SCA Music Lessons Program
Policies and Procedures for Parents
2015-2016
Registration
New and returning music lesson students should submit the registration form and payment to the director of the SCA Private Music Lessons Program (see contact information below). Payments may be made by check or cash to Overbrook School for the annual fee or you may pay by semester. If you choose to pay in two installments the 2nd semester payment is due by December 1. Registration forms are available on website at www.overbrook.edu or www.stcecilia.edu. The registration forms will provide the due date for each semester and registration is first-come, first-served. Upon receipt of the registration form and payment (check or cash), students will be contacted to schedule a lesson time that is agreeable to the classroom teacher, the parent, and the private music teacher. Any occasional
purchase of extra materials (advised by the teacher) for class (sheet music, books, accessories etc.,) are the financial responsibility of the parent and are not included in the tuition.
Once a student has received the first lesson of a semester, the parent is financially responsible for the full semester of lessons. Tuition is non-refundable. (Please see withdrawal procedure below).
Please submit registration form and payment to:
Ellen Fernandez, Director of OS Non-Athletic After School Programs and SCA Private Music Lessons Overbrook School, 4210 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205
(615) 292-5134 ext. 3257
Location of Program
The music rooms are located at St. Cecilia Academy, 4210 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205. The entrance is at the side door of St. Cecilia Academy across from the side of the White House. There is a door bell for your convenience and will be answered if the instructor has arrived.
Withdrawal
If withdrawal is requested it should be submitted before the first lesson. Please submit this notice to Ellen Fernández, Director of Non-Athletic After School Programs and a copy to your child’s music instructor. You will be reimbursed less a $50 withdrawal fee.
Recommended ages/grades for successful musical study
Suzuki violin - ages 4 years old – 12th grades
Piano - kindergarten – 12th grades (kindergarten with parental participation)
Cello – 3rd – 12th
Guitar - 2nd – 12th grades
Clarinet - 4th – 12th grades
Songwriting - Group junior high – 6th – 8th
Trumpet – 3rd – 12th
Ukulele - Group – 2nd – 4th grades
Voice - Private - 9th – 12th grades (enrollment for 6th – 8th grades by permission of instructor/contact director, Ellen Fernandez to schedule an appointment with Ms. Stephanie Nolan)
Voice - Group - 6th – 8th grades
PARENT OBSERVATION OF LESSONS
Some of the program instructors encourage parents of Overbrook students to escort their students to lessons and observe whenever possible. Parental involvement makes a tremendous difference in student progress. Parents of beginning Suzuki violin students are required to attend private lessons.
Overbrook Students
Lessons during school day hours
If a parent is unable to be present at the lesson during the school day hours, the teacher will escort the Overbrook student to and from the lesson (only during school hours). Junior High (6th – 8th grade) students are allowed to walk to lessons unescorted.
After school hours
Parents should bring and pick-up their child for music lessons after school hours. If your child is in ExtendedCARE you should make special arrangements with the music teacher to come to the
ExtendedCARE desk at Overbrook to check out your child. Students are not permitted to walk alone to music lessons. ExtendedCARE will expect the return of your child escorted by the music teacher. If you plan to pick up your child after the music lesson you should notify ExtendedCARE by calling (615) 294-7873. If your child’s lesson is 30 minutes to an hour after school and you do not plan to pick up and bring your child back for the lesson, then your child must check-in at ExtendedCARE, and fees apply. Please notify the Director of ExtendedCARE if you need this service.
St. Cecilia Academy Students
St. Cecilia students are to report to the music studio at the agreed upon time. If lessons occur during study hall, SCA students will need to let their study hall teacher know about their weekly lesson time.
Instructor Contact Information
Your child’s private/group lesson teacher will contact you with the details at the beginning of the school year. You will be provided complete contact information at this time. The Parent Policies and
Procedures is available on the Overbrook and SCA websites.
Materials
All student instruments should be in good working order. If needed, your child’s instructor can suggest local rental possibilities. As advised by the teacher, all students will occasionally need to purchase books or accessories. Please make these purchases in a timely manner.
