CFVA 2023-24 Student Studio Handbook

STUDENT STUDIO HANDBOOK

STUDENT STUDIO HANDBOOK

ABOUT US

Central Florida Vocal Arts is dedicated to training the artists and arts advocates of tomorrow to re-imagine the future of vocal arts in our community and beyond. We strive to inspire the hearts and minds of a new generation through superior arts instruction. Excelling in experience and passion, our teachers are some of the most elite teaching artists in the Central Florida area. We strive to provide a nurturing educational environment that is both warm and welcoming, while maintaining professional excellence.

GOALS

● To train young artists at every level of experience, from beginner to emerging professional and provide education tailored to their individual needs.

● To provide a safe space, where students can express and challenge themselves artistically, both in lessons and classes, as well as performance

● To inspire students to the aesthetic appreciation of the arts both in themselves and in others.

● To cultivate self ecacy, strong work ethic and practice methods that benefit the student both in his or her arts studies and also in all aspects of his or her academic career.

● To promote excellence in teachers among the arts

● To pay teachers equitably for their time and talents

CONTACT INFORMATION

Director of Education

Studio

Sarah Lysiak Ging

STUDIO LESSONS

Introductory Lesson

When you contact the studio, you will initially communicate with the Studio Manager to schedule a fully-paid introductory lesson After the introductory lesson, you will receive a follow up email to discuss your experience, and to initiate the registration process for one-on-one weekly lessons A confirmation email will come from the Studio Manager to finalize this process If you have any questions, please contact us at studio@centralfloridavocalarts org

One-on-One Weekly Lessons

One-on-One weekly lessons are the most eective way to learn an instrument, develop a strong vocal technique and/or study a variety of truthful acting methods. Teachers in private lessons develop a strong rapport and sense of trust with students allowing students to take risks in exploring their innate artistry. Private lessons are oered in three lengths (30, 45, and 60 minutes), and are billed via a 4-lesson package through Wellness Living on a monthly basis.

Lesson times and durations may be adjusted at the start of each semester (spring, fall, summer). Lesson times and durations may not be adjusted during the semester, as changes to lesson times and durations may impact the schedules of other students, teachers, and our community partners.

In-person and virtual lessons are oered year round for voice, piano, guitar, and other instruments upon request (subject to teacher availability).

Travel Lessons

Teachers will travel to students’ homes for private one-on-one lessons within Greater Orlando 30, 45, and 60 minute lesson lengths are available Rates begin at $40 per package ($10 per lesson), and are subject to teacher availability

Drop-In Lessons

Drop-In Lessons are oered to experienced performers who cannot commit to regular, weekly lessons These lessons are typically observed by students seeking additional preparation for upcoming auditions and performances They are only oered at the 60-minute length and for an additional fee of $10 per lesson

LESSON RATES AND FEES

A portion of each student’s payment is automatically allocated for interests of our organization’s mission to ensure equitable access to meaningful arts experience for all aspiring artists of Central Florida Thank you for helping us to support our community!

Registration Fee

All students are subject to a one-time $50.00 registration fee which helps to oset the administrative and software costs associated with our studio management.

Rate Increases (eective October 1, 2023)

Due to increasing studio demand and rental rates, CFVA will be increasing the price of lesson packages eective October 1, 2023 These changes allow our administrative sta and teaching artists to continue providing the highest quality of service to our students Rate increases for each package will be detailed below

Director Rates

Director Rate refers to a teacher who holds a leadership position within the company. These teachers have a Master's degree in Voice and 10+ years of teaching experience Lessons with a Director are only oered at the 60-minute length, and are intended to serve advanced level students (ages 15+) who are seeking preparatory assistance for auditions, competitions, roles, and performances and/or have professional ambitions.

4-Lesson Package

60 minute lessons= $300 per package (advanced level students, ages 15+ only)

*Rate increase: $320

Travel Lesson Rate

Travel Lessons are not an option if studying with a Director

Drop-In Rate

60 minute lesson= $85 per lesson

*Rate increase: $90 per lesson

Master Teacher Rates

Master Teachers hold a Master’s degree in Voice or related field.

