Helpful Hints for Students

    Student check list:

    • Students should have good posture, with feet flat on the floor.
    • Students should always tap their foot.
    • Caution should be given the curve the fingers, and have good hand position.
    • The middle of the music stand should be at eye level. This will keep the throat open.
    • The goal of practicing is to walk through the method book playing each line 5 times without a mistake, crossing off the number. The student simply proceeds to the next line, going page by page. Every week 90 minutes of practice will be rewarded by a sticker and/or candy, if permitted.

    Group Lesson \ Rehearsal Procedure:

    Follow group lesson \ rehearsal procedures outlined below.

    • Meet performance obligations (see awards criteria).
    • Come to Instrumental Music class on time, lateness will hold up the rest of the group.
    • Unpack instruments, materials and prepare to play.
    • Music books are purchased and owned by the students and should have your name on them. 5.Mark sheet music in pencil only.
    • Students are responsible for having the following at each lesson: Instrument, pencil, practice chart, music book and music.
    • Use practice strategies learned in class to make the most of home practice. (When applicable).
    • If an instrument is unavailable, due to repair, or if there is a medical reason a child cannot perform, please bring a note signed by a parent\guardian.
    • Have the practice card signed by a parent. Be ready to show it to the teacher at the outset of the lesson.
    • Don't talk unnecessarily; since we only meet 30 minutes a week, we need to make the most use of our time.
    • If you miss a lesson for any reason. please see the teacher as soon as possible or check with another student so you can catch up with the rest of the group. 

    Students receive quarterly grades for instrumental music and are graded as follows: O=Outstanding, S=Satisfactory, and N=Needs improvement. Grades will be based on the following criteria:

    Practice Card Policy

    The student is expected to turn in their practice card on the first day of every week. It should be signed by a parent or guardian after you have practiced. It will show the amount of at-home practice done in the previous week. Each week will begin on the student’s class day.

    Grading Policies

    • Attendance: If Students are in school, they should come to their lessons on time. They should come to class even if they are unable to play or have forgotten their instrument so that they can follow along and not fall behind. Unexcused absences, including forgetting lesson times, lower the grade.
    • Playing test: the following rubric will be used for all playing test

      3 2 1 0 Good Posture
      Sitting tall, elbows off legs, bells above stands, etc.

      3 2 1 0 Correct Notes
      Notes played are as accurate, in correct order, and correct octave, including correct fingerings

      3 2 1 0 Correct Rhythms
      Rhythms played are accurate and tempo is steady

      3 2 1 0 Good Sound
      Appropriate amount of air is supplied, addressing (holding) the instrument is correct

      3 2 1 0 Articulation / Sticking
      Tonguing, slurring, sticking
      3 = student demonstrates proficiency at all times
      2 = student demonstrates proficiency most of the time, but with a few errors
      1 = student demonstrates limited proficiency, with frequent errors
      0 = student is not proficient, or student makes no attempt at piece

      Total score: _______ out of 15 possible = ________ %