Studio Policies

1. Scheduling

Lessons will be scheduled in "semesters" and will closely resemble a typical school calendar, though lessons may be offered during break periods. Each semester is approximately 16 weekly lessons; Aug-Dec, & Jan-April, and the May-Aug summer semester will be more flexible to accommodate vacation time for students and their families.

2. Multiple teachers

For voice training - If a student has another voice teacher, please make a note of that either in writing or in person at or before your first session. We are happy to provide coaching for students of other studios, but prefer not to risk confusing a singer with potentially conflicting technique.

4. Age restrictions

One-on-one lessons are not generally available for children under the age of 10, though exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis. Please direct inquiries to r2dru2@gmail.com before booking lessons or classes.

5. Lesson duration

Private voice lessons are scheduled in 30 and 60 minute slots. For students younger than 12 years old, 30 minutes may be plenty of time. However, if you or your child are actively auditioning and performing, 60 minute lessons are strongly suggested.

6. Recording & Security

A security camera will remain on, and recording throughout each lesson. This is not only for the security of the studio and its equipment, but also for the safety and peace-of-mind of students and their parents, and to uphold the integrity of the instructor. For those who are not comfortable with this policy, a parent or guardian must also be present in the studio at all times. Separate audio recordings may also stored and used for reference, and are available to students upon request. Explicit instructor permission and mutual consent must be granted before sharing with anyone or posting online, and we will extend the same courtesy to the student as well.

7. Payment

Payments may be made using the studio's online booking and scheduling platform, which accepts major credit and debit cards. We also gratefully accept payments in cash, or personal check made out to Andrew Niles, or R2 Studio, LLC. A $20 NSF fee will be charged for any bounced/returned checks. R2 Studio, LLC reserves the right to cancel and/or discontinue private music lessons of any student whose account is past due.

8. Cancellation policy

Any cancelled or missed lesson may lead to forfeiture of the lesson fee unless prior notice of at least 24 hours has been given. Lessons MAY be made up/rescheduled if the schedule permits. You may transfer the lesson appointment to another person, whether or not he or she is also a currently enrolled student. If the instructor has to cancel for any reason, however, a make-up lesson will be offered. No student will be asked to forfeit her/his fee due to the instructor's absence.

9. Social Media - Students are welcome to post about their lessons and reference the studio so long as the content is respectful and non-disparaging. Video of weekly lessons may be supplied for the purpose of giving students a more objective view of their technique, and are available upon request. These weekly lesson videos are not intended to be "shared" online without the instructor's expressed consent. However, video sessions MAY be specifically commissioned for audition and/or sharing purposes. Such sessions may be subject to a separate service fee.

10. Lesson auditing

Parents and siblings are welcome in the studio during lessons as long as the student is comfortable with an "audience." We ask that questions or comments be reserved for the beginning or end of the lesson, however. It is perfectly normal and understandable for a parent to feel the need to interject, answer for their child, or correct behavior, but we respectfully ask that you refrain from speaking or giving non-verbal instructions during your child's session. Singing lessons can only be truly successful if the teacher is able to establish trust and respect with the student, and such interjections are often detrimental to the process.

Leo Academy Vocal Arts reserves the right to update our Policies. Updates will be posted to this page.

Latest Update – December, 2018.

Thank you for choosing Leo Academy Vocal Arts. Your vocal health and education is very important to us.

Code of Ethics - from the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)

I. PERSONAL ETHICAL STANDARDS

I will strive to teach with competence through study of voice pedagogy, musicianship, and performance skills.

I will present myself honestly, in a dignified manner, and with documented qualifications: academic degrees, professional experience, or a combination of both.

I will faithfully support the (NATS) Association and will make every effort to participate in its activities.

II. ETHICAL STANDARDS RELATING TO STUDENTS

I will respect the personal integrity and privacy of students unless the legal or academic system requires disclosure.

I will treat each student in a dignified and impartial manner.

I will clearly communicate all expectations of my studio including financial arrangements.

I will respect the student's right to obtain instruction from the teacher of his/her choice.

I will offer their best voice and music instruction and career advice to all students under my instruction. I will complete the full number of lessons and amount of time paid for by each student in accordance with studio policies.

I will not make false or misleading statements regarding a student's hopes for a career or guarantees of performances or favorable contracts.

Academy Policies