SandraCampbell Vocal Arts Studio
3507 Whispering BrookDrive, Kingwood TX 77345
sandracampbellvas@gmail.com; https://sandracampbell.mymusicstaff.com
832-867-8344
Welcome! I look forward to working with your student this 2021-22 school year. Below are guidelines I’ve set in place to make sure that each student gets the most out of their training.
My philosophy of learning: It all has to do with consistency and organization! The following guidelines are in place to help students do the most with their natural talent.
Students that consistently make their weekly lessons and practice every day (even 5-10 minutes) will make the greatest improvement. In my experience, I’ve seen less gifted students, through hard work and discipline, pass up more gifted, less disciplined students.
Students are required to come prepared to lesson. That includes bringing their music (preferably in a spacious 3 ring binder) and a pencil. I also invite students to record their lessons.
Students are required to arrive promptly in order to receive the full benefit of lesson time.
Lesson Length and Fees:
The 30 minute lesson rate is $25.00 per lesson; the 45 minute lesson rate is $37.00 per lesson. Monthly billing is “even” and reflects the number of lessons scheduled (25) multiplied by the lesson rate, and divided by 8 months (September thru April). Payment is due the first lesson of the month. The monthly payment for 30 minute lessons is $78.00, and for 45 minute lessons is $115.00, payable the first lesson of each month as denoted on the calendar page.
Payment may be cash, check, or Venmo (@Sandra-Campbell-73)
The number of lessons exceeding 25 will be billed separately. In the case that a student decides to discontinue lessons, money will be refunded for the remainder of the month.
Lesson Times: Please call Sandra at 832-867-8344 to schedule a lesson time.
Make-up lessons: A schedule of this year’s lessons may be found in the calendar section of the SCVAS website (see address above). It is a requirement that all lessons scheduled in the year be attended. If a conflict arises, the student must give advanced notice to be issued a makeup credit. A 24 hour notice is helpful as it allows time to transfer the missed lesson spot to others needing makeups. If there is a general conflict, please notify Sandra in advance to arrange a switch in lesson time. If a student is ill, please give notification as soon as possible. The best way to inform Sandra of a missed lesson is by texting at 832-867-8344. Makeup lesson credits do not expire until the beginning of the following school year, and can be used throughout the current school year and during the summer break.
Recording Lessons: Using a phone to record lessons is highly recommended and encouraged! Most students own phones that can record— listening to recorded lessons even once between lessons greatly reinforces what is taught. Also, the technique I teach is based on communicating, and learning not to listen to one’s self. Recording the lesson gives the student a better indicator of what they really sound like!
The Pocket Warmup: Once students are able to sing through the warmup in 5 minutes, I encourage them to make a recording of their warmup at the beginning of the lesson. This “pocket warmup” comes in handy to use as practice during the week, or to use before an audition or performance!
Music Theory and Learning to Read Music: Knowledge of music theory is also an important part of becoming a singer. Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory is a self-taught program I recommend. Each lesson is a single page. The Alfred program also teaches ear training, but requires the purchase of a 2-CD set as well. The ear training component may not be needed if the student is involved in a middle school or high school choir program. The book can be found on amazon at this link:
The CD set can be found on amazon at this link:
The book and CD set also come bundled together. The student may come a few minutes early to lesson to check their answers with my teacher’s key.
Additionally, there are a few fun game apps I highly recommend…Treble Cat, Bass Cat and Rhythm Cat (they come bundled for $10 through the Apple App store).
Recitals: Most of my students have performance and/or audition opportunities which serve the purpose of having something to work toward. If a recital experience is desired, a private performance for family and friends can be scheduled within the student’s lesson time in my studio. 4 weeks advanced notice is required.
Communication: This is key! The best way to reach me is to send a text message at 832-867-8344. Second best way is by email at SandraCampbellVAS@gmail.com . The third best way is a voicemail. If you have a concern of any kind that requires a conversation, please feel free to call me.
Registration on SCVAS Website: New Students must register on the website, www.sandracampbell.mymusicstaff.com . Unless you are placed on a waiting list, the student will receive a username (which is the email address) and password allowing student/parent access to the student portal section of the website. Here, the student/parent can access the studio calendar to check lesson dates and times, as well as sign up for makeup lessons posted. The student can also look up the number of makeup credits available, studio news, an attendance record, a practice log, a repertoire list, and previous communications sent to you by email.
Email Reminders: The website allows me to send email reminders 48 hours in advance! The best purpose this serves is to remind my busy students that if they have an upcoming lesson conflict, they should contact me in advance of the mandatory 24 hour notice. If the reminders become annoying, let me know and I will turn them off for you.