Lesson Procedures
Every private voice lesson is catered to the ability level, goals, interests, and needs of the individual student. Though a broad-based curriculum is used and the instructor's principles are ever present during the teaching process, each student's individual level of vocal maturity and development is taken into consideration during their particular course of study.
Every lesson begins with vocalise, the art of warm-up and technique-building using vowel and consonant sounds. Attention is given to vocal placement, core strength, breath support, vowel production, diction, and vocal line. Classical literature, folk songs, and art songs may be utilized to reinforce the student's technique and artistry. Popular repertoire and contemporary works may be studied, as well. Appropriate song selection will be made primarily by the instructor (but input and suggestions from the student are always encouraged and welcomed), to meet student needs and goals. The instructor is always available for coaching of a student's work on current productions in theater, choir, or other performance projects.
Students are highly encouraged to practice on their own outside of lesson time. Practice is vital for a student's progress and understanding of his or her own individual vocal development.
Lessons are taught in Martha Howard's home studio, where students have access to her personal collection of books and scores for reference and perusal. Martha uses a studio based around Apple Studio Logic software and other state-of-art equipment to assist in her teaching.
Attendance/Cancellation Policy
Attendance/Cancellation Policy
Regarding Lesson Cancellation:
Billing invoices are sent to all students prior to the first lesson of each month. It is the students'/parents' responsibility to review the dates listed on the invoice and notify the instructor of any conflicts and/or schedule changes. After payment is received at the first lesson of the month, it is assumed that the student will be attending all scheduled lessons for that month.
In case of a schedule change, students'/parents' can notify the instructor of their need to change or reschedule a lesson. Lessons may be rescheduled only if a lesson is canceled with a 24 hour notice.
If the instructor and student are unable to find a time for a rescheduled lesson, a credit will be given toward the next month's billing.
If a student does not attend a scheduled lesson and does not notify the instructor within 24 hours prior to that cancellation, that lesson is charged as scheduled and may not be made up.
If a student arrives late to a lesson, the missed time may not be made up. Students should be picked up promptly after the lesson is finished.
If a student with a standing weekly lesson time cancels a lesson for three or more consecutive weeks, that lesson time may be given to another student.
Regarding Inclement Weather:
Martha Howard uses the Cherry Hill School District to determine official weather-related closings (information can be found here: http://www.cherryhill.k12.nj.us/news/weatherclose/). If the Cherry Hill public schools are closed, you can assume the studio is closed that day. Weather related closings will be posted on the home page of www.marthahowardvoice.com.
If your lesson is on a weekend or school holiday and you think the weather might cause a closing, it is your responsibility to check the home page of www.marthahowardvoice.com to see whether or not the studio is open.
If the studio is open for business but you do not wish to travel in inclement weather, it is your responsibility to notify the instructor of your cancellation, preferably within 24 hours.
2011-2012 School Year: No Lessons Will Be Taught On These Holidays -
•Thursday, November 25 (Thanksgiving)
•Saturday, December 23 (Christmas eve)
•Sunday, December 24 (Christmas)
•Sunday, January 1 (New Year's Day)
Possible conflicts during the 2011-2012 year - Do you need to reschedule?
•September 3 (Labor Day)
•September 29-30 (Rosh Hashanah)
•October 8 (Yom Kippur)
•October 10 (Columbus Day)
•November 11 (Veterans Day)
•December 21-28 (Hanukkah)
•January 16 (Martin Luther King Day)
•February 20 (Presidents' Day)
•March Spring Breaks?
•April 6 (Good Friday)
•April 7-14 (Passover)
•May 28 (Memorial Day)
•June graduations?