Music - Strings

Description of the Program

The String Music program will teach students to play the violin, viola, cello, or string bass. While learning the basics of playing a stringed instrument, I will also teach the children many of the classic pieces of music literature. Music provides students with a wealth of fringe benefits. In addition to obtaining the life long skills needed to become a music performer or consumer, a child learns skills that can be used in every facet of life. Teamwork, dedication, self-discipline and responsibility prepare a child for a successful future in any profession he/she may choose. A variety of research shows that music students are among the academically strongest in their schools and score higher on the SAT than other students. Most colleges and universities now look for more than good grades on a child's transcript. They want the well-rounded students who have been able to accomplish more than just textbook knowledge.

Fees

Lesson cost for the 2011-2012 year will be $45.00 a month, due within the first week of the month, paid to FPDS. Lesson cost may be paid by the semester: August - December ($225.00) and January - May ($225.00). As the tuition cost is not merely a "lesson time" only charge, no refunds will be made on missed lessons.

A one-time music and supply fee of $40.00 will cover the cost of music, tapes, notebooks, and prizes for the whole school year. The supply fee is due by June 1st and paid to Nancy Bateman.

Lesson Times

Lesson times will be for 45 minutes once a week during a PE period at school. Please make sure your child has his instrument and music for his class time. To derive the most benefit from the lessons, regular attendance is imperative. As lessons are designed to be progressive, frequent absences hinder progress and destroy continuity and enthusiasm.

Practice

To derive the most from the lessons, students are encouraged to practice 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Playing a musical instrument is a learned skill and, as with any skill, requires practice. The exciting thing is that children can and will learn quickly when the work is done. Practicing is a responsibility that must be shared by parents and students. Remember, each student's progress is determined, in part, by what he or she does at home. Set up a regular practice schedule and maintain it. Practice charts will be given to each student to record his practice time and will have a place for the parent's initials on the chart. I will give awards to students who achieve their practicing quota. The practice chart greatly aids my teaching. If a student is having a difficult time learning a new concept, I can easily determine if the problem is due to lack of practice time, or failure on my part to make the concept clear.

Performances

We will perform at the annual school Christmas concert in December for the school and parents. I will schedule several performances for the class throughout the year at nursing homes, luncheon programs, etc. There is a State Orchestra Festival in which the children may become accomplished enough to participate. I will also make available to you a list of music camps, federated music competition, and the State Fair Fiddling contest, to name a few of the performance opportunities for your child. Last year the children worked so hard that they all were able to perform a program at Holiday Potpourri in October, after just a few months of lessons!

Instruments

You will need to have an instrument for your child by the first day of school in August. There are several options you can pursue in securing an instrument for your child. First of all, you can rent an instrument through several of the music stores in town, and some of them have a rent-to-buy option. Secondly, you may purchase an instrument through the music stores, or through a mail-order company. Last year's prices for one mail order ran around $160.00 for the whole violin "outfit," which included the violin, bow and case. Thirdly, there may also be a limited supply of violins that have been "outgrown" by students already in the program. Before you buy or rent, I need to measure your child so you can get the correct size instrument. I will be very happy to help you find an instrument within your budget and have many "connections" in the music world, so don't hesitate to call me for help.

Instructor

Nancy Bateman, 3939 Oakridge Drive, Jackson, MS 39216, 601.981.0788

Mrs. Bateman received both her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Music from Wichita State Universityand pursued advanced musical studies at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. She has performed as a cellist in the Wichita Symphony from 1974-1990, the Omaha and Lincoln Symphonies from 1990-1993, and the Mississippi Symphony from 1993 until the present. She has performed as a soloist as well as in various small ensembles in weddings, funerals, and church services for over twenty-five years. She has a variety of teaching experiences from classroom teaching of strings, to children's choirs, to private violin and cello lessons (for over 20 years) to college private string bass lessons. She loves children, as well as teaching children. God has blessed her husband, Jim, and her with five children. She has learned so much about teaching children through them. She understands that no two children learn the same way or at the same rate and all differ in abilities. She believes that all children can learn to enjoy and appreciate music, as well as play an instrument. She appreciates the privilege of teaching your most precious possession, your child. She takes her responsibilities very seriously and considers herself accountable to God for the way she teaches. She thinks that work becomes worship when done for the Lord. "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to me." Colossians 3:23

Permission Form

To view and download the permission form, click here.