Policies

Introductory Class Placement

With the exception of Music Shakers, our introductory classes are grouped by age and level. You are invited to observe a class, or your child may participate in a trial class at a reduced fee when space permits in one of our regular classes.

• To register for a class or schedule an trial class, please contact us.

Private Lesson Placement

Families interested in private lessons are scheduled for a 25 min meeting for child and parent to discuss both the child’s and parent’s readiness to begin private study. There is a $30 application fee due at the time of this meeting. For Fall 2020, all meetings will take place through Zoom and the application fee is $20.

When private lessons are advised, we ask for your availability for lessons, including your available days, as well as your earliest and latest possible times on those days. We will make every effort to find a suitable time for your child. Your lesson time is set for at least the semester and preferably for the school year. Lesson tuition includes participation in weekly group classes in addition to the weekly lesson. Summer lessons are flexible and arranged around your availability.

• To schedule a “private lesson readiness meeting”, please contact us.
• To learn more about our Instrumental Programs, click here.

Makeup Policies

Introductory Class Makeup Policy

If possible, please inform us via email if your child will be absent from a weekly class. Makeup classes are scheduled during “makeup week” following the end of the semester. Students must email silvermusic@silvermusic.org to confirm a spot in an appropriate makeup class during makeup week. (There are no makeups offered during our Summer Sessions.)

For Fall 2020-Makeup classes will be scheduled during the semester. One “live” makeup class is granted during the semester, and any additional absences will have access to the class recording.

Private Lesson and Suzuki Group Makeup Policy

Please take note that your lesson time is reserved for you. Our teachers are extremely dedicated to our students, and lesson times are set for the semester. Individual lessons missed due to teacher absences will be made up at the earliest possible date. Beginning in Fall 2020 we are unable to provide make-up lessons and classes due to student absences.

Most teachers share contact information within their studio so that students may reach out to one another to switch lesson times if a conflict arises. If your child is not feeling well enough to make their lesson, Zoom/Facetime lessons can be arranged. If you know in advance that you cannot switch with another student and online lessons are impossible, your teacher can use your child’s lesson time to create a video or send you notes to practice for the week (this request must be made in advance).

There are no make-ups for group class but if your child is unable to attend your regular group class for a session, you may consult with your teacher if there is another appropriate class that your child could visit.

If you have further questions about our makeup policy, please read this illuminating article written by a Suzuki mom and professional economist: Makeup Lessons from an Economist’s Point of View

Silver Music is closed for snow or inclement weather when the New York City public schools close. We will make every effort to arrange make-up days for unscheduled school closings. Please confirm with your private instructor if you have a lesson scheduled during a snow day.

Community Expectations

We ask that you go over these guidelines with your child:

• I will be respectful and cooperative and will contribute positively to the experience of fellow students.
• I will be careful and considerate that my actions and my words will not hurt another student’s feelings or hurt them physically, either intentionally or accidentally.
• I will show respect to my teachers and peers and try my best to follow instruction.
• I will respect the rights and beliefs of others, and treat others with courtesy and consideration.
• I will respect the property of others, including school property and equipment/supplies.

We hope that you will take the time to discuss these expectations. Please let us know if you have any concerns about your own child’s ability to follow these guidelines, as well as any ways we can help him/her be a more caring member of our community. If any issues arise for your family or your child, please let us know.  You can expect if an issue arises that we will address it privately and decide together on the best course of action, which could involve discussing our Community Expectations with the student and parents and possible removal from a class or event.

Withdrawal Policy