Logo

2024-2025 SEASON
 
 THE VOICE STUDIO OF ALLISON CECILIA ARENDS, MMus, BMus. 

PRIVATE STUDIO LOCATION AND CONTACT:

228-Woodbine Avenue (Upper doorbell, third floor)
Phone or text: 437-669-2191 
Email: allison@allisonarends.com
Websites: www.allisonarends.com  
 Teaching page: www.allisonarends.mymusicstaff.com 

STUDIO POLICIES:

These policies exist to ensure clear communication regarding the operation of the studio, the lessons, and expectations of both the adult student, or the parent and child student. All rules are meant to be equitable, fair, and are reflective of standard industry practises and teacher association recommendations.  

Before registering for lessons, please note that it is the student or parent/guardian’s responsibility to familiarise themselves with the policies and practises outlined below. In the case of minors, it is the guardian’s responsibility to likewise share information regarding lesson expectations and studio practises with the child. By signing up for lessons, you are acknowledging that you have read, understand, and agree to these studio policies.  

OUTLINE OF STUDENT/PARENT EXPECTATIONS:

Students/parents should follow the following procedures: 

1.) Bring all materials to each lesson. If there is a consistent pattern of a student arriving to their lessons without these materials, concerns will first be communicated by email. If this still continues, the subsequent lesson will be ended early so that the student can use the remaining time to prepare their materials ahead of the next one. These materials should include: 

-A pencil and eraser
-The distributed music binder containing sheet music and any music or theory books
-A metronome/scanner or metronome/scanner app on your phone (on-line only)
-A filled water bottle

2.) In person students should follow all procedures when arriving for their lessons, as outlined under "in person lessons".

3.) On-line students should have their technology and room set up in advance of the lesson starting, as per the specifications outlined in "on-line lessons". In the case of children 12 and under, a parent, adult, or older sibling should be available during on-line lessons to assist with technical issues, should they arise (ie: logging in, internet or Zoom difficulties, finding/printing off/assembling lesson materials).

4.) Students/parents should read all emails and respond to them in a timely manner ahead of deadlines.

5.) Students/parents should follow the procedures regarding missing, changing, or canceling lessons, as outlined under "scheduling" and "cancelations". 

6.) Students/parents should make payments for lessons by the 1st of each month.

7.) Students/parents should refer to the on-line calendar on the teaching page to ensure that they are aware of all lesson times, as well as days off.

8.) Both students and parents should refer to the information in this document, as well as the teaching page, for information regarding scheduling, invoicing, lesson notes, and lesson materials.
 

ON-LINE LESSONS:

  • Zoom links can be found in your email/text reminder or by logging in to your My Music Staff account in the calendar. As well, old lesson reminder links will likewise work. 
  • To ensure a good connection, please either be within close proximity to your modem, ensure that you have a high upload/download speed (you may test this on speedtest.net), or plug in your device directly to your modem. If possible, please ask the other members of your household to avoid streaming during your lesson (Netflix, YouTube, video calls, etc), which can result in significant lag in video calls.
  • Sign in on a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet, in that order of preference. 
  • While this is not required, purchasing a condenser mic may drastically improve your sound quality. I would recommend either the Snowball or Blue Yeti mic, which can be purchased on Amazon or at most electronics stores. 
  • As playing accompaniments on the same device on which you are conducting your lesson will create sound issues, a second device will be needed (ie: cell phone or tablet). Children who do not yet own their own phone should arrange to borrow a parent's phone. To further enhance the sound quality of accompaniments, a Bluetooth speaker may optionally be used. 
  • Prior to your lesson, please download the most up to date version of Zoom. The following Zoom settings will be necessary to ensure quality of sound: 
    • Original Sound should be enabled and turned on if you are using a tablet or smart phone. You may need to enable this in the Zoom app or in the settings.
    • If you are using a laptop or desktop:
      Open a zoom meeting > Click on the arrow next to the Mute button > Click Audio Settings > Under "Microphone", unclick Automatically adjust microphone volume > Under "Audio Profile", select Original sound for musicians > Also select all three boxes below it: High Fidelity Music Mode, Echo Cancellation, Stereo Audio > Close out of these settings and look in the top lefthand corner of your Zoom screen. Click Original Sound so that it says ON.
  • Ensure that your room has good lighting, is away from outside noise and distractions, and has an elevated platform (ie: desk or table) on which you can rest your primary device so that you may stand while singing. Either purchase a music stand or use a binder to free up your hands. 
  • The recording of lessons is allowed, but should not be shared/distributed publicly for privacy reasons. You may go to your Zoom settings to set this up, or mention this in your lesson and I can give permission in my Zoom settings.
  • On-line students will need to have a metronome and scanner handy. Free metronome and scanner apps may also be downloaded from the App Store. 
  • Parents are always welcome to attend the odd lesson, but I ask that they please be quiet observers so that there is only one teacher in the room.

