|
|
The MusicFun Studio strives to provide quality music lessons by integrating a variety of teaching methods, activities, and technology. Students will receive private as well as group lessons and have multiple performance opportunities throughout the year. The following policies explain how The MusicFun Studio operates best and what is expected of Students and Parents.
My teaching philosophy centers on creating dedicated music students with a life-long love of music through a broad spectrum of disciplines. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of teaming with you and teaching your child music lessons! In order to make our time the most productive, the policies below reflect those goals!
Table of Contents
MusicFun Studio 2022 Policy
Health & Hygiene
Calendar
New Students, Alumni and the Waiting List
Music Lessons
Enrollment, Exit and ReEnrollment Consultation
Studio Location
Weekly Lessons
Lesson Times
Attendance
Zoom (live) or Audio/Visual Recorded Lesson
Mid-Week Practice CheckUp Lesson
Practice Time and Other Advantages
Missed Lessons & Options
Illness
Communication
Exit Policies
WebSite Support for Music Lessons
The Left Column Menu:
How can I use the Student Portal?
Lesson Registration/Cancellation
Online Payments/Adding a Payment Method
Online Lessons
Practice Log
Adding Student Calendar to Your Device
Recitals
Holidays / Studio Breaks / Teacher Cancellation
Additional Studio Breaks or days-off …
If the Teacher Must Cancel Lessons
Studio Breaks / Closings:
Tuition Payments
New MusicFun Portfolio Bundle.
Books and Materials
Website Privacy
Closing
MusicFun Studio 2023 Policy
Welcome to MusicFun Studios Where We Take Practice Seriously
MusicFun with Mr. Morrow Studio is Re-Opened in 2023 in a controlled sort of way. Many families are electing to return to Studio Lessons, some wish to remain in Online Lessons. Once the Studio is opened, all students must be prepared to go online for any reason, medical or political. Lessons may be classified as Studio, OnLine or Audio Visual Recorded Lesson.
January 2022: We are all in Studio for Lessons with occasional OnLine Zoom Lesson
Health & Hygiene
We have all learned to use better “COVID” hygiene.
You and I will apply it by the way we function in our Studios.
Here are some ideas!
- FIRST RULE OF THE STUDIO is… STAY AT HOME IF YOU ARE SICK!
- Receive Temperature Check at the door.
- Remove outdoor shoes inside front door and change to an interior shoe/house shoe/socks. No bare feet, please.
- Go directly to Restroom, wash hands, use and discard paper towels in trash can, and apply provided hand sanitizer.
- Keyboards, pencils, worktable, lapboards, etc. will be cleaned. Students will help at the first and end of their lesson.
- Restroom needs should be taken care of at home. Please leave water bottles in your car.
- Please remain IN your car until previous student(s) have left. Parents and student siblings permitted in studio as approved.
- There are too many opportunities to catch COVID-19 outside of the studio. If you believe you are in danger of catching it here, you are most welcome to take online lessons. Please, do not bring illness to your lessons. Giving your teacher and illness is not worth a few dollars for a missed lesson.
Here are features and procedures included at
MusicFun with Mr. Morrow Studio.
Calendar
New Students, Alumni and the Waiting List
New Students are accepted at any time. Current Student Lesson schedules often change at the beginning of each semester.
Interested in checking out the teacher and studio?
Want to be added to the Waiting List?
Please contact me using the Contact Form online. See the Studio Policies for additional information. And Register yourself or your child on the New Student Registration page found on the following webPage:
Visit online: www.musicfun.mymusicstaff.com
Music Lessons
Enrollment, Exit and ReEnrollment Consultation
A first-time student or returning Alumni will be assessed as to their needs to accomplish their music goals. This first Assessment Interview/Lesson will be a Fee of $25. This Fee is payable at time of scheduled appointment. A Parent must be present at this Registration.
The First Month’s Tuition should accompany Registration to secure your lesson time.
Also, the New MusicFun Portfolio Bundle will be a part of Registration.
- First Month’s Tuition is due. ( $80-$100 - Four or Five Week Month)
- The MusicFun Portfolio Bundle is $35
- I am pleased to order your Lesson Books for Cost and (Estimated) Sales Tax and Shipping.
- Enrollment / Assessment Meeting with Parent is your first lesson.
Tuition is Due at the beginning of each Month. Please, consider your family Calendar and my MusicFun Calendar and make your intentions known that I may keep Calendared Lesson Time for you.
Studio Location
Lessons are offered at the MusicFun Studio, 1417 Whitewing Avenue, McAllen. To give everyone as productive lesson, and uninterrupted, as possible, it is very important that you observe the following:
- Please wait in your car until the previous family has exited the Studio.
