General InformationTo view the 2008-2009 Catalogue as a PDF, please click here.
Welcome!
I am happy to know that you are considering becoming part of The Music Institute family or that you have decided to return as one of our musical family members! We are very pleased to announce that after six years as a musical entity on campus, The Music Institute has been integrated into the college computer system. Finally, we have been recognized by our wonderful administration as being the vibrant and immensely important musical community that we have known ourselves to be since our very inception. This recognition will give us several benefits that I will discuss later on in this catalog.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of our marvelous students, parents and supporters, who have helped in so many ways to make The Music Institute such a wonderful presence both on campus and in the greater Howard County community. The faith that you have placed in our teachers and institution for six years is both gratifying and humbling. We will work hard to ensure that your faith in us is merited and hope that you know that we pledge to continue our efforts to assist you with your personal musical goals long into the future!
With warm regards,
James Bailey - Coordinator
The Music Institute 2008-2009 Catalogue
PROGRAMS
The Music Institute, a community music school, extends the music program of Howard Community College’s Music Department to students of all ages by offering private instruction in piano, voice, woodwinds, brass, percussion (orchestral, band, and jazz instruments), guitar (classical and jazz), jazz improvisation, theory, and composition as well as beginning classes in piano, violin and jazz improvisation, a variety of ensembles that include Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Prep Jazz Band, Rock Band, HCC Singers, Senior Choir, Cello Ensemble, Prep Orchestra, Chamber Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble, in addition to various other small chamber ensembles.
Preparatory Department
The preparatory department is designed to teach and guide the music studies of students under the age of 18 years. Lessons and classes for children are designed and taught to introduce and develop younger students into the world of music. Lessons are individualized and classes encourage self-expression in a group setting. The need of students wanting to play in groups has given rise to our unique and varied ensemble program. Students’ interests and talents are nurtured to provide opportunities for competitions and further musical advancement, if desired. Many performance opportunities are available, including Preparatory Recitals and Competition Prep Recitals.
Adult/Continuing Education
Interest in and a desire to learn about music does not stop at age 18 although the focus can be different. With that in mind, we have created lessons, classes and ensembles for students over the age of 18 years. Whether you want to start private lessons for the first time, take up an instrument you haven’t played since high school, or just make music and friends, the Music Institute provides many opportunities for learning and performing music.
The Music Institute is fortunate to have, as its core, the faculty of the Music Department of Howard Community College. The college faculty makes up 98% of the Musical Arts Center faculty. Most of our instructors have a master's degree, while many have doctoral degrees. The faculty performs locally, nationally, and internationally. Faculty biographies and a continuously updated list of faculty and student performances can be found on the Music Department website at www.howardcc.edu/music. The Music Institute faculty is highly trained, experienced, and motivated and, most importantly, they are dedicated teachers who love what they do.
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AREAS OF STUDY
Piano
The piano faculty at the Music Institute is a group of dedicated and experienced teachers who fosters the love of music and enables lifelong enjoyment of music in their students. Their love of music and pursuit of excellence is demonstrated through their own achievements and actions.
Most of the piano faculty have obtained a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance, and continue to distinguish themselves through performances in the Baltimore-Washington area as well as on national and international stages. Many are also piano faculty at the college level. In addition to teaching and performing, they are also active members of the National Guild of Music Teachers, Music Teachers National Association and its affiliated organizations on the state and county levels.
The faculty works with students of all ages. Whether you are a piano student heading to a music conservatory or a college music department; someone who wants to enjoy playing the piano for yourself; or a working/retired adult who wants to realize the dream of playing the piano, come to The Music Institute and the faculty will support, encourage and guide you to your goal.
Strings
The Music Institute is proud of its first-rate strings program. You can take private lessons in violin, viola, cello, and bass, and you can join a small chamber ensemble. We also have a Cello Ensemble and String Orchestra open to students of all ages who perform a successful audition.
The Music Institute string faculty is the one of the best you will find in any preparatory program. Nearly all of our teachers are also HCC college instructors, and also teach at other colleges, music conservatories, and music departments in the DELMARVA area. Our strings faculty, which includes the award-winning Gemini Piano Trio, has appeared in concert in venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Alice Tully Hall. They teach from experience gained in the real world of performing on the concert circuit. Programs for our younger students include Suzuki classes, Colourstrings™ and Preparatory ensembles.
