SIERRA MUSIC STUDIO POLICY
Welcome to the Sierra Music Studio. Below is an overview of our studio guidelines, tuition structure, and collaborative philosophy, designed to ensure a rewarding and seamless musical journey for your family.
Our Offerings & Philosophy
Weekly private instruction is available throughout the academic year for violin (I am a registered Suzuki Method teacher), viola, Celtic fiddle, rhythm guitar, and ukulele. While building technical proficiency, our curriculum places a unique emphasis on cultivating the joy of singing along with guitar/ukulele playing, fostering a deeply holistic connection to music-making.
Tuition & Investment
Lessons are billed monthly via invoices sent directly to Vista Oaks.
• 30 Minutes: $45
• 45 Minutes: $65
• 60 Minutes: $85
• Annual Performance Fee: An optional $100 annual fee covers enrollment in our recital and group performance programs, due at the first lesson of the semester.
Academic Calendar & Vacation Schedule
The studio closely follows the academic calendars of the local school systems in the Brentwood and Oakley areas.
• School Recesses: When local schools observe a national holiday or a standard recess (such as a one-week break), regular studio classes are paused, and no billing occurs.
• Fees during Breaks: You are not charged for these planned closures. Private lessons during these periods are strictly optional and can be arranged separately upon request.
Attendance & Cancellation Policy
Because your lesson time is exclusively reserved for your child, the studio operates on a firm commitment policy.
• Missed Lessons: Tuition secures your specific time slot; therefore, lessons missed due to student absence cannot be refunded or standardly made up. If your child cannot attend in person, we strongly encourage transitioning to a live online lesson (Zoom or FaceTime) during their regular time.
• Teacher Absence: If a lesson must be canceled due to teacher illness or touring commitments with my band, the session will be promptly rescheduled at a mutually convenient time.
• The Waitlist Option: If an absence is unavoidable, you may request to be placed on our seven-day standby list. Should another family cancel their slot within that week, I will gladly offer you that opening.
Instrument Acquisition Policy
To protect your investment and prevent your student from struggling with a sub-functional instrument, all instrument purchases or rentals must be pre-authorized by Ms. Kathy. High-quality tools are vital for success. I will guide you away from common online marketplace pitfalls (such as unreliable instruments found on Amazon or eBay) to ensure your child begins with a durable, responsive, and properly set-up instrument.
The Parent-Musician-Teacher Triangle
We believe that musical growth thrives on a strong partnership between teacher, parent, and student. Parents are highly encouraged to attend lessons, take notes, capture video clips for home practice, and serve as their young musician's primary cheerleader. Together, this collaborative triangle lays the foundation for a lifetime of musical joy and fulfillment.
OTHER CHILDREN IN ATTENDANCE: Please bring quiet work for them to do. They are invited to be with us quietly in the studio during individual and group lessons. If attending children are unable to remain quiet, you will need to find another solution so that they are not in attendance.
BE ON TIME! Although this studio is a community teaching/observing space where lesson times tend to overlap (by design), tardiness leads to a snowball effect of inefficiency, and negatively impacts the other families attending this studio. This studio values EVERYONE’S time!
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TUITION
As of 7/30/24: Tuition (non homeschool clients) must be paid by first lesson or the 5th of each month, either by Cash, Venmo, Zelle or Paypal.
A late fee of $10 is applied if not paid by first lesson of month.
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Updated July 20, 2026
Photo by Irene Young