CURRICULUM

 

All students enrolled in the String Academy of Idaho Falls (SAIF) will participate in both private lessons and group lessons. Lessons are offered in Terms: Fall, Winter, and Spring. We will also offer a flexible Summer Term.

 

Curriculum for private lessons will be designed and implemented by the private teacher. Private lesson times and dates will be arranged directly with the private teacher. The curriculum for the group lessons includes group review of pieces, preparation of additional group repertoire, opportunities for solo performance, and introduction to music theory. The schedule of group lessons will be sent out after registration is closed and will be posted on the String Academy website.

 

 

EXPECTATION OF PARENTS

 

It is expected that parents of beginning students in the String Academy will attend all group and private lessons and practice with his/her child every day. Positive and encouraging parental involvement is the biggest indicator of student success in our program! Parents should be actively involved in the learning process, e.g. taking notes during lessons and implementing those ideas and techniques in daily practice with your student.  As the student progresses and matures, the parent and private teacher will decide together when less parental involvement is needed.

 

 

PAYMENT POLICY

 

$15 non-refundable registration fee for all new academy students. Students who register for lessons in the Fall Term will have the same time slot in Winter and Spring terms. Tuition amount is due no later than the first week of lessons in the terms listed below. There will be a $40.00 late fee assigned to late payments. If the tuition is not paid by the 2nd lesson, the lessons will end and the time slot will be offered to students on the waitlist.

 

Tuition will be prorated for late registration.

A fee of $30.00 will be charged for any returned checks.                                                                                                                

Payment Options:

 

1) Pay in full, per term - Due the first week of lessons

2) Two installments per term - First payment is due the first week of lessons, the second payment is due at mid-term (week 5).

Payments may be made by personal check or money order.

****Please make checks payable to String Academy of Idaho Falls.****

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CANCELLATION POLICY

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Upon registration the teacher will reserve a lesson day and time slot for the student for the year (3 Terms). No more than 50% of the Term tuition will be reimbursed for withdrawals after week two. Students withdrawing from lessons after the 5th week of a Term will not receive a refund and will be billed for the full tuition. If a student must leave the String Academy due to health reasons, the refund will be up to the discretion of the String Academy.

 

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GROUP CLASS ATTENDANCE AND PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

 

Group lessons provide the opportunity for students to perform for their peers on a regular basis and to rehearse and perform together as a group. Attendance is highly encouraged at all group classes and special performance opportunities in the community.

 

If a student misses more than two groups in a concert cycle they will not be allowed to participate in the group performance at the recital. Additionally their participation in the String Academy will be reevaluated by the String Academy faculty. No String Academy student will be allowed to study privately without participation in groups.

 

All students are expected to perform in a recital at least once a year. Recitals will typically be scheduled Sunday afternoons, specific dates will be shared by your teacher and posted on the website.

 

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CONCERT ETIQUETTE

 

Students must arrive on time and stay for the ENTIRE performance as a courtesy to the other performers. Students should dress appropriately. It is requested that cameras without flash be used, or if flash must be used, please wait until the end of the performance. Please encourage your child(ren) to listen quietly while other students are performing. Please wait for a break between performers for exit/entrance. Parents with younger children should sit near an exit in case you need to leave.

 

 

ACCOMPANIST POLICY

 

The cost of accompanists for required group performances, special concerts in the community, group lessons, and master classes are covered by your String Academy tuition.

 

It will be the student’s responsibility to pay pianists for solo recital services (rehearsals and performances). If you fail to show up for a scheduled rehearsal, you will be required to pay for this time. 

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STRING ACADEMY ETIQUETTE

 

Common areas serve as both a waiting area for students prior to lessons and a meeting place for parents, students, and faculty. Students should speak quietly in these areas to prevent interference with instruction in nearby studios. We request no playing of the SAIF piano in the common area.

 

Parents are responsible for curtailing running, loud play, and any dangerous or annoying behavior on the part of their children. Young children must be supervised by their parents or an adult AT ALL TIMES.

 

 

ATTENDANCE, LATE ARRIVALS AND ABSENCES

 

Students are expected to arrive on time for all lessons, classes, and performances. More than three absences or late arrivals per Term is deemed unacceptable. Absences and late arrival times will not be made up.

 

Excused absences may be granted by the teacher with 24-hour notice. If a student has a health condition which might jeopardize the health of themselves or others, the student and their family are asked to take all reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of disease. Please communicate with the teacher in such instances. Please review our Covid-19 Safety Protocols.

 

Private lessons canceled due to weather closures will be made up but group classes will not.

 

The String Academy faculty are active professional musicians who may periodically need to reschedule private lessons. If a teacher must miss a lesson, a make-up will be arranged at a mutually convenient time. If the student misses a make-up, a second lesson will not be arranged.

 

24-hour notice is requested for lesson cancellation. The teacher may be notified by phone (208) 357-4080 or via email at stringacademyif@gmail.com.

 

 

CONFLICTS AND DISMISSALS

 

Parents/students should make every effort to resolve instructional or personal issues with the private teacher. Teachers will do their best to respond to individual needs. Teacher changes within the Academy will be handled through the Faculty. The String Academy reserves the right to dismiss any student due to lack of interest or progress, frequent absence (more than three lessons per Term), frequent tardiness, behavior problems, delinquency in payment of fees, or failure to abide by policy. The following procedure will be followed in such a case: Parent will be phoned, letter will be sent, dismissal.

 

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NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

 

The String Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, sex, ethnic origin or religious belief in its admission, financial assistance, or other educational practices.

 

 

PURPOSE OF HANDBOOK AND PLAN FOR FUTURE EDITIONS

 

The policies and procedure of the String Academy of Idaho Falls have been established in order to assist students to achieve continuity of study. All students are required to abide by them. The String Academy reserves the right to change any program, policy or regulation published in this Handbook. Any such changes will be communicated via website and published in subsequent editions of the String Academy Handbook.