CLAUSEN HORN STUDIO POLICY
Philosophy
Learning is one of the great joys of my life. It's a good day when I know I've learned something new—about playing the horn, composing music, or music history. I am dedicated to bringing that same joy to our lessons as I learn about each student and the ways to help him or her grow as a horn player and musician.
Private Lessons
Lessons are offered in my home studio in one-hour time slots. I will also travel to a student's home for lessons when needed, though I miss not having all my teaching materials at hand (as I do at home) in case something unanticipated comes up during the lesson. You are welcome to record your lessons for reference if that may be useful to you.
Practice
For my younger students 30 minutes of practice per day—outside of your band, orchestra, or other ensembles—is required. Older students should commit to at least one hour of practice per day. I will work with you to devise a sensible daily practice strategy that includes both work and rest, so that maximum benefit is derived from your practice sessions.
Payment
Payment is due on or before the first of each month for the entire month's lessons. I will email an invoice before the first of the month with the payment total for that month and the lesson times to be reserved. You may pay by cash, check, or (my preferred method) through the Clausen Horn Studio website.
My fee is $50 per one-hour lesson. For special occasions—such as preparing for an important audition or competition—we can increase your lesson time to 1 1/2 or 2 hours, $75 and $100 respectively.
Punctuality
Timeliness is required. Please arrive 5 minutes before your lesson time, if possible. It is best if you have already warmed up for the day, though not required. If you are late your lesson time will not be automatically extended so as not to take time from the student after you.
Cancellation/Make-ups/Rescheduling
Every now and then an event will arise that will require you to reschedule your lesson. I understand that these things happen. Lessons may be rescheduled with a minimum of 48 hours advance notice. On lesson day, special circumstances—such as the onset of illness or car trouble or family emergency—will force rescheduling without penalty. Last minute cancellations (less than 48 hours or without special circumstances) will forfeit the lesson fee and time slot for that day. Make-up lessons will be rescheduled for accepted absences. If for some reason I have to reschedule a lesson adequate notice will be given and a make-up lesson scheduled.
Healthy Students
If you are ill, please reschedule with as much advance notice as possible. Obviously ill students will be sent home and the lesson forfeited. I provide hand sanitizer for your use at every lesson. I also teach a little about horn maintenance and cleaning that comes in useful after an illness.
Clausen Horn Studio Website
When a student is accepted I will enroll the parent and the student in the studio website. You will be automatically sent an email with your username (which I must set) and a password (which you can change). The site is a reference for both students and parents; where you can pay for your lessons; schedule make-ups; and includes other horn news that I like to share from time to time.