Studio Policies
 

My Responsibility

I strive to foster a lifelong love of music and improvement in skills in a supportive and encouraging environment, no matter the student's skill level or future musical plans.
 

Student and Family Responsibilities

Students agree to arrive on time, with their instrument and reeds (for clarinet and sax students), all music, and assignment books. Students may bring a water bottle; no other food or drink is allowed.
Please arrive no earlier than five (5) minutes before your scheduled lesson time.
Please refrain from eating immediately before your lesson or, at minimum, rinse your mouth out with water. Food and beverages (other than water) can cause harm to the reeds, the pads and, in the case of wood instruments, the body of the clarinet.
To make progress in our lessons, regular practice at home is required. Practicing at least 4 days a week is recommended.
If a student is also in another performing group (i.e. band), I ask that she prioritize her lesson assignments when preparing for lessons. The etudes and other music I assign will take priority during our lessons. I will help with ensemble music as time allows.
Please ask questions if you are unsure of any assignment! In addition, let me know if there are any auditions or contests coming up that need special attention.
 

Tuition and payment

Lessons are $35 for 30 minutes.
Payment is required at the time of the lesson. I accept cash, checks, Zelle and PayPal.
 

Cancellations and Makeup Lessons

If your student needs to miss a lesson, please contact me with as much advance notice as possible.
Makeup lessons are not guaranteed. They are based on my availability.

Materials and Equipment

Students are responsible for purchasing any necessary equipment (reeds, swabs, etc.) and music books as assigned.
Music may be purchased through me or any of these recommended retailers:
Sheet Music Plus: http://bit.ly/SMPSutherland (I am an affiliate with SMP)
JW Pepper: http://www.jwpepper.com
Stanton’s Sheet Music: http://www.stantons.com/
Amazon may or may not have titles available
Equipment may be purchased through me or any of these recommended retailers:
Piano Trends, 35 Berkshire Drive, Crystal Lake (815) 477-4266
Woodwind and Brasswind http://www.wwbw.com/
Pro Winds https://www.prowinds.com/
Repairs:
Matt Bordoshuk, Palatine 708-845-0656
The Instrument Barn (Harry Choin), Huntley (847) 562-6616 https://www.theinstrumentbarn.com
Piano Trends, 35 Berkshire Drive, Crystal Lake (815) 477-4266 https://www.pianotrendsmusicband.com/

Photo and Video Release Form

I will occasionally take photos and videos of student lessons and performances for archival and promotional use. Students will be either anonymous or identified only by first names. If you do not wish your child’s image(s) to be used, please let me know.
 

Release of Liability

Students take lessons at their own risk and hereby release Lori Archer Sutherland from all liability from personal injury, illness or property damage resulting directly or indirectly from Studio activities.