- My break times are designed to help me re-group, organize, breathe, and do other necessary things to assist myself in teaching you most efficiently. Because of this, I ask that you not arrive earlier or stay later than your lesson time.
- To help prevent the spread of illness, all students must wash their hands. We will continue to follow Good Health procedures. There is soap in the restroom or hand sanitizer on the table.
- Parents are required to be at the Registration and be available during lessons (either at the lesson or via cell phone).
Weekly Lessons
Instruction begins as a 30 minute lesson. As the student progresses he may want or need a 45 minute or a 60 minute lesson. Daily practice times will also increase as ability and experience increases. Success is first cousins with Time and Quality Practice invested.
Lessons revolve around your Instrument (Piano, Guitar, etc.), and a Music theory time. This involves “Just the Facts” books and music related iPad games.
Lesson Times
I try to work with each of my students in order to give them the most convenient lesson time. Please be as flexible as possible when informing me of your available times. Younger Students begin with a 30 minutes lesson. Older Students may want 45 or 60 minutes lessons.
Attendance
Regular and prompt attendance is required to make appropriate progress. If you are unable to make it to a lesson, please call me, text me and leave a message.
Phone: (956) 605-2694;
eMail: info@musicfunwithmrmorrow.com
Parents are responsible for the Tuition of all calendar entries. A few available Lesson Times are available through the week and can be found in your personal MusicFun Portal via your User ID (eMail address) and Password.. Summer lessons are encouraged.
Operating online with Zoom Cloud Software
1. I do not offer “MakeUp Lessons” at another Lesson Time.
2. You may ReSchedule a lesson two days or more ahead of your weekly lesson.
3. I can quickly turn to an online Zoom lesson when needed during your regular scheduled lesson. Basic technology is required. I must certify you ahead of time - to be ready for online lessons,
4. I can also use the lesson time to prepare an A/V lesson to view at your convenience, offline.
Operating online with Zoom Cloud Software
This is not an expensive operation! With devices, you may already have, you can have an excellent music lesson online. Certification of Online Lessons is required.
1. Laptop or large Tablet, in front of the Student and
2. Smartphone with camera for the Teacher’s view point,
3. A Tripod for the smartphone (Piano: head high looking down onto the piano)
4. Internet: good wifi or direct connect (ethernet Cable), best if others are off wifi.
5. Extension cords and usually,
6. External well-placed microphone and speaker (earplugs) are fantastic and really help to have a productive lesson environment for student AND teacher.
Why cripple yourself or your Teacher thru an online lesson, unable to hear and see well enough to learn information and follow directions. Prepare for a wonderful experience.
Please refer to other helpful PORTAL “NEWS” BLOGS that I provide for your success, as a responsible MusicFun parent and student!
Now, LET’S MAKE MUSIC!
Zoom (live) or Audio/Visual Recorded Lesson
If you need to be absent during your scheduled lesson time, I am prepared to have an Zoom online lesson during your Calendar lesson time or I will prepare an Audio/Visual Lesson for you.
An Audio/Visual Lesson is quite a convenience for you.
For example:
1. Listen to the recording and follow your music,
2. Play along with me,
3. Play by yourself and
4. Rewind and do it again, then,
5. Go to the next musical phrase.
This ensures you will never miss a lesson.
Mid-Week Practice CheckUp Lesson
I want to also develop improved and daily Practice procedures! I offer, to the Parent and Student, a “Mid-Week Practice CheckUp” online, to help the student use those daily practice times more efficiently. If you choose! There will be a charge of $5 for 5-10 minute CheckUp Lesson.
Practice Time and Other Advantages
I like to emphasize the quality versus quantity of time used for practice. However, in order to get good quality practice, a minimum of 30 minutes a day, five days a week is necessary. As students advance and mature, this requirement should increase (Students taking 45-minute lessons should practice at least 45 minutes daily). I teach specific practice techniques to the student and the parent, so that each knows what is quality practice. Students are encouraged to record their practice time in their practice log. Parents should read their children’s assignments ( available weekly by eMail). Please make comments on how you think your child’s practice is going at home.
Weekly assignments of Theory, Technique and Curriculum are of utmost importance. Theory should be completed at the first of the week and technique should be practiced every day to help enhance the learning process.
Practice on a fine instrument or piano is an advantage to making progress. Please try to have your piano tuned twice a year (the best times are spring and fall).
A metronome (or CD Player with appropriate CD) is necessary for all students. Fingernails must be kept short at all times to allow fingers to be curved, not caved-in
Parents should plan to attend their child’s lesson at least once every month . This helps keep you in touch with your child’s progress, accomplishments, and difficulties. Ask questions of your child’s music lesson.
