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Student Handbook

Purpose

The purpose of this handbook is to let you know where you stand regarding all aspects of music lessons with me. If you still have questions or comments after reading this handbook please contact me

Teaching method

My goal as a music instructor is to help you to improve your abilities in essential musical areas. I offer two learning directions that are designed to target specific problems and give you a more complete understanding of the language of music.

Direction 1: Recommended for beginner to intermediate students.

This learning direction is geared towards individuals that are both interested in learning about how music works as well as being able to play their favorite songs.

Generalized class schedule:

5 Min. Exercise: manual dexterity - exercises to get your hands in shape

25 Min. lesson: Song study - working with a song that you bring to me to learn. Music making techniques, notation, compositional concepts & music theory will be taught in relation to the song being learned.

Direction 2: Recommended for intermediate to advanced students.

This option is recommended for individuals interested in practical music theory, song writing, and instrument specific techniques. Song reproduction will be covered only if requested by the student or if I need to illustrate a specific concept.

Generalized class schedule:

10 Min. Exercise: ear training or manual dexterity

35 Min. lesson: intermediate to advanced concepts

Policies and Procedures

General

Required practice time

In order to succeed as a music student you will need to practice the material that I give you daily, for a period of not less than 30 minutes; more practice time is recommended. I will not move on to other topics unless I feel comfortable that you are grasping the present topic of discussion.

Questions between classes: 893.3095 or db@leadingtone.org

If you get home and find that you are having trouble with an assignment, then give me a call at home (before 10:00 p.m.) or e-mail me (db@leadingtone.org) and I will do my best to answer your questions before your next lesson.

Lesson fees & Attendance

Check-in

Make sure to check-in with me promptly when you arrive. Do not be shy about this; even if I am with a student, let me know that you have arrived.

Tardiness

I do not care if you are late to classes; however, I will not extend your class into another student’s time simply to make up for your tardiness.

If you're late...you lose

Fee due date

Each month’s teaching fee is due the week of each month, regardless of the number of make-up lessons that you need to attend.

Missed lessons

If you must miss a lesson I would appreciate a phone call before 2:00 the day of the lesson (898.0110 @ T.M.C or 893.3095 @ HOME).

Make-up lessons

When you miss a lesson it is your responsibility to sign up for a make-up. You can schedule a makeup lesson simply by signing up for one on my makeup lesson signup chart; See me for details. Each month’s lesson fee is due the first week of each month regardless of the number of make up lessons that you need to take.

Benefits and Bonuses

Bonus lessons

Refer a new student to me and receive two free lessons as soon as they begin attending regularly.

Dan's library

You may check out transcriptions, tapes, compact discs, magazines, artist folios, books and learning methods from my personal library. For a complete listing of items please see me. Break it, ruin it, loose it or make it otherwise unusable; you buy it!

www.leadingtone.org

This is the address of my web page. On it you will find public resources and student only resources. Once you have been issued a login and password then you will be able to use the student’s resources.

In store discounts

Because you are a student at the music connection you will receive 10% off any item purchased in the store. You also receive 30% off all guitar or bass repair labor.

gradeyourteacher.org

I am a lifetime member of gradeyourteacher.org. On this web site you can give anonymous feedback, constructive criticism and helpful suggestions that will help me to better serve you as your music teacher. The feedback process is completely anonymous – I cannot find out who sent the feedback – so tell me what is really on your mind!

Materials and Items

Required

All of these items can be purchased at

An acoustic or electric guitar For beginners, an electronic tuner (auto-chromatic), or a pitch pipe*

A metronome*

In some cases I will require the purchase of Ernie Ball Phase 1 or Mel Bay Phase 1

In some cases I will require the purchase of a capo*

*(See my recommendations before you buy.)

Recommended

You are not required to have these items in order to take lessons. However I encourage you to obtain them as soon as possible. See my recommendations.

A hand held tape recorder (not micro-cassette) and 2 blank tapes.

The current issue of any guitar or bass magazine.

Tuition

Regular Fees

For weekly or biweekly students

In order to be enrolled at these reduced rates, all fees must be paid the first week of each month. All fees are non-refundable. Make up lessons available in accordance with my policies. Group and lessons twice monthly are billed as single lessons.

Monthly 30 minute lessons
$80.00 per month
$20.00 per lesson

Single Lesson Fees

For 1 time lessons, group lessons and twice monthly students
Once an appointment is made for a single time lesson it must be paid for even if it is not attended.

Single 30 minute lessons
$25.00 per lesson

Contact

You can contact me