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 (RSP & Readiness)

If possible, please inform us via email if your child will be absent from a weekly class. Makeup classes for IN-PERSON 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 ONLINE RSP Classes-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

We are unable to provide make-up lessons and classes due to student absences. 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. 

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). Individual lessons missed due to teacher absences will be made up at the earliest possible date, at the student’s convenience.

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

Covid Safety Policy and Facility Closure

While we conduct in-person programs, we reserve the right to transition in whole or in part to on-line instruction if we feel it necessary for health and safety purposes. Students and accompanying adults may be subject to COVID-19 screening procedures for in-person programs as determined by the School and consistent to and subject to any NYS or NYC requirements.  Acceptable face coverings must be worn at all times and distance of 3 feet maintained as much as possible.  We have air filters in all of our teaching rooms and open windows where possible.

As per city guidelines, our teachers and staff are fully vaccinated or subject to weekly PCR testing.   
Students 12 years+ and adults accompanying students to classes must submit proof of vaccination. 
Please read more about our COVID-19 Policy and Protocols.

IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION AND FACILITY CLOSURE: For students participating in in-person lessons and classes, in the event Silver Music needs to close its facility for a period of time due to NYC, NYS and CDC recommendations related to COVID-19, instruction for instrumental and introductory students will continue online. In this event, tuition and withdrawal policies will remain the same.  

 

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