Information for Parents

General Policies

Check Bulletin Board for news, notices, information; website will often have info too.
NO SMOKING in the building.
Please maintain as QUIET an atmosphere in the Waiting Area as possible; be respectful of neighboring businesses.
Come no more than 5-10 minutes early, to save children's energy and focus.
We would prefer phone conferences, or appointments, rather than chatting before/after class.
Please keep our bathroom clean; take dirty diapers with you.
No food or toys in class; please dispose of edible garbage.
Self-service Lending Library is for your use; books are due back at the next class.

We will make every effort to inform you of cancellation at least 1 hr. before scheduled class/lesson.
Please call class teacher if you anticipate an absence.
24 Hour Notice (except for illness) is required for piano lesson make-up. (limit of 2 per year; see Calendar).
Only opportunity for class make-up: same week, other day/time, with notice please.
Materials from missed classes will be left outside classroom door for pick-up. (during ordinary business hours, when building is open).

Spring Recital is generally the first Sunday in June.
Required at every class and lesson: pencil and 3-ring binder.
Student is expected to come to classes and lessons with assignment prepared to the best of their ability.
Structured, daily practice is expected for maximum progress.

REMEMBER: The best situation for learning is HAVING FUN!
THREE BASICS 1. Bathroom before class 2. No toys or food in class 3. Encourage, don't force
ALL AGES -- Take the fun home by enjoying the materials regularly; they are the key to providing a creative, musical environment for your family!
Young children have a delay in processing impressions: They might do more at home than in class.
Observe your child - What are his favorites? How is she teaching herself?
The child is learning constantly, but may choose not to show it. "Giant leap" often follows long internalizing process.
Encouraging signs: talking about music class, singing while playing, playing "music class," etc.

This is parent and child education; no musical background is necessary!
Teacher's role is largely to model for parents, and facilitate parent-child interaction.
Parent is model for child - participate freely!
Avoid temptation to manipulate child, clap their hands for them, etc. Instead: watch, imitate and enjoy your child as you share in the activities.
Parents/caregivers are responsible for their child's behavior in class. Roaming is OK; grumpy is OK; but please redirect any potentially disruptive behavior.
If child becomes too noisy or distracting, consider leaving briefly, to settle down.
Putting instruments etc. away is an opportunity to encourage your child's independence.
Expect and accept varied response to changing activities: Tears at first? Don't worry; give positive support.

All parents will attend the final 15 minuntes of each class; you're welcome for the entire 45 minutes if desired.
Developmentally, this is a time of transition: dependence to independence, receptive to expressive language, music experiences.
When changing activities (with peers, with parent, independent) a mixed response is normal.

All parents will attend the final few minutes of each class.
This is a 2-year, sequential course; the final semesters develop the concepts introduced in Year 1.
Broad exposure is the goal; some skill-building is included, but is not a priority.
Observing your child will help you make decisions about later musical activities: Does s/he enjoy singing? moving? instruments? (which ones?) which musical styles?
No need to hurry into private lessons; allow audiation skills to develop first!