STUDIO POLICY
Subject to Change
GOALS
- Achieving a dynamic and unique means of self-expression with tone, rhythm, and phrasing
- Learning cultural and historical understanding
- Creating excellent artistry
- Exploring and embodying the music beyond the notes
- Analyzing technical challenges, effective solutions, historical context, and narrative arcs in music
- Learning through intentional listening and ear training
- Developing body awareness, balance, and coordination
- Producing and programming performances
- Developing confidence and leadership through stage presence and public speaking
- Having fun throughout the learning process
- Feeling empowered and encouraged to make music to one’s greatest musical potential
- Realizing that all music can be alive and applicable
- Become life-long supporters of art in society
EXPECTATIONS
- Students will keep an open mind.
- Students will practice on a regular basis between early lesson. I reserve the right to discontinue lessons with any student due to a lack of practice and/or commitment to my teachings.
- Students are expected to listen to a wide range of musical styles from symphony orchestras to salsa bands, funk to fusion, a cappella to Appalachian.
- Parents will stay involved with their child’s musical studies and communicate any issues with the instructor.
PREPAREDNESS
- Students must possess their own:
- Flute – Must be in good, working order. If you do not have an instrument, please talk to me about purchasing one. I will make sure you receive a good deal!
- Cleaning swab (silk is best) and cleaning rod – I can provide options.
- Music stand (i.e. Manhasset M48)
- Pencil (not pen)
- Notebook – To serve as flute journal, practice log, and listening log for regular documentation of lesson notes as well as professional and personal goals
- A recording device for lessons (i.e. Zoom H1n Digital Handy Recorder, smartphone, or computer)
- Tuner and metronome – Many good smartphone apps (i.e. insTuner and Tempo Advance respectively)
- Flute lesson books and sheet music (assigned individually) – Students must purchase their own music and books. If your teacher orders music for you, you MUST reimburse your teacher within 1 week!)
- A desire to have fun and work hard
- Optional: At their own cost, students can learn to compose their own music via traditional pen and paper and/or digital means using software such as GarageBand, Finale, Noteflight, and/or Sibelius.
PRACTICE
- It is essential and expected for students to practice at least 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week to ensure they progress towards their greatest musical potential. Students are required to document their lesson notes and practice sessions in their practice log with a parent/guardian signature.
- Besides keeping track of a “practice log” in their journal, students must complete an active “listening log” every week, reporting a general analysis, what pieces they consumed, how they engaged with the works (i.e. Live concerts, Spotify, iTunes, etc.), and why they choose the particular works (purpose). YouTube is not always a reliable source for recordings; please check with me. A curated YouTube/Spotify playlist will be prepared and provided along with focused questions about each recording.
- In conjunction with the “listening log,” students participate in required “live concert” attendance in any genre they desire. Examples can range from symphony orchestras to salsa bands, funk to fusion, a cappella to Appalachian.
PUNCTUALITY
- Please arrive on time for your lesson. Lessons begin at the scheduled time, not when the student arrives. If a student shows up more than 15 minutes late to their lesson with no phone call or email, the student may forfeit their lesson time with no option for a make-up lesson.
CALENDAR
- Lesson tuition fees for the school year are based on two terms with variable weekly lessons. Students may elect to add additional lessons during either term on a case by case basis. Summer lessons are paid on a per-lesson basis ($65/30min, $100/45min, $120/hr).
- Tuition is a semester fee indicating a commitment to study for the entire semester. Monthly tuition remains constant regardless of the number of lessons received in a given month. There is no per-lesson fee, without private arrangement, and no deductions will be made for missed lessons. You may pay tuition on a semester or monthly basis. A deposit equal to one month’s tuition payment is required to reserve a lesson time.
- Tuition is due in equal installments on the1st of the month unless you wish to pay the entire amount at the beginning of each semester.
- Tuition includes one private lesson per week.
- Tuition includes the cost of the recital given at the end of the year.
- Tuition does not include the cost of music and other materials.
Note: Tuition payment is due by the 1st lesson of the semester - There will be no lessons until the selected tuition is paid in full.
- Additional ensemble rehearsals cost $20 per person.
