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Policies |
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The private lesson should consist of the teacher, the student, and the practicing parent. It is recommended that the parent who attends the lesson is the parent who practices with the student, so that there is continuity between the lesson and home. However, both parents are encouraged to be involved. Students should not be at the lesson (or practice at home) alone until the teacher agrees that it is appropriate. Other family members may attend the lesson IF they are able to be quiet. This includes being quiet enough that the student isn't distracted, and quiet enough that I am not distracted. If I find a sibling to be too distracting, I may ask them to be quiet or to step outside. If a sibling becomes distracting, it may be necessary to make arrangements to leave the child at home. (Note: just because a student is not bothered by a sibling's behavior doesn't mean that I am not.) I also believe in an open-door policy: other people are allowed to visit and observe any private lesson, as long as it's okay with the student. This is a common aspect of the Suzuki philosophy. In general, the parent in the lesson should refrain from interrupting while the lesson is being taught. I think it's important to maintain a carefree and personable environment--as you can tell by the way I behave--but the parent should be careful not to divert the student's attention too much, and should refrain from giving the student instructions while the teacher is talking. This is a balance that will become obvious over time. Assignments must be done at home and practiced until they are learned with depth. Old songs must be reviewed to the point that they can be called upon at a moment's notice. Students are required to do everything that is asked of them during the lesson.
Everyone must come to EVERY group class. Students must arrive on time for group classes. This is important because if too many students arrive late, it delays the start of class and wastes time for everyone who was able to get there on time. Parents must stay in the group class from beginning to end. This is very important as an example to the students. Parents must refrain from doing anything that might distract the students or the teacher. This includes talking, rustling paper, and walking around. In the event that the students are arranged facing the parents, more effort than usual must be made by the parents to not take attention away from the teacher. Students must not play while the teacher is talking, or talk while the teacher is playing. Good behavior is very important. Students must not do anything to distract or influence other students in the group. Students must not leave the room unless there is an actual problem. If students are very young, they may be required to leave and return with an adult. Repertoire for the group classes must be memorized. This includes both very recent pieces and very old pieces. (If you've been reviewing every day at home, this should not be an issue.)
Students must practice every day. This is important, because if you miss days, then practicing becomes difficult. Practicing every day is the only way practicing will feel easy. Your practice time should be at least as long as your lesson time. More repetition should be done at home than was done in the lesson, because some of the lesson time was used to explain the assignment, which doesn't need to happen at home. Assignments should be worked on and repeated until they are actually learned. (If you are unsure of what to practice or how much to practice it, ask at the lesson.) All music must be memorized. This includes both working pieces and old pieces. Students reading from the book must use all fingerings and bowings as marked. Students who use books must bring them to the lesson. Listening to your piece is very important. However, it doesn't count as part of your practice time unless I mention this on your assignment sheet. Students who receive assignment sheets must bring them back to the next lesson. When checking the boxes to show me what you did, please be honest! If there isn't much marked down, I won't be angry. But it's important for us to talk about this in the lesson if there are any problems.
Cancellations, Lateness, etc. If you become aware that you are unable to make a lesson, please notify me as soon as possible. This is so that other people may use your lesson time if they wish, and out of general courtesy. If a lesson is missed, the offering of a make-up is at the teacher's discretion. Please understand that this is the policy. Click this link if you'd like more explanation about the make-up policy. If I have to miss a lesson, I will let you know as soon as I am aware. I will definitely offer a make-up class for anything that I am forced to miss. Please be understanding about the day and time of the make-up, as my schedule is full this year. If you realize you are running late, I appreciate the courtesy of a phone call. If you can't call, I completely understand -- life can be hectic sometimes. However, I will only guarantee that I'll wait around for half the lesson. If more than half the lesson has gone by (15 minutes for a half-hour lesson, 20-25 minutes for a 45-minute, or 30 minutes for an hour), I reserve the right to leave the room and go somewhere else. On the other hand, if I am more than 5 minutes late to a lesson, I will offer you a make-up as compensation.
© 2008 Neil Bakshi |