Studio Behavior:

• Students are asked to arrive at least 5 minutes before lessons, hang up any wraps, use bathroom, WASH HANDS, file fingernails, rosin bow (if needed) and have all supplies ready to use by the start of the lesson time.
• One parent or adult caregiver is asked to attend all lessons of children up through age 11.
• Observers are always welcome in the teaching areas provided there is no talking or moving about.
• Family members and friends are welcome to sit in the reception area where quiet conversation and non-noisy activities may be pursued.
• Family members and friends wishing to make more sound and motion than the above guidelines are invited to do so outside.
• Parents or adult caregivers are asked to be responsible for their children at all times.

Missed Lessons:

• Lessons missed by the teacher for any reason will be made up.
• Students will be allowed to make up one excused lesson each semester. If student must miss a lesson and the school has been notified, the student will be put on a make-up list. Make-up weeks are scheduled the last week of each semester.
• Any student with two unexcused absences is subject to dismissal.
• No portion of tuition, paid or outstanding, will be refunded or canceled because of absence, dismissal or withdrawal of the student unless written notice of withdrawal is received by the Director within 3 weeks of the start of each semester.

Supplies for lessons on string instruments:

Because it is so difficult to give lessons to students who have left supplies at home, parents are asked to take responsibility for getting ALL lesson supplies to every lesson. Teachers may be asked for help in supplying a list of required supplies but may not be expected to give a lesson to a student with inadequate supplies.
 

Supplies Required:

• As good an instrument as you can afford, in good repair.
• As good a bow as you can afford, in good repair.  (Please make a date with your favorite repairman to have your instrument and bow given an annual check-up and restoration).
• A cake of rosin.
• A non-slip shoulder pad for violin or viola or a non-slip device for cello and bass end-pins.
• A small, soft, clean cloth for removing rosin dust after every use of the instrument.
• A spare set of all four strings for your instrument.
• All four fine tuners installed on your instrument until tuning is easy for you.
• A safe case that protects your instrument and bow and closes securely.
• A metronome to be used at home.
• Suzuki recording of current pieces being studied to be used at home.
• Folding music stand for home use. (This is optional, but highly recommended).
• All music books currently in use.
• Lesson notebook.
• A bag or case for music and supplies.

Dress Code:

Students will be informed about appropriate clothing to be worn for performances. We take pride in having our performers look as well as sound good.
 

Recital Audience Conduct

• Enter or leave auditorium before or between pieces only.
• Sit quietly (no talking or moving about) during performances.
• Little people who are uncomfortable being quiet should be taken out of the auditorium so others may not be disturbed.

Snow Policy

• In the event of snow, please call the director at (410) 857-4748 to check for cancellations.

The Parent's Role

Dr. Shinichi Suzuki has taught teachers around the world that amazing results from very young children can be enjoyed if parent, teacher, and child can all work together. At the Carroll County String Project, one adult member of the household that includes a young music student ages 3 to 7 is taught how to be the home teacher six days a week. Both adult and child will learn from the professional teacher on the seventh day.

Even though the role of parent as teacher is crucial in the success of so-called Early Childhood Education, the child of 8 or 9 years of age is usually capable of much self-motivation and more capable of working without constant involvement of the parents. Parents are still depended upon to provide 1) a regularly scheduled time and place for daily application of the lesson assignments; 2) positive encouragement and reinforcement of the student's efforts; 3) arrangement for the student to listen repeatedly to excellent examples of performances on their chosen instrument; and of course 4)the funds and transportation to enable the student to take lessons.

The early teen-age student usually prefers to work independently and will be asked to take increasing responsibility for lesson preparation. From age 11 on, students will be encouraged to work alone and parents will be urged to allow this transition to take place. By the time a student has reached age 13, parents may drop off the student during lesson time. Some older teenagers may be able to travel to lessons unattended.
 

Nondiscrimination Policy:

The Carroll County String Project (CCSP) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic origin, or religious beliefs in its admission, student aid, scholarship, or other educational policies. The school’s policy of providing equal opportunity for faculty, students, and staff insists that present and prospective members of the music community be judged solely on criteria relating to credentials and academic or job performance.

Picture Permission:

The CCSP reserves the right from time to time to take photographs or video of faculty, staff, and students engaged in teaching, rehearsals, performance, and other activities for use in publications such as catalogs, posters, fliers, advertising, and brochures as well as on the website. Faculty, students, and staff who do not wish their photographs to be used in this manner, should contact the director and register their wishes in writing.