Make up Lessons
Students will not receive makeup lessons for classes missed by the student for any reason except for when a lesson needs to be cancelled by the parent due to a field trip or necessary function required of the school during the school day. The parent/student needs to contact the instructor if the student will miss a lesson for this reason. The instructor does not have this information. This notification should be given at least one week in advance to the instructor.
All lessons missed by the teacher will be made up. Snow days will also be made up. The instructor will not have students scheduled for a class on a school holiday.
If the instructor cannot teach due to students leaving instruments or materials at home, then the
instructor is not required to reschedule the class. This will be logged by the instructor as a taught lesson. The students must learn responsibility and be prepared for all lessons. We appreciate your cooperation with these policies for makeup lessons.
Practice Expectations/Student Progress
Every private music student is expected to adequately prepare for lessons. Each parent should help make purposeful practice a normal and regular routine for their child. Teachers assign specific goals and assignments for practice. Progress is the goal for each student. Regular practice (requested by the individual instructor) should ensure that goals are met by the student. If you are unsure about practice expectations or assignments, please contact the instructor for more clarification
SCA MUSIC LESSONS PROGRAM
Director, Ellen Fernández @ [email protected](615) 292-5134, ext. 257
Overbrook School, 4210 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205
CELLO
Grades 3 – 12
Private cello lessons are available for students who desire an instrument that can be played in an orchestra and in the context of solo performance. The student will be expected to learn how to read music notation for the cello, how to maintain and care for the instrument and the bow, and how to best use the bow. As the student develops reading comprehension for the cello, I will encourage more varied and concentrated melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic development. The cello is a beautiful instrument and one of the most soulful instruments of the orchestra. The student will be expected to treat it as such and develop a passion for the execution of its inherent musical beauty.
30 minute lessons $475 each semester 45 minute lessons $625 each semester
Sessions run 15 weeks each semester
Instructor:
John Pennell
- Mr. Pennell will be teaching cello (solo and orchestral), and trumpet (all styles) in the private music program. He will also be available to teach guitar and piano, if any of the current teachers for those instruments reach capacity. He is also capable of teaching double bass (jazz, orchestral, bluegrass/country, blues and rock), electric bass (jazz, blues, rock and country) and Ukulele (all styles). He has a musical history as a teacher, performer and songwriter/composer. Please contact the director of private music lessons, Ellen Fernandez, if your child has interest taking private lessons in double bass, electric bass or Ukulele @ 292-5134 ext. 3257.Mr. Pennell was born and raised on a farm in east central Illinois two hours south of Chicago. He went to kindergarten, grade school and high school there and from which he began his 'musical journey' and education. His first instrument was the trumpet, which he began playing in the 5th grade and continues to play and teach today. While in high school, he began learning the guitar (thanks largely to the
influence of The Beatles) and has continued to play the instrument for the past 40 years. He plays both 'flat picked' and 'finger picked' techniques and has studied classical guitar in college. John was the bassist (upright and electric) in the early career of fiddler/vocalist Alison Krauss and has contributed several songs to her live stage performances and studio albums.
He has earned his performance income largely from playing the double bass in various jazz, blues, bluegrass, and country ensembles.
Mr. Pennell has a Bachelor of Science degree in education (So. Il Univ.,). A Bachelor of Music degree in Theory and Composition/minor: classical guitar (Az. St. Univ.) and a Master of Music degree in Theory and Composition from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. As an educator, he has taught in
several public schools in Illinois as a music teacher substitute, as a guitar instructor (6 years) at Parkland Jr. College in Champaign, Ill, and several years as a private music teacher in both Illinois and in
Tennessee. Currently, he is teaching music at Family Christian Academy (since 2011) PreK-12, and now, as private instrumental music instructor at Overbrook School.
