COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS of voice students
This handbook is prepared in August and covers as much information as possible for the entire year. It is important for parents to read this handbook. In addition, occasional email memos will be sent home with reminders of upcoming deadlines and any changes that may occur throughout the year. If a hard copy is preferred, let me know.
Parents are encouraged to contact me with questions as necessary. Email is preferred, but telephone is available. If I am teaching you may reach my husband or an answering machine and I will return your call as soon as possible. I check my e-mail at least once a day on most weekdays.
PARENT VISITS TO LESSONS
Unlike band or choir rehearsals or sports practices where much of the learning takes place during the rehearsal, all of the reinforcement of private lessons takes place AFTER the lesson, during the student’s practice time. It is very important for parents to be aware of what is happening during their student’s practice time. With older students it is often best to be a silent observer, offering as many compliments as possible and only offering corrections if absolutely necessary. This will vary with each student.
Parents are invited and encouraged to attend the last lesson of each month to hear and see their child’s progress. This lesson will be a regular lesson, enabling you to learn of the strengths in your student’s playing and also to learn of areas in which you can encourage progress. This is particularly important for students of elementary or middle school age. I stress that parents of high school students are encouraged to attend lessons periodically also!
Adult students may invite spouses or other interested individuals to this lesson if they wish.
OTHER VISITORS TO LESSONS
Parents are welcome to sit in on any other lessons if they wish. Siblings are not encouraged to attend. However, I realize that this is sometimes necessary. Those siblings who attend lessons on occasion are expected to be quiet and not interfere with the lesson. Friends of students are not encouraged to attend lessons.