goal is for each student to enjoy playing their instrument. That being said, true enjoyment comes from confidence and growth, which is developed through time spent on the fundamentals.

In lessons, we’ll focus on basics like breathing, posture, and sound quality. All students are expected to regularly practice scales, long tones, finger exercises, and any assigned music (from me or school).

While I’m happy to help with band music, whether it’s chair placement, auditions, or tricky passages. The majority of our lesson time will focus on technique, practice strategies, exercises, and solo repertoire. Ideally, school music becomes easy to manage so students can focus on deeper learning.

Weekly Check-ins:
Students may send me a video (up to 5 minutes) for feedback. I’ll do my best to respond within 24 hours.

Progress Reports:
Three times a year (end of each semester and summer), I’ll provide written progress reports to help track goals and growth.

What I Expect From Students

Consistent Practice:
Musical ability takes time and repetition. I understand students juggle school and other activities, so I’ll help you practice effectively even if it’s just 10 minutes a day. Consistency matters most.

Preparedness:
Come to lessons with all required supplies (listed below).

Honesty:
If you’re struggling or unclear on something, tell me! I’m here to help, not to judge.

Take Risks:
Everyones musical journey is personal. I may suggest changes that feel strange at first (like embouchure or posture). Please stick with the new approach for at least a few weeks before we revisit it.

What I Expect From Parents

Patience & Encouragement:
Each student progresses at their own pace. Effort and consistency will always bring results.

Communication:
Please contact me promptly with any concerns about scheduling, payment, or progress so we can work through them together.

Supplies Needed

  • A working flute from a reputable brand

    • Beginner: Yamaha, Trevor James, Di Zhao (or similar)

    • Intermediate: Azumi, Amadeus, Sonaré, Di Zhao (or similar)

  • Cleaning supplies:

    • One cleaning rod

    • Silk or bamboo cleaning cloth

    • Polishing cloth

    • No pad savers or pad guards (fluffy inserts)

    • Pad cleaning papers (not powder paper)

  • Lesson notebook

  • Pencil

  • A small bag for supplies and music

  • Metronome/tuner (recommended: Korg TM-60)

  • Any assigned method books

  • Music stand for home practice

Local Resources

Flute Repair:
Flutes need yearly maintenance. Schedule accordingly.

  • Preferred Technician: Seung Jeon – seungjeon@gmail.com

  • Budget/Quick Fix: Nick Rail Music – Granary Square near CVS off McBean

Enrichment Opportunities:

  • LA Flute Association – new flute community in LA

  • Royal Academy of Music Exams – for students seeking extra challenges

  • Santa Clarita Valley Youth Orchestra – great ensemble experience

  • Attend live concerts at CSUN, UCLA, USC, etc.

Online Resources

Listening to great flute playing is essential to growth. Start with these artists:

Flute Players:
James Galway, Sebastian Jacot, Denis Bouriakov, Catherine Karoly (My teacher!), Magali Mosnier, Julien Beaudiment, Jean Ferrandis, Sophie Cherrier, Emily Beynon, Marina Piccinini, Jasmine Choi, Demare McGill, Helene Boulegue

Helpful YouTube Channels:
Just Another Flutist, Emily Beynon, Jolene Maxwell Flute, Katie Flute

Studio Policies

Lesson Rates

  • 30 Minutes – $160/month

  • 45 Minutes – $240/month

  • 60 Minutes – $320/month
    Sibling discounts available. Rates subject to change with two months’ notice.

Payment
Payment is due by the first lesson of each month.
Accepted Methods: listed below

  • Venmo

  • Zelle

  • Cash (in person)
    Please contact me directly if a payment issue arises.

Referral Discount
Refer a new student and both you and the referral will receive 25% off one month’s tuition.

Respect & Studio Etiquette

Parking:
Please park either behind my car on the left hand side of the driveway, or in an open spot on the street.

Phones:
Please silence phones before lessons and keep them in a bag or with your instrument case. If there's an emergency, parents should knock or call me directly.

My contact information:
It is my preference that if you give my contact information out for a referral that you give out my email and not my phone number. Students may have my phone number with parental permission but it is expected that they will treat that with respect and understand boundaries.

Parents in Lessons:
Parents are welcome to sit in on lessons. Please silence your phone and allow the student and me to focus on the music.

Studio Conduct:
All students are expected to show respect to me, to fellow studio members, and to any guest artists who may visit or work with us.

Studio Community:
Many of my students attend the same schools, which can naturally lead to feelings of competition. In this studio, we strive for a healthy, supportive community where we celebrate each other's successes and let them inspire our own growth.

Studio Environment:
Please arrive on time and with a respectful attitude. Treat the studio space, instruments, and materials with care.

Online Lesson Etiquette:
For online lessons, make sure you're in a quiet environment, appropriately dressed, and logged in a few minutes early with all necessary materials ready.

Inclusivity Statement:
My studio is a safe and inclusive space for all students. Bullying, discrimination, or disrespectful behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. Every student is valued and supported here.

Rescheduled Lessons

  • 24 hours’ notice is required for a makeup

  • Emergencies handled case-by-case

  • Without notice, a recorded lesson will be provided via youtube link

  • Makeup Bank:

    • Max of 2 banked makeups

    • Must be scheduled within 30 days or they will be forfeited

  • If I cancel a lesson, I will reschedule ASAP

Stopping Lessons

  • Please provide 30 days’ notice before discontinuing

  • Unused makeups not used by the final lesson will be forfeited

  • If a student feels discouraged, let’s talk! I want to help before a decision to stop is made.