CLARINET
Grades 4 - 12
Clarinet lessons are open to beginners as well as those who have experience playing the clarinet. Technique, tone, and music theory are emphasized.Students will need to have their own clarinet and accessories
30 minute lesson: $475 each semester 45 minute lesson: $625 each semester Sessions run 15 weeks each semester
(Instructor must approve student for a 45 minute lesson)
Instructor:
Katherine Morrice holds a bachelor’s of music in clarinet performance from North Carolina School of
the Arts and a master’s degree of music from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She was the graduate teaching assistant for clarinet at UMass and taught both the clarinet techniques class to undergraduates and private lessons. Katherine was a co-founder of the Overbrook band and is currently the Overbrook Band Director as well as the K-5 Spanish teacher. She is the principal clarinetist of the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra.GUITAR
Grades 2 - 12
Private guitar lessons are available in any style: classical, jazz, country, blues and other popular styles. The parent or student may select their choice of stylistic focus. In addition to developing proficiency with guitar, students will focus on the overall enjoyment and understanding of music. Lessons focus on the essential techniques and skills of guitar playing in a student-centered environment. In exploring melodies and chords, students will read guitar music, chord symbols, guitar tablature, and learn theoretical foundations of music theory.
Students are accepted as young as second grade. The 15-week semester includes one weekly private lesson. A minimum of 30 minutes of daily practice time is suggested to prepare for the student’s weekly lesson.
30 minute lesson: $475 each semester 45 minute lesson: $625 each semester Guitar runs 15 weeks each semester
Instructor:
Chris Going holds a bachelor’s degree of music from Belmont University in classical guitar
performance. Growing up a pastor’s child, he spent much of his early music life playing in church services and being exposed to a variety of musical styles. A passionate music educator, “Mr. G” teaches guitar and band classes outside of Overbrook in addition to private instruction at David Lipscomb Campus School and his own traveling studio.PIANO
Grades Kindergarten – 12
Note: students are accepted as young as kindergarten age with parent participation
Private piano lessons teach theory, music reading, ear training, technique, and musicality in a fun and encouraging setting. Students have a variety of performing opportunities on and off campus.
30 minute lesson: $475 each semester 45 minute lesson: $625 each semester
The piano program will have 15 lessons and the recital will be counted as a lesson for one of those weeks
Instructor:
Debbie Lowry holds a bachelor’s of music from David Lipscomb University. Ms. Lowry is well known
throughout Nashville for her expert accompanying skills. She has teacher training in Suzuki andtraditional methods and has taught piano lessons for over fifteen years.
SONGWRITING - GROUP
NEW 2015-16
Grades 6 – 8
and
Grades 9 – 12
Mondays, 5 – 5:50 p.m.
Wednesdays, 5 – 5:50 p.m.
(separate programs for the junior high and high school levels)
(2 minimum/4 maximum)
The songwriting class will cover the basic techniques of how to write/compose songs or think up a melody, rhythm(s), harmony and put it all together to support and bring out the message of the lyrics. Also, during class we will heavily emphasize how to tap into your imagination to construct lyrics that reflect what the songwriter is feeling/thinking. Listening to and discussing the songs of recognized songwriters will be a significant component of the class.
50 minute group lessons $390 each semester Session runs 15 weeks each semester
Instructor:
TRUMPET
Grades 3 - 12
I use the Rubank Method for Cornet or Trumpet (Elementary through Advanced) as my main
instructional book; Students will learn the basics of music reading, embouchure development, fingering and facility, tone development and endurance. In the beginning, the student will be exposed to various styles, classical, band, jazz and pop, to make the learning of the instrument both fun and challenging. After the student has demonstrated both a desire and an aptitude for the trumpet, a more concentrated stylistic focus may be pursued. Students can be accepted as young as 3rd grade. My daughter is 5 and she can already get a pretty good sound out of the instrument.
30 minute lessons $475 each semester 45 minute lessons $625 each semester Sessions run 15 weeks each semester
Instructor:
Please see BIO of John Pennell under Cello
UKULELE - GROUP
NEW 2015-16
Grades 2 – 4
(Mondays, 4 – 4:50 p.m.)
(2 minimum/4 maximum)
The ukulele class will teach students the basic techniques for playing the ukulele. Students will learn to tune the instrument, strum basic chord progressions, read basic melodies and sing (if they want) while accompanying themselves. The class is geared towards learning as much as possible with a fun
instrument.
