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Fine Arts Academy >
FA FAQ
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| What is the Fine Arts Academy? |
The Fine Arts Academy is a program that provides private voice and instrumental lessons as well as group classes in art, dance, and drama. It is an extention of Village Christian Schools, available not only to its students, but also to the community. Currently, we have over fifteen teachers, offering all kinds of visual and performing arts classes when school is not in session. For a complete list of options, click on the Classes link on the Home Page. |
What age would you recommend students join the Academy? |
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For children, starting at the right age is a key element to their success. When children begin too soon, they may feel overwhelmed and frustrated and want to stop. Sometimes progress can be much faster if the child waits a year or two.
These are the grade levels we suggest:
Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . all grade levels
Piano, guitar, and violin . . . . . . . . . . 2nd grade
Brass and woodwinds . . . . . . . . . . 4th grade
Stringed bass and bass guitar . . . . 5th grade
The Art, Dance, and Drama classes are available to all grades, ages, and experience.
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How do I get started? |
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The first step is to contact the Academy Director who can answer any questions you may have about about procedures or availability. Then you will need to register. A Registration Form can be found on the Home Page of this website or in the Central or Elementary Offices. Just fill out the information legibly and return that form to one of those offices. A $28 registration fee will be billed to you.
Once a Registration Form is collected, you will be able to start lessons. Private lessons may be joined at any time, but group classes need to start at the beginning of a six-week billing session.
For more detailed information, click on the Academy Policies section of this webiste or feel free to contact the Academy Director at johnb@villagechristian.org or by phone at (818) 767-8382 ext 284.
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How does the billing work? |
The teachers keep an Attendance Sheet for each class. On it, they keep track of every payable absence and cancellation. Every four weeks that sheet is sent to the billing office to be processed.
It is very unusual for the four week cycle to land exactly within the weeks of a single month. Usually it starts half-way through one month and ends half-way through the next. Even though your statement might say NOVEMBER, you may be being billed for mid August to mid September. Please look very carefully at the dates on the invoice.
You will never be billed BEFORE a lesson has been taken. |
How do I cancel a lesson? |
After your registration is processed, you will receive an e-mail or a phone call with the contact information for your teacher. If you do not yet have that information, each teacher's e-mail address is listed on his/her webpage. You should cancel directly with them. You may also call or e-mail the Academy Director from this website, though there is no guarantee he will get the message to the teacher in time.
Cancelations need to be given within 24 hours of the lessons. If not, you will be responsible to pay for that lesson. The extra time allows our teachers to make up lessons with other students rather than wasting a half hour.
Try to keep track of your cancellations. If a serious emergency occurs on the day of the lesson, you obviously won’t be billed. Birthday parties, vacations, and doctor’s appointments are not serious. Those days should be cancelled in advance of the lesson. |
How do I withdraw from the Academy? |
Please alert your teacher or the Academy Director if you want to withdraw from lessons. If you just stop showing up, you will continue to be charged. Withrawals need to be communicated in writing. An e-mail is fine.
Dance and Drama withdrawals must happen at the end of a billing session. Please contact the Director for those dates. |
Where do I find specific information about classtimes and rooms? |
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To find specific information about rooms and schedules, go to the Classes link and click on the program you're interested in. The information should be listed. If you don't see the information you need, click on the e-mail address of the instructor or contact the Academy Director.
Do to the constant influx of students, it is impossible to post a list of the private student times without changing it constantly. The best way to find availability for private lessons is to contact the teacher directly or ask the Academy Director.
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When can I see the students perform?
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The Fine Arts Academy provides plenty of performance opportunities throughout the year like shows, recitals, and festivals. These events are encouraged, but not mandatory. For a complete list, choose the Events link on the Home Page.
At these events, students will be exposed to a great variety of arts while learning how to stand in front of an audience and perform. Even if the student chooses not to continue his/her lessons, learning discipline and how to develop confidence in front of people can be invaluable in the future.
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How can I maximize my investment? |
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Teachers cannot force students to improve, they only give information and development strategies. It requires practice on the part of the student--hours and hours of practice. It also requires cooperation and help from the parents. The amount invested by the parents and students will give you the most bang for your buck. You're not paying $30 for 30 minutes, you're paying $30 for a week of development. Milk it!
Most children do not like to practice. This is normal. Sometimes it's just a lack of interest in the instrument. Others may need a new challenge to motivate them. Some may find the mental and physical excercise too strenuous. It is important to communicate with your child to discover what may be causing the lack of interest.
In most cases, however, the student wants to learn, but can't seem to find enough time to practice. Just like any other life enhancer, a simple desire is not enough. Practice time needs to be scheduled. Plan a regular, consistent practice time, make it a daily schedule, and stick to it. Make sure the practice information from your instructor is clear so that there is no confusion during the practice time. Make it as much a routine as food, homework, and showers. If that happens, you'll be amazed at how quickly they learn and how much more willing they are to work.
As a staff, we encourage practice by planning events and preparing the students to participate. You may also set goals for your kids and little motivations. But be careful--you don't want them to quit as soon as you stop paying!
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