2022-2023 Studio Policies & Handbook
Sheridan Studio of Music 2023-2024 Handbook
Contact Information
The best way to reach me is text or email, at 703-629-6805 or [email protected]. My website is kristensheridan.com, though I update the studio Facebook page - search for “Sheridan Studio of Music”) with much more regularity. You do not need to be a Facebook member to view the studio page. My live calendar can be viewed on the “Calendar” tab of the website.
Lesson Cost & Locations:
Booking lessons will be the same as the last few years: sign up for each week individually in order to accommodate you/your student's busy schedule. There is an option to book the whole year in the same time slot if you choose. You may also decide to book different lesson lengths, i.e. 30 minutes some weeks, 60 minutes others. Rates will stay the same as the last 5 years at $45 per 30 minutes and $90 per 60 minutes. Invoices will be sent automatically on the 1st of the month with charges from all lessons & equipment given in the previous month. Acceptable payment methods are Zelle (preferred), Venmo, PayPal (friends & family only, otherwise please add 3%), cash, or check. All information on what accounts to send to will be on the invoice.
This year, I will be teaching at the following places and days:
Mondays: Cooper Middle School Located at 977 Balls Hill Rd, McLean 22101.
Tuesdays: Robinson Secondary School Located at 5035 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax 22032. Students from any school may book lessons at this location.
Wednesdays: McLean High School Located at 1633 Davidson Rd, McLean 22101. Students from any school may book lessons at this location.
Thursdays: George C. Marshall High School Located at 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church 22043. Students from any school may book lessons at this location.
I have blocked out various days I will be at conferences, visiting my twins Jack & Bridget at college, and FCPS holidays.
You may set up your desired lesson times and you may cancel at any time. I ask for the courtesy of a 24 hour notification for non-emergency cancellations so that I may offer the time slot to another student. If there is less than 24 hours' notice for a non-emergency, you may be charged for the lesson. If there are more than three last minute cancellations, your spot in my studio may be given to another student.
Locations:
Mondays & Tuesdays: Robinson Secondary School Choir Room.
Booking Lessons & Attendance
Lessons are booked using my studio management software, MyMusicStaff. The login portal is on the homepage of kristensheridan.com.
I have entered all available time slots through the end of the year into my MyMusicStaff calendar. Students/parents may sign up for any day or time slot that they prefer, whether it is the same slot every week or different every week. This method allows maximum flexibility for students and parents to plan around band rehearsals, concerts, sporting events, trips, appointments, etc. Lessons are allowed to be changed until 24 before the lesson is due to begin. If there is a true emergency and a student is unable to come to the lesson, please text or email me to notify me. If there are more than 3 absences without emergency or 24 hours’ notice, all lessons can be terminated.
I am able to send you a password reset email, but I do not ever see your passwords.
Parents are welcome to attend lessons. Please feel free to ask any questions you have during your child’s allotted time, and remember that I cannot carry a conversation on into the next student’s time. You may always call or email me after the lesson to continue the conversation.
I sometimes get behind schedule during a lesson day. I try my hardest to stay on time, but sometimes I may run a bit late. You will always receive your full lesson time, even if we start 5 minutes late.
Please note that there will be several times this year that I will be traveling with my family or I will have other professional performances, speaking engagements, or conferences to attend. I have built all of these into the MyMusicStaff calendar; if others come up during the year, I will give you as much notice as possible.
Tuition Payments
Your monthly tuition payment will vary based on the number of lessons that you schedule for each month. You will receive an automatic invoice on the 1st of the month for all lessons given in the previous month (ex: February 1 invoice will show charges reflecting all lessons during January). If I make a mistake on your invoice, please let me know as soon as possible.
Tuition may be paid using the following methods:
Zelle - preferred - send to 703-629-6805, and the recipient will say Daniel Sheridan (my husband).
Venmo - send to @kristensheridan
Check - make check out to Kristen Sheridan
Cash
Music & Equipment
I use a Google Classroom to organize all music and handouts. All current students have access to this classroom and are invited to download or print my personal music at no cost. If students need a hard copy of a piece for solo festival, etc, please ask. If a student has forgotten the classroom code, I will be happy to add them again.
