Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to submit your questions to infofcte@rogers.com or directly to our Director, Mr. Patrick Burroughs (at the same address and concerns will be forwarded to him). To contact Mr. Burroughs directly, please see the bottom of the newsletter. We will try to answer them in a timely fashion.
1. Why does my child need to have a private teacher?
This program is not and has never been considered a sole source of instruction for our students. It is designed, in keeping with Suzuki philosophy, to compliment the weekly private lesson. While we do provide beginning instruction in the Twinkle and Early Book 1a programs, by the time students are in mid Book I they should have a private teacher.
2. I am not sure I completely understand the fee structure. I have one violin student in Book 4 and one in Book 1. How much do I pay?
The basic family fee is always based on the fee for the highest level student in your family. In your case, the fee is $600 for the Book 4 student and $175 for the Book 1 student for a total of $775. If your children were in Books 1 and 2, you would pay $450 (basic family fee) for the book 1 child and and $175 for the second child for a total fee of $625. Third and fourth children are $100 each regardless of placement. Second child fee for a Book 3 and up students is $200.
3. I have three children in the program. They are in Books 6, Book 2 and Twinkle. Do I pay the basic fee plus a fee for each additional child.
Yes. You pay the basic fee for the highest level child, in this case the Book 6 child ($600) and the additional child fee of $175 for the Book 2 child. The third child (the twinkler) will cost an additional $100.
4. My book 3 child does not want to be in orchestra. Do I get a reduction in fees.
Sorry, no reduction. Fees permit each child access to the full program. While some students may want to opt out of part of the program, they are not able to "opt" out of that portion of the fees. We would not want to take a position away from a student who wanted the whole program. This would also have a negative impact on the revenue required to offer the full FCTE program. (think of it as ordering a delicious steak dinner but asking them to hold the vegetable of the day. You still pay the menu price for the dinner :-o) Alright not quite the same but you get the message.
5. It is April and my child has progressed quickly to the end of Book 1. I would like to move her to Book 2 now. Can I do that?
Each year we have parents who take it upon themselves to begin moving their children into new classes. Unfortunately, as your child has progressed, so has the Book 2 class. If the class were still at the beginning of book 2 it would provide a great opportunity for your child but in this instance, the class would (should) be too advanced for someone at beginning book 2 level. Class changes should be made through Pat, Irene or Mary Lou; the current class teacher; and the student's private teacher. If after this type of consultation, the movement is agreed to by the parent the child will be able to switch classes.
7. I have noticed that some students get to practice their solo material with pianists from the program on Saturday morning. Can I do that?
This gets to be a tricky issue at times. Often, as in this case, what is offered as a courtesy seems to become a right in some people's minds. . Priority for individual practice with one of our accompanists is allocated to students performing in the 10:30 recital. After those students have been taken care of, Pat and Irene prepare a list of soloists for each accompanist every Saturday. Lorie takes the list and herds the students off to the practice room at the appropriate time.
Parents should have their private teacher arrange for this practice time by submitting the students name to Pat or Irene. Lorie is bound by the list and cannot fit people in. You should also not arrange privately to meet with the accompanists for practice during Saturday program time. Their time is scheduled during Saturday mornings. Most families will need to meet with the accompanist of their choice at festival time. This is a service not covered by the program.
7. I am in a small ensemble. What time should I be there?
Small ensemble practice begins at 8:30 and should end at 9:20. You are welcome to begin at 8:15 but cannot go past the 9:20 finish time. If you are using a classroom, please be courteous to the FCTE classroom teacher and pack up at 9:20 so they can prepare for their classes.