CANTON PERFORMING ARTS
ENCORE MUSIC LESSON PROGRAM
What: Canton Public Schools is proud to offer an after school private lesson program, in addition to the group classes and ensemble rehearsals that are offered at school during the day. Instruction is available on the following instruments: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion/drum set, violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, piano, and voice.
Private Lessons
Private lessons provide the most effective instruction for learning. Music teachers can design instruction that meets the specific needs and interests of each student. Recommended grade levels vary by instrument. String instrument lessons are recommended for grades 4-12. Band instrument lessons are recommended for grades 5-12. Vocal lessons are recommended for grades 7-12. Piano instrument lessons are recommended for grades 2-12. (If you do not fall in a recommended grade level but feel that your child is ready to take lessons please reach out!)
30 minute private lessons: Recommended for all beginner students or students new to lessons
45 minutes private lessons: Recommended for intermediate students
60 minute private lessons: Recommended for any advanced students.
Semiprivate Lessons
This format provides an economical alternative to private lessons with a class size of two students. Some beginners feel more comfortable learning in pairs. Semiprivate lessons can only be scheduled if two students of the same skill level can be scheduled at the same time with the teacher. Parents and guardians are responsible for pairing students and should only register once they have connected with each other and the teacher to ensure a mutual lesson time. Semiprivate lessons can only be scheduled for a student for the first years of lessons through the program.
30 minute private lessons: Recommended for all beginner students or students new to lessons
45 minutes private lessons: Recommended for intermediate students
60 minute private lessons: Recommended for any advanced students.
Who: The Encore Private Lesson Program is recommended for students in grades 2-12 and is coordinated with the instrumental curriculum taught by the in-school directors. Students taking string instruments should begin in grade 4. Students taking band instrument should begin in grade 5. Students taking piano are recommended to begin in grade 2 or after and students taking voice are recommended to begin in grade 7 or after. Lessons are highly recommended for your child’s musical success. Lesson students will improve their level of technical skill, music literacy, and overall musicianship. This allows students to achieve at a higher level in their musical ensembles. Our instructors include professional musicians who are skilled in each instrument.
Where: Lessons typically happen at Canton High School.
When: Lessons are scheduled from 2:30-8:00 on Mondays through Fridays. There are no weekend lessons. The days and times that lessons are given depend on the lesson teacher’s schedule. Not all instruments are offered every day nor at all times.
How often: Lessons are given once per week. The year is divided into two sessions. Each lesson has 13 lessons. 45 minute and 60 minutes lessons are also available for intermediate and advanced students. All students are invited to participate in the annual Encore recital.
Payment: Lessons can be paid for on myschoolbucks or can be paid by a check made out to Town of Canton with Encore in the memo line. Each session must be paid in full prior to beginning lessons. However monthly payments can be arranged upon request; the first payment must be received prior to beginning lessons and then the first day of each month after. For this option please email eckersleyc@cantonma.org. Students will not be permitted to start lessons in session II if there is an outstanding balance for session I or from a previous year. All sessions must be paid prior to graduation. Any family who pays for both sessions prior to the the start of session 1 lessons will receive a 5% discount.
Type of Lesson
Private Session 1
13 lessons
30 minutes $390 ($30 each)
45 minutes $585 ($45 each)
60 minutes $780 ($60 each)
Semiprivate Session 1
13 lessons
30 minutes $260 ($20 each)
45 minutes $390 ($30 each)
60 minutes $520 ($40 each)
Private Session 2
13 lessons
30 minutes $390 ($30 each)
45 minutes $585 ($45 each)
60 minutes $780 ($60 each)
Semiprivate Session 2
13 lessons
30 minutes $260 ($20 each)
45 minutes $390 ($30 each)
60 minutes $520 ($40 each)
The Encore program reserves the right to terminate lessons for any student with a balance longer than 60 days. Bank fees incurred by canceled credit card transactions or returned checks will be added to the account balance.
Parents who wish to extend lessons further than the two sessions may do so. They should consult the teacher to agree to the amount of lessons to extend and pay prior to the start of the extended session.
Scholarships: Scholarships are available through the generosity of MusicCounts! Funds will be disbursed based on financial need and merit. All information shared in the Scholarship Application is seen by the Performing Arts Coordinator only and will remain confidential.
Students must play the instrument for which they are requesting scholarship in a school group and have at least one year of playing experience. Application for scholarship does not ensure award of scholarship. Scholarships are sometimes partial payments. Scholarships will be offered for Session I or Session II or in some cases full year. Applicant should apply by August 15th for scholarship consideration for Session I and will be notified by September 15th. Applicants should apply by November 1st for scholarship consideration for Session II and will be notified of award by November 30th.
The Scholarship Request Form is required for all students who would like to be considered for a scholarship during the school year.
Cancellation Policy: Each student is allowed one excused absence per session. An excused absence occurs when the teacher is notified with 24 hours advanced notice. This absence will be made up on a scheduled make-up day. The student should always call the teacher to cancel. If the teacher cancels, the lesson will be made up or refunded. If school is cancelled or released early due to inclement weather, lessons are cancelled and will either be made up by the teacher or refunded. Do NOT call Canton High School to cancel lessons- call the lesson teacher directly. Make sure that you have the contact information for the teacher. Because semi-private lessons include another person they cannot be made up when a student is absent.
Early Withdrawal/Refunds
Written notice to eckersleyc@cantonma.org or mailed letter is necessary to withdraw from lessons.
100% refunded before the first lesson.
80% of the unused tuition refunded before the fifth lesson
60% of unused tuition refunded after fifth lesson.
No refunds for withdrawal from semiprivate lessons after the first lesson
In the event a student from a family on a monthly payment plan withdraws during a school year, the family will be charged an amount equal to any applicable balances based upon the above.
Recital: Students will be invited to participate in the annual Encore recital. There will be ONE recital during the school year. Students are not required to participate but are encouraged. Not all teachers will attend this event.
Books: Lesson books and any music needed for lessons should be purchased directly from the lesson teacher or with the guidance of the lesson teacher.
Practicing: Students should spend 30 minutes a day/5 days a week practicing to make steady progress.
What to bring to lessons: Students should bring their instruments (including accessories), lesson book, and pencil to their lessons.
Communication: Make sure you have your teacher’s phone numbers and his/her email address. Make sure the teacher has your information.
Problems: If you have any problems with lessons or the lesson teacher, you first need to contact the lesson teacher to discuss them. If you continue to have problems or billing questions, contact Catherine Eckersley (eckersleyc@cantonma.org).
Pay online:
Encore 30 minute: https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZH4VUEEIN08283_ZZHYAEQB8H04KAE
Encore 45 minute: https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZH4VUEEIN08283_ZZPKVB96KH6PTTD
Encore 60 minute: https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZH4VUEEIN08283_ZZHYAFJSBN05V4J