POLICY STATEMENT
Parking Policy
University parking policies apply between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Campus policy requires that each vehicle have a parking tag hanging on the rearview mirror. Parking tags for CMS parents and students can be obtained be visiting the University Police station. An official Visitor’s Pass for the semester will be given to each CMS parent free of charge.
CMS parents and students who park on campus during daytime university hours must use the Northeast Math lot, located adjacent to McClimans Hall at the entrance to Friendship Circle. Your parking tag will be specific to this lot.
Campus parking maps are available in the CMS office.
NOTE: If you currently have a SLU parking tag of any kind, you must that tag as a CMS parent of student. Visitor tags will only be assigned to those who are not currently enrolled as a SLU student or employed be the university.
In the Music Building
The Community Music School has two designated waiting areas, located on the second floor of the Pottle Annex. Parents and students are welcome to use these areas, along with the Student Lounge (also located on the second floor) when waiting for lessons.
CMS office hours are noon to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
We ask that students under age 12 be accompanied by an adult when in the music building, and that younger siblings not be left unattended in the CMS waiting areas. CMS students should always be accompanied by an adult after the CMS office is closed..
Lesson Preparation
CMS students should come to lessons each week will all necessary materials
We ask parents of CMS students under high school age to communicate with their child’s instructor on a regular basis regarding weekly assignments. Music assignments books can be helpful, and are available for purchase through local music stores.
If you have questions about the purchase of any music, or are having difficulty locating materials the instructor has requested, please contact the CMS office for assistance.
Missed Lessons
Two (2) makeup lessons per semester are available to CMS students who must miss a lesson due to illness or family emergency.
If a student must miss more than two lessons in one semester, tuition can be credited towards the following semester, provided these lessons are excused. CMS Instructors are not required to make up lessons for reasons other than those indicated above.
If you need to reschedule an upcoming lesson due to other reasons, please contact your instructor immediately.
If the student is ill, or there is a family emergency, please contact the CMS office before 3:00 p.m. on the day of the regularly scheduled lesson.
NOTE: If the instructor is not present for a regularly scheduled lesson and you have not been informed in advance, contact the CMS office immediately.
Instructor Assignment
The relationship between teacher and student is critical to the development of the musician. A primary goal of the Community Music School is to make certain that every student is carefully matched with their teacher.
Parents who are new the program (or adults who wish to study) are contacted by the CMS Director so that potential teachers can be discussed. Only after this has taken place will an instructor be assigned.
If for any reason you would like to request a change of instructor, please contact the CMS Director.
If a CMS instructor leaves the program, he/she will likely have a suitable recommendation for a replacement instructor.
Competitions
The Community Music School supports a variety of competitive events throughout the academic year. The Louisiana Music Teachers annual Rally, the DeBose Piano Competition, and the Guild Auditions (sponsored by the American College the Musicians) are three such events. These events differ significantly, and are not appropriate for all students.
CMS instructors carefully select students for participation in events such as these, and you will be contacted if your child’s teacher feels that the student would benefit from this kind of activity.
Organizational membership by the instructor is required in order for teachers to place students in some competitions.
Mid-Term Evaluations
Approximately midway through each semester, CMS instructors complete a Mid-Term Evaluation Form for each of their students. This form documents the materials the student is currently using, including technical and repertoire elements, as well as an overall instructor evaluation concerning areas of strength and weakness in the student’s progress.
Three (3) copies are made of this document: one for the CMS file, one for the teacher, and one for the parent. Upon receiving a copy of your child’s evaluation form, you may want to schedule a time to discuss certain issues with your child’s instructor.
If you do not receive a copy of the Mid-Term Evaluation Form, please inform the CMS office.
CLASSES AND ENSEMBLES
Classes
Elementary (age) Theory - two sections offered: beginning level/intermediate level. No placement evaluation required.
Middle School (age) Theory - two sections offered: beginning level/intermediate level. No placement evaluation required.
High School (age) Theory - two sections offered: beginning level/intermediate level. No placement evaluation required.
Adult Theory - one section offered: beginning level. No placement evaluation required.
Performance Classes - independent masterclasses for vocal, keyboard and instrumental students to be held approximately once per month, providing students with valuable feedback and input on their prepared performances. Accompanist provided for vocal and instrumental sessions.
NOTE: The above classes are designed as invaluable supplements to any student’s effective musical growth, and thus are included in the private lesson tuition.
Ensembles
CMS Choir - ages 11 and under, placement required.
CMS Chorale - ages 12 and over, placement required.
CMS String Orchestra - open to all string students.
NOTE: As with the theory and performance class offerings, participation in CMS ensembles is also included in the private lesson tuition.
Recitals
Each CMS student has many opportunities to participate in either a solo or ensemble public performance. If a student is involved in an ensemble, performance is obligatory. Solo recital performance is strongly encouraged, but not mandatory. There will be performance opportunities, both formal and casual, scheduled throughout the year available to all interested students.
In addition, students and parents should take advantage of the stellar quality of the SLU Music Department faculty and student performances. Along with providing excellent exposure to varying types of classical music repertoire, these occasions also afford CMS students additional artists from which to learn, apart from their individual teachers.