*To all prospective students: I will always respond to your enquiry within 24 hours of receiving it unless I am away, in which case I will leave a message on my profile. I appreciate people getting back to me - even if they decide not to take lessons with me. If I don't hear back from you within 7 days of sending my response, I will assume you are no longer interested in lessons.*
Whether you're a parent looking for an experienced and professional cello teacher for your child; an adult looking to restart or expand your horizons with cello lessons; or a music student or professional in need of additional input and help for your cello exam or audition, please read on.
I have been a private cello teacher since 1996 and enjoy a diverse career as a professional cellist to draw from. Since graduating in 1999, I have worked as a permanent and extra cellist in English and South African professional orchestras, a live and studio session cellist with numerous bands, and composed and recorded music for film, media and production music libraries with my husband under the name of Entropik Music.
Although I tailor much of my teaching method to the individual needs of my students, certain principles are a constant in all of my cello lessons regardless of the student. These include promoting tension-free movement and posture using elements of Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais Method; and promoting strong aural skills along with a solid understanding of underlying music theory. My goal for all of my students is to help them become well-rounded musicians with an appreciation that extends beyond the joy of being a cellist.
I offer regular weekly or fortnightly cello lessons as well as intensive sessions for exam, audition or performance preparation; learning effective practising skills; help with improvisation skills; and writing cello parts for non-classical settings. Because requirements for such lessons vary depending on the circumstances, fees will be worked out on an individual basis. Contact me to discuss your requirements in detail.
In addition to cello lessons, I offer assistance with buying or hiring cellos and making improvements to your instrument. For beginners, finding a suitable instrument can be a daunting process with so much to choose from. Whether you're in search of an entry-level cello or upgrading to a better quality student or professional cello, you'll be making a big and important investment. I can help you to find an instrument, assess it for damage or set-up requirements and help you to negotiate the right price where appropriate.
THE SMALL PRINT
1. MISSED LESSONS
Lesson cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled lesson time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance will be subject to a full lesson payment unless otherwise agreed by the Teacher. If the Teacher is unavailable to give any scheduled lesson the lesson will be carried forward to another date. If this is not possible, any fee already paid will be refunded or used to pay for a future lesson.
2. FEES
Lesson fees which can be viewed at www.cellostudio.info/fees.html are subject to annual review.
Block bookings are charged at a discounted rate and are subject to the following conditions:
i. Bookings to be made for four (minimum) or eight (maximum) lessons
ii. Lessons must be booked for specific dates and times
iii. Four lesson blocks must be booked for a period of no more than nine weeks
iv. Eight lesson blocks must be booked for a period of no more than twelve weeks
v. Missed lessons that are not cancelled with sufficient notice as agreed will not be refunded
vi. Missed lessons that are cancelled with sufficient notice will be rearranged. If a suitable time cannot be arranged within the block period, the lesson will either be carried over to the next block or refunded
vii. Payments must be made within seven days of the first lesson date unless alternative arrangements are made. Payments made after the agreed period will be charged at the full lesson rate.
3. ADDITIONAL LESSONS
Extra lessons may be scheduled during holiday periods or at any other time by mutual agreement.
4. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
A decision to discontinue lessons may be taken by the Student/Parent/Guardian or the Teacher in which case six (6) weeks written notice shall be given by the party seeking to discontinue. In the event that the Student discontinues lessons with insufficient notice, the Student/Parent/Guardian will be liable to pay fees for those lessons not taken during the notice period.
5. GENERAL
i. The Student/Parent/Guardian agrees to pay for any music/strings/reeds repairs etc. required by the Student and provided by the Teacher.
ii. The Student/Parent/Guardian will be responsible for any loss or damage incurred to any instrument, accessory or music loaned by the Teacher to the Student. Such items will be returned on request to the Teacher.
iii. The Student/Parent/Guardian undertakes not to make photocopies of any music.
iv. The Student will not enter any examination, festival, competition or otherwise perform in public without first consulting the Teacher. The Teacher will not enter the Student for any examination/festival etc. without the approval of the Student/Parent/Guardian. Any entry fees for examinations/festivals etc. will be paid by the Student/Parent/Guardian.
v. The Student/Parent/Guardian is responsible for the insurance of the Student’s instrument.
vi. In the interests of the Student’s well-being whilst in the Teacher’s care, the Teacher must be informed of any medical or other condition affecting the Student.
vii. If the Student is under the age of eighteen (18), the Parent/Guardian shall ensure a responsible adult is present on the premises and within earshot of the Student for the duration of each lesson.
As a member of the Musicians’ Union, the Teacher is fully insured for public liability.
