Private lessons focus primarily on technique, repertoire, musicianship, and creative skills. Students are assigned technique activities, theory assignments, and performance material weekly.

Lessons are given weekly in 30, 45, or 60 minute lengths. Lessons may occur in-person or remote (via Zoom).

Remote lessons may be required due to illness, weather, and travel either as a result of the teacher's or student's needs.

Lessons in the student’s home are available in South Miami, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, and Palmetto Bay area.

Regular practice is expected. The time required for a worthwhile practice session varies depending on the age and ability of each student; recommended practice times will be communicated individually.

For each lesson, students are expected to bring:

• Folder with practice log

• Binder with assigned sheet music

• Method books

• Pencil

• Water with straw (voice students)

Upon enrolling, each student will receive access to a personalized Google Classroom. Lesson materials (lesson notes, accompaniment recordings, etc.) will be posted through Google Classroom.

For after school students, tuition for the semester is paid in two installments. Parents will receive a payment request via their preferred method (Venmo, Zelle, or check).

For Step Up students, lesson reservations for the semester are due prior to the first meeting.

Tuition is non-refundable. Tuition will be prorated, if beginning mid-semester.

30 minutes - $60/lesson

45 minutes - $75/lesson

60 minutes - $90/lesson

Tuition includes more than just your private lesson – technique exercises, song research, and lesson preparation are customized for every student.

Voice students will also be charged a $50 sheet music fee each semester. This allows all vocal sheet music to be provided for you. Tuition does not include accompanist fees, recital fees, or fees paid for voice or theory examinations.

Students are expected to attend weekly lessons at their assigned time for the full teaching year (August 2025 - May 2026).

It is expected that students will prioritize their lessons and schedule other activities around their lesson time. Please arrange ahead of time to make lessons a priority.

Cancellation

There is a strict 24-hour cancellation policy for illness and family emergencies. All cancellations must be made via text or phone. Students must receive a response confirming that the lesson is eligible for a make-up. If approved, follow the make-up policy below.

In the event of planned family travel, religious functions or compulsory school events, the student may receive a make-up if the change is communicated via email by the first lesson of the month. Lessons cancelled for other reasons will not receive a make-up. No refunds are issued for cancelled or missed lessons.

No-shows, forgotten lessons, and late cancellations (less than 24-hour notice) will not be rescheduled or made up and will not receive a refund.

In the event of teacher performance, emergency, or illness, lessons will be rescheduled immediately.

Make-Up Lessons

If eligible for a make up lesson, the student must reschedule and use their time within 30 days of the missed lesson. If a student misses a make up lesson, this will not be rescheduled.

Emergency Cancellations

Students receive two emergency cancellations per teaching year (August 2025 - May 2026). That is, a student may cancel a lesson (within 24 hours of the lesson time) and receive a make-up twice.

Discontinuation

Students and/or parents who fail to abide by these rules will be dismissed from the studio roster with no refunds.

Each student‘s lesson time is reserved from August to May. If you decide that you are unable to continue lessons, students are required to give at least one month’s paid notice. Students have the option to continue lessons for the last paid month.

Please contact me via text or email prior to reaching out via phone call. As I am often teaching, rehearsing, or performing, text or email is the most efficient way of connecting with me.

mariefergusonmezzo@gmail.com

(732) 233-9035