I have available for purchase (at my wholesale cost, often a significant discount from local stores) reeds, mouthpieces, ligatures, cork grease, music, method books, etc. I also have several instruments, wood & plastic, available for purchase or rent. If you are interested in purchasing an upgraded clarinet, PLEASE contact me before buying. I have many sources to help save you time and money.
Outside Events
Living in such a culturally vibrant area means that there are several notable clarinet related events each year. If a master teacher/performer is in the area, I will heavily encourage students to attend their masterclass and performance. More details will be available as events come up.
Inclement Weather & Early Closings
The studio follows FCPS policy as follows:
• If school is closed due to weather conditions, lessons are cancelled.
• If school opens late, lessons take place as scheduled.
• If school closes early, lessons are cancelled.
In the event of a cancelled lesson for weather reasons, these lessons will be made up at a later date, and will NOT count toward your two excused absences.
Instrument Repair
We have several talented repair technicians in our area. Please utilize their specialized and personalized services instead of sending your clarinet to a shop.
David Gray 703-437-8726 Sterling
Tiberiu Baicoianu [email protected]
Blake Arrington 703-888-6266 Alexandria
Music Dealers
Foxes Music: a fantastic, locally owned music dealer & instrument rental store. They are located in Falls Church at 416 Washington Blvd (aka Route 29). 703-533-7393
Music & Arts: several locations throughout Northern Virginia. musicarts.com
Extra-curricular ensembles/experiences that students are encouraged to prepare auditions for:
• Virginia Winds Academy Symphonic, Concert, and Junior Winds (auditions in late May)
• Fairfax County Band Directors Association Competition (held in May)
• American Youth Philharmonic, Symphonic, and Concert Orchestras
• Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra
• The Capital Symphonic Youth Orchestra
Accompanists
For District Solo & Ensemble Festivals as well as extracurricular competitions, students will need to employ their own accompanists. Book early! Pianists’ schedules fill up very early in the year, so it is in your best interest to contact them and reserve their services for your performances as soon as you know that you are participating. Many band directors also keep a list of local accompanists.
Don Hoffman (janihoff <at> gmail.com) is the accompanist I ask to accompany my students. I think very highly of him, and his rates are extremely reasonable. In addition to being a talented pianist & accompanist, Mr. Hoffman is also an exceptional clarinetist and is a member of the US Army Band "Pershing's Own". He is well-versed in the clarinet repertoire, and has served as our studio accompanist for many years.
Required Tools, Apps, Etc.
Music study requires several tools, the most important of which is a metronome. There are many different versions out there, but the most convenient are apps for your phone, iPod, or iPad. Stand alone metronomes and tuners can be $20- $150 each, so these apps are a good deal. I do not benefit in any way from recommending these products... they are what I use for myself in practicing & teaching.
Tonal Energy (strongly recommended) all-in-one metronome, tuner, and recording device. I use it every day. $3.99
ReedGeek - reed adjusting tools reedgeek.com
SightreadingFactory.com is a sight-reading generator (available on their website or their app) that is required for my studio, and I provide you with an access code. I buy subscriptions in bulk so that the individual cost is very low. I suggest using this tool at least twice per week to improve your sight-reading skills. Sight reading is a component of nearly every test and audition your student will take, so we will spend time on it in nearly every lesson.
TO SUBSCRIBE TO SIGHTREADINGFACTORY.COM:
1. Click the “Sign Up” button
2. Click the “Are you a student? Sign up here” link.
3. Enter your Student Code: anh8rf
This code links you to my profile. I can see who has been practicing, assign homework, etc from my teacher page.
Your subscription lasts one year and is free with your tuition. You do not need to pay money directly to the website. (Individual subscriptions cost $35, but I buy in bulk for my entire studio.) If you do not subscribe at home, we will do so in lessons.
