Stephanie Claussen Studio Policy
Updated 8/22/23
1. Payment:
- Payment by check is due at the first lesson of each month, or if paying online, by the 7th of the month. A fee of $5 per week may be assessed for late payments.
- If you would prefer to pay online, you may do so with either PayPal or Venmo.
- I do not offer refunds for unused or cancelled lessons
2. Cancellation:
- Both e-mail and phone messages on my home phone are acceptable methods of contacting me.
- For a lesson canceled with more than 48 hours’ notice (for any reason other than a lack of practice) I offer a makeup lesson or credit for a later lesson.
- Less than 48 hours’ notice: Payment is required for all lessons canceled or rescheduled for any reason with less than 48 hours’ notice. In cases of bad weather, illness, or a family emergency, a makeup lesson outside of the regularly-scheduled time may be requested. Even if no other lesson times are available within two weeks, the payment cannot be refunded or transferred to a later date. A limited number of reschedules are possible per year per student. Online lessons are always a possibility if you can’t come in person!
3. Expectations:
- Practice 30 minutes per day, six days a week. Lack of practice during the week is not an acceptable reason to cancel a lesson. If you are not able to practice the required amount, we will spend lesson time on music theory, memorization techniques, or sight reading. Refer back to your practice notebook every day for specific goals and assignments.
- You are required to own a harp, music stand, metronome (or metronome app), an electronic tuner (or tuning app) and Exercises for Speed and Agility, by Deborah Friou.
- By registering with my studio, you agree to receive my e-mail notifications regarding upcoming concerts, workshops and harp events. I strongly encourage attending as many harp events as you can.
4. For lessons, please:
- Clip your fingernails and remove any rings, bracelets or earrings that could scratch a harp.
- Set your cell phone to silent.
- Bring your notebook and books.
- If you arrive during another student’s lesson, please come in (quietly) and get your music or harp set up for your lesson.
- Please avoid turning around in my neighbors’ driveways.
Online Harp Lesson Policies addendum 2023-2024
1. Device:
- If possible, use a computer or large device rather than a phone so that you can see me better.
- Place your device to your left and charge the battery ahead of time or keep it plugged in.
- Sit as close as possible to your internet router.
2. Sheet Music:
- If you are working on a piece of music that I do not own, please take a picture or a scan of the music ahead of time and email it to me.
- If you send it right before your lesson time, I will need to use lesson time to download it.
3. Platform:
- I use FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom (max. 30 minutes) to teach online lessons but I’m open to other options!
- If using Zoom, make sure you have your audio settings configured so that you can use the “Original Sound” option.
4. Equipment:
- Have a notebook handy to take notes in, and always have a pencil with a working eraser within reach.
- Try to minimize other sounds and distractions in your space during the lesson. (Example: turn off the TV, close the door, etc.)
No lessons the week after Christmas or the week after the Spring Recital.
Taxes:
Minnesota parents, you might be able to write off up to $1000 of the cost of harp lessons for your child on your MN tax return. Take a look at Schedule M1ED, line 8. I am a “qualified instructor.” If you would like an end-of-year receipt for lessons, please let me know by January 15th (or earlier).
Program: Attend Concerts, Earn Free Concerts
Read complete details here.
Resources:
Please visit my Studio Reference page for information on how to practice, recommended reading, resources on harp maintenance, etc.
Stephanie Claussen teaches harp lessons out of her home in St. Paul, Minnesota. She strives to ingrain in each student not only correct hand position, rhythm and a sense of musicality, but also a love for making music.