[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Group Lesson Policies” txt_align=”center” style=”flat” color=”purple” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Register for Classes” btn_style=”classic” btn_color=”info” btn_align=”center” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fgriffintheatre.org%2Fclasses|title:Classes|target:%20_blank|”][/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1590674936002{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text]
ENROLLMENT/TUITION:
A student is not enrolled until the initial registration deposit has been made. Payment is due in advance and must be submitted to the Theatre before the first scheduled class.
Tuition is non-refundable and must be paid via electronic payment either in full at registration or via monthly payments with a credit card on file. If a student’s payment is not successfully completed (ex. if credit card is declined), the Griffin Theatre reserves the right to suspend and/or cancel the class registration for the student, which may result in the student’s space in class being forfeited.
Payment is expected for the entire class run, whether a student attends classes or not. We have a minimum registration threshold for each class, thus full payment must be made for all registered students, regardless of attendance. This includes illness, holidays, vacations, etc.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
STUDENT PROGRESS:
Things that are important to see your child progress and improve in group classes. The answer is largely determined by four factors: 1) communication, 2) attendance, 3) practice, and 4) support.
Communication
This is possibly the biggest key to success in lessons at The Griffin Theatre. Keeping communication open between students and instructors allows instructors to be able to continue engaging the student in the learning process.
At the Griffin Theatre we dream of every student experiencing the joy and passion that comes with expressing themselves in the arts, learning their craft proficiently and becoming a success in their own right. So we need to know what success in your musical and theatrical studies means to you! For some students group lessons are simply a part of a well-rounded education, for other students they provide a creative outlet, and for others they may be a fun activity or a way to build self-esteem, and yet for others they provide the foundation for professional pursuits. We are profoundly interested in what each student wants to accomplish through group lessons, so that we can tailor lessons to best suit all of our students!
Attendance
Consistency is very important in the study of all disciplines. We certainly understand that there are schedule conflicts from time to time, and that occasionally, missed classes are to be expected. However, it is also important to understand that regular attendance is crucial to a student’s engagement in the learning process and development as an artist.
Practice
It is important to understand that the amount of time that a student practices between classes is a large factor in determining his or her growth. The bulk of a student’s progress is not typically made during the weekly classes – rather during the days following as the student puts into practice what he or she has learned in class.
Support
Another important piece of a student’s progress is the support he or she receives at home. We want to partner with you to support the success of your classes. We do so by having instructors who are encouraging, patient, and positive in their approach. We also do so by providing fun, unique opportunities to learn, create and perform.
The remaining crucial piece of this support structure happens at home. It is important for parents (of non-adult students) to understand that practice time should be scheduled into a student’s routine. Otherwise, it often will not happen. It is also important to present this practicing in a positive light, as opposed to that of a chore.
Our instructors also actively look for ways to encourage students to practice, by working with them on things that they are inspired or motivated by. As always, we encourage your communication with us in this matter – if you know of something that we can do to better engage your student, please let us know!
MISSED/CANCELLED/TARDY LESSONS:
Because our group lessons have a limited number of class sessions before the final performance, no make-ups will be scheduled, or credits/refunds will be issued for student’s absence or tardiness, for any reason. Our instructors will do their best to record materials that were learned during class and get that information to you or your child so they do not get behind.
In the event that a student anticipates an absence, he or she may notify The Griffin Theatre any of the following ways (whichever is most convenient for you!):
1) By phone,(302-202-8440 ext 203)
2) By email (info@griffintheatre.org) or
3) By text (302-202-8440)
In the event a class must be cancelled by the studio for any reason (weather, instructor illness, etc), we will do our best to reschedule those classes, as studio space and instructor availability allows.
WITHDRAWING FROM CLASSES:
If a student withdraws from a group class before the full course has completed, all monthly payment plans will be processed as agreed to at registration. No refunds or credits will be given.
SUPPLIES:
Students will be advised of the supplies/materials (method books, accompaniment tracks, sheet music, dance attire, shoes,etc.) required for their class, and where they may purchase them. Students are responsible for purchasing these materials and for bringing the appropriate materials to each class.
CONTACT INFORMATION & E-MAIL USE:
We use email as our primary way of communicating with students/ parents. If a student changes his or her email address, it is important to notify The Griffin Theatre as soon as possible. If The Griffin Theatre does not have a correct email address on file, students may miss important notices regarding recitals, studio closings, etc. so it is very important that The Griffin Theatre has the best email address for students on file. Students should also advise The Griffin Theatre if other contact information (phone number(s), address, etc.) changes.
Students may need to add our email address as an allowed sender to his or her email, so that a spam filter does not catch The Griffin Theatre’s emails. If you do not receive regular emails from us regarding studio events (performance opportunities, studio closures, etc.), please let us know!
HOLIDAYS:
The studio is closed Christmas week and Thanksgiving week. In addition, the studio is closed on each of the following holidays:
New Year’s Eve • New Year’s Day • Memorial Day • Independence Day • Labor Day
All dates for group classes will be outlined on the registration site. Please make note of these dates on your calendar, as many schools and businesses observe additional holidays (e.g., MLK, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, etc.). We do NOT follow the public school schedules. Please do not assume The Griffin Theatre is closed because public schools or other businesses are.
INCLEMENT WEATHER CLOSURES:
Because the weather can change significantly from morning to evening, and because we keep hours that are generally opposite of school hours, we do not follow the closing schedules of local schools.
We make an independent decision regarding whether to close in cases where the weather and/or the roads pose a threat to our staff and students. If we close the studio due to weather, we will notify affected students via email, and will do our best to reschedule missed classes (as studio and instructor availability allows).
OUR INSTRUCTORS:
The Griffin Theatre reserves the right to substitute and/or change an instructor at any time. The Griffin Theatre takes care of all of the administrative aspects of the lessons, including payment, scheduling, etc. We ask students to keep this in mind when working with the instructors. If a student has any question about his or her account, about scheduling or anything administrative in nature, we ask that the student contact The Griffin Theatre by phone or email, or to talk with our admin in person concerning any questions. This allows instructors to focus on what they do best – teaching!
PHOTOS & VIDEO:
From time-to-time, we take photos and video of students at performances or in lessons, for use in our online or print marketing. If you prefer that we not use your (or your child’s) likeness, please email us at info@griffintheare.org and we will happily honor your request.
SUBJECT TO CHANGE:
All of the policies herein are subject to change at our discretion.
MOST IMPORTANTLY:
Have fun learning! We are really excited about every student who joins The Griffin Theatre. We value every relationship, and hope that you will let us know if there is anything we can do to ensure you have a great experience with us!
QUESTIONS?
We always welcome any questions you have. Simply call or email us and we’ll be happy to help![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]