Listening
A major component of learning how to be a better musician is listening to great musicians. If you do not know what greatness sounds like, you have no idea what goals you are working towards! To make sure you have an idea of great musicianship, we will be devoting part of our lessons this year to listening to clarinetists and other instrumentalists. Students will receive regular listening assignments and will be expected to discuss this homework at subsequent lessons. Excellent recordings, masterclasses, etc. are available for free on YouTube. I recommend using this along with a subscription-based music streaming service such as Spotify, if possible.
Student Commitment
It has been my experience that the students who achieve the most success in private lessons are the students who are enthusiastic, hard-working, and committed. I understand and appreciate that well-rounded students participate in myriad activities, and clarinet lessons are just one part of a student’s busy day. However, I expect the following:
• Treat me and your fellow students with kindness and respect.
• Practice the amount of your lesson time, 3-4 days a week (i.e., 30-minute lesson time = 30 minutes of practice, 4 days a week). This is the minimum amount of practice expected of each student. Understand that the more effort you put into your assignments, the faster you improve. The fact that you take lessons does not mean that you will improve at all... it’s the practicing time and degree of your effort that determines your success. Playing in a band rehearsal does not count as practicing.
• Practice your warm-up routine once a day.
• Complete all assignments given by your next lesson.
• Come to lessons prepared with previous assignment completed, clarinet (must be your best instrument & mouthpiece, if you have
more than one!), music, reeds and the provided LESSON BINDER. You will be given a bag to help keep you organized. Keep everything in the same place so you don't forget anything.
• Mrs. Sheridan reserves the right to terminate lessons for reasons of behavior or chronic unpreparedness.
• Students must own (and use) a metronome and ideally, a tuner. Suggested apps are listed above.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding anything in this handbook, please do not hesitate to call or email me.
Thank you for your support. I am looking forward to another fun and successful year of learning and music making!
Kristen Sheridan
Contact Information
The best way to reach me is text or email, at 703-629-6805 or [email protected]. My website is kristensheridan.com, though I update the studio Facebook page - search for “Sheridan Studio of Music”) with much more regularity. You do not need to be a Facebook member to view the studio page. My live calendar can be viewed on the “Calendar” tab of the website.
Lesson Cost & Locations:
Booking lessons will be the same as the last few years: sign up for each week individually in order to accommodate you/your student's busy schedule. There is an option to book the whole year in the same time slot if you choose. You may also decide to book different lesson lengths, i.e. 30 minutes some weeks, 60 minutes others. Rates will stay the same as the last 5 years at $45 per 30 minutes and $90 per 60 minutes. Invoices will be sent automatically on the 1st of the month with charges from all lessons & equipment given in the previous month. Acceptable payment methods are Zelle (preferred), Venmo, PayPal (friends & family only, otherwise please add 3%), cash, or check. All information on what accounts to send to will be on the invoice.
This year, I will be teaching at the following places and days:
Mondays: Cooper Middle School Located at 977 Balls Hill Rd, McLean 22101.
Tuesdays: Robinson Secondary School Located at 5035 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax 22032. Students from any school may book lessons at this location.
Wednesdays: McLean High School Located at 1633 Davidson Rd, McLean 22101. Students from any school may book lessons at this location.
Thursdays: George C. Marshall High School Located at 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church 22043. Students from any school may book lessons at this location.
I have blocked out various days I will be at conferences, visiting my twins Jack & Bridget at college, and FCPS holidays.
You may set up your desired lesson times and you may cancel at any time. I ask for the courtesy of a 24 hour notification for non-emergency cancellations so that I may offer the time slot to another student. If there is less than 24 hours' notice for a non-emergency, you may be charged for the lesson. If there are more than three last minute cancellations, your spot in my studio may be given to another student.
Locations:
Mondays & Tuesdays: Robinson Secondary School Choir Room.
- 5035 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax 22032
- Between Door 7 & Door 8, you’ll find the loading dock. Go in the first door on the left, entering into the middle school band room. There will likely be another lesson taking place in there - just walk through to the hallway. I will be in either the choir room or a practice room.
- 1633 Davidson Rd, McLean VA 22101
- Enter through the front door, make an immediate left down the hallway with the black floor.
- Enter the 2nd door on the left (band room), go up the small staircase on the left, and I will be in one of the small practice rooms across from the band office. Alternatively, I am sometimes in Room 107, found in the first hallway on the right after the entrance.
- Enter through Door 13, make immediate right past the auditorium
- Continue to the end of the music wing hallway.
- Enter the first door on the left to a small hallway. I will either be in a practice room or the band room, at the end of the main music hallway, up the stairs.
Booking Lessons & Attendance
Lessons are booked using my studio management software, MyMusicStaff. The login portal is on the homepage of kristensheridan.com.
I have entered all available time slots through the end of the year into my MyMusicStaff calendar. Students/parents may sign up for any day or time slot that they prefer, whether it is the same slot every week or different every week. This method allows maximum flexibility for students and parents to plan around band rehearsals, concerts, sporting events, trips, appointments, etc. Lessons are allowed to be changed until 24 before the lesson is due to begin. If there is a true emergency and a student is unable to come to the lesson, please text or email me to notify me. If there are more than 3 absences without emergency or 24 hours’ notice, all lessons can be terminated.
I am able to send you a password reset email, but I do not ever see your passwords.
Parents are welcome to attend lessons. Please feel free to ask any questions you have during your child’s allotted time, and remember that I cannot carry a conversation on into the next student’s time. You may always call or email me after the lesson to continue the conversation.
I sometimes get behind schedule during a lesson day. I try my hardest to stay on time, but sometimes I may run a bit late. You will always receive your full lesson time, even if we start 5 minutes late.
Please note that there will be several times this year that I will be traveling with my family or I will have other professional performances, speaking engagements, or conferences to attend. I have built all of these into the MyMusicStaff calendar; if others come up during the year, I will give you as much notice as possible.
Tuition Payments
Your monthly tuition payment will vary based on the number of lessons that you schedule for each month. You will receive an automatic invoice on the 1st of the month for all lessons given in the previous month (ex: February 1 invoice will show charges reflecting all lessons during January). If I make a mistake on your invoice, please let me know as soon as possible.
Tuition may be paid using the following methods:
Zelle - preferred - send to 703-629-6805, and the recipient will say Daniel Sheridan (my husband).
Venmo - send to @kristensheridan
Check - make check out to Kristen Sheridan
Cash
Music & Equipment
I use a Google Classroom to organize all music and handouts. All current students have access to this classroom and are invited to download or print my personal music at no cost. If students need a hard copy of a piece for solo festival, etc, please ask. If a student has forgotten the classroom code, I will be happy to add them again.
I have available for purchase (at my wholesale cost, often a significant discount from local stores) reeds, mouthpieces, ligatures, cork grease, music, method books, etc. I also have several instruments, wood & plastic, available for purchase or rent. If you are interested in purchasing an upgraded clarinet, PLEASE contact me before buying. I have many sources to help save you time and money.
Outside Events
Living in such a culturally vibrant area means that there are several notable clarinet related events each year. If a master teacher/performer is in the area, I will heavily encourage students to attend their masterclass and performance. More details will be available as events come up.
Inclement Weather & Early Closings
The studio follows FCPS policy as follows:
• If school is closed due to weather conditions, lessons are cancelled.
• If school opens late, lessons take place as scheduled.
• If school closes early, lessons are cancelled.
In the event of a cancelled lesson for weather reasons, these lessons will be made up at a later date, and will NOT count toward your two excused absences.
Instrument Repair
We have several talented repair technicians in our area. Please utilize their specialized and personalized services instead of sending your clarinet to a shop.
David Gray 703-437-8726 Sterling
Tiberiu Baicoianu [email protected]
Blake Arrington 703-888-6266 Alexandria
Music Dealers
Foxes Music: a fantastic, locally owned music dealer & instrument rental store. They are located in Falls Church at 416 Washington Blvd (aka Route 29). 703-533-7393
Music & Arts: several locations throughout Northern Virginia. musicarts.com
Extra-curricular ensembles/experiences that students are encouraged to prepare auditions for:
• Virginia Winds Academy Symphonic, Concert, and Junior Winds (auditions in late May)
• Fairfax County Band Directors Association Competition (held in May)
• American Youth Philharmonic, Symphonic, and Concert Orchestras
• Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra
• The Capital Symphonic Youth Orchestra
Accompanists
For District Solo & Ensemble Festivals as well as extracurricular competitions, students will need to employ their own accompanists. Book early! Pianists’ schedules fill up very early in the year, so it is in your best interest to contact them and reserve their services for your performances as soon as you know that you are participating. Many band directors also keep a list of local accompanists.
Don Hoffman (janihoff <at> gmail.com) is the accompanist I ask to accompany my students. I think very highly of him, and his rates are extremely reasonable. In addition to being a talented pianist & accompanist, Mr. Hoffman is also an exceptional clarinetist and is a member of the US Army Band "Pershing's Own". He is well-versed in the clarinet repertoire, and has served as our studio accompanist for many years.
Required Tools, Apps, Etc.
Music study requires several tools, the most important of which is a metronome. There are many different versions out there, but the most convenient are apps for your phone, iPod, or iPad. Stand alone metronomes and tuners can be $20- $150 each, so these apps are a good deal. I do not benefit in any way from recommending these products... they are what I use for myself in practicing & teaching.
Tonal Energy (strongly recommended) all-in-one metronome, tuner, and recording device. I use it every day. $3.99
ReedGeek - reed adjusting tools reedgeek.com
SightreadingFactory.com is a sight-reading generator (available on their website or their app) that is required for my studio, and I provide you with an access code. I buy subscriptions in bulk so that the individual cost is very low. I suggest using this tool at least twice per week to improve your sight-reading skills. Sight reading is a component of nearly every test and audition your student will take, so we will spend time on it in nearly every lesson.
TO SUBSCRIBE TO SIGHTREADINGFACTORY.COM:
1. Click the “Sign Up” button
2. Click the “Are you a student? Sign up here” link.
3. Enter your Student Code: anh8rf
This code links you to my profile. I can see who has been practicing, assign homework, etc from my teacher page.
Your subscription lasts one year and is free with your tuition. You do not need to pay money directly to the website. (Individual subscriptions cost $35, but I buy in bulk for my entire studio.) If you do not subscribe at home, we will do so in lessons.
Listening
A major component of learning how to be a better musician is listening to great musicians. If you do not know what greatness sounds like, you have no idea what goals you are working towards! To make sure you have an idea of great musicianship, we will be devoting part of our lessons this year to listening to clarinetists and other instrumentalists. Students will receive regular listening assignments and will be expected to discuss this homework at subsequent lessons. Excellent recordings, masterclasses, etc. are available for free on YouTube. I recommend using this along with a subscription-based music streaming service such as Spotify, if possible.
Student Commitment
It has been my experience that the students who achieve the most success in private lessons are the students who are enthusiastic, hard-working, and committed. I understand and appreciate that well-rounded students participate in myriad activities, and clarinet lessons are just one part of a student’s busy day. However, I expect the following:
• Treat me and your fellow students with kindness and respect.
• Practice the amount of your lesson time, 3-4 days a week (i.e., 30-minute lesson time = 30 minutes of practice, 4 days a week). This is the minimum amount of practice expected of each student. Understand that the more effort you put into your assignments, the faster you improve. The fact that you take lessons does not mean that you will improve at all... it’s the practicing time and degree of your effort that determines your success. Playing in a band rehearsal does not count as practicing.
• Practice your warm-up routine once a day.
• Complete all assignments given by your next lesson.
• Come to lessons prepared with previous assignment completed, clarinet (must be your best instrument & mouthpiece, if you have
more than one!), music, reeds and the provided LESSON BINDER. You will be given a bag to help keep you organized. Keep everything in the same place so you don't forget anything.
• Mrs. Sheridan reserves the right to terminate lessons for reasons of behavior or chronic unpreparedness.
• Students must own (and use) a metronome and ideally, a tuner. Suggested apps are listed above.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding anything in this handbook, please do not hesitate to call or email me.
Thank you for your support. I am looking forward to another fun and successful year of learning and music making!
Kristen Sheridan