IN-PERSON LESSONS:

  • When you arrive, please observe the following protocols:

1.) Arrive at the time of your lesson or as close to your lesson time as possible. 
2.)  Avoid ringing the doorbell, but enter as both doors will be unlocked. (If this is not the case, please text/call me on my cell phone.) 
3.) Waiting areas include: the bench outside of my studio at the top of the stairs on the 3rd floor, the front porch, or there are many coffee shops nearby in the colder months, should you have additional time to kill.
4.) Leave shoes at the bottom of the stairs near the entrance, but bring your coat, bag/purse, and all other belongings upstairs with you.
5.) We own a medium sized dog named Rosie who will bark upon your entry. As she has been reactive in the past, please refrain from interacting with her until I am present. If you leave her alone, she will leave you alone. This is particularly important in the case of children. Dog allergies, sound sensitivities to barking, and/or fears/dislikes can unfortunately not be accommodated. Please return the gate to its original place at the top of the stairs so that Rosie cannot run down to the street level floor.
6.) Please knock when it is your lesson time so that I know you have arrived.

  • Second floor washroom is available for public use.
  • The recording of lessons is allowed, but should not be shared/distributed publicly for privacy reasons. 
  • Parents are always welcome to attend the odd lesson, but I ask that they please be quiet observers so that there is only one teacher in the room.


MATERIALS:

  • All students will be provided with a music binder, a pencil, and an eraser at the first lesson. Photocopies and/or scans of music with be provided on an ongoing basis, which should be added to music binders, as will voice memos and/or practise videos (as needed), and accompaniment tracks (as needed). 
  • Once music has been distributed, it is the student's responsibility to keep track of all materials or reprint them, should they be misplaced. If my assistance is needed in scanning/photocopying/printing replacement materials is required, this will be done during lesson time. All necessary books/materials should be brought to each lesson.
  • Music purchased through MusicNotes.com  will either be printed out or emailed to you as a PDF, and the amount for this purchase will be billed to your next invoice. As a subscriber to both Music Notes and Appcompanist, I have unlimited access to sheet music and accompaniments in many keys.
  • Those doing exams, festival, and competitions will be lent my music books, but you may also be required to purchase additional copies of the music due to copyright regulations. Borrowed materials should be returned to me promptly and in the condition they were received. Those living too far away to quickly return borrowed materials may be required to purchase their own first or second copies (as required by the exam and/or competition) at the student/parent's expense.
  • All resources, including sheet music, audio files, and/or video files will be uploaded to your MyMusicStaff account. You may access them by logging in to your profile > click on Online Resources. They may also be attached in weekly lesson notes, or sent by email/text on occasion, if this is preferred by the student.

PAYMENT: 

  • Lessons are $80/hour and are non-refundable, but may be carried over for future use. 
  • Invoices will automatically be generated and emailed by MyMusicStaff on the 21st of each month and are due by the 1st of each month, or as indicated on your invoice. Fees are payable by email transfer only to allison.c.arends@gmail.com only (not my allisonarends or yahoo account, please), as this account is set up for auto-deposits. Late payments will result in a $10 penalty.
  • Lessons include the aforementioned materials, access to my music library, accompaniment tracks, access to songs in multiple keys, weekly lesson notes, opportunities to participate in studio recitals and masterclasses (at an additional charge to cover pianist fees and facility rentals), and events associated with my various memberships (registration fees will apply based on the specific organisation). 
  • Administrative duties, excluding regular lesson prep, usual admin, reference letters, and occasional meetings with parents, will incur a charge at my hourly rate, which will be applied to the next invoice. Help with registrations and lengthier marking assignments will be charged at my hourly rate.
  • Receipts are readily available and may be accessed upon logging in to your My Music Staff account. Please let me know if you need tax receipts and I can likewise generate one for you.

