JSI - Policies & Procedures

Responsibilities:

I. Student responsibilities:

A. Cooperate during practice and lessons.

B. Wash hands, trim nails, get a drink, go to the bathroom

before daily practice and before each lesson.

C. Treat parents and teachers with respect.

D. Listen to recording daily.

II. Parent responsibilities:

A. Pay promptly and in full for all lessons.

B. Arrive on time for all lessons and attend the lesson with

the child.

. Attend all classes outlined in the program. This includes,

but is not limited to, Group Classes, Rehearsals,

Recitals, and Play-outs (informal performances

within the community).

. Maintain the instrument in good condition at all times.

Make sure to bring all music and accessories

necessary

the lesson.

. Do not interfere with the lesson, but take notes or record

each lesson.

. Organize home practice and set daily time aside for that

purpose.

. Follow through on all assignments given by the teacher,

including practicing the instrument, overseeing

specific assignments with the student, etc.

. Play the recording daily.

III. Teacher responsibilities:

A. Be qualified to teach any materials the students received.

B. Be very specific with assignments and expectations for the

week.

C. Give practice ideas and support to the student and to the

parent for each assignment given.

D. Make a commitment to continue his/her education on a

regular basis.

E. Provide ample opportunities for solos and performances.

F. Teach all lessons at the appointed time except for reasons

of illness or family emergency.

Group Classes and Performances:

Students are highly motivated to do what parents do (especially younger children) and what peers do (especially older children).
Therefore, group lessons, performances, etc are extremely important. Parents should plan to attend these enriching and
stimulating activities, because they are a vital part of the program.

Practicing:

Not enough can be said about practice. Next to listening, it is probably the most important part of the Suzuki Method. The child
actually does the most learning at home. Home Teachers (parents) often ask "How can I get my child to practice?" For many
parents this a very serious and sometimes troubling issue. Parents should realize that it is normal for students to not want to
practice, and home practice should be supervised by the parents until the child is older and has developed more independence.
There is an excellent book about this: How to Get Your Child to Practice Without Resorting to Violence. In general, the
recommendations in the book include:

Remain calm but firm; don't nag, threaten, get angry, or give up. Brushing teeth is not optional, and neither is practicing.
Create a musical environment: This will include listening to Suzuki CD's, other CD's of classical music or other types of
music, going to concerts, and listening to NPR (National Public Radio, KASU 91.9 in Jonesboro) programs with classical
music. Have music on all the time, or at least during meals and before bedtime.
Make it fun and enjoyable. Let the child be happy and loved at all times. Never make being loved contingent on whether
they practice, or whether they do well.
Use lots of praise, even for the smallest thing, and even if it sounds awful. There is always something positive to say:
"You really worked hard," "I liked your bow hold that time," "That was much better than last time."

ABSOLUTELY

NO NEGATIVE OR DEROGATORY REMARKS!

Tuition Information:

Rates:
$25 per ½ hr. – Professional Teacher

Tuition is paid by the term in one, two, or four installments:

Fall & Spring terms include 20 private lessons plus weekly group classes.
Term Total: $500 (30 min. lesson)

Additional fees are charged at the beginning of the term when appropriate. These will include, but are not limited to, recital fees,
festival fees, etc.

No refunds are given (see missed lesson policy below).

Missed Lessons:

If a lesson is missed by the teacher, the lesson will be made up.
If the student/parent misses a lesson due to illness or family emergency, the lesson will be made up.
If the student/parent gives notice that a lesson will be missed at least 24 hours prior to the day of the lesson, the lesson
will be made up.
In the case of inclement weather (snow or ice), JSI will follow the lead of the Jonesboro Public Schools (i.e., if JPS is
closed JSI will be closed). These lessons will be made up, time/schedule permitting, or credit will be given on the next
term's tuition.

Policies & Procedures
"Practice every day that you eat." -- Dr. Suzuki

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Inclement Weather (snow, ice, etc.):

Tune into KAIT Channel 8 (Jonesboro ABC) to view school closings. JSI will be listed there if closed.
Generally, in the case of inclement weather, JSI will follow the lead of the Jonesboro Public Schools (i.e., if JPS is closed
JSI will be closed). These lessons will be made up, time/schedule permitting, or credit will be given on the next term's
tuition.