Studio Guideline       

The Heights Violin Studio follows the philosophy of Shinichi Suzuki. Being a part of the studio requires a clear understanding of the Suzuki Method, the Suzuki philosophy, and expectations of the studio. All parents are asked to read Dr. Suzuki’s book Ability Development from Age Zero.

Tuition payments will be withdrawn on the first of each month via automatic payment system. If you must terminate your contract at any time, please give the teacher at least one month of notice. Failure to do so will result in one month of tuition. Please see the tuition information sheet for the details.

Please arrive early and come prepared to your lessons. Each student is expected to practice and listen to the Suzuki recordings daily and attend all of the lessons, group classes, recitals, and studio events.

Please do not ring the doorbell when you arrive. Come in through the front gate and wait on the porch until your lesson. If the weather allows, start unpacking outside to allow maximum lesson time. Please leave the gate open to allow the next student to do the same.

Please remember to silence all of your electronic devices and put them away, except for when used as practice tools. Other electronic usage is distracting to both the student and the teacher and minimizes the impact of the lesson. 

The teacher, parent, and student form an equilateral triangle called The Suzuki Triangle. The teacher is responsible for educating both the child and parent by giving practice materials and healthy practice suggestions to guide a nurturing learning environment. The parent is responsible for observing the lessons, taking notes without interrupting the lesson, and adopting the teacher’s positive attitude to facilitate a daily routine of listening and practicing with the child at home. The student is responsible for working collaboratively with the parent and the teacher. Please visit the SAA website to read more about The Suzuki Triangle. 

Please mark your calendar for all of the lessons, group classes, recitals, and other studio events. Let the teacher know immediately if you must miss a lesson. There are no makeup lessons. Please do not ask for a makeup lesson or to reschedule a lesson. If you wish to switch a lesson, please use the studio directory to contact the studio and let the teacher know about the lesson switch. If you have any concerns regarding the no-makeup-lesson policy, please read Makeup Lessons From an Economist’s Point of View by Vicky Barham. 

Communication is the key for maintaining a healthy Suzuki Triangle. Whether it’s a practice struggle at home, a scheduling conflict, a change in home environment, or anything that relates to the child’s learning condition, it helps the teacher to know. Please do not hesitate to schedule a parent-teacher meeting. 

Please do not bring a sick child to the lessons. If the child is too sick to go to school, the child is too sick for a violin lesson. Having a virtual lesson or using the lesson time for a parent-teacher phone call is an option.

The Heights Violin Studio has an open door policy. You are welcome to invite your family, relatives, and friends to your lessons and group classes. On some days, you may have prospective students and guests observing your lesson. 

The Heights Violin Studio is not responsible for any injury, damage, or loss during the course of private lessons, group classes, recitals, and other studio events.