Lauren Kowal Oboe Studio

Guidelines for Parents

Contact Information
Lauren Kowal
4302 Executive Pkwy
Apt 223
Westerville, OH 43081
lauren.n.kowal.oboe@gmail.com
(248)229-6806

Welcome!
Hello, and welcome to my oboe studio! I am very excited to have your student
join me in the world of the oboe. My name is Lauren, and I am currently a
graduate student at The Ohio State University in Oboe Performance and Arts
Administration and Policy. I can’t wait to meet you and learn more about your
student and their musical interests, but first I would like to inform you of some
of my studio policies!

This document, as well as other resources for students and parents, can be
found on my website at any time.

Lessons
In this section, you will find all you need to know about taking lessons with me.

First Lesson
Every student who is interested in studying with me will receive one (1) free
half-hour (30 minute) lesson. In this lesson, the student should bring their best
foot forward with scales and repertoire (this can also be band class music).
All I ask is that students bring what they have already learned, a good
attitude, and a willingness to try something new!
This lesson will introduce students to my teaching style, and help me gauge
their current level. Then, I can better plan fundamental and repertoire
assignments. Students will also receive one free reed during their first lesson.

Scheduling
I offer both 30 minute and 50 minute lesson options, in-person and over
Zoom/FaceTime1. In-person lessons will take place in my home studio at 4302
Executive Pkwy, Apt. 223, Westerville, OH 43081. Regular, weekly lessons are
preferred for my schedule, and for the best teaching outcome for your
student.

If you are interested or more comfortable with at-home lessons, please feel
free to contact me to see if I can make that accommodation regularly or on
an as-needed basis. If you need to switch the location of your lesson, please
give me at least 24 hours notice.

If you would be interested in lessons at your students’ school, please email me

and your student’s band director to see if that arrangement is possible.

You are free to email or text me at any time to confirm the next date, time,
and location of your next lesson.

Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

I completely understand that life happens, and students may not be able to
make their weekly scheduled lesson for a variety of reasons. However, I expect
that proper notice will be given should a student not be able to attend their
weekly lesson. Lessons canceled without rescheduling with less than 24

1
While Zoom/Facetime lessons may be most convenient, they are the least conducive to
productive teaching and learning. I offer Zoom/FaceTime lessons on an as-needed basis,
typically in the case of family illness, where the student is healthy, but someone in the
household has caught a virus.

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hours notice will result in a $15 cancellation fee. If rescheduling, I still need to
know 24 hours before your usual lesson time, or I will still charge the
cancellation fee.

Should I need to cancel or reschedule, I will do my best to give you the same
24 hours notice.

Illness and Family Emergencies

Please do not come to your lesson if you are sick2. I do all that I can to
maintain my health so as not to share an illness with your student, and I am
happy to reschedule to a virtual lesson if the student is feeling well enough to
play.

In the case of an unexpected family emergency, please give me as much

notice as you can, but I understand that 24 hours might not always be
possible. In these cases, I am willing to waive the cancellation fee. However, if
this excuse becomes overused, I may have to dismiss the student from my
studio.

Should your student become sick during my lesson, I will end the lesson early
and call the parent/guardian who dropped them off (unless the parent
stayed for their lesson or a different family member is picking the student up
that day). I will not administer any over-the-counter medications unless the
parent/guardian approves of it over the phone (or in-person).

2
Students should not come to their lesson if: they have tested positive for COVID-19 in the
past 5 days, they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the
past five days, they stayed home from school that day due to illness, left school early due to
illness, are currently taking medication for a fever, have taken medication for a fever in the
past 24 hours, have an excessive cough and/or runny nose or congestion.

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Allergies
Please let me know if your student has any allergies prior to beginning
lessons. I currently do not have any pets, but I do have some common
allergens such as nuts, gluten, and plants in my home that I would want to
ensure are away so they do not trigger an allergic reaction. Food allergens
could become especially problematic if I have consumed a food product that
day and then worked or tested your student’s reed(s).

If you are concerned that your child could still have an allergic reaction, feel
free to send them with their epinephrine injector.

Regarding seasonal allergies: As the seasons change throughout the year, it is

common for congestion to become common due to seasonal allergens.
Please try to remedy this congestion with over-the-counter medications or
home remedies before coming to your lesson, as playing with congestion can
become difficult. Congestion due to allergies does not count as an illness to
cancel a lesson for.

