How Do You Handle Music Lesson Cancellations and Make-up Classes?

We offer unlimited make-up lessons!

Here are the details of our policy:

For any music lessons missed by a teacher, the Dennis Frayne Music Studios will attempt to provide a substitute music teacher, a guest music teacher, or one-time alternative music learning environment. If a substitute music teacher, guest music teacher, or alternative music learning environment is unavailable, an appropriate make-up lesson with the student’s teacher will be scheduled promptly.

For any lesson missed by a student, we offer unlimited in-studio make-ups providing useful music learning and exciting alternative experiences that contribute to the growth of students as musicians and creative artists. The following options are available:

1. Attend a 60-minute (one-hour) small group make-up class (masterclass) in-person, in-studio. These make-up classes (masterclasses) are offered several times per month and quarter. The make-up music classes are age and level appropriate, include new material and music learning opportunities, provide valuable masterclass-style practice performance opportunities, and are held at a variety of times in the mornings, afternoons, evenings, and on weekends. To request a small group make-up class, follow this link, and select the “masterclass” option.
   
   https://www.lagunaniguelschoolofmusic.com/request-a-makeup-music-lesson
   

2. Attend or audit an alternate music class. These opportunities are offered on a case-by-case basis only, depending on availability, class size, class-appropriateness, and schedule. These types of make-ups must be pre-approved, scheduled well in advance, and planned by the music school manager or Dr. Dennis. To request this type of music make-up lesson, follow the above link, and select the “audit” option.

3. Donate your lesson to our scholarship and financial assistance programs. Help a music student in need! To donate your music lesson, follow the above link, and select the “donate” option.

4. Receive a video music lesson and supplemental assignment. Your teacher can provide video tutorials, music listening and analysis materials, music theory and other coursework, self-recording and self-evaluation instructions, or alternate music learning assignments designed especially for you. To request this type of music make-up lesson, follow the above link, and select the “assignment” option.

5. Sublease your spot to a family or friend. You can send a person in your place for the music lesson(s) you will miss. Just let the office know well in advance who is coming in your place and when. (If you wish, make sure that they reimburse you directly for the music lesson!) To request this type of make-up lesson, follow follow the above link, and select the “sublease” option.

6. Take a break, and let it go! Accept the missed lesson the same way you would a school absence. Students still make excellent progress in their music education and growth as musicians and creative artists even if they miss a lesson every now and then. Teachers still get paid for the lesson, and will use the extra time to work on things that will improve music lessons and music learning environments for students and families. Adult students who “let missed lessons go” are far more successful (and less stressed!) than adult students who quit (or never get started) because they are overly concerned about missing some lessons. Perhaps think of it like a monthly gym membership: if you miss every now and then, but keep going overall, you will get closer and closer to reaching your goals!

7. Take the lesson online via Google Meet. Online lessons can take place while at home or traveling, with or without your instrument, at the same time and day as your regular lesson. Online lessons must take place on the same day and time as the regularly-scheduled lesson, and must be planned at least two weeks in advance. To request this type of music make-up lesson, follow the above link, and select the “online lesson” option.

Never worry about missed lessons again!

Note about In-home Lessons: Students taking in-home lessons must still take their small group (masterclass) make-up lessons in-studio.

Note about Choir and other Music Ensembles: Choir, Band, Orchestra, Chamber Music, and Musical Theater are Ensembles, and regular attendance is required in order to participate. There are no make-up lessons for Choir and other music ensembles.

How Much Should Music Students Practice?

Regular home playing and practice is recommended for many students, but not all. Some students do better without the pressure of regular practice, and all students progress regardless of whether they practice regularly or not. Unless students and families ask teachers to help with a practice plan, we do not require practice.

Students who wish to progress at a faster pace generally do practice regularly, 4-7 days per week, on a schedule that works well for the student and family. For younger beginners this might mean 5 to 15 minutes at a time; for intermediate level and more advanced students this will mean 30-60 minutes; and for students preparing for testing, competitions, college or university auditions, and specialized performances, this will mean 60-120 minutes (one to two hours) or more of daily practice.

The amount of practice will vary depending upon each student’s age, goals, and interests. Practice should include playing from memory for family and friends, playing fun duets and ensemble pieces, and experimenting, improvising, and even composing and arranging, in a serious way or just for fun.

Parental involvement in home playing and practice can be important for many students’ success. However, we do not recommend any situation that causes tension, stress, anxiety, or unhappiness. We strive for tension-free, stress-free, anxiety-free, and happy musical experiences for all our students and famiies. Consider helping your student establish and stick to a playing and practice routine, calendar, and schedule, and ensuring that playing and practice time is free of distractions.

Do Music Students Need an Instrument (Piano) at Home?

As with practice time, an instrument (piano) is generally needed - but not always. Many piano students, especially in the early months and even years, can do without a piano at home. Piano students wishing to make faster progress should have an acoustic piano or a digital piano keyboard for home practice. The better the quality of instrument, of course, the better the experience for students. For many students, the quality of their home instrument (piano) may play a significant role in their potential for success, especially as they advance.

For some instrumental music lessons, instruments are required. This is true when a student must bring their own instrument to lessons. These instruments include: guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, violin, viola, cello (string instruments), flute, clarinet, saxophones, trumpet, trombone, tuba (woodwind and brass instruments). Drums & percussion lessons use studio instruments, so students can get away without having an instrument at home, at least in the beginner stages. For drum students, drum sticks and a practice pad can be sufficient for a time.

A note regarding pianos: Acoustic pianos should be tuned at least once a year, and kept in working order. If you prefer a digital piano keyboard, please invest in a full-size keyboard (88 keys) with fully weighted, touch-sensitive keys and pedals. Click here for some recommendations.

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