Private Lessons

Scheduling:

All lessons are scheduled through the School of Fine Arts Office.

All lessons are taught at Prestonwood Baptist Church. Each student is assigned to a studio during the enrollment process. The parent will receive a confirmation e-mail with the date lessons begin, time the lessons will be taught, room number and instructor e-mail/contact information. Absences are to be reported to the instructor as messages cannot always be relayed through the Office. Faculty cannot make permanent schedule changes.

Sixteen lessons are scheduled for spring and fall semesters and eight are scheduled during the summer.

Payment:
Students taking private lessons may choose from two payment options:

1. In full with application
2. Monthly installments using check or credit card
   (3% processing fee will be added to use credit card; see details below)

Private Lessons
30 minutes – $35 per lesson - $560 total tuition ($35 x 16 lessons)
45 minutes – $45 per lesson - $720 total tuition ($45 x 16 lessons)
60 minutes – $55 per lesson - $880 total tuition ($55 x 16 lessons)

Fees:

1. $50 annual registration fee. This is due at the time of enrollment. It is non-refundable.
2. 3% processing fee if chosen method of payment is credit card. (No additional fee if you choose to pay by check.)
3. $10 late fee. Failure to remit payment by the 25th of the month may result in a $10 late fee being added to the amount due.

Monthly Installments:
For the convenience of parents the monthly installment is made up of four equal payments. Payments remain the same regardless of the number of weeks in the month. These payments are due on the 15th of every month. A $6 monthly billing fee is added to each month’s payment. Monthly tuition is as follows:

30 minutes - $140 ($140 x 4 = $560)
45 minutes - $180 ($180 x 4 = $720)
60 minutes - $220 ($220 x 4 = $880)

The monthly installments are not related to the number of lessons in a month. The total tuition for the semester is divided into four installments. If tuition is prorated, the last payment will reflect the difference.

Fall 2008 Payment Due Dates:

Payment #1: Aug. 15
Payment #2: Sept. 15
Payment #3: Oct. 15
Payment #4: Nov. 15

Observed School of Fine Arts Holidays:

Spring Break (one week - as announced – corresponds with the PCA calendar)
Easter
Memorial Day
Vacation Bible School (one week as announced)
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day (we break for the week)
Christmas (we break for two weeks)

Inclement Weather:
In case of bad weather, you may check our website, or call our hotline (972-930-4440). You should also check with your instructor.

Attendance:
One makeup lesson per semester will be awarded to each student. If a lesson is missed due to illness, extreme emergency or death in the family, and the instructor is given 24 hours notice, one lesson a semester will be rescheduled and made up. Any lessons missed and rescheduled, excluding the one allotted makeup lesson, will be up to teacher discretion.

Students who are 10 minutes (or more) late to their lessons will be considered to have forfeited their lesson. This will be considered an unexcused absence and the instructor is under no obligation to make it up.

Studio Classes, Recitals & Performances:
The Prestonwood School of Fine Arts is dedicated to seeing each student glorify the Lord with his/her talents. For this reason, we host an end-of-the-semester recital that serves as a testimony to each student’s hard work and diligence. We consider it vital that each student participate in the recital; therefore, it is a requirement as part of a student’s overall musical experience. It is a wonderful opportunity for family and friends to witness what students have learned, and it is an incredibly enriching time for the students. Students should come prepared to perform a piece assigned by their instructor, usually from memory. Because the recital date is always posted at the beginning of the semester, it allows plenty of time for families to plan for the event. There is no excused absence, and failure to participate will result in a fee of $35 per student. Please plan for this event and take advantage of this great opportunity for your child and your family. In addition to recitals, students are required to participate in approximately three Studio Classes each semester. The additional opportunities to perform in Studio Classes will serve as a less threatening performance opportunity as well as give other students in the instructor’s studio an opportunity to learn from each other. These classes provide an opportunity for students to improve their sense of constructive communication and encouragement. Students are also required to attend at least one faculty performance per semester to experience a master in their field of study, which will encourage students to continue striving for excellence.

Expectations of Student Practice
Regular practice is essential for proper musical/artistic learning. It is recommended that a student practice daily the same amount as the lesson time. For example, if a student is taking a 30-minute lesson, he/she should practice 30 minutes per day. Please discuss the requirements for practicing with your instructor.

Piano
The piano has always served as a foundational instrument for any musician. We are taught at a young age that the skills required to play the piano are ones that will serve us for the rest of our lives. Just as the piano is a versatile instrument, so too is the musician. The Prestonwood School of Fine Arts offers all levels of instruction on the piano. We welcome those who are beginners, as well as those who desire to refine their craft at a higher level. Piano lessons will be assigned to each student depending on his/her experience, ability and age. Each individual teacher will determine what age group he/she will teach. Most children can easily begin piano lessons as young as 5 years old.

Voice
The voice is the only instrument that was handcrafted by God Himself. Each voice is unique, and its versatility is remarkable. Students wishing to study voice will gain a firm understanding of singing. Each student will learn about technique, musicianship, tone, vocal quality, vocal production and literature. The Prestonwood School of Fine Arts offers all levels of instruction with voice. We welcome those who are beginners, as well as those who have been singing for years. Voice lessons will be assigned to each student depending on his/her experience, ability and age. Each individual teacher will determine what age group he/she will teach. Most students begin studying voice during their preteen/middle school years.

Guitar
The guitar is one of the most versatile instruments. It has served as a musical stronghold for hundreds of years and continues to impact lives today. Multiple types of musicians use the guitar on multiple levels. Whether in a church service, a concert setting, or a performance venue, the guitar speaks a language all of its own. The Prestonwood School of Fine Arts offers all levels of instruction on the guitar. We welcome those who are beginners on their instruments, as well as those who have been playing for years. Students are required to bring their own guitar, metronome, tuner, extra guitar picks and pencil to every lesson. Guitar lessons will be assigned to each student depending on his/her experience, ability and age. Each individual teacher will determine what age group he/she will teach.

Brass / Woodwinds / Percussion / Strings
Each instrument that is crafted by man makes a unique sound. Valves, strings, sticks, slides, reeds, bows, etc. all work together to make music. The ability to play an instrument is one that takes many years of practice and patience. Each instrument can be used in a solo setting but also finds itself comfortably integrated with a large ensemble. The Prestonwood School of Fine Arts offers all levels of instruction on brass, woodwind, percussion and string instruments. We welcome those students who are new to their instruments, as well as those who have been playing for years. Practice makes perfect! Instrumental lessons will be assigned to each student depending on his/her experience, ability and age. Each individual teacher will determine what age group he/she will teach.

Additional information can be read on the Enrollment Policies and Frequently Asked Questions pages.