Winds and Brass
The woodwind department offers lessons to students of all ages and ability levels on the clarinet, saxophone, flute, and recorder. The brass department teaches lessons in trumpet, trombone, euphonium, French horn and tuba. Our faculty is experienced in styles ranging from classical to jazz to pop, and is comfortable teaching and playing in any of those styles. We foster our students’ musical interests and encourage them to be the most well-rounded musicians they can be.
The Music Institute also has ensembles for wind instruments in addition to the larger Prep Jazz Band and the HCC Jazz Ensemble.
Voice
The voice faculty is a dedicated group of teachers, scholars and artists who emphasize good vocal health, efficient technique and confidence in performance. These basics apply to all singing, no matter if your interests are traditional art music/opera, popular/jazz, choral music, or musical theater styles.
Whether your wish is to pursue music as a career or you just want to sing in the shower, our nurturing instruction will further your confidence in your ability, help develop your singing skills, and foster an appreciation of vocal music that will last a lifetime.
With some exceptions, we believe that serious vocal study should not begin before the age of 14, but we feel that it is never too late to begin instruction. The habits learned early in vocal study can determine the length and success of a potential singing career. We encourage students to participate in outside activities that support their dreams and ambitions. We encourage regular recital participation to help develop self confidence and a positive performance persona. Come join us and see what your voice can become – we will be with you every step of the way, guiding and encouraging you.
Percussion
It's an exciting time to play percussion at the Music Institute at HCC! Take lessons from our professional percussionist in any area that interests you - classical and orchestral percussion, jazz, Latin and world percussion, and more! Learn to play any one of HCC's many wonderful brand new percussion instruments, like drum set, congas, timpani, and the beautiful 5-octave Yamaha marimba. Feed your inner percussionist and let the fun start today!
Guitar
The guitar faculty approaches teaching as an individualized activity. Lessons are designed with each student’s interests and needs in mind. Believing that a student will learn best with music that he or she knows and loves, the guitar faculty tailors the lessons to each student’s tastes while addressing the important technical, theoretical, and musical requirements for each style of music. Age ranges are from 8 to senior citizens. We teach in many different styles from Classical, Folk, Blues, Rock and Jazz. Electric guitars as well as acoustic instruments are accepted. We accept beginning bass students who are looking for ensemble-oriented lessons as well as insights into bass techniques and theory.
For younger students (8 years and younger), we are able to accommodate their physical limitations with such starter instruments as baritone ukuleles and half-size guitars, often lending the instrument for a time until the student is ready to move ahead to his or her larger instrument. Our faculty structure lessons based on the cognitive and physical talents of each student as well as musical tastes making lessons educational and interesting as well as enjoyable.
Music Therapy
“Music Therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses. Music therapy interventions can be designed to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication and promote physical rehabilitation.” (American Music Therapy website)
The Music Therapy program at The Music Institute at HCC is unique in the area and offers individually-designed private music therapy sessions with a board-certified music therapist for people with disabilities. Private beginning piano lessons are also available with a music therapist. Through a cooperative program with Howard County Public Schools, high school music therapy internships and work-study programs are also available.
Suzuki Beginning Violin
Sr. Shinichi Suzuki, a master violin teacher and founder of the Japanese Talent Education Movement, revolutionized violin teaching. Results have truly been outstanding! The Suzuki method is based on the principle that every child can develop his abilities during the early absorbing and sensitive years far beyond what most people can imagine. A child learns music through the same process he learns his mother tongue language. Thus the parents’ role is vital in the development of early learning ability. The parent attends lessons and helps with practice at home. The basic principles of the Suzuki Method consist of listening, motivation, proper technique, repetition and reinforcement. The primary goal is to train the child not only in musical abilities but also in his total human development. You may, with the instructor’s permission, sign up for fewer then the entire seven months of lessons.
Colourstrings™
Colourstrings™ is a world-renowned method of musical instruction that begins from the earliest stages of a child’s instruction and develops the necessary skills of study for college level. The Hungarian Szilvay brothers have based their method on the Kodaly method, which integrates instrumental studies with singing. In using scientifically related colors to identify specific strings, children develop the ability to read music readily in a natural progression of learning.
Stage One – Book A
Students will receive 30 minute group lessons per week with a minimum of three and a maximum of five students per class. Ages are 4-8 years old. Parents are encouraged to attend lessons. For more information about the Colourstrings™ method, visit the Colourstrings™ website at http://www.colourstrings.co.uk.
