Payments may be made by cash, cheque (payable to Joanne Peterson) or e-transfer.

Sunshine 1 and Sunbeams 1: Materials and tuition are payable separately. Annual tuition for 2024-25 is $875, payable in installments. The first tuition installment ($275) is due at the first class. The first installment of the materials fee (= registration fee) is due prior to the first class. Materials include:

The student manual (published in 3 parts). This includes the ensembles, homework, listening pages, songs and keyboard pieces.

The student activity book -- for keeping track of practicing and attendance, as well as parent education and miscellaneous information for students.

The tin sheet and magnets -- for theory work.

A castanet -- for practicing rhythm ensembles at home.

A durable cloth bag to hold everything.

For Sunbeams 1, the cost for the above materials is $228.20, including GST, shipping and handling ($10.00) and classroom supplies ($10.00).

There are also optional Sunbeams 1 audio downloads.  One of them contains all the material in the student manual that has lyrics (all of the songs and some of the keyboard and ensemble pieces).  It costs $20.54 including GST.  The other optional download contains all of the songs and some of the ensemble pieces, but no keyboard pieces.  That download costs $5.51 including GST.

So the grand total for Sunbeams 1 materials without the download is $228.20.  With the larger download, the total is $248.75.  With the smaller download, the total is $233.71.

Payment for materials may be made in 3 installments, payable before the first class, then again in November and February. Details provided upon request.

Siblings registered in the same program may pay a reduced materials fee, which includes only the student manuals and activity book, without the bag, tin sheet and castanet.

STUDIO POLICIES

·   MYC parents are important people!  Your presence in class is an indispensable part of the program, not only to help your child but also so you know what’s expected (free music lessons for grown-ups, too!)

·   PRACTICE IS ESSENTIAL to success in MYC.  Students will be well-prepared with a regular practice schedule of 5 days/week.  Less than that and they will fall behind.  It’s important for a parent to sit with the child during practice time:  lots of praise and gentle help are all that’s required. Sunbeams 1 students start the year needing only a few minutes of piano time/day (+ written work) but by December, 15 minutes/day of piano work is necessary.  Sunshine 1 students need about 5 minutes of piano practice 5 days/week. Gradually parents can decrease the amount of time they spend in the practice session as the child becomes more independent.

·   Because young children tend to be a distraction in class, it’s best if only the MYC student attends with the parent.  Siblings who are old enough to stay alone on the other side of the studio room (behind the divider wall) are welcome to come along.  (Sometimes emergencies arise and young siblings may occasionally sit in).

·   There are 36 lessons plus two recitals (spring and year-end) during the teaching term.  The studio follows Parkland School Division holidays for fall, Christmas and spring breaks.

·   Please be on time for class.  When you’re late, your child misses out and it disrupts the entire class.  It’s actually helpful if you can arrive 5-10 minutes before class starts so we can mark the homework together.

·   Yearly tuition is $875, payable in installments if desired.  Payment may be made with cash, cheque (payable to Joanne Peterson) or e-transfer to sparkle7@telus.net.  $275 (first installment) is due at the first class.

·   If you are unable to come to class in person, please let me know as soon as possible.  You are welcome to join the class in real time via Zoom or I will record the class and send you the link to the cloud recording the day after the class.

·   If I need to cancel a class, I will make every effort to re-schedule to a time suitable for all.  If that’s not possible, I will refund the lesson fee at the end of the year.

·   Once a child is registered, I expect attendance through the whole year except in cases of moving or extended illness.  Your child’s spot has been reserved for the whole year:  no one else can take their place.  The first $275 tuition is non-refundable.  It takes time to get into the “happy habit of making music”!  At the beginning of the term, you may feel overwhelmed while you’re getting used to the practice routine.  If you persevere, you will be very impressed with how much the students learn during the course of the year.  If you or your child is discouraged, please let me know!  There’s a good chance we can work through any problems together.

·   Please feel free to communicate with me by phone or email about ANYTHING!  I truly value your input, especially if you’re concerned about something.  Suggestions for improvement are always welcome.

·   No food, drinks or gum in class.  Water bottles are fine.  It’s important your child isn’t hungry or thirsty during class.  A snack or meal beforehand is a good plan.

·   Outdoor footwear may be left at the upstairs door of the church OR at the entrance to the studio.  It’s a good idea to bring indoor footwear along to wear during class.

·  CLEAN HANDS please (feel free to use the washroom before class)

The study of music is a life-enhancing skill well worth the effort.  

 You are doing a good thing for your child!  Thank you for choosing Music for Young Children®.