Music for Young Children is a terrific music program, but how do you know if it is right for you and your child?  These questions will help you decide.

1. Can my child and I work well together?

2. Can we make practising part of our regular routine, like brushing our teeth?

3. Can we find time to practise 5 days a week (ranging from 10-30 minutes, depending upon level)?

4. Am I ready to learn piano alongside my child?

5. Are we prepared to commit to music lessons for a whole year?

These questions will help you make the best decision for you and your family.  If you answered "Yes" to the above, please read on...

POLICIES

Commitment:  By enrolling your child in an MYC class, you have made an important educational decision for your child.  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 school year, except in cases of extended illness or family relocation.  A space in class has been reserved for him/her and, in some cases, others have been turned away for that space.

Parent Participation:  A parent, grandparent or guardian participation is mandatory in all Music for Young Children classes.  This is a vital key to the success of the program.

Keyboard: Sunrise students (preschoolers) do not need a keyboard. All other levels of MYC are keyboard-based and you will need to rent or purchase an appropriate instrument before beginning lessons. A piano is ideal, but students may begin with a 61-key, touch-sensitive keyboard. Your child will not progress without playing the assignments during the week.

Absences: If you are unable to attend a class for an important reason, please phone me within 24 hours, preferably IN ADVANCE. Parents are responsible for making arrangements to receive the homework assignment before or as soon as possible after the missed lesson. Do not skip class just because your child hasn’t practised enough, or because your child does not want to come. These fluctuations of interest are perfectly normal. Missing class will cause your child to fall further behind. There are no refunds for missed classes; nevertheless, if your child is sick, please keep him home.

Make-up Lessons: If your child misses two classes in a row, due to illness or vacation, I will offer a short private make-up lesson to ensure that he understands new concepts introduced in missed classes. I will charge my usual private lesson rate of $20 per half hour.

Siblings: It is your responsibility to obtain childcare for other children not enrolled in the class. Younger siblings are not permitted in class due to obvious distractions for other students. You will need to devote your full attention to your enrolled child during class time.  (Exception: Sunrise  preschool music classes, where siblings not yet crawling may tag along for free and siblings over 6 months may attend if they register.)

Recital: There will be a year-end recital. Recitals are a valuable learning experience for our children. It is so important to share music with others. I encourage students to dress up for this special occasion! Your family and friends are welcome to attend.  

Punctuality: Please be prepared to be at class 5 minutes early each week to copy down the week's home assignments. Aim to arrive punctually so that you do not disturb the class. 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 he practices 5 times per week for the suggested duration for his level. 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 their assistance.

Practice Guidelines: SUNSHINES 5-10 min. a day (can break up through the day), SUNBEAMS: 15 -20 min. a day, MOONBEAMS 20-30 min. a day. Remember that there will be days when your child does not want to practice. This is normal and does not mean that music training should be stopped.

Withdrawal: The first two months’ tuition cheques are non-refundable. Beyond that point, four weeks’ written notice of intention to withdraw is required; payment for that period is required. Tuition fees are non-refundable after Dec. 1. New students cannot take your child’s place mid-year. Give your child time to get into the “swing” of lessons and practising at the beginning of the school year. If you experience some problems 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!

Parking: Please park on the street, being careful not to block any driveways.

Cancellations: If a class is cancelled by the teacher, it will be rescheduled at the end of the year. If a class is cancelled due to inclement weather, it will not be made up, but a homework sheet will be made available to continue to practice at home.

Recital: There will be a year-end recital. Recitals are a valuable learning experience for our children. It is so important to share music with others. I encourage students to dress up for this special occasion! Your family and friends are welcome to attend.

Communication: Communication between student, teacher and parent is vital to a positive learning environment. Please contact me to discuss your child’s progress or for helpful hints for making at-home practising a positive experience. 
 
   

  Parents, consistency and your involvement will play a large part in your child's success in MYC!

Registration in the program indicates your agreement to policies above and as outlined in more detail in my Brantford Studio Schedule, Fees & Policies brochure.