Madeline Tolley Studio
Welcome!
Bio
Madeline Tolley is a dedicated Suzuki cello teacher with experience working with students ranging from pre-k children to adults. She believes that anyone can learn to play the cello, regardless of age or prior experience. Madeline is certified through Suzuki Cello Book 4 and plans to continue advancing her training in the Suzuki method.
Madeline has studied for many years under cellist Elliott Cheney, and has also received Suzuki Teacher Training at the Intermountain Suzuki String Institute and the San Diego Institute, working with teacher trainers such as Carey Cheney, David Evenchick, and Alice Ann O'Neill. She obtained her bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Utah. During this time she also pursued a minor in music technology and participated in the campus symphony.
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Madeline is passionate about helping her students experience the joy of music. One of her favorite moments as a teacher is witnessing the ‘a ha’ moments, when a student suddenly grasps a challenging passage or concept. She strives to create an environment where each student can experience these moments of discovery, helping them develop their skills and love for the cello.
Studio Policy
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Lesson Expectations
In the Suzuki method, emphasis is placed on not only practice, but listening to the material and participation in group settings. I believe these to be important and as such expect students to listen to the material as a part of their cello studies, and encourage students to attend group class when possible.
Preparation/Practice
Please come to each lesson with your instrument, music, and any other materials we are working on. Progress is based on practice, and consistency is key. Due to the importance of practicing, students who practice 5 days a week will be given priority when choosing lesson time slots.
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Punctuality
Lessons begin at the scheduled time. Please arrive a few minutes early to tune your instrument and settle in. If you are late, plan on the lesson ending at the scheduled end time. I sometimes will have the time to teach past the scheduled end time if a student is late, but this is not guaranteed.
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Parental Involvement
Parents play a key role in the success of their students. In lessons, parents can support their child’s learning by taking notes and videos to refer to for home practice.
During lessons the parent stays in the background for the lesson unless asked to participate by the teacher. Unless asked, please refrain from commenting during lessons on topics such as the student’s posture, technique, or whether or not a student has practiced, etc. Questions about such topics are welcome, especially at the beginning or the end of a lesson.
Parents of students younger than 13 are strongly encouraged to be present during lessons to better understand what to practice at home.
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Attendance
Regular attendance is key to your success. If you need to miss a lesson, please notify me at least 24 hours in advance. This allows me to offer your time slot to another student.
Cancellations: If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice, or do not show up for a lesson, you will be charged for the missed session. Exceptions may be made in case of emergencies.
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Achievements
Book Graduation
Studio Requirements
After completing a book, students will have an opportunity to graduate from the book and earn a prize for the accomplishment. In order to officially graduate from a book, students are to record themselves playing each piece from the book at a level they feel is polished and performance worthy. Students can do this all in one go, or record each piece individually. This may take some time to complete and this is ok.
If preferred, a student may perform the entire book in an individual recital for family and friends for their book graduation. Memorization and accompaniment are strongly encouraged!
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Suzuki Association of Utah Book Graduation
Every year in February/March the Suzuki Association of Utah has a graduation event that students can participate in. Students will have the opportunity to play a piece from the recently finished book along side other suzuki students from other studios who have also graduated, and a graduation certificate will be given to the teacher to present to the students. Students will need to be registered with the Suzuki Association of Utah before they can participate.
Payment
Tuition is preferred to be paid monthly or yearly. Monthly payments are due at the beginning of each month, and yearly payments are due at the start of the academic year. This secures your time slot and ensures a consistent schedule.
Tuition rates are $50 per hour $37.50 per 45 minutes and $25 per 30 minutes. The teaching year is 36 weeks of instruction from late August through the first week of June. The number of weeks is multiplied by the hourly rate, and monthly payment installments are offered to help make it easier to pay. Please let me know if you have any personal difficulties with the tuition payment and we can work something out!
If you wish, you may pay for the entire year or you are welcome to pay monthly installments. Yearly amounts appear first on the far right. In addition, please remember to go online to pay for your annual membership to SAU.
9 Monthly payment installments are due at the First of Each Month:
September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April and May and ending with May:
60 minute lessons X 36 weeks ($50 per lesson) = $1800
divided into 9 equal monthly installments = $200.00
45 minute lessons X 36 weeks ($37.50 per lesson) = $1350
divided into 9 equal monthly installments = $150.00
30 minute lessons X 36 weeks ($25 per lesson) =$900
divided into 9 equal monthly installments = $100.00
Tuition is non-refundable. Make-up lessons can be obtained only if at least 24 hour notice prior to the scheduled lesson is given. I will always accommodate emergency situations.
Flexible Arrangements: If monthly payments are not feasible for you, we can discuss alternative arrangements. My goal is to make lessons accessible while maintaining a professional and organized schedule.
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Communication
Contact: Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. Open communication helps us work together to achieve your goals. I can be reached via email at METolley@gmail.com, or over text at 385-424-6602.
Thank you for your commitment to learning the cello. I look forward to helping you develop your skills and enjoy the beauty of this wonderful instrument!
This policy ensures that both the teacher and the student have clear expectations, helping to create a productive and respectful learning environment.