Commitment
With the enrollment of your child in an MYC class, you have made an important educational decision for your child. Both you and your child will receive valuable musical training that will provide a lifetime of enjoyment. It is expected that your child and you will make a commitment to attend lessons for the entire 36 week session (or 10 week block for Sunrise), except in cases of extended illness or family relocation. A space in class has been reserved for them, and in some cases, others have been turned away for that space.
Parent Participation
A parent, grandparent or guardian participation is no longer mandatory in all Music for Young Children™ classes but is highly encouraged, especially for young Level 1 students. It is wonderful to be able to have parents help coach their children during class, assist with behavior of young children who are just beginning to learn cooperative classroom manners, and understand the class material to more easily guide the child during home practice.
Instrument required
A piano or touch sensitive keyboard with at least 61 full size keys is required for participation in all classes with the exception of Sunrise level. Your child will not progress without playing the assignments during the week.
Registration Fee
The registration fee pays for books and materials used in the class and is required to reserve your child's space in class. In case of withdrawal, refunds are available on unused, unopened materials minus the cost of the return shipping. Please see the MYC Level 1 Registration Form or inquire with the teacher for current registration fee pricing.
Tuition
The tuition that you pay reserves a space for your child in a weekly class; therefore, there is no reduction in fees for missed lessons.
Absences
Please inform me before class if you and your child are unable to attend. I will email the homework sheet to you within 24 hours. Please do not skip class because your child hasn't practiced enough, or because your child does not want to come. These fluctuations of interest are perfectly normal. Missing class will cause your child to get further behind.
There will be no refund for missed classes.
Make-up lessons
If your child misses two classes due to illness or vacation, I may arrange a short private make-up lesson to ensure that your child understands new concepts introduced in missed classes. Free short make-up lessons are limited to two per semester. If your child needs additional private instruction for any reason, I will charge a rate $30 per half hour.
Siblings
Generally, young siblings should not be brought to class if they are not able to wait safely, independently, and quietly while class is taking place. Siblings that are able to wait quietly without disrupting the class or causing distractions may be allowed to stay and wait during the class.
Behavior at the Studio
Please make every effort to use the classroom space, waiting area, and restroom respectfully. If possible, try to plan ahead so you can avoid using the restroom during class time as you and your child will miss instruction time. Please remove your shoes for class in the carpeted area. Please do not bring food into the classroom. Water is permitted in non-spill containers but must be kept away from the pianos and other instruction materials. Smoking is not permitted on the property. A fee may be assessed if your child causes damage to the restroom, studio, or equipment.
Punctuality
Please come to class on time, allowing for traffic, etc. We start on time whether you are present or not. When you are late, your child misses instruction.
Practice
Practice or playing at home is essential to success in MYC. I provide incentives to motivate and do my best to encourage my students. Your child will be well prepared and experience success when playing the assignments 5 times per week for the suggested duration. Your goal is to cover each assigned activity before the next class. Keep practice time short and fun. Gauge your child's attention span and try not to push too far beyond it. The ideal is to leave the piano feeling a sense of accomplishment, and yet eager to try the next assignment the following day! Parents agree to ensure that a practice routine is established and maintained with your assistance.
Practice Guidelines
SUNSHINES 5 - 10 min. a day (can break up through the day)
SUNBEAMS 5 - 10 min. a day until keyboard critters are introduced
15 - 20 min. a day after critters are introduced
MOONBEAMS 20 min. a day (increase to 30 min. later in yr)
Remember that there may be days when your child does not want to practice. This is normal, and does not mean that music training should be stopped.
Withdrawal
Please keep in mind your space in class has been reserved for the entire 36 week session and new students cannot take your child's place. Because music learning requires much repetition and does not happen instantaneously, a full 36 week session is an ideal length of time to give your child the amazing opportunity to work towards a long term goal and complete the entire level. Make a minimum goal to keep up with regular class attendance even if some practice days at home get missed. If you experience some challenges with any aspects of the MYC class, please speak to me privately and we will tackle the problem together. My goal is to create a fun and friendly class where your child will develop a love for music and a love of learning! If you have made an honest effort, but would still like to withdrawal, one month's notice is required and tuition is accrued during that month.
Closings
In the event that class may be cancelled due to illness or emergency, I will call or email you to notify you of the cancellation. I will reschedule class at a time that is agreeable to all.
Recitals
A recital opportunity will be offered near the end of the school year in May or June. Recitals are a valuable learning experience, and are meant to be a fun, relaxed opportunity to share music with others.
Conservatory Exams
MYC class curriculum is well designed to help with preparation for Royal Conservatory of Music elementary level practical and theory exams. Many MYC students do very well on exams just by attending class regularly, keeping a consistent practice schedule, and adding one or two supplemental private lessons to help polish repertoire closer to exam time. Supplemental private lessons and exam fees are not included in the regular class tuition. For more information about conservatory exams, visit https://www.rcmusic.com/examinations
MYC classes that correspond to conservatory exams:
Sunbeams 2 or Moonbeams 1: Preparatory A Practical Piano
Sunbeams 3 or Moonbeams 2: Preparatory B Practical Piano
Moonbeams 3: Level 1 Practical Piano and Level 5 Theory
Copyright © 2024 Jill Kocher