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Policy for Private/Group Instruction
Policy for Music Readiness Classes
Attendance | Expectations | Practice Tips
Attendance
Attendance is essential for all scheduled classes to ensure the student's success. In the case of illness or other schedule conflicts, parents should notify the teacher 24 hours in advance. No refunds from missed classes will be given. Instructors are not required to make-up lessons missed by students. If an instructor misses a lesson, it will definitely be made up. Once a lesson time is decided upon at the time of enrollment, it is the responsibility of the student to commit to that time slot. Parents should be ready to pick up their children from the classroom directly after each class. If a student is to be picked up by someone other than his or her parent, a parental release form must be submitted to the SOFA office at the beginning of the semester.
Student and Parent Expectations
Students should arrive on time to all classes and remain until the end of the class period. If there are consistent behavioral problems in the classroom that requires attention, the parent will be notified by the director.
All students enrolled in group and private lessons are encouraged to participate in the fall and spring recitals upon approval of the teacher. Parents should inform the teacher one month prior to the recital date if you do not wish for your child to participate.
Practice Tips
Practice Daily
Students should practice for the length of their lesson time each day. If your lessons are 30 minutes long, you should practice for 30 minutes everyday.
Warm-up First
Spend at least 5-10 minutes warming up, using the techniques suggested by your teacher. Plan Accordingly Have a game plan before you begin to practice. Follow the assignment that your teacher gave you, and check off each item as you go, repeating them if necessary.
Divide and Conquer
When you come across something that appears to be too challenging, break it up into sections and practice one section at a time.
Review Frequently
If you've worked on several new sections, review each section occasionally during your practice. It never hurts to go back to old piece and review them from time to time, you never know when there might be performance opportunities.
Helpful Resources
Buy Sheet Music Locally | 713-802-2900 | 4819 Feagan St | Order online at AMCmusic.net
Website for learning Music Theory | MusicTheory.net
Website for improving sight-reading & ear-training | SightReading.Training
Listen to Classical Music 24 hours a day | TheClassicalStation.org
Book Recommendations
Book about how to practice a musical instrument | First, Learn to Practice by Tom Heavy
A Fun Series to collect over time | Getting to know the World's Greatest Composers by Mike Venezia
An exciting introduction to the world of classical music-from composers and music history to the instruments of the orchestra-for elementary age children (and parents, too!) | The Story of the Orchestra by Robert Levine
Resources for At Home Practice
IMPORTANT DATES
JUNE/JULY 2024
6/10 (Mon) Summer Private Lessons Begin
7/15-7/19 Preschool Creative Arts Camp (3 1/2 to Completed Kinder)
7/29-8/2 Creative Arts Camp (1st-5th Grade)
AUGUST
8/16 (Fri) Last Day of Summer Classes
8/18 (Sun) Teacher & Student Blessing Sunday - 10 a.m.
8/19 (Mon) Fall Registration Deadline for Returning Students
8/23 (Fri) Fall Registration Deadline
8/24-8/25 (Sat-Sun) Piano Workshop (2nd to 12th Grade)
8/26 (Sun) First Day of Fall Lessons
SEPTEMBER
9/2 (Mon) Labor Day - No Classes
9/3 (Tues) First Day of Fall Classes - HISD & CP Closed
9/4-9/6 (W-F) SOFA Open - CP Closed
9/11 (W) First day of Family Music Classes - Late Fees Apply
OCTOBER
10/3 (Th) HISD Closed - SOFA Open
10/4 (F) HISD Fall Holiday - SOFA Open - CP Closed
10/31 (Th) SOFA Open
NOVEMBER
11/17 (Sun) Student Recital – 3 p.m.
11/18 (Mon) Spring Enrollment Begins
11/25 (Mon) Make-up Lesson Days
11/26-11/29 (T-F) Thanksgiving Holiday
DECEMBER
12/2 (Mon) Spring Enrollment Deadline for Current Students
12/3 (Tues) Spring Registration Open for New Students
12/17 (Tues) Spring Registration Deadline for New Students
12/9-12/19 (M-F) Make-up/Additional Lessons
12/20-1/3 (F-F) SOFA Office Closed
JANUARY 2025
1/13 (Mon) Spring Classes Begin – Late Fees Apply
1/20 (Mon) MLK Holiday - No Classes
FEBRUARY
2/6-2/7 SOFA Open - CP Closed
TBD SOFA 20th Anniversary Celebration
2/14 (Fri) HISD Closed - SOFA Open
2/17 (Mon) Presidents' Day - HISD Closed - SOFA Open
MARCH
3/3 (Mon) Summer Registration Begins
3/5 (Wed) Ash Wednesday (SAPCH Services: Noon & 6:30pm)
3/10-14 (M-F) Spring Break - No Classes
3/31 (Mon) Chavez-Huerta Day - HISD Closed - SOFA Open
APRIL
4/18 (Fri) Good Friday - SOFA Closed
4/21 (Mon) SOFA Open - CP Closed
4/28 (Mon) Summer Registration Opens
TBD Family Music Celebration on the Last Day of Class
MAY
5/2 (Fri) HISD & CP Closed - SOFA Open
5/4 (Sun) Spring Student Recitals 3pm All & 5 pm Voice
5/9 (Fri) Last Day of Family Music Spring Classes
5/12-5/23 (M-F) Make-up/Additional Lessons
5/19 (Mon) Summer Registration Deadline for New Students
5/22 (Wed) Summer Family Music Classes begin