Renaissance Performing Arts Academy
Studio Policy 2009-2010
Alice-Margaret Byerts – Director – 321-262-9688
Teaching Philosophy
Renaissance Performing Arts Academy would like to express how excited we are that you have chosen our Academy to teach you and/or your child music. All the teachers here believe that music is an important part of life and that music is something to be enjoyed by both performer and listener. To that extent, the teachers at Renaissance believe it is his/her aim to mold students into not only competent performers who love playing music, but active listeners who will take pleasure in enjoying various types of music for the rest of their days. Every aspect of music works together and contributes to the overall ability of any musician. For this reason, we include performance, ear training, technique, theory, composition, improvisation, and sight-reading in the music education of each student. Even if music as a profession is not the ultimate goal you have for your children or you, the basic skills and techniques learned from music lessons will prove useful in many areas of life – musical and otherwise. Teaching is our passion, and music is something we love. We look forward to assisting all students in making music something they will enjoy forever.
Parental Involvement
While most students are initially excited to begin music lessons, please be aware that they will face challenges and sometimes frustrations. You may hear statements from your child like “I don’t want to practice”, or “I’m too tired to go to lessons”, or “I want to quit” etc. In most cases, simply acknowledge your child’s comments, but then go on with your normal routine just as you would if you heard the comment “I don’t want to brush my teeth”, etc. Just be aware that your child’s interest will probably not be consistent. As initial enthusiasm is replaced by awareness of the discipline and commitment required to attain excellence, your encouragement and praise will be essential to your child’s success. In addition to consistent encouragement and commitment to music instruction:
· Set aside a scheduled practice time for your child
· Supervise home practice sessions – encourage and support your child – actively listen to him/her practice
· Play quality music in your home and car
· Sit in on lessons periodically
· Provide a quality instrument on which to practice – a good working instrument will allow faster success
· Strive for consistent attendance at lessons to ensure success and continued progress
· Provide a well-lit place to practice that allows practice to be done with as few distractions as possible
Student Responsibilities
· Complete daily practice no matter how short a session each day – your teacher will help you determine the amount of time of practice based on age and leveling of student
· Be prepared for each lesson (with all books, completed theory or other projects)
· Wash hands before each lesson and use hand sanitizer which is available in the studio
· Practice with a clear goal in mind and the time spent practicing should be thoughtful and concentrated –Quality of practice is more important than quantity of practice
Studio Fee and Registration
Registration is ongoing throughout the year and a once-a-year studio/enrollment fee is assessed per student regardless of when they register. This fee is non-refundable and enables the studio to provide students with lending library items (books, videos, CD’s, music and tapes), incentives, rewards, recital room rental, music library materials, miscellaneous handouts, newsletters, copies, sanitizer, tissues, etc, monthly copies of Piano Explorer for piano students, Flute Talk for flute students, The Instrumentalist for all other instrumental lessons (Other instrument/voice specific magazines are available for an additional cost – please speak with your teacher or the director for more information).
The studio fee for the 2009-2010 year is $35 per student but not to exceed $80 per family and is due at registration.
Miscellaneous Fees
On the occasion that the student chooses to participate in festivals, auditions, and competitions offered each year at the teacher’s discretion, the cost per event will be made known to the student prior to the event and those fees will be the responsibility of the students’ family. Please note that no portion of any entry fee is passed along to the teacher or studio.
Books or other materials borrowed from the music library will be charged a replacement fee if not returned in good condition and in a timely manner.
Returned checks will result in a returned check charge of $10 per check and that check and NSF fee will need to be paid in cash.
Tuition and Attendance
The academy accepts payment on either a monthly or weekly basis in either check or cash. If choosing to pay on a monthly basis, the tuition is due by the 10th of the month. Weekly lessons are due at the time of the lesson.
