Studio Policies

PRACTICING

It is required of my students to practice, practice, practice! 

If your goal is to improve in vocal development, sight-reading abilities, aural skills, etc., then you must be willing to put in the work!

A new policy I am implementing this year is a required practice journal.

This will ensure self-discipline, time management, organization and accountability. 

Attendance

All excused absences must be approved 48 hours in advance by contacting Marissa Cano directly via phone or email. If the student does not comply, the absence will be deemed unexcused, and payment will be forfeited.

Illnesses and emergencies will also be considered excused if Marissa Cano is informed by 9:00 AM on the day of the lesson or as soon as possible. Frequent absences and changes to the schedule may result in removal from Vantare Vocal Academy.

Make-up lessons can only be credited if prior notice is provided.

I adhere to a strict schedule and value punctuality. In order to respect everyone's time, established lesson start and stop times will be firm. This helps us stay disciplined and manage time well.

Payment

VVA bills upfront on the 1st of every month for the entirety of that month. Payment is due on the 4th of every month for the full month’s tuition.

Preferred methods of payment are ApplePay, Zelle, and personal check made payable to Marissa Cano.

 A late fee of $5.00 will be added automatically to your bill for each week past the indicated due date. 

If you are experiencing extreme hardship and need to arrange for late payment, you must request this arrangement at least one week before the due date on your invoice. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and are granted solely at the discretion of Marissa Cano.

The return of a check issued to Marissa Cano will result in a $25.00 returned check fee being placed on the account of the student for each returned check, no matter the reason.

Materials

All materials listed below are required of my students:

  • Music — Students must print or have copies of their own music at every lesson. VVA will only assign music, but will not provide it.

  • Pencils — Students must have a pencil on their person. This ensures the student can annotate their score when necessary.

  • Practice Journal — I am now insisting that my students keep a practice log. I highly recommend this one, but students are free to pick one of their liking. Students must practice, otherwise it renders lessons useless.

    Suggested Materials

  • Water bottle, phone or recording device, black 3-ring binder, 90 Days to Sight Reading Success (highly recommended).