Studio Policy

Last updated: June 8, 2023

FoCo Suzuki Strings Talent Education, LLC

(470) 302-5808

focosuzukistrings@gmail.com

www.focosuzukistrings.com

Executive Director/Owner/Instructor:

Tamara Gierum - B.A. in Music & Romance Languages M.A. in Education K-12

Welcome!

It is our goal to teach you/your child to develop a deep appreciation of music. Students are taught how to: play their instruments, practice, perform, ear train, understand music theory, and listen critically to themselves and others.

Ms. Gierum has over 15 years of teaching experience and has taught in private, group, and classroom settings. Mr. Noah teaches Orchestra at the High School for the Arts in Gwinnett County. He performs frequently at the Alliance Theatre at the Woodruff Arts Center in the Orchestra pit at many popular shows and events.

FSS specializes in SUZUKI METHOD strings instruction. We offer private lessons and group classes to fit the needs of each individual, whether a student is learning just for fun or on a competitive level.

There are multiple performing opportunities and assessments throughout the year, including book graduations, group community play-ins, formal recitals, and other fun events.

Private Lessons

Private lessons using the Suzuki Method are available for ages 4 through 18 (adults welcome) in Violin and Viola.

Private lessons are recommended for students wanting one-on-one instruction, with progress based on the practice habits and capabilities of the individual student. Lessons are available in 30-minute and above sessions; Beginner students are recommended to start with 30-minute lessons (pre-twinkle through book 1a), 45 lesson options are recommended for intermediate (Book 1b-3b), and 60 minutes for advanced (Books 4 and above).

Each new student will receive a free 30-minute trial lesson at a mutually agreed time. Going forward, a set day and time is scheduled for each student based on the student’s and teacher’s availability. Students are expected to attend their lessons weekly from August through May, generally following the Forsyth County school calendar, with breaks during the major holidays. Lessons during the summer months of June are more flexible. In July there are no lessons. Summer lessons in June are mandatory in order to keep your spot at FSS and continue again in August.

Students will be assigned to the instructor who best fits their needs and schedule. However, on occasion, students may be switched instructors depending on the availability of the instructor.

Parental Involvement

As stated in the policies for individual lessons and group classes, parental participation is a fundamental element of the Suzuki philosophy. A parent/caregiver is expected to attend all lessons and group classes with their child.

New parent orientation sessions: All new parents are required to attend this one-hour session to receive valuable start-up information, including an introduction to the Suzuki philosophy and information on instrument rental or purchase.

All parents are required to attend our new parent education classes to gain an understanding of the concept of the mother tongue method of talent education.

All families are encouraged to join the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA www.suzukiassociation.org) and the Suzuki Association of Georgia (SAGA www.georgiasuzuki.org). SAA membership includes a subscription to the quarterly journal, which contains valuable articles and summer institute information. Members also receive first notice of any workshops or nearby institutes. SAGA membership includes eligibility for scholarship opportunities and information regarding local Suzuki events.

Suzuki's study is based on both individual and group lessons. Students are placed in group classes by ability level, and FoCo Suzuki Strings offers a one-group lesson a month (30/45/60 min, depending on level). The purpose of group class includes working on technical skill development, repertoire review, and musical style. This learning takes place in a highly motivational social setting.

The group class is an integral part of the Suzuki experience therefore, attendance is required at all group classes. The group class is a lesson; please make sure that your schedule allows for regular group class attendance. Families who do not attend group lessons regularly will not be allowed to perform in group concerts and, ultimately may be asked to leave the program.

Parent participation is a vital component of the Suzuki philosophy. Parents are required to attend all group classes and actively participate by sitting close and taking notes. Group activities can offer great practice ideas for home. Observing your child’s participation, behavior, and preparedness is also helpful.

Siblings who sit and watch quietly are welcomed at all group classes. This may be the first spark of motivation for a budding Pre-Twinkler, and siblings may be invited to join in a game or activity.

In the group class, students are only to participate in those skills and pieces previously addressed by their private instructor.

