Studio Policy - Kindermusik with Simone
Welcome to Kindermusik where music can help you celebrate the stages, not just the ages of your child’s development, where your child can grow without pressure to perform, only encouragement to explore, express and discover! I hope that your participation in the Kindermusik program will be an enriching and bonding experience for you and your child. At present I offer classes for four age groups :
Birth – 1 ½ years :
The Kindermusik Village Program - this is a place where life’s merry-go-round slows down to let you and your child share in the magical moments that happen through music, movement, touch and sounds. Through a variety of activities in which you interact with your child at his/her own developmental level, you will be given a peek inside your child’s miraculous little body and brain. These moments of discovery will help you understand how, with every tune and rhyme, with every tickle and whisper, with every song and peek-a-boo, you help unfold your baby’s natural gifts.
1 ½ - 3 years :
The Kindermusik “Our Time” Program - this provides a wonderful musical environment that capitalizes on each child’s enormous potential to learn and helps parents engage children in new and exciting ways through such activities as instrumental exploration, vocal play, movement and story time.
3 – 5 years :
The Kindermusik “Imagine That” Program - this program nurtures the budding creativity and individuality of your child, and enhances the overall learning process. This is accomplished through a remarkable blend of music, singing, movement, literature and imagination.
5 – 7 years :
The Kindermusik “Young Child” Program - Kindermusik for the Young Child is designed to provide readiness for the young child who is eager for first experiences with musical symbols and instrumental discovery. Few children are ready for formal lessons and traditional music reading at this point in their development. Children at this age are generally exuberant, enthusiastic and eager to explore. The need for a balance between times of vigorous activity and quiet time is addressed in each lesson. The Young child curriculum has carefully balanced the integration of listening, vocal development, movement and performing in instrumental ensemble.
Studio Policy
In order that we can work together in a mutually amicable way, it is important that you understand the policy of my Studio detailed below :
Registration
In order to reserve your child’s place in a class, please enclose a non-refundable deposit of $100.00 with your registration form. (Refunds will only be considered in the event of the cancellation of a class due to lack of the required number of students). You are encouraged to register early as this will ensure that I will have your child’s materials for you at your first class.
Payment of Fees
It is preferable that fees be paid in full at the commencement of the term. (Arrangements can be made in special circumstances for payment by instalment. Please contact me before the start of the term to arrange a mutually satisfactory payment schedule.) You can pay by cash or cheque (payable to “Kindermusik with Simone”).
Discounts :
Discounts are available for families where more than one child attends the same class. I will be happy to provide you with the current schedule.
Refunds
Tuition refunds will only be considered due to an unexpected family move or serious illness necessitating withdrawal from class, however I regret that refunds cannot be offered for opened materials. Any request for refunds will be considered on an individual basis.
Make-up classes
One make up class per term is built into my class schedule. Should you miss other weeks, you may be able to attend another class time (if available). Please note that often children find attending class on another day unsettling, and this is not recommended.
Non-enrolled siblings
Due to limited class sizes and unique class settings, I cannot accommodate non-enrolled siblings older than 7 months in the Village or Our Time classes. (Babies under 7 months should preferably be restrained in a baby-capsule or pram in order to minimise distractions.) It is best for a parent to bring only the enrolled children to class in order to give full attention to that child and fully participate in class.
Free Visits
At certain times, and by prior arrangement I am happy to schedule free visits in my classes for prospective families and friends of those families currently enrolled in class. Please call me on 9888 7637 to arrange a mutually convenient time.
Adult visitors
We do not have a “one child – one adult” policy but Mothers, Fathers , Grandparents, any special Aunty, Uncle or friend of the child are welcome to participate in classes. Please inform me in advance if more than one person is coming with the child, so that I can have enough instruments for everyone.
Arrival Time
Please arrive about 5 – 10 minutes early in order to get full value from the class. You will find that you and your child will settle much better if you have time to relax before the commencement of the class.
Absence
If you are not able to bring your child to a class, I would appreciate being informed the night before or early in the morning on the day on which the class is being held. You can reach me on my mobile phone 0419 346 202.
Dress
Please wear comfortable clothes, in which you can move freely. It is best to experience a Kindermusik class without shoes, so you will be asked to remove them before the start of the class. In winter it is advisable to wear non-slip slipper socks.
What to bring/what not to bring
In order not to distract other children in the class, please keep toys, juice cups and snacks out of sight in the classroom. Please switch your mobile phone off! Parents participating in the “Village” class are asked to bring a rug or towel for their lap babies.
Illness
If your baby or child is ill, the best place to be is home! You can always make up the class you missed at the end of term.
Interaction in a group setting
Many parents tell us that they see a completely different child at home as they share Kindermusik activities there. Its okay if your child is hesitant in the group environment. If your child cannot focus on the present activity – don’t worry, but do actively attempt to help him refocus or quietly engage him in participating in his own way.
If your child becomes disruptive (crying, screaming, running – it happens to all of us!) please try to gently redirect his/her attention or step outside the classroom to give your child a moment to calm down. Do come back in as soon as you can.
Making the Most of Kindermusik Classes
The parents in our program are a very important part of the success of the Kindermusik curriculum. There is some wonderful information included with your child’s materials that provides an explanation of the Kindermusik philosophy and offers helpful suggestions for both in class and at home. I encourage you to read over this information thoroughly.
You and your child will benefit enormously from the Kindermusik experience, especially if you make active use of your At Home materials. Often reinforcement at home during the week makes all the difference in a child’s comfort and participation in the classroom.