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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
FALL SEMESTER 2025
AUGUST 2025
Aug 15 (Fri) – Last Day of Summer Classes
Aug 17 (Sun) – Teacher & Student Blessing Sunday – 10 AM
Aug 18 (Mon) – Fall Registration Deadline – Priority Placement
Aug 25 (Mon) – First Day of Fall Lessons
SEPTEMBER 2025
Sept 1 (Mon) – Labor Day – No Classes
Sept 2 (Tues) – First Day of Fall Classes – HISD Closed
Sept 2 (Tues) – BB Day Camp
Sept 8 (Mon) – Late Fees Apply
OCTOBER 2025
Oct 2–3 (Th–Fri) – SOFA Open – HISD Fall Holiday
Oct 3 (Fri) – BB Day Camp
NOVEMBER 2025
Nov 7 (Fri) – SOFA Open – HISD Closed – BB Day Camp
Nov 16 (Sun) – Student Recital – 3 PM
Nov 17 (Mon) – Spring Enrollment Begins
Nov 24 (Mon) – Make-Up Lesson Day – HISD Closed
Nov 25–28 (Tues–Fri) – Thanksgiving Holiday
DECEMBER 2025
Dec 1 (Mon) – Spring Enrollment Deadline – Current Students
Dec 2 (Tues) – Spring Registration Opens – New Students
Dec 5 (Fri) – Milk & Cookies with Santa – 5:00–6:30 PM
Dec 8–19 (Mon–Thurs) – Make-Up & Additional Lessons
Dec 16 (Tues) – Spring Registration Deadline – New Students
Dec 22 – Jan 2 – SOFA Office Closed
SPRING SEMESTER 2026
JANUARY 2026
Jan 2 & 5 (Fri) – BB Day Camp
Jan 6 (Mon) – HISD & CP Spring Classes Begin
Jan 12 (Mon) – SOFA Spring Classes Begin – Late Fees Apply
Jan 19 (Mon) – Martin Luther King Jr. Day – No Classes
FEBRUARY 2026
Feb 1 (Sun) – Parent Orientation – Musikgarten Classes
Feb 5–6 (Th–Fri) – SOFA Open – CP Closed
Feb 13 (Fri) – SOFA Open – HISD Closed – BB Day Camp
Feb 16 (Mon) – Presidents’ Day – SOFA Open (HISD Closed)
Feb 18 (Wed) – Ash Wednesday Services – Noon & 6:30 PM
MARCH 2026
Mar 2 (Mon) – Summer Camp Registration Begins
Mar 9–13 (Mon–Fri) – Spring Break – No Classes
Mar 30 (Mon) – SOFA Open – Chavez-Huerta Day (HISD Closed)
APRIL 2026
Apr 3 (Fri) – Good Friday – SOFA, HISD & CP Closed
Apr 6 (Mon) – SOFA Open – CP Closed
Apr 12 (Sun) – Spring Voice Recital – 3 PM
Apr 18 (Sat) – Musikgarten Celebration – 4 PM
Apr 26 (Sun) – Spring Instrumental Recital – 3 PM
Apr 27 (Mon) – Summer Registration Opens
MAY 2026
May 1 (Fri) – CP Closed – P/T Conference & Staff Inservice
May 4 (Mon) – Summer Registration Deadline – Current Students
May 4–8 (Mon–Fri) – 🍎 Teacher Appreciation Week
May 11–22 (Mon–Fri) – Make-Up & Additional Lessons
May 18 (Mon) – Summer Registration Deadline – New Students
May 25 (Mon) – Memorial Day – No Classes
SUMMER SESSION 2026
JUNE 2026
June 4 (Wed) – Last Day of HISD Classes
June 8 (Mon) – Summer Private Lessons Begin
June 9–11 (Tues–Thurs) – Summer Musikgarten Classes
JULY – AUGUST 2026
July 13–17 (Mon–Fri) – Preschool Creative Arts Camp (Ages 3½–6)
July 27–31 (Mon–Fri) – Piano Camp
Aug 14 (Fri) – Last Day of Summer Classes
TBD – Piano Workshop (Grades 2–8)
