Cello Studio

Dear Parent(s) and/or Student(s),

Welcome to nwsmusic and my cello studio!

A huge thank you for choosing me as a guide on your musical journey.

I am an independent musician and teacher; this studio is a place of learning and cultural engagement as well as a small business. As teacher and student, the emphasis of our work together will be on the technical, physical, artistic, psychological, intellectual, and philosophical aspects of music-making. I care deeply about teaching music and the quality of results-driven learning I provide for all my students. I am a patient, analytical, and Socratic teacher; I pair these strengths alongside a sense of humor so that lessons are varied and never dull. My intention is to actively guide the progress each student will make in their study of cello by developing the critical thinking necessary to read and perform classical music, as well as to foster an understanding of theory and foundational technique. 

Your (your child’s) understanding and acceptance of my policies allows me to ensure I am able to provide the highest quality of musical training. As collaborative partners in musical growth, exploration, and development, the following outlines my expectations, payment process, cancellation, rescheduling, and general policy for my cello studio.

If you have any questions, or need more information, please feel free to email me at nicolas.sterner.music@gmail.com.

Again, thank you for your confidence in me. I look forward to nourishing growth and providing new insights in exploring the innumerable benefits a music education through cello has to offer!

Sincerely,

Nicolas

Cello Studio Terms

For complete details on my Cello Studio Terms of Agreement, please see the attached PDF

Lessons and Rates:

i. By Location

- In-studio: $80.00 flat rate

- Live-video: $80.00 flat rate

- In-home: $90.00 flat rate + travel, subject to transportation surcharge

ii. By Type

- 1 Trial/Intro lesson (45 mins or 1 hour, trial lessons are neither free nor prorated)

- Weekly Subscription lesson (1 hour min., see subscription period for details and monthly fees)

Payment Methods:

- Cash, Check, Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are accepted, please inquire for details

- Lessons of both types (section I.ii.) are never prorated; I often go overtime free of charge

Subscription Pay Period and Fees:

Monthly, on or before the first lesson of the month. Once subscribed, I do not accommodate subscriptions below 3 lessons per month. All subscription fees are non-refundable in the case of last-minute changes in location or lesson type.  

- 3 lessons (for months with a week of school/general vacation, including December)

- 4 lessons (for most months of the year)

- 5 lessons (depending on the month)

**Please note that a late fee of $30 will be charged if the monthly subscription fee is not paid within the first week or by the first lesson of the month.

Subscription Fees by Lesson Quantity and Type

Studio/ Video

• 3 lessons, $240

• 4 lessons, $320

• 5 lessons, $400

In-home (subject to travel surcharge)

• 3 lessons, $270 + travel

• 4 lessons, $360 + travel

• 5 lessons, $450 + travel

Studio Expectations: Lessons + Practice

Everyone is at different stages in their development, goals with cello/music, and in (of course), life! I take everyone’s personal situation into account in assessing goals and expectations around cello and practice. While I am reasonable and understanding, I do like to see results and long-term growth. For instance, if a doctor provides medicine but the patient will not take the correct dosage, or not enough, etc., the patient will not be healthy. This is a hypothetical scenario, but it directly relates to practice and carving out time to be as consistent as possible in your study and practice. If the desire is to improve quickly, more concentrated practice that is both frequent and long in duration is required. I do not expect this from everyone, but this I know from my own experience as a musician. Essentially, what I expect is consistent practice of a reasonable duration per week (if daily practice is desired, great!!). If you have questions about what this should look like given you or your child’s personal situation, please inquire and let’s chat!

Aside from beginning cellists, most practice materials will be structured as follows (time duration is at your discretion, though I highly recommend at least 1 hour per day):

• Scales - (amt of time)

• Technical studies/Etude - (amt of time)

• Repertoire - (amt of time)

  Suggested repertoire will be evaluated after the first lesson

Teaching Materials (includes but is not limited to the following)

• Suzuki Method Books for Cello (Volumes 1-9)

• Rick Mooney Method Books:

  • Positions Pieces for Cello (Volume 1 + 2)

  • Double Stops for Cello

  • Thumb Position for Cello (Volume 1 + 2)

• L. Fueillard, Daily Exercises (ed. Schott) + Etudes for Young Cellists

• Julius Klengel’s Technische Studien (Technical Studies)

• K. Popper, Hochschule (High School) for Cello Playing, Op. 73 (Select etudes)

• M. Yampolsky, Violoncello Technique

• Select repertoire from the cello canon depending on level and assessed for growth

Please download and print out a PDF copy of the Cello Studio Terms of Agreement, fill it out, sign, and bring to your first lesson. (I will return a scanned copy for your records).