VAM 2017 2018 Theory Lesson Policy

LESSON ATTENDANCE
1. Lateness

Tardiness by the student will not result in an extended lesson time or tuition refund. The
instructor may choose to extend the lesson at his/her discretion only if time permits.

2. Student Absences
Missed lessons by the student will only be made up under special circumstances at the
discretion of the teacher.

3. Instructor Absences
If an instructor is absent, every effort will be made to reschedule the lesson at a time
that is suitable for both the instructor and student. If the instructor is unable to make up
a lesson, the student will receive a refund or credit to be applied to future lessons or
classes.

EXAMINATIONS
Students will be prepared for theoretical examinations, via Royal Conservatory of Music
or other system. Exam fees and registrations are not included as part of tuition, and will
be the responsibility of the student. Realistic timelines for achievement of desired exam
credential(s) will be determined by the teacher. The instructor is also happy to teach
students who wish to study music theory/history for personal pleasure.

Successful completion of theoretical examinations in a timely manner is dependent of

regular attendance of all scheduled classes and completion of assigned homework. As a
general rule, students who miss more than three (3) classes will be strongly suggested to
defer the examination to a later date, until the missed class time can be made up. RCM
exams are held three (3) times a year, in May, August and December.

HOMEWORK
Most theory and history courses are of an equivalent scope, in depth and breadth of
content, to a single semester or longer university course. Students should expect to be
assigned homework, which is to be completed during the week in between lessons.
While the amount of homework assigned per week with inevitably vary with subject
studied, as well as the examination timelines, students can expect upwards of four
hours1 of homework each week, especially as the examination date approaches.

1 Based on guidelines suggested by the Faculty of Liberal Arts at Carnegie Mellon University and University of
Iowa.
Students not taking an examinations may choose to have different homework
expectations, which will be determined in consultation with the instructor.
MATERIALS
A list of required materials will be distributed by the teacher. Materials must be
purchased prior to the first lesson, and brought to each class. Certain materials may be
available for purchase at the VAM bookstore. Please enquire with the front office for
more information.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Parents are encouraged to keep involved with their childs progress throughout the
semester. Parents are welcome to sit-in during lessons, and may be required to be
present at the lessons, especially for younger students.

STAYING IN TOUCH
Consistent communication between teacher, student and/or parent is essential. Please
do not hesitate to bring up any questions you may have during the lesson. Please not
that questions asked at the end of the lesson may not necessarily be answered, in
respect of ensuring the that next student receives his or her lesson on time. As the
instructor does not respond to email or phone calls during the lesson, messages received
outside of the designated lesson time will be returned as soon as the instructors
schedule permits.

STUDENT PARENT TEACHER AGREEMENT

____________________________________________ (student name) will be

prepared for the theoretical/history exam _______________________________, which will be

written during the ___________________examination session.

____________________________________________ (student name) can expect to receive

upwards of ______________________________ hours of weekly homework, to be completed at

home, in order to make sufficient progress towards the theoretical/history exam

_______________________, which will be written during the ______________________

examination session.

Student
Signature:
Parent
Signature:

Teacher
Signature:

Date: