Nick Masters Double Bass Studio

Nick Masters
Nickmasters.bass@gmail.com
Cell: 360-420-2098
Studio Policies
Commitment

The double bass is a challenging instrument; progress will only be accomplished with focused and
consistent effort. I ask all my students to make a commitment to weekly attendance and practicing at
home. I expect all my students to make the double bass an important part of their lives. In return I will
to do my best to help my students reach all their musical goals.

Structure and Payment

Tuition is to be paid each month and due at the first lesson of the month. My expectation is for all
students to schedule weekly lessons resulting in four or five per month whenever possible. The number
and times of the lessons will be scheduled in advance of the first lesson to facilitate payment. Payment
is acceptable in cash or check made out to Nick Masters. One-hour lessons will be billed at a rate of $40
and half-hour lessons at $25.

Attendance

All students are expected to attend their weekly lesson at their regular time. If a student becomes
unable to attend their normal lesson for whatever reason I request to be notified as soon as possible.
Notifications received more than 24 hours in advance will be counted as excused absences. In the event
of an excused absence, a make-up lesson will be schedule at the soonest possible convenience to both
the student and myself. If this is impossible the lesson will be refunded. Students will receive only one
excused absence per month. Subsequent absences, excused or otherwise, will be counted as unexcused
and be neither rescheduled or refunded. Absences without 24-hour prior notification will be treated as
unexcused absences and not subject to reschedule or refund.

Studio Recitals, All State, Solo and Ensemble

In addition to weekly lessons and school orchestra participation, I expect my studio students to audition
for All-State Orchestra and Solo and Ensemble. Regardless of their musical aspirations I feel that the
process of preparing for and preforming in these activities are important aspects of their musical
development.

All-State Orchestra (grades 9-12) and Junior All-State (grades 7 & 8) are audition-based orchestra
programs, bringing together young musicians from all over the state. Audition materials are announced
in the summer and audition recordings are due in the fall (Oct 5th 2017.)

Solo and Ensemble is an annual competition held each spring. It is and opportunity for students to
preform and receive feedback from visiting music education professionals. Students have the option of
entering both the solo and ensemble divisions. I encourage all my students to enter both. Please notify
myself and your orchestra teacher as soon as possible to begin planning if entering the ensemble
division.

Studio recitals are intended to offer students a chance to perform for their family and peers. They help
students build confidence and serve as an important milestone in the student’s study. Attendance is
required. A studio recital will be held once a year in the spring. Students and parents will be notified of
the dates as soon as possible.