Student Expectations
—Abbreviated Studio Policy—2023 Abbey Blackwell Bass Studio Policies
Here you’ll find the goals, expectations, rules, and business policies for my studio. Please review all the following information and let me know if you have any questions.
Goals
As a musician, I think it is very important for my students to always be working towards an achievable goal. On the way towards it we will focus on smaller steps that will make that goal achievable.
I have created a list of things that are important to me as a musician and teacher, and I expect my students to keep them in mind throughout their practice. They are integral to being a great musician and bassist. These are things that we will strive towards throughout our time together:
confidence
communication
awareness of body
awareness of sound
curiosity
playing a wide variety of repertoire
critical thinking
development of musical self
tone
keeping an open mind
focus
finding joy in music
Expectations
I expect that every student comes to the lessons prepared, curious, and open to try new approaches. I don’t expect perfection but I do expect you to try!
An open mind is essential! I may say things which are contrary to what you’ve heard before. You don’t have to agree with me, but you do have to consider what I have to say, and maybe even try something new.
Communication is key! If you have a question regarding a piece of music, whether it’s for a school ensemble, your own group, for our work together, or anything in between, please tell me and we will spend as much time as we need getting to the bottom of it.
Students are expected to practice most days of the week and come to all lessons prepared. If there are ever any questions about an assignment, first consult your Lesson Notes and Google Drive, and if there is still a question, email me.
That being said, lapses in practice happen occasionally. Illness, travel, family, etc. Please communicate these problems to me as quickly as possible. Repeated failure to practice or absence of commitment to improve may result in the student being asked to discontinue lessons.
Students are expected to listen to recordings, read articles, watch videos, and complete other assignments outside of lesson time. This helps the student gain perspective, and are as required as practicing.
Required Materials at each lesson
A metronome and tuner
These can either be purchased at a music store, online, or as an app downloaded onto a phone.
I use the apps Pro Metronome and Tuner Lite
Rosin*
I recommend Pop’s Bass Rosin.
1/4” cable and amplifier*
Music stand for practicing at home*
Books or sheet music required for lessons*
A music notebook for lesson notes
Access to a reliable internet connection
Access to the Google Drive during the week for practice information
*if applicable
COVID-19 Precautions
I am no longer asking my in-person students to wear a mask during lessons, however I reserve the right to reinstate my mask policy if cases spike. However, if you have a tickle in your throat or your allergies are acting up out of the blue, stay home and we can do an online lesson or reschedule. Students are always welcome to wear a mask or do lessons online depending on their comfort level. I still require all students to be fully vaccinated.
I keep the window open with a fan for circulation as well as an air purifier on at all times during in person lessons.
I feel confident in these practices for keeping us all safe but if there are any concerns please never hesitate to let me know.
Tuition
Students are expected to pay for all of their lessons for the month at the beginning of the month unless other arrangements are made with me. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if this is not sustainable for you.
Tuition is to be paid no later than the 10th of every month via my website: abigailblackwell.com/payment
Failure to pay the month’s tuition by the 10th of the month will result in a $20 late fee.
Absences foreseen by the time that tuition is due may be deducted from the month’s total, assuming the student does not wish to make it up.
Any additional make-up fees incurred during the month (see below) will be added to the tuition of the next month.
I reserve the right to adjust lesson prices once per year.
Cancellation/Make Up Policy
Sometimes, it is necessary to reschedule a lesson. While it is better to have a regular practice and lesson schedule, sometimes changes must occur.
Rescheduling Options :
If the absence is communicated to me before 48 hours before the lesson time, we can reschedule it during the week of the missed lesson, my schedule allowing. More notice than less is ideal.
If the absence is communicated to me less than 48 hours before the lesson time, the student may schedule another lesson but will be charged for an additional lesson.
If you do not arrive to our online meeting room within 5 minutes of the start time, I will contact you. If I do not hear from you within 15 minutes of your start time, you will forfeit your lesson.
To schedule a make up lesson, please email me for my availability.
Teacher Absences
I am a teaching artist by definition, which means that I may be quite active in my performance schedule.
If I need to cancel or reschedule a lesson, I will try to contact you a minimum of 24 hours before the lesson time. Any lessons that are missed due to my performing, traveling, or otherwise will be made up as quickly as possible.
Communication
Please communicate with me by email, phone call, or text message. I do not respond to messages while teaching. If you need to get in touch with me ASAP, text is the best way to ensure a quick response. Students are welcome to contact me at any time with questions pertaining to their lesson, questions not pertaining to their lesson, music recommendations, etc.
My contact information:
Illness
If you need to miss a lesson due to illness, you do not need to provide 24 hours advanced notice, though please contact me ASAP if you need to miss your lesson due to illness. Please do so by text message, not email. Additionally, if you feel that you may be sick, please do not force yourself to come to the lesson! Not only will you not be able to get the full benefit of your lessons when you are feeling ill, spreading your illness to me could be potentially damaging to the entire studio schedule.
By taking lessons with me, you acknowledge you have read this policy.