Christine Carey

Studio Policies

Program Overview

Meek & Lowly Studio is a private music studio that provides lessons in: voice, piano, guitar, and songwriting. I provide a focus on contemporary styles of music, but believe it is important to learn about the roots in classical styles. My studio offers a Christ-centered program where students can develop their skills and talents in a God honoring way. If you have any questions about my program or policies, send me an email.

Expectations of the Teacher

  • I will provide individual, personal attention to each student to help them develop their talents.
  • I will provide an environment that encourages musical independence and creativity.
  • I will help students develop both an understanding and love of music.
  • I will help students select repertoire.
  • Lessons will begin on time, and if I start the lesson late, I will extend the lesson to meet the required meeting time.
  • I am responsible for upholding a Christ-centered mindset and challenging my students to do the same.
    1. Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”
    2. Colossians 3:1-2 “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
  • I will be transparent with parents about what types of exercises and guidance I provide their children.
    1. Some vocal guidance I have received over the years has involved a teacher physically guiding me. You will receive a release form that lets me know if you are alright with me doing these exercises. If you are alright or unsure, I will show you what those exercises are.
  • If you, the parent, or adult student, do not want faith to be a part of the lesson, I will not include it, but this must be communicated in writing.

Expectation of the Student

  • Students shall be on time and prepared for their lessons.
  • Students should have or develop their own goals.
  • Students are responsible for remaining focused during the lesson and being respectful to their teacher.
  • Students should have an open and willing-to-learn attitude.
  • Students are encouraged to ask questions.
    1. This means in and out of lessons. I will respond when able.
  • Students are responsible for getting their own music.
  • Students are expected to practice 5 days a week for the time we discuss.
    1. Those 5 days do not include the lessons.
  • Students will take accountability for themselves if they have not practiced.
  • Students are recommended to take a day of rest for it is good for the mind, and the body, and is commanded by God.
    1. Leviticus 23:3 “There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a sabbath to the Lord.”
    2. Vocal Students should engage in proper hygiene for their instruments.

Expectations of Parent for students under the age 18

  • Parents are responsible for getting their children to lessons on time.
  • Parents are responsible for helping their child to practice during the week.
  • Parents should help their children create a distraction-free environment.
  • Parents should talk with their child to gain awareness of what their homework is.
  • Parents should work towards understanding what their child is learning so the child may have an easier time talking with them about it. 

What to Bring

  • Pencil
  • Music
  • Water
  • Binder for music unless using a tablet for digital copies
  • Planner, Notebook, or Binder with loose-leaf paper to take notes
  • Recording device: Optional but highly recommended 

Studio Location

  • On zoom
    • A link will be provided once lessons are scheduled.
  • In-person
    • Huntingdon Valley, PA, 19006
      • Exact location will be provided while discussing scheduling lessons

Lesson Registration

  • Email me to schedule lessons:
    • meekandlowlystudio@gmail.com
  • When you register for lessons that means you are registering and committing to take lessons every week for the semester unless otherwise communicated.
    • Semester
      • September-December
      • January-April
      • May-August
  • Students/Parent are required to register every semester
  • Registration is available mid semester

Lesson Fee Per Lesson

  • $35 for 30 minutes
  • $45 for 45 minutes
  • $55 for 60 minutes

Lesson Outline

  • 30 Minute
    • First 2-5 minutes, discuss the progress of the week and the intentions or goals of the lesson
    • 20 minutes give or take: warm-up/repertoire/goal work
    • 2-5 minutes, discuss homework for the week
  • 45 Minute
    • First 2-5 minutes, discuss the progress of the week and the intentions or goals of the lesson
    • 35 minutes give or take: warm-up/repertoire/goal work
    • 2-5 minutes, discuss homework for the week
  • 60 Minute
    • First 2-5 minutes, discuss the progress of the week and the intentions or goals of the lesson
    • 50 minutes give or take: warm-up/repertoire/goal work
    • 2-5 minutes, discuss homework for the week

Lesson Scheduling

  • The time selected will be your weekly lesson time unless we have discussed through written communication a bi-weekly lesson schedule.
  • You may request to have additional one-off lessons through direct written communication.
  • If your schedule changes and you need a new lesson time, please contact me as soon as possible to find a new time to meet.

