IMPORTANT: Please read all of this information before enrolling your child in the music lessons program. Many of your questions will be answered in this document. If you have further questions, contact the director at your school.
Private Lesson Information
Participation in a performing arts group provides students opportunities to work cooperatively in a group, develop self-discipline, master musical skills, and maintain individual excellence. Private instruction is an important component to any fine arts education. This instruction provides supplemental enrichment that enhances and improves students skills. Students receiving this personal, individualized instruction benefit both musically and personally. Private instruction seeks to continuously increase the musical proficiency of the students and works cooperatively with the classroom instruction. In order for this program to be most effective, it is necessary that everyone involved have a clear understanding of its objectives and respect for established procedures. This pamphlet is presented in the hope that it will help clarify these objectives and procedures.
You may receive a monthly statement. Bills are computed on a “per lesson” basis, therefore the amount of each month’s invoices may vary (Ex. illness, 5 lesson days in a month, holidays, etc.) Your statement will reflect lessons taken and amount due.
THE GCISD LESSON FEES AND INFORMATION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
$25 per 25 minute lesson
Our teachers include professional musicians, college students pursuing a degree in music. The teachers are screened and recommendations obtained before being hired. We are indeed fortunate to have them with so many fine band programs around the area.
These instructors are attracted to the GCISD Band’s because the students show up every week for lessons. Our students practice their assignments and come to lessons prepared. Please pay for lessons on time and let teachers know in advance of an upcoming absence.
LESSON CANCELLATION
If a lesson is to be missed by a student for ANY reason (illness, band rehearsal, testing, field trips, etc.) the lesson teacher, not the directors, must be notified at least 24 hours in advance. Secure the name and telephone number of the private teacher when you first begin lessons. In case of sudden illness or emergency on the day of the lesson, telephone the private lesson teacher and notify the director at the school where the lessons are taught. A message can be left on the instructor’s answering machine. If the private lesson teacher is not notified, the absence will be considered “unexcused”. You will be charged for unexcused absences. After three such absences (consecutive) you will be dropped from the private lesson program.
IMPORTANT
Do not assume that the teacher will know about field trips, pep rallies, concerts, school-wide testing, etc., that may take a student out of class. Most of our private teachers are at a particular school only one day each week and are not aware of such activities.
TERMINATION
The student may terminate lessons anytime after the initial four lessons by notifying the private instructor one week in advance. This gives the teacher ample time to reschedule or add new students. If your student is terminated for non payment of a bill you will have to pay a $10.00 re-enrollment fee.
PROGRESS
If questions about the progress of the student arise, please contact the private teacher and discuss the progress for your child. The director of the student should also be contacted if there are concerns. Monitor the lesson by asking about assignments made by the private teacher and by helping your child organize their assignments to adequately prepare for lessons. This will aid the student in making positive progress. Students may be dropped from the private lesson program if satisfactory progress is not being made.
ATTENDANCE
Students may also be dropped from the program or have the lesson schedule changed by the teacher for excessive absences.
EXPECTATIONS
Expect the private teacher to make weekly assignments for the student to prepare for the next lesson. The assignments should be made in writing. A method book may be used in addition to the student’s class materials. Use of excellent method books written specifically for an instrument or voice are important to the development of a musician. Solos are another example of material that may be required. These books and solos should be a part of every music student’s personal collection for materials. The teacher should identify one of two areas that need improvement and assign specific exercises or drills that focus on the identified needs.
Do not expect miracles... Do expect steady progress toward improved performance skills which will make performing music more enjoyable by enabling the student to experience music of a more sophisticated and artistic nature. It is of the utmost importance that the student schedule daily careful/efficient practice habits in order to be successful. No matter how good the teacher or how talented the student is, only practice will cause progress.