Studio Policies
VIOLIN STUDIO POLICY
Christopher Thompson, DMA, is now offering private violin instruction at TCPS, Belden Baptist Church, Maple Drive Presbyterian Church in Pontotoc, and at his home in Pontotoc. He offers private instruction for beginners, ages three and above, using the Suzuki Method. Dr. Thompson uses traditional methods as well, and teaches students of all ages and levels of aspiration, including advanced students preparing for auditions at a university or conservatory. For Dr. Thompson’s complete biography please visit the instructors page.
My Commitment to You: My professional training includes certified Suzuki Teacher Training, plus the B.M., M.M., and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in Violin Performance. I retired from ULM as Professor of Violin after a twenty-eight year university teaching career. My forty-two years of experience as a violinist and teacher includes teaching and performing professionally in the U.S., Europe, and the Far East. I will share my expertise in working with each of my students to the best of my ability. In that effort, I will strive to assist each student in achieving his/her potential as a musician and violinist.
Parent Pledge: To facilitate student success, the parent must commit to daily coaching of student’s practice (five day minimum per week). The parent must also commit to insuring a minimum of forty-five minutes of listening to the Suzuki audio CD or MP3 files each day. Without sufficient practice and listening the student cannot make satisfactory progress.
Group Lessons: Mondays at Belden Baptist Church, attendance required.
Private Lessons: To be scheduled at a time of our mutual convenience
Payment: Payment is due by the month in advance at the first lesson of each month. All fees are due no later than the fifth day of the month. Billing is on a flat rate basis; you will always be billed for four lessons per month. I accept payment via credit/debit card, cash, or check.
- Beginners – one 30 minute lesson per week.
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Intermediate – one 45 minute lesson per week.
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Advanced (Book IV and up) – one hour per week.
*Contact Dr. Christopher Thompson for rates.
Make Up Lessons: Only lessons for which the parent/student provides 24 hour notice in advance will be made up. Two make-up lessons, offered at the end of each semester are allowed as a courtesy. No make-up lessons can be carried over past the term in which the absence occurs. If Dr. Thompson cancels, he will make up the lesson at the earliest time of mutual convenience.
Photo by Kaboompics .com from Pexels.
VOICE & PIANO STUDIO POLICY
My Curriculum and Instruction: Each student will be assigned repertoire and technical exercises appropriate to the student’s level as determined by the instructor. In accordance with student’s level of development and preparation, he or she may be encouraged to enter festivals or competitions.
Lesson Scheduling: Lessons will be taught in units of 30 minutes or 45 minutes per week, depending on student’s level of advancement.
Billing: Payment is made by the month in advance: $120/month for four lessons of thirty minutes in length. First payment is due at first September lesson. The Fall semester begins August 14 and ends on December 14. Payment is due on first lesson of each month. Billing is computed on a flat-rate basis; the student pays for four lessons per Month, regardless of whether he/she has received 3 or 5 lessons.
Make Up Lessons:
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Lessons missed by the student: I will make up two missed lessons per semester. We will schedule these at our mutual convenience at the end of the semester, if not before. Make ups will not carry over from one semester to the next.
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Lessons missed by the Instructor: I will make up any regularly scheduled lesson which I miss.
No lessons taught during school holidays (Fall Break, Thanksgiving Holidays, etc.)