Policies

Open Door Policy

Students and parents are welcomed and encouraged to observe other students' lessons and group classes.

Absence Make-up Policy

There are no make-ups for student absences. Teacher absences will be made up at a time agreed upon by both student and teacher. If lesson cannot be made up, student will receive a refund for such lesson at the end of the school year or will be credited the lesson during the summer program. Students may make arrangements with other students to switch lesson times if necessary.

Inclement Weather

Unless you are notified, there will be no lessons when the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and/or Chatham County Schools are closed for inclement weather. There will be open make-up lesson days scheduled at the end of the year for inclement weather cancellations. Alternatively, teachers may opt to make up lessons for inclement weather at a time mutually agreed upon by the teacher and individual students.

Tuition for the 2007-2008 School Year

The annual tuition for individual Suzuki violin lessons is $1308 for 30-minute lessons, and $1962 for 45-minute lessons. Annual tuition for the Pretwinkle Masterclass (3-4 students per class, 45-60 min) costs $675.00. The first payment is due on or before September 7, 2007. After the first week of each quarter, payment for that quarter (or equivalent if paying Full, Semester, or 8-payment plan) is non-refundable. Please make checks payable to The Suzuki Academy of North Carolina. The following payment plans are available:

• Full: One payment due in September, covering the entire tuition amount
• Semester: Two equal payments due at the first lesson in September and January
• Quarterly: Four equal payments due at the first lesson in September, November, January, and March
• Monthly: Eight payments total, paid once per month for September through April. If you wish, you may switch to a Quarterly or Semester plan at the beginning of spring semester.

Refunds

There are no tuition refunds after the first week of instruction of each quarter for that quarter. Tuition will be refunded for any pre-paid quarter.

Financial Aid

SANC provides aid to students with a demonstrated need through the SANC Financial Aid Program. The amount of aid is based on household income, family size, and financial obligations, and is limited by the availability of SANC resources. To apply, a Financial Aid Form must be submitted prior to the start of lessons with documentation of income (recent tax return or other documentation). Copies of the form will be available on the SANC bulletin board at the Chapel Hill Violin Shop. Financial aid is considered annually on a case by case basis. Also, Emergency Financial Aid may be available on a one-time basis throughout the year. Please contact Ingrid Wieler at suzukiacademy at yahoo.com for information.

Registration Fee

A registration fee is charged once to each new family with children enrolled in private lessons. The fee is $50. This fee is nonrefundable and is due at the same time the first tuition payment is made.

Group Lessons

Group lessons are held twice a month and are included in your tuition. Consistent participation in group classes is an integral part of your child's musical education. These classes should be considered mandatory and there are no refunds for missed classes.

Group Performances

Children who regularly attend group lessons are invited to participate in group performances. The Suzuki Academy schedules at least 6 community performances each year. Performers should wear their red Suzuki Academy shirts and black pants or skirts (at least knee length) and black shoes and socks or stockings. For casual or outdoor concerts, denim shorts, pants or skirts will be acceptable.

Recitals

We hold monthly recitals during the school year (exact dates and times vary) after group classes at Montessori Community School. Recitals are a great motivator for the children and are a chance for us to celebrate every student's accomplishments. Please try to attend even when your children are not performing.

Supplies

New beginning students should purchase the following supplies:

• Notebook for taking notes during lessons
• Suzuki Violin School Violin Part Volume 1 and CD (performed by Suzuki or Cerone)
• small bathroom mat (fuzzy is fine, light in color preferred, only for children 6 and under)
• cherub box violin and bow (for students 6 and under)
• red shirt for group performances.

Check with your teacher before ordering a real violin or moving up to the next size.

Parent Education and Support

The Suzuki Academy offers a Parent Discussion Series. This is an opportunity for parents to speak openly about their experiences without their children present and to share ideas and advice. Private lesson tuition includes any parent education materials and classes.

Practice

Parents assume full responsibility for the consistency and quality of practice and listening sessions and will use their best efforts to ensure success. Students are expected to practice a minimum of an average of 5 days per week.

Conferences

Your teacher is always happy to discuss your child's progress and/or problems. If you wish, you may email your teacher and arrange to use your child's lesson time for a conference. You may take this time to discuss your child's progress alone with the teacher.

Other Suzuki Opportunities

Being a Suzuki student is to be part of a worldwide educational movement. Students will have the opportunity to participate in local, state, national, and international workshops and institutes. Please take advantage of these unique experiences.

Non-discrimination Policy

The Suzuki Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, physical disability, or national origin.