In order to ensure success and continued progress, it is necessary to strive for consistent attendance at lessons. A weekly lesson time for the year is a purchase of teacher and studio time, prepared in advance to be free from interruptions and distractions, and reserved exclusively for students each week – that time slot remains committed to the student whether the student uses the time or not. We ask that you keep cancellations to a minimum, and provide the studio with plenty of notice if a change is needed. We expect missed lessons due to illness, school activities, etc to be made up. The only exception to this is a family emergency. If you choose not to do a make-up lesson, you will be charged for the missed appointment regardless. Often times if you just need to switch times for the week, a change can be easily made but please give the studio plenty of notice so we can arrange this. No-shows are always charged, and no make-up lesson will be offered. Should the teacher need to cancel a lesson for any reason, it will be make up, either with a makeup lesson or a tuition credit. Questions?... Ask your teacher or the director.
Vacations
The Seminole County school district calendar is observed in reference to Winter and Spring Break. Please note that with the exception of Labor Day and Memorial Day, lessons will continue to be held on all other one-day holidays, including but not limited to, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, and various teacher workdays. If you will be gone when the Seminole County schools are closed, please notify the studio in advance so that the teacher may be able to plan accordingly. If the studio is not closed and a lesson is missed without notification, that lesson will be charged regardless of it being a school holiday. All studio vacation/holiday dates will be indicated well in advance.
Recitals, Auditions and Competitions
Our responsibility at Renaissance Performing Arts Academy is to provide an atmosphere for learning and a well-balanced musical education. Professional standards will be maintained and definite goals will be established for each student. It is our goal to give you the best possible music education. The teachers/studio belong to professional organizations, attend workshops and educational programs, subscribe to professional publications, and engage in other activities on a continuing basis in order to provide opportunities for professional growth and enhance our teaching skills. In light of this, the studio offers several performance opportunities each year in the form of recitals and master classes and we encourage students to find other places to perform (church, assisted living facilities, school, etc). Recitals are not mandatory but are strongly encouraged since music is to be shared.
Each year the piano students are offered opportunities to participate in the Piano Guild Auditions and competitive competitions with the Music Teachers National Association among other festivals both competitive and non-competitive. You teacher will discuss these opportunities with you and prepare you for each activity. The fees and information associated with each event will be given to students as it becomes available.
Do you want more competition? Ask your teacher for other opportunities and what it takes to prepare. There are many opportunities to compete for all students – not just pianists.
Termination of Lessons
If you choose, for whatever reason, to discontinue lessons, please give the studio at least 2 weeks notice. The teacher/studio will do the same.
We reserve the right to dismiss any student from lessons for any of the following reasons: destruction or theft of teachers/studio’s property; uncooperative attitude, repeatedly disrespectful, disruptive, or abusive towards the instructor, assistant or other students; failure to comply with studio policy; excessive absences; or failure to pay tuition when due. Before dismissal occurs, the studio/teacher will confer with the parent(s) to take measures to correct the situation.
Studio Etiquette
- No gum, food or drink are to be brought to lessons (voice students are allowed a bottled water)
- If you are to wait through your siblings/friends lesson, then quiet activities and books are acceptable (This is great time to complete homework and there are musical books to read and many theory worksheets/games to do – just ask! J)
- Students should feel free to enter the studio upon arrival without ringing the bell or knocking unless the door is locked – please enter quietly so as not to disturb the students in lessons
- Personal or telephone conferences concerning the student’s progress may be scheduled at any mutually convenient time.
- Be on time – your lesson ends at the appointed time!
- A second piano is available for quiet practice, theory help or composition work while waiting
- Roxie is a GREAT dog and teaching assistant who protects students with her life. Get to know her – she is wonderful!
Final Note
Thank you for considering us as your music teacher for your child. Our goal is to serve you and strive to recognize and meet the individual needs of each student. Please feel free to communicate openly with your teacher or the director if you ever have any questions, concerns or comments.
All parents are required to read and sign below that they have read and agreed to this policy. All students must sign the contract committing to careful attention to assigned pieces and written music work and regular practice schedule. I will make a copy and give it back to you at the first lesson. Please keep a copy for your records.
PARENTS: I agree to the above studio policy and wish to sign up ______________________________ for the 2009-2010 music year.
Signature _____________________________________________ Date __________________________
STUDENT: I agree to follow all the rules that apply to me, to pay careful attention to my assignments, and to commit to a regular practice schedule.
Signature _____________________________________________ Date __________________________