Studio Policies of Melanie Whyte: Singing Teacher and Coach
Health and Sickness Protocols: For those choosing in person lessons, please plan to switch to Zoom lessons if you have symptoms of cold or flu. If you get Covid, wait to return to in person lessons until you are testing negative and your symptoms are gone. Thank you in advance for complying with these practices.
Payment: Fees are due on or before the beginning of the month for the lessons in that month. I will send you an invoice and you can pay by etransfer, PayPal, cheque, or cash. My rates for 2023/24 are $30.00/half hour, $45/45 min and $30/hour. If you would like to have the option to use your credit card, you can pay through PayPal on the My Music Staff site. The option to "Click here to pay online" will appear at the bottom of your invoice. If you would like to use the Auto Pay feature, your credit card will be charged when the invoice is due and your receipt will come to you through PayPal. A convenience fee of 3.4% will be added to each PayPal transaction.
Cancellation policy: One great advantage of an online lesson is that you can still have your lesson on a bad weather day or when you are feeling a little sick (there are always things we can get done even if you don't feel great singing). Consistent lesson attendance contributes greatly to your ability to practice well and to grow as a singer. I ask that you give me as much notice as possible when you need to cancel or change a lesson. I will do the same for you. If you cancel a lesson for any reason, including sickness, no later than 24 hours before your lesson time, your lesson money will be applied to a future lesson and even one that you sign up for in an open slot (freed up by another student or that I leave open for that purpose) in that week. If you cancel the lesson later than 24 hours before your lesson you will be charged for that time.
Other Costs: You will be required to purchase sheet music for songs we work on together. We will consult about what you need and where to find it. There will be accompanist fees for recitals and for exams and festival if you choose to do either of both of those. We will always discuss cost before you sign up for anything extra.
Theory: The study of theory can be very useful to the singer and is mandatory for students taking exams. I can recommend theory teachers to you. Theory lessons are usually taught one on one, and occasionally in classroom settings, on a weekly basis throughout the year. I do not include written theory study in my studio teaching.
Performing and training opportunities:
-The local Manitoba Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) offers a competition on November 27 for contemporary classical music and for musical theatre. Registration forms are due November 7.
-The Winnipeg Music Festival usually takes place February/March. Students compete in various categories and receive adjudications for each performance.
-Royal Conservatory and Conservatory Canada Exams offer another chance to set and meet a goal for your singing in a one on one examination session, which my students usually take in June.
Singing lessons are all about your goals and your progress: It is my aim to help you achieve what you are working towards, and sometimes, to encourage you towards outcomes you can’t even imagine! Let me know how you are feeling about your progress. Ask questions. Tell me when you don’t understand or when you are feeling lacking in direction. I appreciate feedback, and it always helps me to help you. If, after several lessons, either you or I realize that we are not working well together to achieve your singing goals, then we’ll talk and I can suggest other teachers and/or opportunities for you.