Lawrence Academy of Music
Guidelines
Academy guidelines have been established to ensure that students and teachers have productive musical experiences. If parents share our belief that excellent musical training is of great importance in a child’s life, their commitment and encouragement, plus our pleasurable and motivating program, will carry the child through the temporary periods of lagging interest that sometimes happen with any regular discipline. Following through with projects begun is also an important lesson for the child. We ask parents to be sure of their commitment before enrolling and then plan to remain in the program for the entire academic year, unless the teacher determines that the child is not yet ready. Resources to assist and inspire both parents and students will be available year-round in the Academy lobby.
Attendance
Promptness at lessons and rehearsals is expected. Students who are late for a lesson cannot be guaranteed their full lesson time. Faculty who are tardy for a student's lesson are required to make up the time by extending past the scheduled lesson time or by arranging to make up the time on another occasion.
Missed Lessons
If a student awakens ill, please contact the teacher in the morning to notify him/her of that day's absence. Make-up lessons are given only for illness or family emergency. All other absences should be reported at least 24 hours in advance; teachers are not required to make up lessons without this notice.
Please contact your teacher or the Academy directly at 920-832-6632, or fill out the online absence form to report an absence. A student may receive a maximum of two make-up lessons per semester. If a scheduling issue arises due to social or other activities, please contact another student in the teacher's studio to switch lesson times. Lessons canceled by teachers or by the Academy will be rescheduled.
There will be no refunds or make-ups for missed summer lessons.
Inclement Weather
Severe weather conditions often prompt area schools to close. Academy lessons, classes and ensembles are not automatically canceled because of weather. We encourage families to use their best judgment regarding travel conditions, and to let their teacher or ensemble manager and/or the office know if they will not be attending. In the event Academy classes or lessons are canceled, a message will be left on the Academy answering machine and posted to the Academy website. Students will be notified of cancellations by their indivdual lesson teacher, or ensemble phone tree.
If severe weather strikes during a rehearsal or lesson and the Lawrence emergency alert system is initiated, all Academy students and faculty must follow Lawrence University's emergency protocol. This includes instances of fire, tornado, or other severe storms.
Student Progress
A successful learning experience is like a triangle: it has three points — the student, the teacher and the parent. All three are critical and vital. We take very seriously the communication between all involved. Progress reports for music lessons are provided after fall semester, offering a detailed written report and recommendations from the teacher. In addition, a parent/teacher conference will be scheduled the last week of Semester I to review the progress report. Parents are encouraged to remain in close contact with the teacher throughout the year regarding student progress. Teachers are always happy to discuss student progress as well as any other needs or concerns, as is the director of the Academy.
On rare occasions, a parent or student may have a concern about a teacher or pedagogical approach. These situations are uncomfortable, but clear communication is the necessary route to resolution. Although these conversations are difficult for all parties involved, the proper course of action is to communicate concerns directly to the studio teacher. Sometimes, at this stage, misconceptions can be clarified or expectations discussed more fully. If the problem is not resolved after conferring with the studio teacher, a meeting between parent, teacher, and Academy director may be scheduled to determine the best course of action.
Withdrawals
Please notify the Academy office when requesting withdrawal from lessons during a session. Tuition refunds will be considered only when full tuition and fees have been paid and the student withdraws before the halfway point of the semester. There is a charge for one additional lesson. The registration fee is not refundable.
Dismissal
The Academy of Music reserves the right to dismiss any student due to lack of interest or progress, frequent absences, behavioral problems, delinquency in payment of tuition, and/or failure to abide by policies.
Photography and Publicity
Academy staff often visually records lessons, classes and public occasions. These images as well as information about student, teacher and staff activities are published regularly as part of coverage of the Academy of Music. Publications include print media, such as brochures, advertising, the Academy newsletter and the Academy’s web site. Images and information featuring registered students and staff are considered eligible for publication or public use unless the student (or parent/guardian of students under 18) submits a request for non-use in writing to the Academy of Music office prior to the publication date. Non-disclosure forms are available at the Academy of Music office. Continuing students must complete a new form each year.
Video Recordings
Academy concerts and public presentations include musical compositions that are copyright protected. An individual may make a recording for home use only. Many people are not aware that any sharing of video or audio that includes copyright protected materials (i.e. YouTube) is illegal and may have negative consequences for both the Academy and the individual. Sharing of this video also compromises the privacy of our students. Therefore, we respectfully request that Academy families refrain from this practice.