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GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT LESSONS, CLASSES AND ENSEMBLES
The lessons, classes and ensembles offered by The Music Institute have been designed to meet the needs and interests of our students. Whether you are a very young beginner experiencing formal music training for the first time, a high school student preparing for conservatory studies, an adult wishing to return to the instrument you set aside after high school, someone wishing to play your instrument along with other musicians in an ensemble setting or a music lover wanting to know more about music and be a more informed listener, The Music Institute has many offerings just for you. If you don’t see what you want, please call the Institute office.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons in all orchestral and band instruments, voice and piano are offered to students of all ages and levels of playing ability. Students can start private lessons anytime during the school year.
Recommended Beginning Age of Student
Piano | 5 years |
| Strings | 5 years |
| Guitar | 8 years |
| Woodwinds/Brass | 9-10 years |
| Percussion | 9-10 years |
| Ukulele | 10 years |
| Voice | 14 years |
Lesson Lengths - 30, 45 or 60 minutes weekly.
Instrument/Materials/Practice Facilities
Students enrolled in individual instruction must have their own instruments and/or have regular access to an instrument for practice unless other arrangements are made with the teacher. If required, students should purchase any additional materials as soon as possible in order to facilitate instruction. There are practice rooms available for our music students for regular practice time at HCC. Instructions and regulations are posted on practice room doors and online. Students wishing to reserve a regular practice time must go to the Arts & Humanities Division Office, HVPA 200, during office hours and show proof of registration.
PAIR LESSONS
Two students with similar ability levels can be paired with a teacher for a semiprivate lesson. Tuition will be the same for a private lesson, divided evenly between the two students. Pair lessons can be arranged with the permission of the instructor.
ENSEMBLES AND CLASSES
The Music Institute offers a variety of classes and ensemble programs. Each class and ensemble is designed with our students’ and the community’s interests in mind. This gives students the opportunity to learn important ensemble skills, take advantage of many occasions to perform while experiencing the joy of making music with other musicians Students are grouped together by age and ability level to foster a nurturing environment Ensemble coaching by the music institute faculty is first-rate. Our faculty regularly perform in ensembles such as the HCC Jazz Faculty Ensemble, the Gemini Piano Trio, and the Accordare and the Octtava Piano Duos.
The Music Institute reserves the right to cancel classes that do not meet minimum enrollment requirements.
Suzuki Beginning Violin
Monday 6:00 - 7:00 pm HVPA TBA $76.50/month
Colourstrings
Thursday 5:15 - 6:00 pm HVPA TBA $300 + Materials (14 wks)
Children’s Beginning Piano Classes
Saturday 9:30 – 10:20 am HVPA160A $300 (16 wks)
Prep Orchestra
Learn the basics of chamber ensemble playing (learning how to play together through listening and rehearsal techniques.). Play Baroque and Renaissance music. Course runs 16 weeks.
Saturday 3:00 - 5:00 pm HVPA 140 $200
Prep Jazz Band
Introduction to jazz ensemble performance. Emphasis on reading lead sheets, developing arrangements and basic jazz improvisation with Dave Rybczynski, leader of Montebello Jazz. Course runs 16 weeks.
Tuesday 5:00 - 6:00 pm HVPA 140 $200
Adult Beginning Piano Class
Adult students will learn the basics of beginning piano with students of their own age and ability in an accepting and positive environment. Course runs 16 weeks.
Tuesday 6:00 - 6:50 pm HVPA160A $300
Guitar Ensemble
Traditional acoustic guitar ensemble for adults and younger students with permission of instructor. Course runs 14 weeks and is led by guitarist Scott Goriup.
Tuesday 1:00 pm HVPA TBA $200
Jazz Guitar Ensemble
Jazz guitar ensemble. Course runs 14 weeks and is led by jazz guitarist Michael Raitzyk.
TBA TBA HVPA TBA $200
Gumbo Ensemble—Ages 10—Adult
Blues/Rock/Country World, R&B! Many stylistic approaches spanning decades of recorded music! Vocalists encouraged!! Course runs 14 weeks and is led by Scott Goriup.
Sunday TBA HVPA140 $200
The HCC Jazz Ensemble
The HCC Jazz Ensemble includes college students, as well as high school students and members of the community who sign up through the Music Institute program. The group focuses on traditional jazz but plays a wide variety of rock and Latin styles, too. The class meets during the Fall and Spring semesters on Fridays from 2:30 to 5:30 PM. Students are required to participate in the end-of-semester concert. The students are taught techniques on playing together as an ensemble. Also, improvisation skills and creative approaches to soloing are taught. Participation in the group is by audition only. Students who are interested should contact the instructor. Please note that this class begins on 2-2-09 in the spring.
