Ferretti Vocal Studio Policies

INSTRUCTOR

Nicole T. Ferretti - Masters in Vocal Performance, Boston University. Post graduate opera and solo work. Highly qualified instructor with 16 years teaching experience.

SERVICES

• Individually tailored lessons

• Unlimited text & email support

• Audition preparation

• Teacher planning & preparation including technical research and individualized repertoire selection 

• Access to FVS network of auditions, competitions & local performance opportunities 

• College & career counseling, letters of recommendation

• Access to studio recording equipment 

Package Descriptions & Terms Fall 2024

PRIME

Prime package students are committed to developing and maintaining their vocal technique on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Prime lesson slots are in high demand and are reserved for the student for the entire semester. Students receive weekly or bi-weekly lessons for the semester, conveniently invoiced in four monthly installments. Bi-weekly slots are limited.

Students who complete their allotted number of lessons before the end of the term are welcome to add individual lessons at their reduced package rate. Termination/Withdrawal: After registration, student may withdraw for any reason, but the student will continue to be responsible for the tuition cost for the full term.

The example below reflects 18 weekly or 10 bi-weekly lessons. Please refer to the current studio calendar below for an accurate lesson count. A printable calendar is available for download here.

-Prime Weekly Tuition-

45 minutes $319.50 x 4 monthly installments

60 minutes $393.75 x 4 monthly installments

-Individual Lesson Rate-

45 minutes $71.00 | 60 minutes $87.50

Prime Services: 

• A weekly or bi-weekly lesson tailored to meet the student’s individual needs and goals

• A regular lesson day & time reserved specifically for the student

• One make up lesson per semester for cancellations within 24 hours

• Teacher planning & preparation including technical research and individualized repertoire selection

• Unlimited email and text support regarding vocal health, audition prep, and repertoire selection

• College and career counseling; recommendation letters

• Studio website and social media providing singing resources, audition notices, and more

5 LESSON PACK & SINGLE LESSONS

Single & 5 Lesson Packages are available for students who require flexible scheduling or the occasional tune-up. Lessons expire 90 days from purchase and can be scheduled in advance. 5 lesson packages are limited in quantity, pending availability in Nicole’s schedule. Please contact Nicole prior to purchase to ensure your desired time frame is currently available. 5-pack & Single students may book openings on Nicole’s schedule via the scheduling page on the FVS website. 90 minute lessons are voice & piano combined.

Studio Policies

Payment: Payment is due before the first lesson of the month via credit card, electronic transfer or check. Late payments aInvoices are sent on the first of the month and are due upon receipt. 5 pack lessons are paid in advance of the first scheduled lesson. Late payments are subject to a fee of $5 per week. Delinquent accounts referred for collection will be liable for all fees and costs. A 3% cost of living increase may be implemented at the beginning of the spring term.

Scheduling & Invoicing: Lessons are scheduled according to terms and conditions stated within your selected package. Students who do not meet the terms and conditions of their package will risk forfeiting their reserved slot and any remaining make-up lessons.

Cancellations, Tardiness & Make-ups: Students are responsible for their attendance. A weekly reminder in your calendar or alert on your phone is a great way to stay on track and ensure you begin your lesson on time. Please notify your teacher if you need to cancel a lesson a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Prime students receive one make up lesson per semester for lessons canceled by the student within 24 hrs. The teacher will offer three attempts to accommodate a make-up. If the student is unable to coordinate a make-up lesson after three attempts, the missed lesson will be forfeited.  A text is appreciated if you are running late. The lesson cannot be extended beyond the regularly scheduled time if a student arrives or calls in late. If inclement weather prohibits travel, lessons will be taught online via FaceTime, Zoom or Skype. 

Illness: Voice teachers rely heavily on their vocal health in order to teach and perform. As a courtesy to your teacher and fellow students, please do not come to a voice lesson if you are sick. 

A Note on COVID: COVID-19 may cause respiratory issues and we, singers, operate best at full lung capacity. Please take every precaution to protect your physical and vocal health. My voice is my livelihood and the health and safety of all FVS students is of the utmost importance. For this reason, voice lessons will be conducted online until further notice.

Lesson Materials: Singers should come prepared with a specific objective they would like to address with their teacher as well as the usual required materials (music, binder, pencil, small notebook and water bottle). 

Multimedia Use: Student photos, videos and recordings of voice lessons and recitals may be used for promotional purposes, unless a written request to abstain is submitted upon registration. 

Practice Policy: Similar to an athlete conditioning their body to stay in shape, singers need regular practice to develop proper singing technique. Your teacher can guide you and provide the necessary tools to advance your vocal training, but the result ultimately depends on the quality of effort produced by the student outside the studio. Students are encouraged to record their vocal warm ups to use as a guide for at home practice sessions. Singers should schedule a regular block of practice time (preferably 5 days per week) in their daily routine. Practice sessions usually range from 20 minutes for beginners to 60 minutes for advanced students. A journal or practice log is a useful tool to track your progress and observations. 

Non-discrimination Statement: I do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, military status, marital status or any other protected characteristic.

Privacy Policy: Your privacy is important to me. Personal information is used only to process your registration; I do not sell or redistribute any information.

Withdrawal: Nicole maintains a full lesson schedule and Prime lesson spots are in high demand. As a courtesy, two weeks’ notice is requested from Prime (weekly & bi-weekly) students who wish to withdraw from lessons. After registration, student may terminate lessons for any reason, but the student will continue to be responsible for the tuition cost for the full term.