Policies

SCHOOL CLOSINGS ::

If River Falls Schools are canceled because of weather,
there will be no lessons or groups at HeartStrings that
day and these will not be made-up. If you are unsure
about River Falls schools being closed, call the district
at 425.1800. We will notify everyone by email as well.

MISSED LESSONS ::

If your teacher misses a lesson for a reason other than
school closings, he or she will reschedule it at a
different time. If a student misses a lesson for any
reason, the teacher will not reschedule or refund tuition. However, there are three options available
for students who know in advance that they will not be able to attend a lesson:

Change lesson times with another student by using the teaching schedule and phone list.
Let your teacher know about the switch in advance.
Give the lesson time that you will miss to another student. Inform your teacher.
Call the teacher if the above two options haven't worked so she can try to give your lesson
time to another student and add your name to a list of students who have missed lessons.

Whenever another student informs the teacher in advance that he or she will miss a lesson, the
teacher can offer this lesson time to the students on the missed lesson list. Please be aware,
however, that there is no guarantee that missed lessons will be made-up.

CONTACTING YOUR TEACHER ::

Joan at the studio: 715.425 0170
E-mail: joan@heartstringsviolinstudio.com
Wendy & Brian at the studio: 715.425-7645 ext. 2112
Rachel and Kathleen at the studio: 715.425-7645 ext. 2214

IF YOUR CHILD IS ILL ::

When children are ill, they are not able to learn. Please do not bring a child who is sick to a lesson or
group class. Your child will not receive the full benefit of the lesson or group class and others will be
exposed to the illness. Please be respectful to the teachers and the other families by not bringing
your child back to lessons until he or she is fully recovered. HeartStrings teachers reserve the right to
send sick children home.

ARRIVING ON TIME ::

In the music world, being on time essentially means arriving early. Please plan to arrive at least 5
minutes early for private lessons and 10 minutes early for group classes. In the winter months you
may need even more time to get ready for lessons.

GROUP CLASS & RECITAL ATTENDANCE ::

Students and their parent home teachers are expected to attend all group classes and recitals.
Participation in these events is a vital part of the student's development and it is an essential
element in the Suzuki approach. Learning to play an instrument only in individual lessons is like to
trying to learn a team sport all by yourself; you just don't get the full picture. If you know that you
will have to miss a recital or a group lesson, please inform your teacher in advance so she can explain
your absence. When you are not at group class, you are missed; each student makes a valuable
contribution to the group's work.

RECITALS ::

Students are encouraged to attend five of the five group classes preceding each group recital so that
they can have a positive performance experience. To perform in a solo recital all students need
rehearse twice with the accompanist prior to the recital. (Rehearsal time will be provided during
group class.)

On the day of the recital, arrive early so that you have plenty of time to tune and warm-up. Plan to
stay for the entire concert. If you have another event to attend that day, please plan accordingly.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT ::

Parents need to be actively involved in all lessons and group classes, listening attentively, taking
notes, and jotting down questions to ask afterwards. Your active attendance makes a vital
contribution to the learning environment we are trying to create because it models a positive
attitude toward learning. Your focused attention lets your child know that you are sincerely
interested in his or her progress and that you value lesson time, group class time and practice time.
Being engaged in the process of lessons and group class will also help you become a better home
teacher. Because consistency is so important in the Suzuki approach it is important that it is the
same parent who attends both private lessons and group classes.

LESSON ENVIRONMENT ::

Lesson time is limited and we want to make the most of it, so please do not bring anything to a
lesson that may distract from the learning process. Food, toys and soda pop need to be left at
home. Siblings are welcome provided they do not disrupt the learning environment. Bring quiet
activities to occupy them. Our main concern is that the attention of the student, parent and
teacher can be fully on the lesson.

OPEN DOOR POLICY ::

All lessons, both private and group, are open to observers. Observation allows prospective families
the opportunity to assess their interest in our program. We also encourage families who are already
a part of the program to come early to their lessons and/or stay late to observe and learn from
others' lessons.

PRACTICE ::

We ask that parents and students practice together
every day and listen to the recordings of the repertoire
every day. Private lessons and group classes do not count
as practice, so be prepared to practice on these days, too.

Consistency in listening and practice allows students to
experience success and gain confidence. This confidence,
in turn, contributes to an increased enjoyment of practicing
and playing. Everyone involved benefits from this positive
cycle of consistent practice and listening. Once the cycle is
broken, it is often a challenge to re-establish it, and practice and lessons can be frustrating for
everyone involved.

NO FOOD POLICY ::

Please do not bring any food or drinks to the studio.

LEAVING THE PROGRAM ::

The decision to leave the program is the parents' responsibility, not the child's. If parents make the
decision to quit, it is their responsibility to do it in a manner that is respectful both to their child
and the teacher so there will be a feeling of a positive ending. One month's notice is requested if
you decide to quit the program.

ACCEPTANCE OF POLICIES ::

Your participation in the HeartStrings Studio program signifies your acceptance of these policies and
your commitment to adhere to them.