Lesson Procedures

Instruction

All students enrolled at Galaxy Music are offered a well- rounded program of instruction with training in repertoire, theory, musicianship, ear training, and technique.
The private lesson is the core of instruction. Private lessons will primarily focus on repertoire, with the other study topics being covered.

Registration

Please vistit our SIGN UP page to register online . You can also call us at 757-324-1437 or email us at info@galaxymusicvb.com to schedule your first lesson. We look forward to meeting you at your first lesson. We also would like to connect you to your teacher before your first lesson to discuss any questions and/or ideas that you and your child may have concerning music study, and how we can help you accomplish your goals.

Instrument

Be certain your instrument is of good quality. It is very difficult to learn to play well on an poorly made instrument. It is also difficult to develop strong listening skills or muscle memory on a poor instrument. Buying a cheap instrument is not cost effective; an instrument that is poorly made will most likely require a massive amount of work just to get it to a minimum playing condition. The best course of action is to rent a good quality instrument. Please feel free to discuss this with your instructor in detail about quality music instruments.

Lesson Schedule

Lessons will meet weekly except for the following weeks:
• December 20th - January 5th (Aproximate Dates)
• April 1-5 ( Spring Break) (Aproximate Dates)
• Two weeks during the summer (exact dates are currently undecided) In addition, there will be no lessons taught on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Martin Luther King Day, Labor Day, Halloween EVENING, or Thanksgiving Day, but if you have regular scheduled lessons on any of these days, your lesson WILL be made up.

Attendance

Please make sure that your child arrives punctually with music, assignment book, and any other relevant materials. I am unable to extend the lesson times of students who arrive late.
Kindly drop off and pick up on time please. This includes being early, anything more than 5 minutes early is too much unless there is a special need, as it is very distracting for students whose lessons are in progress.

1. Missed Lessons. Your lesson time is reserved exclusively for your student. Missed lessons are not made up, nor are fees adjusted. The private lesson time is only a portion of what is covered by the tuition fee.

2. Studio Closure. When the studio is closed, no make up lessons are given. Studio closures will be planned in advance and notated on the master schedule. Other closures will include adverse weather, natural catastrophes, and any other events out of the control of the student or teacher.
3. Make-Ups Lessons. Please give at least 24 hours of notice for a lesson cancelation if you wish to make-up the lesson. If we are not able to answer your call please leave a message. Otherwise, you will not be offered a make up for that lesson missed. Make-ups are not available for last minute changes (less than 24 hours notice) such as car trouble, heavy homework, orthodontic appointments, rescheduled sports games, other illness in the family, etc.

I adhere to this policy firmly.

Exception: If you/your child becomes ill overnight or comes home sick, call me right away. We will schedule a make-up.
If it is necessary to cancel a lesson without making it up (per the guidelines above) please call no later than noon of the lesson day. There will be no refund for missed or forgotten lessons. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Lessons canceled for teacher illness, emergencies, or vacations will be made up.
In the case of severe weather conditions, when it is too dangerous to drive, we will try to arrange another time.

Responsibilities

The goal of this studio is to provide a well-balanced musical education to all students. In order to accomplish this, I have set down specific policies. Studying music can be enjoyable and rewarding as well as becoming a skill that can last a lifetime, but it takes commitment from the parents as well as the teacher and student. This commitment is necessary to the success of the student.

The student-parent-teacher team.

It is very important to create and maintain a "one team one dream" attitude in order for our lessons to be successful, to guarantee a superior result, and a great return to your investment. Our practice starts with forming a three member team of student, parent, and teacher, where each player knows its role and responsibilities and equally contributes to the success of the team. Only the combined efforts of the student-parent-teacher team produces great results.

Teacher

Responsibilities

Teacher’s Responsibilities

Develop in students an enthusiasm, respect, and genuine love for music.
Provide high quality, well prepared lessons and a positive learning environment
Discover the uniqueness of each student and respecting differences of musical taste and personality.
Help students know how to practice
Encourage and motivate students to practice
Demonstrate a love of music
Respect students’ opinions and value their creativity
Create a studio atmosphere where students are free to feel

comfortable and confident, able to recognize both the seriousness

and fun of study.
Encourage communication between student/parent and teacher,

answer any questions, and help to solve problems.

Student

Responsibilities

Student’s Responsibilities

Arrive at each lesson with the week's assignment completed.
Bring assignment notebooks, theory binders, and music books to

each lesson.
Practice a minimum of five days a week for the length of time

necessary to meet the goal.
Follow directions in class and at home
Ask questions when you don’t understand
Keep a positive attitude
Respond cheerfully to parents’ reminders; remember they are helping you to be successful!
Arrive at lessons on time with all materials in hand. Late time is lost time.
Set aside the same time each day to practice and stick with it.
Relax and have fun learning a new skill and a new expression!

Parent

Responsibilities

Parent’s Responsibilities

Provide a tuned instrument in a well-lighted area as free from distractions as possible.
Pay for lessons on the first lesson of each month unless other arrangements have been made.
Encourage good practice habits. Provide daily praise and encouragement. A set time each day works well. Younger students should have daily practicing supervised if possible.
Remind students to practice 3-5 days per week
You are welcome to visit lessons occasionally if the student does not object, but please do not bring other children along.
Check to see that instructions are being followed and assignments completed.
Let the teacher know how things are going at home, relay concerns, and ask any questions needed.
Provide your child with a steno size notebook for weekly assignments and read it each week.
Talk to your teacher about any questions you or your child may have. Communication is important to a good learning relationship!

Accompanist

When students perform in recitals, it is customary for them to be accompanied by a pianist if their music calls for this. The accompanist fee is included in the recital fee.

Referral Bonus

Personal referrals are the best compliment a student can give a teacher. We appreciate your referrals, and will credit your account $20 for each student who registers based on your referral.

Summer Lessons

At Galaxy Music, we offer summer study because we feel that continuous study offers the most benefit to your child. The summer months offer more time for practice without the worry of homework and other school activities. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to continue lessons during the summer!

Terminating Lessons

If you wish to terminate lessons, you must give 30 days notice in writing or via email with confirmation of reciept.

No termination notices will be accepted for the months of May or June.

By agreeing to private lesson instruction the students/parents agree to continue lessons and be held responsible for payment through the end of June.

Dismisals

Regrettably, Galaxy music will have to dismiss a student if any of these circumstances occur:

Failure to pay tuition on time.
Uncooperative attitude.
Lack of progress due to insufficient practice or unfulfilled

requirements.
Unlawful or destructive behavior including, but not limited to damage of facilities.

If dismisal occurs, the student/parent is held responsible for tuition 30 days from the date of dismisal.