Dr. Sanchez-Ballado maintains a tiny private cello studio to ensure quality instruction for every student.

  • Lessons

    • Scheduling:
      Lesson times are scheduled by mutual agreement between the teacher and student (and their parents/guardians), subject to available lesson slots.

    • Materials:
      Please bring a dedicated weekly cello lesson notebook to every lesson. This can be a simple composition book or any other notebook.

    • Preparation:
      Arrive on time with all necessary materials, including music books, a notebook, a cello, and a bow. It is highly recommended that each student bring a recording device, preferably a video camera or digital recorder, to each lesson.

  • Missed Lessons

    • Missed lessons can be made up within 30 days from the missed date, either by scheduling a mutually agreed-upon day and time or by adding a half-hour onto two later lessons.

    • Please give 24 hours’ notice if you must miss a lesson. Lessons canceled on the day of the lesson will be made up at the teacher's discretion. I will make every effort to reschedule lessons missed due to emergencies or sickness as soon as possible.

    • If I must miss a lesson, the student will be given a makeup lesson.

    • Vacations: The monthly payment will be adjusted if notice of planned vacations is given by the first of the month.

  • Practicing

    • Every student is expected to maintain a regular practice routine. I will outline these expectations tailored to each student as we work together over time. A practice journal template will be provided for students to use.

  • Parent/Guardian Involvement

    • Support: The parent/guardian must help enforce their child’s regular practice routine. Should you have any questions about the structure or expectations, do not hesitate to reach out to me.

    • Lesson Attendance: While family is important, I cannot host siblings or friends during a lesson. Except for parents (particularly for younger students), the student should be the only child present. Please inform me of any emergencies that might require flexibility.

    • Health and Safety: Notify me of any health problems I should be aware of and, if necessary, whom to contact in an emergency.

    • Billing: You will receive an electronic invoice on the last day of the billing cycle selected in the onboarding survey to the email provided. You will have seven days from receipt of the invoice to pay the balance in full. Late payments without prior notice will incur a $10 late fee. Unpaid balances without response could result in the termination of lessons. If financial complications or hardships arise, please communicate with me—reasonable hardships will never be a barrier to study in my studio.

  • Termination of Service

    • I reserve the right to terminate lessons for improper student behavior, continual lack of preparation, or other related reasons. My studio maintains a culture of mutual kindness and respect towards ourselves and others; I have zero tolerance for any deviation from this culture.