Getting Started

Families that are interested in piano, voice, ukulele, drums or general music lessons should fill out this contact form to get on the waitlist. Mrs. Zavoral will reach out to these families to discuss their child’s musical interests, goals and to determine schedule availability.

Entry Forms

After a family has scheduled their child’s regular lesson time, they will complete the New Student Entry Form. This form includes waivers and payment agreements that must be completed before the child’s first lesson.

Annual Schedule

Our annual schedule runs on trimester terms (Fall, Winter and Spring) where each term will run for about 12 weeks. Payment will be collected at the end of each trimester.

Typically we will not host classes when school is closed for SDUSD, with the exception of Spring term, where lessons will run through the end of June. Families are encouraged to view the Studio Calendar to see specific start and end dates for each trimester, as well as studio closures and fun events.

Getting to the studio

The studio is located in the rear of the Zavoral home at 2077 Pentuckett Ave, San Diego, CA 92104.

Families can use street parking. Students walk the “piano pathway” to the brown side gate, entering with a provided key code. Follow the path to the back patio for private entry into the music room. Parents may drop off or wait on the back patio during lessons.

Music supplies

Mrs. Zavoral has a wide variety of instruments, games and sensory tools for all students to use during their lessons. Depending on the class, students will be provided sheet music and folders free of charge. When a student is ready to use music method books, families are expected to cover the cost of the books. If music is lost or damaged, there will be an added charge to replace them.

Private ukulele students will need to provide their own ukulele that they bring with them to lessons and then use at home. Mrs. Zavoral can give recommendations on quality ukuleles for beginners.

Drum students will need to have their own drum sticks. If they study with us for more than one term, students will need to have their own acoustic or electric drum set to practice with at home.

Piano students are strongly encouraged to own a real acoustic piano. It really makes a difference and can’t quite be matched by an electronic keyboard. Families should plan to have it tuned regularly (ideally every 6-12 months). If budget and space makes that tricky, a full-size electric keyboard with 88 weighted keys and touch sensitivity is a good alternative.

Come Prepared

When students come to lessons, they should bring a water bottle, their music, their ukulele (if applicable) and their drum sticks (if applicable). If you forget these supplies, we can still have a productive lesson, but please understand that it slows down overall progress and takes extra time for Mrs. Zavoral to provide alternative activities.

If students in small group lessons are chronically forgetting their music and supplies, then there will be an added charge for the interruptions and delays that it causes during group instruction.

late arrival

Please arrive a few minutes early so that we can begin on time. Students that arrive late will still be charged for the full lesson period. Be mindful that most lessons at this studio are scheduled back to back, so families should be considerate of the other lesson times as they arrive and depart from the studio.

Absences

We understand that illness, travel, and other events may cause absences. To accommodate this, we offer 1 Grace Day per trimester, allowing students to miss a lesson without charge. After the Grace Day is used, all additional absences during the trimester will be charged as if they were attended, regardless of the reason. Mrs. Zavoral offers opportunities for students to make up multiple absences on select days of each term.

If Mrs. Zavoral needs to cancel a lesson, families will be notified as soon as possible and will not be charged for the lesson.

Cancellations

There is no fee if a student needs to discontinue lessons before the trimester is over. However, they will lose their lesson spot for future terms. If they wish to return at a later season, they will be added to the waitlist.

Practicing

Practice is very important for students who want to improve their playing and singing. Mrs. Zavoral works closely with each student and their parents to create an individualized practice plan that is age-appropriate and meets the child’s skill level, learning style, and interests.

Parents are asked to support their child’s practicing by making time in their child’s schedule for routine practice. Throughout the season, Mrs. Zavoral gives tips on how parents can support their child’s practice plan, and parents help give feedback when adjustments to the workload are needed. When a student fulfills their practice goals, we celebrate with small prizes and other rewards.

Performances

Students enjoy multiple opportunities each school year to perform in the studio and throughout the community, at no additional cost.

Mini-recitals are a low-key way for students to share their music in small groups at the studio.

Our larger recitals welcome audiences of 70+ guests and are not your typical music recitals! The atmosphere is upbeat, family-friendly, and fast-paced. Students choose how they’d like to share their music based on their comfort level, and Mrs. Zavoral leads interactive music games with the audience. By singing, moving, and playing instruments together, these recitals become a place where music helps us build community!

Along with this, Mrs. Zavoral helps coordinate opportunities for students to perform at street fairs, senior living centers, and invitational recitals in the community.

Payment

Payment for lessons is due at the end of each term. Mrs. Zavoral sends invoices to each family, and payments can be made by cash, check, or Venmo (@ZavoralMusicStudios). Families are welcome to make smaller payments throughout the term, but one payment per term is appreciated for maintaining simplicity with bookkeeping. Late payments may result in a fee or discontinuation of enrollment.