Weekly Expectations
It is my expectation that students will come to their lessons having practiced
their assignments and with two working reeds. I expect that beginning
students (<1-3 years of experience) are practicing 4-5 days per week (outside
of their lesson and band class time) for 20-30 minutes each day. I expect
more advanced students (2-7 years of experience) are practicing 5-6 days
per week for 30-60 minutes each day.

Each week, students will be assigned a scale, 1-3 fundamental exercises, an

etude, and/or a movement or section of a solo work. If time allows, students
may bring band music that they need extra help with, but that will not be the

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focus of our time together3. I may also periodically ask students for short
written assignments. I expect these to be treated like their school homework
and turned in on-time and to the best of their ability.

I also expect that students will bring all of the materials they need for that
lesson including (but not limited to): their instrument, any method books,
sheet music, band parts, instrument care/accessories, their reeds, reed
soaker, etc.

While there are always unforeseen circumstances, please do your best to

arrive on time, if not 5-10 minutes early for your lesson, so that we can
utilize our full time together.

Lesson and Practice Journal

Students who schedule lessons with me beyond the trial lesson will be given a
binder with a lesson and practice journal. In our weekly lessons, I will record
what we worked on, and what students should focus on in their practice for
the next week. There will be spaces for students to fill in for when they
practice, what they practiced, how they practiced (which we will talk about in
our lessons), and for how long. It will also have a rating scale for how well they
felt their practice went that session, and how focused they were while
practicing that session. I expect for students to fill out this journal each time
that they practice. They can also utilize this for practicing their band
assignments.

3
Oboe lessons and “band tutoring” are not synonymous. In lessons, students learn skills that
can be applied to their band music. We can work through technical issues and I can give
students exercises to help them practice their band music, but I am not here to teach the
students their band music.

Lauren N. Kowal - Updated 1/2024

Audition Preparation Lessons
Audition Preparation (sometimes called mock-audition lessons) are required
to be scheduled before any OMEA solo-and-ensemble competition dates if
the student is competing solo or college auditions. The student should inform
me if they are participating in OMEA, taking youth orchestra auditions, or
taking college auditions with the most time possible so we can review the
requirements together and ensure they have the most preparation time
possible. This ensures that your student will feel the most prepared as they
enter the audition room.

OMEA: This lesson (depending on the requirements for your student’s age
category) will most likely need to be scheduled at a location with a piano.
Please begin scheduling this lesson at least one month in advance of the
lesson date to ensure that myself, your student, and their pianist are all able
to be in attendance at an accommodating location. If your student is unable
to find a pianist, I am able to recommend piano accompanists.

This lesson will begin with a short warm up and a run-through of the student’s
prepared piece with piano. I will take notes much like the jurors do, and ask for
scales and a short sight-reading piece. I will then provide feedback and help
coach the student on performance techniques, final touches, and playing
with their pianist.

Youth Orchestra or College Auditions: College and youth orchestra auditions

are typically a performance without piano. In lessons leading up to these
auditions, I will provide students with different sight reading exercises each
lesson. At the mock-audition lesson, I will listen to them play through their
piece, ask for scales, and ask them to sight read a short passage. I will take
notes and coach them through performance techniques and final touches.

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Reed Lessons
As students become more advanced in their playing, their reeds begin to
demand more personal features from student to student. It is also customary
that students learn how to make their own reeds, or begin to learn the process
before they attend college (if they are continuing playing the oboe in music
school). I do not recommend reed lessons until high school, but each student
is different, and I consider that when making recommendations to start
learning reed making.

I offer reed making lessons in different intervals, as the beginning stages of

reed-making are time consuming, and require undivided attention. When
learning the first steps of reed making, students and parents should plan for 1
hour lesson. As a students’ skill increases, that time will decrease and can be
incorporated into their regular lesson time, but this learning period varies
from student to student.

If adding another hour to your current weekly lesson schedule (either on the
same day or a different day) isn’t possible, I would recommend waiting until
the students’ summer break before beginning these lessons, so they can be
taken on a bi-weekly basis in place of their regular lesson.

If I recommend that a student begin learning to make reeds, I will send home
a list of required materials students will need to purchase in order to get
started with trusted suppliers to purchase these items from.