4-Lesson Package

30 minute lessons= $160 per package (suggested for beginner level students under 12)

*Rate increase: $170

45 minute lessons= $200 per package (suggested for intermediate level students)

*Rate increase: $215

60 minute lessons= $240 per package (suggested for advanced level students)

*Rate increase: $255

Travel Lesson Rate

Additional $40 per package

Drop-In Rate

60 minute lesson= $70 per lesson

*Rate increase: $75 per lesson

Standard Teacher Rates

Standard Teachers hold a Bachelor’s degree in Voice or related field

4-Lesson Package

30 minute lessons= $140 per package (suggested for beginner level students under 12)

*Rate increase: $150

45 minute lessons= $180 per package (suggested for intermediate level students)

*Rate increase: $190

60 minute lessons= $220 per package (suggested for advanced level students)

*Rate increase: $240

Travel Lesson Rate

Additional $40 per package

Drop-In Rate

60 minute lesson= $65 per lesson

*Rate increase: $70 per lesson

Payment Method

Credit card payment must be made in 4-lesson packages by credit card via students’ Wellness Living accounts Accounts will be automatically charged through Wellness Living on the 15th of each month to the credit card saved on file Aconveniencefeeof3%isadded foralltransactions Thoughstudentsmaychooseto “optout”ofautomaticpayments, a $15 monthlyservicefeewillbeappliedtoaccountsthatopt-outofautomatedpayments

Overdue Accounts

All lessons must be paid for in advance in 4 lesson increments. An account is considered overdue if a lesson has taken place and a balance on the account is owed. The Studio Manager will provide invoices through Wellness Living and payment reminders. In the event that 30 days elapse without payment, lessons will be suspended until the account is paid in full. For every week after 30 days an account is delinquent, the account will be charged a $15 late fee. Accounts that remain unpaid beyond 90 days will be sent to a collection account for both services rendered and accumulated late fees.

BEL CANTO SCHOLARSHIP

As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Central Florida Vocal Arts prides itself on being able to sustain the Bel Canto scholarship program for students in Central Florida. Scholarship

applications are reviewed twice per year, at the start of the fall and spring semesters. Any financial assistance granted by CFVA will be credited on the recipient’s invoice in the amount of $25 per lesson, for a total of 12 lessons over a three-month period. The student is financially responsible for paying the remaining balance to the CFVA Studio, and all policies and procedures outlined in this Studio Handbook still apply. For scholarship consideration, please submit the Bel Canto scholarship application and all requested materials via the following website: www centralfloridavocalarts org/community

LESSON POLICIES

Cancellation Policy

Out of respect for our teachers and community partners, we ask that all conflicts be communicated in advance to the Studio Manager at studio@centralfloridavocalarts.org.

Late Cancel (Canceling with Less than 24-Hour Notice)

A lesson is considered a Late Cancel if it is canceled with less than 24 hours notice. In this case the lesson is forfeited and no make up lesson will be provided. Unless an emergency arises, you will be charged for canceled sessions under the 24-hour limit. Students who regularly cancel lessons may be dismissed from the studio.

No Show

If a student fails to attend their scheduled lesson, they will be charged the usual rate and no make up lesson will be provided. A lesson is considered a No Show 15-minutes after the lesson start time. Students who regularly No Show to their lessons may be dismissed from the studio.

Make Up Lessons

Due to the increasing lesson inquiry and studio space demands, we are only able to oer a limited amount of make up lessons. If a student needs to reschedule a lesson, they are permitted to do so twicepersemesteras long as the request is made 24 hours in advance. This will serve as a make up lesson for their regular lesson time. Please communicate all conflicts and rescheduling requests to the Studio Manager at studio@centralfloridavocalarts.org.

Any student rescheduling requests beyond the twice per semester allowance will not be observed, and your account will be charged at the usual lesson rate.

Lesson Discontinuation

If a student wishes to discontinue lessons, they must provide a minimum 30-day written notice of cancellation via email to studio@centralfloridavocalarts.org. Students who do not give 30-days notice from their last lesson will still be charged a 4-Lesson Package from the date that notice is given. Students may choose to attend or forfeit these lessons. The 30-days notice provides necessary time for scheduling adjustments and new student placement.