Friday 2:30 – 5:30 pm HVPA 140 $200
Jazz Improvisation Class
This class teaches the basics of jazz improvisation. It is a skill that can be systematically learned. Basic instrument skills are required. For beginners to intermediate level.
Mon & Wed 1:00 - 1:50 pm HVPA140 $200
Songwriting
Get your half-written songs or first glimmerings of inspiration into finished, marketable shape. Learn to write your song down, fix the lyrics and say what you really mean to say, your way, with 30-year music industry veteran Bill Murphy. From first idea to finished lead sheet/arrangement. Copyright on all finished product stays with the student. Class runs 16 weeks.
Wednesday 5:30 - 6:30 pm HVPA 160 $300
Celtic Ensemble Ages 15—adult
(Younger musicians who play/sightread at or above high school ability level are also eligible.)
A great opportunity for musicians eager to explore and perform music from Celtic traditions. Jared Denhard, of O’Malley’s March and the chamber ensemble Keltia, will direct this 12 week long ensemble/seminar, covering musical folk traditions from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, Brittany and Galicia. Open to flute, oboe, recorder/whistle, accordion, concertina, violin, cello, guitar (and all acoustic fretted strings), harp, and other instruments with permission of instructor.
Wednesday 7:00 - 8:00 pm HVPA 150 $200
Ukulele Orchestra Ages 13 and up
(Younger musicians with permission of instructor.)
Be on the cutting edge as the "third wave" of 'Ukulele Mania sweeps the mainland! Join Columbia's own Ukemeister, Jared Denhard, and learn the ukulele from scratch, improve your current skills, or challenge your already formidable self playing Hawaiian, jazz, old time, pop and even rock on this delightful, good humored instrument. Even if you've never "spanked that uke" before, you'll be strumming chords in no time. If you don't have a ukulele (soprano, concert or tenor, GCEA tuning) you can use one of ours! Class runs 14 weeks.
Wednesday 6:00 - 7:30 pm HVPA TBA $200
Master Classes: HCC Candlelight Concert Series Master Classes
In conjunction with “Candlelight Concert Series,” and the Howard Community College Music Department, The Music Institute sponsors Master Classes with internationally-known performing artists. Performers are selected from current HCC/TMI students or alumni to play for the world's leading artists in the intimate and inviting Monteabaro Recital Hall. For information and registration procedures, call Dr. Benjamin Myers, 410-772-4801.
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PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Recitals
The Music Institute has regularly scheduled recitals for both our Prep and our Adult/Continuing Education students which are held in the Monteabaro Recital Hall in the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center.
Adult/Continuing Education Recital Sunday, December 6, 2008 7:00 PM
Preparatory Recital Sunday, December 6, 2008 1:30 PM
Preparatory Recital Sunday, December 6, 2008 4:00 PM
Adult/Continuing Education Recital Friday, May 1, 2009 7:30 PM
Student/Preparatory Recital Sunday, May 17, 2009 1:30 PM
Student/Preparatory Recital Sunday, May 17, 2009 4:00 PM
Studio Recitals
Music Institute faculty schedule recitals for their Institute students throughout the year in the Monteabaro Recital Hall. It gives our students the opportunity to obtain vital performance experience in a more relaxed setting.
HCC Events
Students of the Music Institute are invited to perform at events sponsored by Howard Community College. Institute students, along with faculty and HCC music students, often are requested to perform at official college functions.
Competition Prep Recitals
Students preparing to participate in the many music competitions for school age children will find these TBA recitals a good opportunity to become “competition ready.”
Little Patuxent Opera Institute
An intensive vocal workshop for singers wanting to expand their acting/vocal technique and who also want to engage themselves in a fully staged operatic performance experience. Selections range from arias and ensembles from opera and operetta to shorter complete works. Begins with auditions in the Winter and Spring, an intensive four week period of classes, lessons and rehearsals during the summer, and culminates in summer performances.
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Policies and Procedures
All students must be registered before beginning lessons, classes and ensembles.
Students may register at any time during the year, although there are specific registration dates that correspond to the sections that are being registered.
New students must contact the TMI office for teacher assignments.
