1. REGULARITY OF LESSONS
Most of the learning process actually takes place during the lesson. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that the lessons be taken at regular, weekly intervals. Your teacher has reserved the time of your lesson for you only. Please do not schedule any other activities at that time.
2. PRACTICE
Playing a musical instrument is a skill and an art, and requires a large investment of time, dedication, and patience. In order to achieve sufficient progress and enjoyment, a minimum daily practice time must be maintained. The amount of practice time will be recommended by the teacher, and agreed upon by the student and parents, and should be scheduled into the daily routine. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that he or she does a concentrated practice for the specified amount of time at least six days per week. Failure to practice can lead to a lack of progress, frustration, and loss of interest, and may be grounds for dismissal.
3. WORKSPACE
It is very important to have a quiet space, free from distractions (ie. television, radio, telephone, siblings, friends, etc.) during practice time. Parents are requested to provide a quiet atmosphere in which to work.
4. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Young students need the support and positive encouragement of their parents if they are to learn and progress. This also includes making sure that students adhere to their established practice schedule. Parents of young children should observe the lesson each week and practice with the child at home each day. Parents of older students should observe the lesson at least once a month so that they can keep abreast of the student’s progress, and problems, if any. This parental involvement is welcomed and appreciated by the teacher, and needed by the student, especially the younger student.
5. TUITION
Monthly tuition is due in advance the first week of each month. Missed lessons are not credited toward the regularly scheduled lessons. However, if a student is to have an extended leave (due to vacations, etc.) and will be missing two or more consecutive lessons, those lessons missed may be credited if the teacher is notified before the first of the month. If you plan to terminate the lessons for one or more months, or permanently, you must notify the studio before the first of that month, or you will be required to pay for that month’s tuition. If a check is returned from your bank, you will be required to pay any and all bank charges associated with the transaction. If this occurs on more than one occasion, you will be required to pay by cash from then on.
6. MAKE-UP LESSONS
Make-up lessons are not guaranteed. If you miss your regularly scheduled lesson for any reason (illness, weather, transportation problems, schedule conflicts, etc.) and have contacted the studio at least 24 hours in advance of that scheduled lesson, we will try to provide a make-up lesson if our schedule permits. A no-show or last-minute cancellation, however, cannot be made up. Failure to practice is not a valid reason to cancel a lesson. The consistency of the lessons and what can be accomplished during the lesson is still of value and should not be overlooked. It is the student’s/parent’s responsibility to request make-up lessons, not the teacher’s.
7. RECITALS
Students will be invited to play in recitals when they have demonstrated their readiness for performance. This is usually after a minimum of one year of study. Recitals will be announced well in advance.
8. PROBLEMS
If any problems arise concerning your lessons, your practicing, the music, technical or emotional difficulties or blocks, please do not hesitate to speak with your teacher about it right away. Problems, if ignored, can escalate and create more and bigger problems.