Payment

  • I accept payment by PayPal, check, or cash
  • Lessons should be paid by the beginning of the lesson.
    • If you are not able to pay before the lesson, the late fee will not be added until the day of the next lesson, or after a week has passed
    • For every week a lesson is not paid, the student will be charged an additional $10

Running Late

  • Please notify me as soon as possible when running late.
  • If the student arrives late, the lesson will end at the scheduled time. You have reserved a time slot, not the number of minutes.
  • If the student is more than 10 minutes late to a lesson, you will be charged for the lesson and the lesson will not occur.

Canceling Lessons

  • Student Canceling
    • Student must cancel lesson 24 hours before the lesson.
    • Canceling a lesson with less than 24 hours notice will result in being charged the full price of the lesson.
    • Failing to show up for a lesson will result in being charged the full price of the lesson.
    • All cancellations must be in some form of writing, such as email or text.
  • Teacher Canceling
    • If I cancel a lesson, I will try to re-schedule with the student.

Request to Reschedule a Lesson

  • Request to reschedule lesson must occur in writing 24 hours prior to the original lesson time.
    • I will do my best to reschedule the lesson, but it is not always possible.

Termination of Study

  • Termination of lessons should be given with a 30-day notice in writting
    • Failure to do so will result in $100 fee
  • I reserve the right to terminate lessons if
    • Student repeatedly fails to attend lessons
    • Student repeatedly engages in disrespectful behavior
    • Student repeatedly fails to pay for lessons

Practicing

  • I will work with the student to come up with a practice plan/schedule
  • Students are expected
    • to keep a practice log
    • to practice for the time discussed
    • to have focused practice time
    • to set specific intentions for practice sessions
  • Practicing when sick
    • Voice
      • rather than singing, students can
        • Memorize via writing out lyrics
        • Research song meaning and background
        • Study harmonics of the music
        • Listen to different versions of the song if possible
    • Instrumentalist
      • Students can
        • Research song meaning and background
        • Study music theory: harmonics, chordal structure, form
        • Listen to different versions of the music

Wellness and Illness

  • For In-Person Lessons: out of respect for me and other students, please cancel or request to reschedule a lesson in cases of sickness
    • Canceling lessons still needs to occur 24 hours in advance, or else you will be charged the full price of the lessons
      • Incases of emergencies, this may be discussed
  • Voice Students: Your body is your instrument so take care of it.
    • Remember to hydrate throughout the day
    • Honey is great for the voice and is a natural cough suppressant when sick
    • Avoid overuse of the voice
    • Be physically active in some manner
    • Engage in stretches before and after singing
    • Include Warm-ups and Cool-downs in your practice regimen
  • Instrumental Students: Your body allows you to play instruments, so take care of it.
    • Remember to hydrate throughout the day
    • Be physically active in some manner
    • Engage in stretches before and after playing your instrument
    • Include Warm-up and Cool-downs in your practice regimen

Recitals and Masterclasses

  • Local students will have the opportunity to perform in recitals: One in the Winter and one in the Spring
  • I offer additional Master Classes throughout the year
    • They cost $10-15 to attend, this helps pay for the space and the accompanist for the Masterclass
  • Master Classes and Recitals are not required, but are highly recommended
    • They provide performance experience
    • They help prepare students for auditions and bigger performances
    • They are great to attend even if not performing, because they help you develop your ear, and they let students learn from other students

Accompaniment

  • I will help students find accompaniment tracks
  • If accompaniment tracks cannot be found, I will discuss creating and developing homemade practice tracks.
    • If the student/parent of the student desires performance-ready tracks, I will discuss additional fees for the development of the track
  • In the case of hiring a live musician for Recitals, and or Masterclasses, students performing may be asked for an additional fee to cover the cost of the live musician

Media Release

  • Pictures and videos are a great help in advertising. Thus, when signing up for lessons, Meek and Lowly Studio provides a Media Release Form where you can grant or deny me permission to use pictures of yourself/your children

Communication

  • Email
    • meekandlowlystudio@gmail.com
  • Phone
    • This will be given once lessons are scheduled