- Students entering the studio any time after the first week of classes are subject to the same policies as the other students. They are registering for the remaining time of the semester. Tuition will be prorated for new students. They must pay the non-refundable deposit upon registering for lessons. The deposit will be the final payment.
TUITION RATES
- 30min lesson/$65
- 45min lesson/$100
- 60min lesson/$120
CANCELLATIONS
- Lessons must be canceled within 2 days of the lesson time for make-ups to be given; otherwise, the lesson will not be rescheduled or refunded. Each student is limited to one make-up lesson due to illness per semester. Any additional “sick days” are handled on a case by case basis. Only then will the lesson be “banked” to be used at a later date. Please plan ahead
. I f I am unable to teach a lesson, I will notify students and/or parents in advance and will reschedule the lesson or offer credit towards the next month/term of lessons. I am a working musician and, from time to time, may have a performance (concert or rehearsal) which conflicts with the Studio schedule.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
- I will follow public school closings at my discretion
. I f you decide that your local conditions are too unsafe for travel, please notify me via phone AND email as soon as possible to reschedule.
TEACHING LOCATIONS & TRAVEL
- Lessons can be taught at my home studio in Baltimore City, Maryland, a Levine Music campus on select days, or via online lessons.
- Students in my studio also gain experience recording themselves, whether on their smartphones or professional cameras and microphones in the studio.
RECITALS & PERFORMANCES
- Frequent solo performance practice in a supportive environment helps young musicians gain confidence performing and speaking in front of others and is essential to their musical growth.
- Performances take place in the studio as well as community venues such as bookstores, house concerts, festivals
and local parks. - All music is covered thoroughly in lessons for these performances and during the dress rehearsal. Performing on these recitals is a special event and the audience is always very gracious!
- $50/student will be required to pay for a collaborative pianist.
VISITORS
- Parents are encouraged to attend lessons occasionally but not every lesson. Students who recommend a friend will get a discount on lessons.
TERMINATION OF LESSONS
- There is a one-month notice required for discontinuation of studio membership. Students are responsible for payment for that month and will be refunded the remaining months in the semester. It is recommended that you attend lessons
during this month. Termination of lessons is most appropriate only at the end of the semester.
UPCOMING EVENTS
14
March
Arts Club of Washington: Homage to Brazil
Arts Club of Washington: Homage to Brazil
Date March 14, 2025Time 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDTPrice FreeCategory Chamber MusicWebsite View Events Website
Flutist Dr. Ceylon Mitchell (flute) and guitarist Dr. Felipe Garibaldi perform duo works by Brazilian composers.
PAST EVENTS
27
November
Raíces Negras Trio - Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage Series
Raíces Negras Trio - Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage Series
Date November 27, 2024Time 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm ESTVenue The Kennedy CenterLocation 2700 F St NW, 20566, Washington, District of Columbia, United States, Price FreeCategory Chamber MusicWebsite View Events Website
Dr. Ceylon Mitchell (flute), Erin Murphy Snedecor (cello), and Dr. Elizabeth Hill (piano) celebrate innovative and prominent American women composers of the 20th and 21st centuries.
02
November
Angélique Kidjo: Color of Noize Orchestra
Angélique Kidjo: Color of Noize Orchestra
Date November 2, 2024Time 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm EDTVenue Carnegie HallLocation 57th Street and, 7th Ave, 10019, New York, NY, United States, Price $23.50Category Symphony OrchestraWebsite View Events Website
Global icon and five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo returns to Carnegie Hall in celebration of her incomparable 40-year (and counting!) career, including selections from her latest project, African Symphony, as well as performances with her band of songs that...
26
October
Levine Presents | Brazilian Choro: The Musical World of Pixinguinha
Levine Presents | Brazilian Choro: The Musical World of Pixinguinha
Date October 26, 2024Time 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm EDTVenue Levine Music NW DCLocation 2801 Upton Street, NW, 20008, Washington, United States, Price $20Category Chamber MusicWebsite View Events Website
Contemporary classical flutist Dr. Ceylon Mitchell II leads the Raíces Negras choro ensemble in an evening celebrating the genre’s most influential composer, Alfredo da Rocha Viana Filho, also known as Pixinguinha.