Illness

For the safety of our teachers and students, if you have or have had a fever of 100.4 or higher

in the last 24 hours, please email the Studio Manager immediately at studio@centralfloridavocalarts.org in order to cancel your lesson. If you choose to attend the lesson and your teacher suspects that you are ill, or you are unable to sustain healthy vocal production, you will be sent home and charged for the full price of the lesson.

Covid Policy & Procedures

All teachers and students are responsible for self-reporting symptoms and possible exposures beginning 14 days before a scheduled lesson to the Studio Manager. Anyone reporting symptoms will be asked not to attend in-person lessons. Anyone reporting a possible exposure will be asked to refrain from attending in-person lessons for 3 days following the potential exposure, and self-report a negative test result before returning to in-person lessons by emailing studio@centralfloridavocalarts.org.

In the event a teacher or student reports symptoms and/or a positive test that results in an exposure risk to another teacher or student, the incident should be immediately reported to the Director of Education, who will notify appropriate parties as needed. In-person lessons for the impacted teacher and/or students will cease immediately.

STUDIO CODE OF CONDUCT

● Students strive to follow instruction to the best of their ability and are eager to learn They bring all required materials, including sheet music and homework assignments to their lessons.

● Stealing and lying are unacceptable oenses.

● Smoking is prohibited in or around any main entrance of the studio.

● Students may not use drugs or alcohol on any of our studio campuses or attend lessons while under the influence.

● Lessons take place in shared studio facilities. Students will speak and behave in a way that is respectful to others regardless of race, creed, religion, orientation or identity.

● Lessons take place at approved studio facilities and must be scheduled through the Studio Manager. Lessons must never take place at a teacher’s home or other non-approved studio space

● CFVA enforces a strict non compete policy that states that any teacher who resigns or is dismissed from their position with the CFVA Studio must wait a minimum of 12-months before continuing lessons with any current or former student of CFVA.

Student Conduct

Students are expected to bring their music book(s), music binder and instrument (if applicable) to every lesson with completed homework and/or practice log It is unlikely that a studio facility will be open prior to the scheduled lesson time As such, students should not arrive excessively early There is a zero tolerance policy for disrespect of our instructors Students who are disrespectful, inattentive or deliberately disobedient will be dismissed from the lesson and a plan for improvement will be put in place with the approval of the parent An adult student will be asked to leave the studio and actions will be put in place to protect the instructor/student integrity Students who miss more than 15-minutes of their lesson duration will forfeit their lesson

Teacher Conduct

Teachers are expected to be respectful and maintain a professional decorum at all times. Foul language or gestures of any kind are prohibited. Teachers will arrive five minutes prior to the scheduled lesson time. It is unlikely that a studio facility will be open prior to the scheduled lesson time. At no time may a teacher have a student in their home. Should a teacher leave or be terminated from their position with the CFVA studio, they must wait 12-months before continuing lessons with any CFVA student.

All scheduling and payment communication between teachers and students must go through the CFVA Studio Manager.

Direct communication between a student under the age of 18 and their studio teacher will sometimes occur outside of lessons in order to share repertoire suggestions, pre-screening feedback, competition information, and other topics of a CFVA business nature. However, if a parent does not wish for their minor child to have direct communication with their Studio Teacher outside of lessons, please let us know by choosing the opt out option via Wellness Living.

RECITAL AND PERFORMANCES

The Education Team will coordinate a studio recital twice per year (Fall/Spring) Students will pay a small fee (approximately $50) to participate, which is to cover the cost of an accompanist and recital venue If a student requires financial assistance to participate in these programs, please let us know We’re always happy to help!

There are times when our studio will be asked to perform for local community events We delight in shining a spotlight on our students whenever possible We hope that you will take advantage of all opportunities to perform and grow your artistry

ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND SIGNATURE

By enrolling in lessons, I arm that I have read, understood, and will abide by the Central Florida Vocal Arts Studio policies and procedures as outlined in the Studio Handbook. I acknowledge that failure to do so may result in dismissal from the CFVA Studio. .

Student Name

Student Signature

Parent/Guardian Signature (if student is a minor)

Central Florida Vocal Arts Director of Education

Sarah Lysiak Ging