The Entertainers Music School

ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to attend all sessions on time, technical and other difficulties not withstanding.  However, we understand that there are times when things may go array and so a wait-time of 10 minutes at the start of class, often to accmommodate the previous student’s issues is not uncommon. 

Parents are not expected to attend each session but they may sit in as they desire out of range of the camera when online, and only in the specified waiting areas at the studio. Unless there is a specific and urgent problem, family members are asked not to disturb the session.


STUDENT STATUS

  • TRIAL students are those who have just started and are deciding whether the EMS Studio is the right fit for them.  Therefore all new students are placed on Trial which may last for 3-6 months based on attendance, progress and financial obligations. Persons on trial are not included in the WhatsApp groups.
  • ACTIVE students have completed their trial process and  have access to appropriate WhatsApp groups.
  • INACTIVE students no longer have access to any of the EMS apps or WhatsApp groups.
  • WAITING Students are on a wait-list for entrance to the Studio Programme.  We currently have slots for 16 students only.
  • LEAD students have expressed interest but not yet registered or started classes.


MAKE-UP SESSIONS

These will be scheduled at the mutual agreement of the teacher and client, subject to the availablility of open session slots


PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS

Students are ecpected to practice no less than 15 minutes daily ON EACH INSTRUMENT.  They should also do at least one page of theory in their workbooks each week.

Please bear in mind that playing an instrument is a skill and therefore the more you practice the better you become.  Students (and their parents) with a vision of musical dexterity should be prepared to put in many hours of instrumental practice.

 

COMMUNICATION

Students can communicate with the studio via its email address or phone number as listed on this document.  If they wish to write formally to the studio, please address all communication to Maureen Clement, Director. For quick communication they may utilize the Whatsapp groups, once the communication is not of a personal nature.  Please whatsapp the director privately on the studio number for personal matters.  Students and Parents are only added to the WhatsApp groups after they complete their Trial period of 3-6 months.


INSTRUMENT SPECIFICATIONS

Each student must have their own principal instrument for daily practice and study.  Please note the following:

  • Pianos can be acoustic or digital. Digital pianos must have weighted keys and should preferably have 88 keys, although beginners may use a 61 key instrument.
  • Guitars must have nylon strings and be acoustic guitars
  • Tenor pans should start from Low C
  • Violins must have fine tuners on all strings
  • Short-term loans of instruments are sometimes available.  Please enquire at the studio

 

LOANS

Students are expected to return loaned instruments or books in the condition in which they received them.  It is understood that there would be slight wear and tear with continued use.  However, broken, misplaced, or abused instruments will have to be replaced by the student.  

 

RECITAL PROCEDURES

Students are expected to perform at studio recitals which are usually held twice each year.  They must also have appropriate concert wear as required and be present and punctual at recitals if live, or turn in recital recordings before the expected deadlines.

Recital repertoire is the sole responsibility of the studio staff.  Any concerns with repertoire or suggestions for repertoire must be passed through the studio, with the understanding that the studio has the final say on the matter.

 

STUDIO EVENTS

From time to time the studio holds non-performance events such as quizzes, fund-raisers and other enriching experiences.  Students who are invited to attend these events should consider it a privilege, however these events are usually optional.


TUITION

Tuition can be done either virtually via video conferencing or in-person at the studio or a combination of both.  Students are billed for sessions attended.

Students are generally scheduled for 1 weekly session unless there is need for further instruction because of impending deadlines. 

Each session usually includes 15 minutes per instrument and 15 minutes for theory (unless this is done separately), although this may vary according to the student’s needs. Rehearsals for recitals, concerts or festivals and recordings do not form part of regular tuition and will be billed separately.

 

PAYMENTS

At the end of each month an invoice will be prepared that will include the number of sessions attended and the total owed, amount paid and balances brought forward, as well as all fees.

Please call the studio for payment information

 

MISSED PAYMENTS

Unpaid monthly payments are included in the new invoice as BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD.

It is expected that invoices will be cleared monthly and that there is no pending balance brought forward for more than two months.  Please call the studio if there are pressing financial issues that prevent the resolution of your invoice in a timely manner.  After 6 months of missed payments, students will be removed from the ongoing schedule.

 

TERMINATION OF CLASSES

EMS reserves the right to terminate classes with a 3 month notification.  Likewise, students (or parents) may terminate their association with EMS by giving written notice of  3 months.


CANCELLATION POLICY

Sessions cancelled by the EMS Studio Staff will bear no charge and a make-up session will be automatically provided.  Where the cancellation is made by the student, the following will apply.

  • Cancellation at least 1 hour before class - no charge
  • Cancellation less than 1 hour before class - 50% of session fee
  • No prior cancellation - 100% session fee


FEES

For 2023 the following fees will apply.

  • REGULAR TUITION: Currently $25 per instrument and $25 for examination theory, per session
  • TECHNOLOGY FEE: This is charged annually for digital access to the websites and apps that students are required to access.  The 2023 technology fee is $350 TT or $50 US for each student. Several options are provided for ease of payment. Please contact the EMS Office for more information. The following apps are covered by the Technology Fee.
    • MyMusicStaff
    • Noteflight Learn
    • SoundSlice
    • Flat
  • EXAMINATION FEE: Charged in accordance with relevant examination syllabi and fee structures.  This will vary by grade and by Examination Body.  Currently we offer the following examinations...
    • Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Practical and Theory Grades 1-8
    • Trinity College Theory Grades 6-8
    • UWI Department of Creative & Festival Arts (DCFA) Practical Steelpan Grades 1-8
  • FESTIVAL FEE: Charged according to number and type of classes entered.  This will vary for each student and will be communicated to them in advance of Festival registration for their confirmation and if needed, parental consent.
  • MISCELLANEOUS FEE: These will be prescribed as they become necessary, and may include contributions to recitals or for uniforms or the purchase of other musical items as discussed on the Music Parents WhatsApp chat.