Payment

Registration Fees

*The registration fee is non-refundable and serves as a deposit to hold a lesson slot at FSS. The fees also help cover materials, printing/copying, venue fees, and other expenses. Please note that this does not cover books and other materials. The registration fee is $65 and is a one-time fee.

Tuition

Tuition shall be paid monthly. Your monthly tuition covers all lessons and group classes annually and is averaged over the entire year. *****The amount is not prorated on a per-lesson or per-class basis for each month*****

Tuition includes a 30-minute parent orientation session, ongoing parent education, piano accompaniment at group classes, recitals, and concerts, assistance from your teacher in instrument searches, and all administrative costs.

Invoices will be distributed at the beginning of each month (to the email we have on file on your parent portal account) and should be returned with payment by the 15th of each month. Payments may be paid via ZELLE to this email: gierumtamara@gmail.com or by check made out to “FoCo Suzuki Strings” and brought in person to the studio by the due date on the invoice.

Tuition is due on the 15th of each month. If payment is not received by the due date on your invoice, a $20.00 service charge will be added to your balance. Please be sure to include this in your payment.

FSS charges a $35 returned check fee.

We require a one-month minimum commitment. Should you decide to stop lessons or leave the program in the middle of the month, you will not receive a refund. Should you decide to leave the program after missing lessons, we do not retroactively refund tuition.

Each package includes a total of 33 lessons, 1 formal spring recital, 2 make-up lessons (if required), and a minimum of 3 community group play-ins and rehearsals. These lessons are spread over the 10-month period from August to May. Note that the number of lessons in any specific month will naturally vary due to holidays, weeks in a month, etc.

There are no Lessons during the month of July.

Attendance and Cancellation

If you are late to your Private Lesson, time will not be taken out of the following student’s lesson. If you need to cancel/reschedule your lesson, a 24-hour notice is required by texting, calling, or emailing your instructor directly. For extenuating circumstances (illness, other unexpected situations), we will work with you to reschedule your lesson.

Since lesson times are reserved for each student, no-show/no-notification lessons will not be made up and will not receive a lesson credit.

Only TWO make-up lessons are allowed per session/semester. This does not apply to students on Monday holidays who reschedule or when an instructor reschedules a lesson. Make-up lessons will not be carried over from one semester to the next. Once a semester ends (fall, spring, or summer), the instructors are not obligated to schedule a make-up. However, we will hold make-up days toward the end of each semester for any remaining make-up.

To schedule a make-up, visit your instructor’s schedule for open slots through the Student Login page. Contact your instructor to request and confirm the make-up lesson date and time. If you cannot schedule a make-up lesson with your instructor, you can schedule one with another if both instructors agree to the arrangement.

Materials/Equipment needed

  1. Instrument/Equipment: All students will need an instrument to practice at home.

  2. String Students: Your instructor will recommend the appropriate instrument size. For growing students, we recommend a rental instrument.

  3. The following accessories may also be needed:

  • Bow, rosin, shoulder rest, shoulder strap, extra strings, tuner, etc.

  • Music/Books: Suzuki Books

  • Metronome: This is a very useful tool for anyone studying music. Metronomes are usually built into keyboards or digital pianos. There are also separate standalone units or free apps you can download on your phone, computer, IPads, etc.

Resources:

String instruments *We recommend going to a store in person rather than purchasing online.

Recommended Vendors:

  • Atlanta Violins (Roswell)

  • Huthmaker Fine Violins (Suwanee)

  • Beau Vinci Violins (Alpharetta)

  • Ronald Sachs Violins (Sugar Hill)

Discontinuing lessons/classes

We understand that music lessons/classes are not necessarily for everyone, and unexpected situations happen where a student has to cancel their lessons. Students deciding to discontinue must give a one-month notice or one month's tuition. No refunds will be given for any leftover lessons/classes. However, students can take all lessons/classes they have paid for.

*FSS reserves the right to terminate lessons/classes for any students who are consistently late, frequently cancel/reschedule lessons/classes, or continuously come to lessons/classes unprepared.

Thank you, and we hope to help and guide you on your musical journey!!