SCHEDULING:

  • During the months of September-June, my teaching hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from, 3-6pm and 7-9pm, and Fridays from 1-6:30pm.
  • Lessons are offered weekly at a regular time, bi-weekly should another student wish to share this time with you on a back and forth basis, and as a “flex lesson" for those wanting more causal/occasional lessons as times become available.
  • There are no lessons on statutory holidays, long weekends, and from December 21st-January 5th inclusive.
  • Lessons in the summer months may be available on a reduced/occasional basis (TBA).
  • Please take note of my absences, which will all be reflected in the on-line calendar, due to my other professional obligations or personal commitments. 
  • Lessons are offered on the hour and will run 55 minutes in length. For students up to the age of 9, shorter 25 minute lessons may be available upon request. 
  • Student requests for changes to weekly lesson times, lesson swaps, discontinuation of lessons, or notifications of future absences should adhere to the following steps:
    1.) Email me by the 15th of the month prior to the one being scheduled (ie: lesson requests for October should be sent to me BY September 15th) to inform me of the aforementioned.
    2.) Changes made after the 15th will still be charged on the next invoice.
    3.) Sometimes unavoidable conflicts arise with little notice, but please note that it will be the student/parent's responsibility to arrange a lesson swap or else the canceled lesson will be charged. Upon registering for lessons, you will be added to an email list, which will allow you to contact the studio to request a lesson swap with another student. Please go to the My My Music Staff portal and look under "News and Blogposts" - you will find the email list and detailed instructions there.
  • Monthly schedules will be posted to www.allisonarends.mymusicstaff.com. Please familiarise yourselves with this website, or refer automated lesson reminders for scheduling confirmation.

CANCELATIONS:

  • In the case of illness only, 24 hours is required to cancel a lesson, otherwise the full amount will be charged. Exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis for extenuating personal circumstances or emergencies. 
  • Students should notify me of last minute cancelations by text message only.
  • Should I need to cancel any lessons due to professional, personal, or illness related circumstances, charges will not apply. The lesson may either be rescheduled or credited to the next invoice. 
  • In the interest of full disclosure, most of you know that I am continuing a long and complicated recovery from serious health conditions, which will likely carry on for many more months. This unfortunately may require cancelations due to symptoms, medical appointments or treatments, or a pending surgery. Please know that I will be sure to consider your own cancelations fairly based on the aforementioned and will be keeping a detailed log to ensure interactions are fair and equitable. 
  • In person lesson cancelations due to a parental conflict, illness, transit issues, or inclement weather will have the option of being switched to an on-line format instead. Those exhibiting symptoms of a potentially contagious virus (ie: COVID, cold, flu) should avoid coming for an in-person lesson and instead sign in for an on-line one.

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • In the case of students 18 and under, all communication to do with registration, invoicing, and scheduling should be handled by one point of contact only (a parent or legal guardian).
  • Outside of your scheduled lesson time, please contact me by email. Phone conversations may be scheduled and text messages are good for pressing issues.
  • Please note that I will generally only be checking messages and emails between the hours of 10am-9pm on weekdays.
  • Please email me completed theory assignments ahead of your lesson if you are on-line, but please note that this will be done during class time, except in the cases of that which can be done quickly.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES:

  • I am a member of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association (ORMTA) and the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). Both of these organisations host recitals and adjudicated competitions (vocal showcase and auditions), which are open to students of members. 
  • This year's Valentine's Day recital will take place the afternoon of February 9th, 2025.
  • There may be occasional opportunities to participate in public masterclasses and workshops. 
  • The Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival takes place each year around March-April, followed by provincials in June (for those who are recommended at a local music festival).
  • Other cities, jurisdictions, and/or provinces likewise have local and provincial music festivals.
  • Please note that while I will provide information in lesson notes, students/parents will be responsible for their own festival/competition registrations.

ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMS:

  • 10-12 months of weekly lessons and daily practise is required in order to be well prepared.
  • 1 hour lessons are necessary for those working towards Level 5 and up in order to allow adequate time to prepare. 
  • A collaborative pianist will need to be booked for a few lessons prior to the exam as well as the examination itself, which I can help to arrange. For levels 5 and up, it is compulsory that you use a live pianist as accompaniment tracks are not permitted in upper levels. The pianist will bill separately for their time.
  • Students may need to purchase copies of music, vocalises, sight singing, ear training, and/or theory books. I will provide second copies, as per conservatory requirements. 
  • Online exams may be conducted from your own home.
  • In person examinations may be taken in January or June. These fill up VERY quickly, so registration should happen immediately in order to guarantee a time. Please note that I will no longer be offering exam preparation through the summer months or August exams.
  • Please confer with me prior to registering for an exam. Registration for exams will be the responsibility of the parent/student.

WEBSITE:  
For all of your student needs, including scheduling, invoicing, lesson notes and materials, event registration, or to review these policies, please go to: www. allisonarends.mymusicstaff.com
For other information on Allison, please go to: www.allisonarends.com