OnLine Practice Log
All practice times can be logged into the Portal/ Practice Log.
Students can track and record their practice time from their "Practice Log". When logging their practice entries, students can also upload audio, video or file attachments to share with me. These entries are recorded in the individual student's profile. A visual record of “Time-on-Task” can be enlightening!
Missed Lessons & Options
Because specific times are set aside for specific students, a student who can not attend a lesson will simply miss the benefit of that lesson. Tuition is applied to your regular Calendared Lessons. When a lesson is missed:
- that lesson may be ReScheduled one time at no cost,
- an online lesson may be applied at the same time. (Preparation ahead of time.)
- In some cases an Audio or Visual lesson may be sent to you by eMail.
Tuition covers far more than the time with your child, so you do not need to worry that missing a lesson means wasting money. I do not get paid by the minute. I frequently use missed lesson times to plan for your child’s progress, locate materials, etc. You may ReSchedule your lesson ahead of time.
Online lessons during the student’s regular lesson time are also an option. In the case of inclement weather—please check your texts, email or the website for lesson status.
See the "Where Does My Tuition Go?" brochure found in the “Online Resources” of your MusicFun Portal for more details. There are no refunds or discounts given unless I am unable to teach the promised number of lessons.
Illness
Students who are ill should not come to their lessons. I reserve the right to send a student home if they arrive sick. If students are only mildly ill, please TEXT me and we can do an Online lesson. If you have a computer with a camera close to your piano or a laptop that you can move close to the piano. Please download a free Zoom app. (ahead of time) and add my name and phone number to your contacts. This will allow me to call you and have a lesson with you over the internet, if needed.
Communication
Please keep in contact with me regarding your child’s progress and practice habits. TEXT is my most efficient brief method of communication (956) 605-2594, or you may eMail me at: info@musicfunwithmrmorrow.com.
I send and eMail Reminders 36 Hours before each Lesson/Event and
a TEXT Reminder 2 hours before each Lesson/Event.
You have a very good and informative Student Online Portal. This is a source of Announcements, Calendar, Account and more. Check it out and make it accessible. Put my name, phone and address into your Cell Phone Contacts and website into your browser Bookmarks. www.musicfun.mymusicstaff.com
Jim Morrow, (956) 605-2594, 1417 Whitewing Avenue, Mcallen, Tx, 78501
Exit Policies
Music is a lifelong pursuit, but lessons are not always possible for a multitude of reasons. Whatever the reason, I will never take discontinuation of lessons personally. Remember: if you are unsatisfied with your lessons for any reason or if you are contemplating stopping lessons, speak freely to me about your concerns.
Please, notify me 3 weeks before discontinuing – This gives us time to wrap up any current projects and discuss how the student can continue to follow their music goals. This also allows me the necessary time to fill that empty lesson slot so that I can avoid a loss of income. Thank you for your consideration.
Before your last month of lessons, count your lessons wanted. Pay for only those lessons. Then ReFunds are not necessary. In these days, we need to use our Personal Home Calendars. Your children have busy schedules.
Before
WebSite Support for Music Lessons
Use Your MusicFun Student Portal
Becoming familiar with and being a frequent user of your Student Portal, will be a benefit for you to help support your student.
Your Name (top of Left column or Upper Right corner of window)
- Profile Settings (keep your Contact info up to date)
- “Sign Out” is found under your Name "^"
Parents and Students (with separate IDs & Passwords) can open their MusicFun Student Portal on any internet-enabled device. Computers have Bookmarks available in your Internet Browser to record the Portal address for choosing and quicker access.
Smartphones and Tablets have Icons made for webSites. This provides quick access to the Portal. Icons can be built for your MusicFun WebSite. WebSite Addresses and Passwords can be made automatic or memorized. The use of the Portal can be made quickly and conveniently.
Increasingly, the Portal will be used by me for more communication. Audio and Audio/Visual Lesson recordings will be found in the Practice Log portion of the Portal. The Student can send a variety of recorded files to me.
The Left Column Menu:
Home: Much information is found here! Check it out!
Calendar: (also allows you to "Set Up Sync" lesson schedule(s) with your personal calendar. Set Up Notifications on you devices and never forget another lesson! )
Contact Info: My Information
News*: Important Blog communications
Account & Invoices: What you own and have paid!
Attendance & Notes: What and How to practice
Lending Library: Literature I have to Loan
Online Resources: Check it out! Downloads available
Practice Log: Not a bad idea!
Repertoire: What you are doing and Have done!
Email History: Review those current and older communications.
This is quite useful to track those messages lost in your eMail client.
How can I use the Student Portal?