Parents in the Lesson Room

I encourage parents (if they are able) to sit in on the first lesson. After that, I
am happy to host you should there be a transportation issue, but it is my
belief that students are willing to try new things, be brave, take risks, be
themselves, and learn better when their parents aren’t in the room. I

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understand the desire to hear how your child is doing, and I am happy to
supply reports on their progress, or if I think there is an issue.

Near my apartment, there are grocery stores, restaurants, and coffee shops
within walking distance. I am also a short drive away from uptown Westerville,
where there are plenty of small businesses and large chains where you can
spend the time your student is in their lesson.

I will never use strong or inappropriate language around your child or

encourage them to watch or listen to something inappropriate. If you are
concerned about your child’s safety, I completely understand your concern. I
have been fingerprint background checked to work in schools and with
students as recent as May of 2023. I have received Red Cross CPR certification,
and undergone training for working with minors.

Lesson Rates

Time Rate

30 minutes $35

60 minutes $50

30 minutes (Audition Preparation) $40

60 minutes (Audition Preparation) $65

60 minutes (Reed Lesson) $50

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Payment Plans and Methods
It is my expectation that students’ families will pay for their weekly lesson at
the time of their lesson4. If needed, a payment plan can be created on a
bi-weekly or monthly basis, to be agreed upon when the student and parent
sign their lessons contract. If needed, a payment plan can be created at a
later date.

I can be paid via the following methods:

● Cash or personal check (made out to Lauren Kowal)
● Venmo: @loloko1219
● Paypal: @loloko1219
I am currently unable to accept payments by ApplePay or Cashapp.

Reeds
Oboe reeds are the “heart” of the instrument. Therefore, it is imperative that
students have functioning, consistent reeds for their lessons, their practice,
and their band class to ensure the best outcomes for their practicing,
performing, and experience playing the oboe.

Purchasing Reeds
Students who study with me (unless provided for free from another source
such as their school) must purchase reeds from me so I can ensure their
quality and consistency. This also makes it better for me and your student for
reed adjustments and customization. I will adjust my own reeds free of
charge. Reeds not purchased from me will have a $2-5 adjustment fee,
depending on the amount of time needed to make the proper adjustments.

4
If a student’s family has missed 2 or more payments, a notice letter will be sent home with
the student. If payment has not been received by the next lesson, or a payment plan has not
been created or amended, then I will have to dismiss the student from my studio.

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Students should have a minimum of two functioning reeds at all times to
promote longevity through rotation and to have a backup in case of an
emergency.

In the case of an emergency, I offer a “rush” service for an additional $10 per
reed needed. Should students arrive at their lesson with no reeds or “dead”
reeds, I reserve the right to require a reed to be purchased at that lesson,
including the $10 rush fee.

Reed Pricing

Type Rate

Oboe Reed $25

Oboe Reed (w/ staple and tube $22

returned)5

English horn Reed $35

English horn Reed (w/ staple and tube $32

returned)6

Reed Adjustment (outside source) $2-5

Rush Fee (less than 48 hours notice)per $10

reed

5
The staple is the cork part of the reed. If you are unsure how to remove the reed and thread,
you may return the whole “dead” reed in the protection tube for the discounted rate.
6
The staple for English horn reeds is the metal tube the thread and cane are tied to. If you are
unsure, you may return the whole “dead” reed and the protection tube for the discounted
rate.

Lauren N. Kowal - Updated 1/2024

Payment Plans and Methods
It is expected that students’ families pay for their reeds at the time of delivery7.
If needed a payment plan can be made on a monthly basis, to be agreed
upon when the student and parent sign their lessons contract. If needed, a
payment plan can be created and agreed upon at a later date.

I can be paid via the following methods:

● Cash or personal check (made out to Lauren Kowal)
● Venmo: @loloko1219
● Paypal: @loloko1219
I am currently unable to accept payments by ApplePay or Cashapp.

Frequently Asked Reed Questions

Q: Your reeds are more expensive than reeds I can purchase online, why are
they more expensive?
A: Handmade reeds take several hours of detailed work, and hundreds of
dollars in tools and materials to ensure their quality. Machine-made reeds are
made by machines, but without consistent quality in the materials used to
make them. Here is a list of websites that also sell handmade reeds if you
would like to compare pricing:
● https://jennetingle.com/store/
● https://alakotareeds.com/
● https://www.reedmaker.com/
My reeds are comparable to their intermediate to professional model reeds
and include no shipping or delivery cost.

