EKMTA General Policy

East Kootenay Music Teachers’ Association General Policy

Revised August 2006

Click here for a printable copy of the EKMTA General Policy

The East Kootenay Music Teachers’ Association (EKMTA) was formed in 1981. Its main goals are to increase the opportunities for education, service, and musical enjoyment among teachers, students, their families, and the general public. The EKMTA promotes the study, performance and appreciation of music as an integral part of a well-rounded lifestyle.

Our Mission Statement:
The Mission of the EKMTA is to provide quality musical instruction and to enhance the
musical enjoyment, education and personal growth of our students and teachers in a
positive, professional, supportive and interactive environment.

EKMTA Members:

  • have many years of experience in the field of music.
  • understand the larger picture of music education as well as the requirements of each instrument or theory subject.
  • care about both the musical development and the general well-being of their students.
  • will build a course of study to suit the needs and abilities of each student, within a recognized training
  • program or otherwise as appropriate.
  • will give valuable advice in the setting of practice schedules, recital and concert attendance, performance and/or exam preparation, and other activities which enhance the student’s musical growth.
  • are dedicated professionals running home-based businesses.
  • are active in the East Kootenay arts community, a vibrant cultural sector which creates economic benefits in service, tourism, and other industries.
  • believe private music instruction works best as a partnership between teacher, student and parent.

Lesson Fees and Payment
The calendar year includes ____ lessons.
The fee is by agreement with the teacher according to the length of lesson and grade level.
Payment is by post-dated cheques from September to May or in agreement with the teacher.

Music Purchase & Other Costs
The purchase of music, exam and festival fees, is separate from lesson fees. If music is purchased
from the teacher, the cost should be reimbursed promptly. To ensure quality music education it is
important to purchase additional books to supplement the regular RCM, Conservatory Canada or other
graded books.
Photocopying of any music is illegal and is not sanctioned by the EKMTA.

Cancellation of Lessons
To cancel a lesson and in order to have a make-up lesson arranged, a minimum of 24 hours notice
must be given, unless it is due to illness or an emergency. Regular attendance is important so that
consistent practicing habits and progress are maintained.

It is expected that students registering for lessons in September are committed for the entire school
year of instruction. A student’s enthusiasm may fluctuate; steady support and communication are needed
to help the student through times when interest wavers. Should your child express a wish to quit, please
notify the teacher immediately and allow at least 4 weeks before making a decision. Then all involved
can examine the situation and see what changes can be made. In the event of a final decision to quit, the
teacher can ensure pleasant memories of the last few lessons and take steps to fill the vacancy.

EKMTA Toonie Fund
This fund consists of $2 per student collected by the teacher at the beginning of each year. The
purpose of the fund is to help maintain student access to public performances, including but not limited to
piano maintenance, concert hall rentals, touring performers fee and EKMTA student activities.

EKMTA Permission Forms
Parents are asked to please sign a consent form at the beginning of each year which will be provided by
the teacher. This form will state your acceptance or denial of the release of your child(s) name and/or
photo in media publications by the EKMTA.

Concert Attendance
It is extremely important that students attend concerts such as those featured by the Symphonie of the
Kootenays and visiting professional musicians and clinicians. As there are not many opportunities for
students to see professionals perform, attending concerts is a vital part of a well-rounded, quality music
education. Concert attendance opens up a whole new world and students should understand that music
is more than just lessons, practicing, festivals and exams.

Student Recitals
Recitals are a vital part of a student’s musical education and participation in recitals is important.
Students and parents will be notified by the teacher of recitals. The number of recitals to be attended/
performed at is in agreement with the teacher.

Parent Involvement
This is a yearly commitment. We encourage parent involvement and look forward to seeing you at a
lesson once a month or as arranged with the teacher. Please read weekly practice assignments after
every lesson. If there are problems or concerns, please call the teacher as soon as possible. Please
support a good environment for learning and good practice habits by: providing a quiet but inviting
practice area and an instrument which is in good tune and repair, encouraging and supporting a regular
practice time, communicating with the teacher, and by listening to and giving positive encouragement
during all stages of learning.

How can parents support their young musicians?
Composer Murray Adaskin speaks with joy of his early violin studies. “My father would come home after
a hard day’s work - and there I’d be, sawing away on my fiddle. No matter what I was attempting or how
bad it sounded he would always say, ‘that sounds wonderful. Play it again!”

Louise Rose had an aunt who came over each day after school and sat in a rocking chair, knitting while
Louise practiced. All she ever said was “Play on child.” So important was that quiet support that Louise
did play on - all the way to worldwide fame as a jazz pianist and singer.

Murray and Louise believe to this day that all parents, musical or not, can do a lot to motivate their
children by just listening and encouraging them.