Policies and Procedures

SCHOOL YEAR

All classes, unless otherwise indicated, are based upon an academic year curriculum of 32 weeks. Students therefore are enrolled for the entire school year from September through June. (Please consult the yearly calendar for exact dates.)

Please note:

• Students taking private lessons in instruments or voice have 31 lessons plus one jury, which substitutes for one lesson in the spring semester.
• Suzuki string, recorder and flute students participate in several Performance Celebrations throughout the school year. Performance Celebrations substitute for regular classes and lessons.
• The Summer Session runs from July through August. There are select classes and lessons offered in the Spring semester.

Performance Opportunities
Students have the opportunity to perform at The Prep Center's traditional weekly recitals throughout the school year. The private teacher must give approval for the student to participate. In addition, students perform at community events and the annual Prep Center Perform-a-thon fundraiser.

Students enrolled at the Preparatory Center cannot be concurrently studying the same instrument or discipline at another institution, or with another private teacher, without the prior approval of the Director. Students are not permitted to change teachers or classes without the approval of the Director.

• It is the responsibility of the parent and/or student to notify the Director when problems arise, whether financial, instructional, or personal. Every effort will be made to respond to the needs of students and their parents.
• The Preparatory Center reserves the right to dismiss any student because of lack of interest or progress, frequent absence, frequent tardiness, behavioral problems, delinquency of fees, or failure to abide by the policies laid out here.
• The Preparatory Center reserves the right to dismiss a student in cases where their own behavior or that of a parent or guardian creates an unsafe or hostile environment for other students, parents, faculty, or staff.
• The Preparatory Center reserves the right to change a student's class level during the school year to ensure his or her proper development.
• The Preparatory Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, sex, ethnic origin, or religious beliefs in its admission, student aid, scholarship, or educational policies.
• The Preparatory Center reserves the right to cancel any class for which there is insufficient enrollment.

LOCATION OF LESSONS AND CLASSES

All Preparatory Center lessons and classes are held on the Brooklyn College campus. Locations of classrooms will be given at registration. The private teacher must give approval for the student to participate.

SCHEDULING OF LESSONS

Although we try to offer a schedule that is convenient to everyone, proper placement of the student is essential and must be given top priority. Any changes in schedules must be arranged through the office, not with the instructor.

MISSED LESSONS/CLASSES

Students must make every effort to be on time for all classes and lessons as a courtesy to the students who follow them, and to their teachers. In deference to subsequent lessons and classes, all activities will end at the scheduled time.

Student Absences
Students with private music lessons must inform both their private teachers and the Prep Center office of any anticipated absences. Notification does not, however, exempt the family from payment as contracted. Private teachers are not required to make up these absences.

Faculty Absences
If a teacher is absent, a make-up lesson will be arranged at a mutually convenient time. If the student then misses the make-up lesson, a second make-up lesson will not be arranged, and payment will be required, as in a regular student absence.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Brooklyn College requires that all students and parents/guardians carry an official Preparatory Center I.D. card for access to the campus. I.D. cards are available at the Prep Center Office. Lost cards will be replaced by the Prep Center.

The Preparatory Center cannot accept responsibility for children when they are not in class. To ensure a child's safety, the parent must accompany the child to the classroom door and be prepared to pick the child up promptly at the scheduled end of the class. Parents should notify the office if they are delayed in meeting their child. Faculty members are not permitted to escort children from one part of the campus to another.

PERFORMING ARTS EVENTS

Brooklyn College offers a variety of free and low-cost performing arts events at the College Conservatory of Music, Theater Department, and the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts (BCBC). Families are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to complement their child's performing arts education.

JURIES/STUDENT EVALUATIONS

Students enrolled in private lessons perform for a faculty committee (called a jury) once a year in the spring and receive written evaluations from them. In addition, families receive written reports for classes and private lessons to evaluate the student's progress through the school year. These evaluations assist in planning for the next academic year.

SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCIAL AID

The Preparatory Center's Financial Aid Program awards partial tuition assistance to returning students taking private lessons in instruments or voice. Assistance is based upon financial need. Merit scholarships are awarded to students taking individual instruction in an instrument or voice who show a strong commitment to their studies, exceptional progress, or achievement.This includes participation in student ensembles, musicianship classes, and Perform-a-thon fundraising.

Evaluation for merit scholarships and financial aid occurs at the end of each school year for the following season. Awards are based upon continuation in the student’s program from the previous year and may be altered if there is a program change.

EMERGENCY CLOSING

In the event of inclement weather, families should call the Brooklyn College Department of Public Safety (718-951-5511) or access the Brooklyn College website (http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/) after 6:30 a.m. on the day of classes.

OTHER EMERGENCIES

The Preparatory Center Office, located on the Brooklyn College campus, is at 234 Roosevelt Hall at 2900 Bedford Avenue, between Campus Drive and Avenue I. It is easily accessible by MTA bus or subway, or by car. Please contact the Prep Center Office for directions.