Q: How often will I need to purchase reeds for my student?

7
If a student’s family has missed 2 or more payments, a notice letter will be sent home with
the student. If payment has not been received by the next lesson, or a payment plan has not
been created or amended, then I will have to dismiss the student from my studio.

Lauren N. Kowal - Updated 1/2024

A: There is no definite answer on how long a reed can/will last because of
weather (humidity, seasons, precipitation) and how much your student is
playing on a reed. For beginning students, I recommend no more than 3-4
weeks of playing on a single reed, and to rotate the minimum of two reeds
your student has. For intermediate to advanced students, I recommend
replacing reeds every 1-2 weeks.

Q: When is a reed order considered a “rush” order?

A: If a student needs a reed within less than 48 hours notice, I consider that a
“rush order.” While I am constantly working on reeds throughout my week,
many reeds require more than 48 hours to completely finish so that they are
ready for your student to play on.

Q: Why do you charge to adjust reeds from other sources?

A: Every reed making process is different, and I am not always able to confirm
what might be causing another reed to be troublesome (it can be a problem
caused early in the making process to a minor adjustment). It will take time to
analyze reeds from another source, and test it to determine what will need to
be done to make it work better for your student.

Q: Why should my student rotate which reed they use if they have a favorite?
A: Rotating which reed your student uses helps your student keep their
favorite reed working for as long as possible. I recommend that students limit
the use of their “best” or “favorite” reed for when they play in band class or in
their lesson, and practice on their least favorite.

Q: My student’s reeds work well one day, and not the next. Why does this
happen?
A: Reeds are made of arundo donax, which is a type of bamboo that is grown
and dried. Much like how cracks can be caused by the shrinking and
expanding of the ground around the foundation of a house, reeds are

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affected by the humidity, precipitation, air pressure, and climate that they
exist in. Reeds are made from living things, and therefore act and change like
living things.

New reeds (as they are broken in by playing) also change in the days after
purchase. I do my best to “play-in” my reeds to ensure they have begun to
settle before giving them to students. This cannot be guaranteed in
machine-made reeds, or in other hand-made stores.

Q: Is there any way to disinfect a reed should it fall on the ground? Do you
disinfect your reeds that you sell to students?
A: If there is a need to disinfect a reed, it can be done by dipping or soaking it
for 10 seconds in isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Once disinfected,
soak in water to diminish the taste of the disinfectant. You should not disinfect
the cork part of the reed, but all the way down the thread is acceptable.

All reeds I sell are disinfected before packaging, and if I work or test a reed in
your student’s lesson, I will disinfect it again before giving it back to them.

Q: Students in my child’s band class play on plastic reeds that last for months.
Is there something like this available for oboe reeds?
A: Plastic or synthetic reeds are a fairly recent technology that has become
more standardized for clarinets and saxophones. Oboe (and bassoon) reeds
take much more work to ensure a good quality, and therefore technology has
not been able to replicate that quality in their synthetic reeds. There are many
companies that currently sell synthetic oboe reeds, but they are not the same
style of reeds used in North America, therefore I would not recommend that
students purchase these reeds.

Q: How long should reeds be soaked for?

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A: Oboe reeds are made to me extremely thin and delicate, but need
moisture to ensure the two blades will vibrate. Putting the reed in the student’s
mouth isn’t sufficient for this. Students should soak their reed in room
temperature to warm (not boiling or steaming) water for 15 seconds - 2
minutes. If soaked for longer than this time, do not worry! The reed may just
be more open than usual. The student can gently push the two blades of the
reed together to help the opening close down.

If a reed is accidentally left soaking for longer than 5 minutes, I recommend

storing the reed in the case overnight to let it dry out before attempting to use
it again.

Q: Where should my students keep their reeds to keep them protected?

A: Reeds should be stored in a hard case. While the plastic tube I supply my
reeds in is sufficient for the short term, if crushed, the reeds inside can still be
damaged. My Recommended Materials list supplies links to purchase small
cases that can hold multiple reeds at a time that will keep reeds better
protected. Single reeds should never be stored in the oboe case or loose in a
backpack or bag.