The following links to “cheat sheets” will provide visual, step-by-step instructions on commonly asked questions on how to use the portal.
Click the links to view and download the cheat sheets.
Lesson Registration/Cancellation
Online Payments/Adding a Payment Method
How to Add a Credit Card with Auto Pay
How to Add/Verify a Bank Account
How to Add/Verify a Bank Account with Auto Pay
Online Lessons
How to Add Your Skype Username
Practice Log
How to Manually Add Practice Time
How to Upload Files to the Portal
Adding Student Calendar to Your Device
How to Sync Your MusicFun Calendar to Your Device
How to Add the Portal icon to Your iOS Device's Home Screen
How to Add the Portal icon to Your Android Device's Home Screen
Have more questions? Check out the Help Center by clicking in the top right corner in your Student Portal window.
Recitals
Many opportunities for recitals and other musical events occur every year. I keep my students informed of these opportunities through periodic texts and eMails. I do want my students to participate in all studio activities including our Fall and Spring Recital. Monthly Recitals are been discussed.
Whether on Stage, OnLine or by Video, students are encouraged to participate.
A small fee will be charged according to the cost of the auditorium, if any.
Holidays / Studio Breaks / Teacher Cancellation
Please Note that the studio is NOT closed on every national holiday. Sometimes Monday students WILL have lessons on a day when there is no school. The studio is ALWAYS closed on:
- New Year’s Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Holiday
- Spring Break
- Between Semesters
Additional Studio Breaks or days-off …
may occur during holiday breaks or between semesters, and are always announced well in advance. The calendar is available and subject to change.
If the Teacher Must Cancel Lessons
(this happens very rarely), students will be offered ReScheduled Lessons, or tuition may be prorated.
Studio Breaks / Closings:
Additional studio breaks are announced on the studio calendar, which is accessible to students via the MusicFun Portal section of this site.
Your MusicFun Schedule can be automatically linked to your Calendar on phone and computer
Tuition Payments
Currently, Tuition also covers the cost of:
- your weekly time slot and studio membership,
- At this time, lessons are $80-$100 per Month, based on the number of weeks and lessons. Students should expect to spend approximately $50 per year on Curriculum and Ancillary Materials.
New MusicFun Portfolio Bundle.
- The MusicFun Portfolio Bundle is be a part of Registration and is $35. Each student is encouraged to purchase the Portfolio to keep their current curriculum with them at all times. Use it and put it back.
- I am pleased to order your Lesson Books for at Cost and 15%.
- Enrollment / Assessment Meeting with Parent is $25.
-
Each Student will have a MusicFun Portfolio, as a part of Registration, stocked with several items including their several lesson books. This will allow students to keep their materials together and get to their lessons with all current materials.
- Invoices are sent out prior to First of the Month.
- MusicFun Studio accepts Checks and Cash. Credit/Debit Payments are available with online payments.
- Lesson planning and repertoire selection,
- Piano tuning and maintenance,
- Professional studio memberships,
- Incentive programs and game materials,
- Studio use, sole-proprietorship taxes and studio insurance.
- Tuition includes the Cost of lesson materials which are added to your Invoice
- $5 Late Fee for all payments received past the 10th of the month.
- $30 Fee for all NSF Checks
- Forgot your payment? Miss payment at the first lesson? Pay online or drop-off/mail payment to avoid the late fee. Auto-Pay is available through your MusicFun Portal.
- If payment is not received by the second lesson of the month… no lesson will be given.
- Should something come up where you cannot financially fulfill your commitment to your lessons, advanced notice and open, ongoing communication is appreciated and encouraged!
- Families should expect a yearly increase in tuition appropriate to cost of living increases (C.OL.A.) and services offered. Cost of Living Adjustments are in our future.
Books and Materials
I will let you know what books are necessary for the student's progress, obtaining them will usually be my responsibility. I understand the expense that books can incur, and I promise that I will only choose books that I think are necessary and beneficial for the student's progress. I will include total, tax and shipping.
Website Privacy
At times, I will post schedules, make announcements, and write articles on the blog using student’s first names only (no pictures). Pictures and videos of my students may be posted periodically on my website with no names attached. Student’s music and recordings from studio competitions may be posted on the blog for the benefit of helping other parents and students.
Closing
Mutual respect is a key goal in our studio. As studio owner, regrettably, I will have to dismiss a student if any of these circumstances occur:
*Failure to pay tuition on time *Persistent absences
*Uncooperative attitude *Failure to follow practice as instructed
*Lack of progress due to insufficient practice or unfulfilled requirements
Thank you for abiding by these policies to help your child’s lessons be the most productive, efficient and cost effective! Thank you also for the privilege of allowing me to teach you or your children! I look forward to a great year.