50 minute group lessons $390 each semester Session runs 15 weeks each semester
Instructor:
Please see BIO of John Pennell under Cello
VIOLIN
4 year olds – 12
thgrade
The Suzuki Violin Program is a group of teachers, parents, and students dedicated to the study of violin playing using the Suzuki Method. This method promotes excellence of playing technique, self-esteem, and confidence through careful nurturing of musical abilities. Founded in Japan by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki in the late 1940’s, this method became very popular after spreading to the United States in the 1960’s. Suzuki is now taught worldwide.
Our students have many opportunities to perform regularly in solo and group recitals, area youth ensembles, performances with the Nashville Symphony, and many Dominican campus events. Students are accepted as young as age 4. The 15-week semester includes one weekly private lesson and one weekly group lesson. Suzuki Violin requires that a parent be present at all lessons.
30 min. private/30 min. group (beginner): $565 each semester 30 min. private/45 min. group (intermediate): $635 each semester
45 min. private/60 min. group (advanced): contact instructor Violin runs 15 weeks each semester
Instructors:
Toni Ferguson holds a bachelor’s of music education degree from the University of South Carolina. In
addition to teaching, Ms. Ferguson is often the featured violinist in the pit for local musical theatre productions and enjoys spending her summers in Cape Cod performing at the Monomoy Theatre.Sherry Francis Merideth holds a bachelor’s of music degree from DePaul University and a master’s
degree of music from Belmont University. Many of her students are active, valued members of school and youth orchestras throughout the Middle Tennessee area and are consistently accepted into area honor orchestras and summer programs.Suzuki Philosophy
Your child can and will succeed in learning to play the violin at a high level. As a parent, your first job is to learn about the Suzuki philosophy. Go to the Suzuki website (www.suzukiassociation.org) and click on the Parents section to read about it.
Group Lessons
Group lessons occur on Monday afternoons at SCA. Private Lessons
Private lessons occur at a mutually agreed time between teacher, student, parents (and classroom/homeroom teacher if during the school day).
Attendance
Both student and parent are required to attend both the private and group lesson. This is non-negotiable for beginning students.
Rental
Violins can be rented or purchased. Recommendations are the following: Yangs Violin, Williams Fine Violins and The Violin Shop).
VOICE - PRIVATE
Grades 9 – 12
(Enrollment in private lessons for grades 6 – 8 advanced
voice student is by permission of instructor)
We are pleased to offer private voice lessons. Private voice lessons teach the Italian bel canto technique, focusing on proper posture, breathing and diction. This method of instruction leads to a healthy, vibrant and natural sound. Older students may be introduced to songs in Italian, Latin, German and French. The recommended grade for voice lessons is fifth grade and up.
30 minute lesson: $475 each semester 45 minute lesson: $625 each semester Private Voice runs 15 weeks each semester
(Instructor must approve student for a 45 minute lesson)
VOICE - GROUP
Grades 6 - 8
(day of week and after school time TBD)
(3 minimum/5 maximum)
The class is new this year and includes voice technique and repertoire from folk, art songs (in different languages), sacred music, and Broadway. A class would involve warm-ups (group and solo), sharing of repertoire, and confident-building. Group songs will be included to strengthen pitch confidence.
1 hour of instruction: $390 each semester Group Voice runs 15 weeks each semester
Instructor:
Stephanie Nolan holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Voice from the University of Vermont
and an MA in Theology, Spiritual and Pastoral Ministry from St. Michael’s College. Ms. Nolan comes to Nashville after a lifetime in Vermont, where she studied vocal music education. She brings many years of vocal, choral and liturgical music experience to the SCA Private Music Lessons Program. Ms. Nolan maintained a busy private voice studio, and taught at the Flynn Theatre for the Performing Arts. The majority of her teaching years have been in Catholic institutions. She was a busy soloist in theBurlington, Vermont area, performing with various ensembles including as a founding member of the Oriana Chamber Singers. She collaborated frequently with other classical and opera singers, classical guitarists and chamber orchestras, and her performances drew from many genres – Baroque to Broadway. Here in Nashville, she is the Director of Music for St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and has recently performed with Music City Baroque and the Concert Chorale of Nashville.
After School Program: SCA Music Lessons Program Policies & Procedures for Parents 2015-16 Revised: 5/2015