Q: My student hit their reed on their teeth (or a wall, etc.) by accident. Will the
reed still work?
A: It is possible the student’s reed will still work! The student should carefully
inspect the reed for cracks (starting in the tip) on both blades of the reed. If
there are no cracks, they can carefully test the reed to see if it will still play.

If there is a crack, it is likely the reed will not continue to function properly, and
a new reed will need to be purchased.

If you have any further questions about reeds or purchasing reeds, feel free to
contact me or ask during your lesson time.

Lauren N. Kowal - Updated 1/2024

Instrument
Instrument Care
While the instrument your student brings every week may not belong to them
(school instrument, rental, etc.) it is expected that their instrument will work
when they come to their lesson. I am able to make minor adjustments and
instruct on day-to-day care for their instrument, but I am not capable of
replacing pads, straightening rods, replacing cork, or repairing cracks. If the
instrument is a loaner, please ensure that it is given back to the school or
taken back to the music store from which it was rented for repair.

If the instrument is owned by the student and their family, I am able to

recommend repair technicians in the area for quick fixes, and those who have
established shops for more advanced repairs.

If a student's instrument is out for repair and they are unable to get a loaner
from another source, I have an oboe they can borrow for their lesson.
Unfortunately, I cannot let them take it home to practice with, but we can still
have a lesson that week if so desired.

When in doubt, do not try to make adjustments on your own instrument. The
oboe has an extremely intricate design that even small adjustments can
cause misalignments that make the oboe stop working! Please take it to a
repair professional (most likely not your band director) if you feel there is
something wrong.

See my Care and Keeping of your Oboe/EH document for best practices for
daily, weekly, and monthly instrument care in order to keep your instrument in
the best shape possible.

Lauren N. Kowal - Updated 1/2024

Purchasing an Instrument
I do not require that students own their own instrument. Purchasing an
instrument should be a well-thought out decision based on your student’s
interest in a long-term relationship with the oboe and your family’s financial
situation. Oboes can be expensive, and the process to find the right one can
be long, tiring, and expensive as well.

If you are interested in purchasing an instrument, I am happy to recommend

oboe suppliers based on your budget, needs, and level of instrument you are
looking to purchase.

Method Books, Etudes, and Sheet Music

Aside from the lessons and practice journal, I will include some technical
exercises in your student’s lesson binder. When I am able, I am happy to copy
music and exercises that I own, but this is not always possible, and I may ask
students to purchase sheet music, method books, and etude books. I will only
recommend a student purchase a book or music if I feel they are ready for
the level it requires, it is a requirement of OMEA, or if I know it will serve them in
their future study. I do my best not to jump from book to book so that students
don’t have to purchase many books all at once. If I should recommend that
they purchase something new, I am happy to send them a digital scan of the
exercise I assigned until they are able to purchase the book and begin using
more exercises out of it.

Required Books
After your student’s first lesson, I will send them home with a list of books they
will need to purchase for their next lesson. It is expected that students will
have and bring those books to their next lesson. If there is a delay in receiving
the books because of shipping delays, back order issues, or they are out of

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stock, please let me know ASAP and I will send digital copies of what they
needed to practice for their next lesson.

Recommended Books
There are many good resources that could benefit your student’s study in the
present and future. I will never require these books, and I am happy to scan
parts of texts or method books I recommend if a student is interested or if
they need the resource, but aren’t able to purchase the book.

Sheet Music
I will only require students to purchase sheet music if it is a piece of music I do
not have, if it is required for OMEA Solo and Ensemble, or if the piece does not
have a decent copy on IMSLP.

IMSLP is a website that houses copies of sheet music that is in the public
domain. These copies are uploaded by users all over the world, and may not
be updated, easy-to-read, or accurate. While a great resource for free sheet
music, it might not always be the best source.

I have acquired a large digital collection of music that I am happy to share

with your student, but I am not able to print everything for them. I am happy
to share what they need if they need assistance, but if I require sheet music to
be purchased, it is because it is an OMEA requirement or because it is a good
investment for their future lessons and/or music education. Many times,
students return to music with other teachers and learn new things, or there is
a large collection of music housed in one book that they could use in the
future.

Additional questions? Feel free to reach out to me at any time, and I will do
my best to respond within 24 hours.

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