All students must fill out a registration form in conjunction with their respective teacher and return it to the Music Institute office for approval.
All students must have a current Student Information Sheet on file at the TMI office and should notify TMI of any changes. New Student Information Sheets can be found outside the TMI office or by clicking here. In signing the Registration Form, the Student agrees to abide by the Policies and Procedures of the Music Institute at HCC and to accept responsibility for all charges and fees that may be incurred.
Registration forms must be obtained from the Music Institute Office (HVPA 260K). The Music Institute Student Information Sheet and the Cashiers Payment Voucher are available online as well as in the TMI office. Tuition payment is due according to the payment schedule found below. Lessons may not begin until payment for the first section has been received. Ensembles must be paid for in full before a student may participate. Teachers will be notified by TMI office when lessons may begin. Office hours will be expanded for the first two weeks of school, August 31– September15, to verify each student’s status with their assigned teacher. Thereafter, office hours will be posted on the door and online.
Trial Lessons for New Students
We offer to new students the option of choosing a 4-week trial period before committing to an extended lesson plan.
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Registration
- Registration forms, information sheet and HCC payment plan form (for those students choosing to make multiple payments for private lessons only) and payment voucher can be obtained from the TMI office. New students must fill out an information sheet in order to be entered into Colleague and have their registration processed. Returning students must fill out a new information sheet if they have not done already done so.
- Forms are to be filled out together by the teacher and student, being careful to press hard enough for the information to go through to the bottom copy.
- Forms are to be signed by the teacher, the student or responsible party and lastly by either the coordinator or supervisor of TMI or TMI’s staff. At that time, copies are to be distributed as follows: white – TMI office, yellow – cashier, pink – teacher, golden – student/parent.
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Payment Procedures
Please Note: Teachers and TMI Staff may only deliver registration forms/payments to the cashiers office or to the drop safe in RCF 222 for student/parents who have issues with mobility!
You may download the payment form here.
1. Forms and payments are either:
A. Taken in person by the student/parent to be placed in the drop safe in Room 222 of the RCF Building (outside the cashiers office). Please do not take initial registration/payment to the cashiers window. They can not process our registration/payments in person at the window. See letter E for clarification.
B. Mailed to Howard Community College
Attn: Cashier’s Office, RCF 212
10901 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, MD 21044
Please Note: Mailed forms must be received by the payment deadline.
C. Charge card payments also have the option to be made via fax. Fax the completed and approved registration form, completed payment voucher with the charge information to 410-772-4994. After faxing, please call 410-772-4850 to confirm receipt of both registration and payment voucher forms.
D. After the registrations and payments have been processed, the registration office and the cashiers office will send schedules/receipts to the TMI office. If need be, the TMI office can then give students/parents receipts thru their respective teacher(s).
E. For students that have already registered multiple sections, students/parents may make subsequent payments (not the initial payment) in person at the cashiers window. This is possible because the cashiers office will be able to retrieve the processed registration information and can then attach the remaining payment(s).
2. The cashiers office will send the registration form to the registration office.
3. Registration office will register the student; cashier will credit the payment to the account.
4. After steps 2 and 3 have been completed, TMI will have access to the information on Colleague.
5. If a student registers for more than one section of private lessons, and chooses to make multiple payments for those sections, accounts receivable will process and mail out bills two weeks in advance of the beginning date of the new section. Payment should be received in the cashiers office two days before the beginning of that section. Payments will be received and applied, same as above.
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Available Private Lesson Options
In addition to the new student 4-week trial period, all Music Institute students must register for lessons in groups (sections) of 4 lessons. For example (please refer to the TMI Section chart below), a student may register for as many 4 week blocks or sections as they wish and have mutually agreed upon with their respective teacher. If you are accustomed to registering for 16 lessons under the old system and want to register for 16 lessons this year, you would (if starting at the beginning of the Academic Year) register for Term 2008A2, Section 009 through Section 012 with the ending date of 12/20/08. Likewise, for the “Spring Semester” you would register for Term 2009A1, Section 001 through Section 004. In other words, all registrations are flexible in terms of the length of the lessons, but are grouped in sections of 4 weeks. The college computer system had to have a “constant” section length in order for us to successfully become part of the current system. The TMI staff will be happy to help you complete all the necessary paperwork. Please do not hesitate to ask for assistance!
Music Institute Sections
The following are our 4 (four) week session dates:
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Tuition
Private Instruction
Tuition is based on the instructor’s rate for either a 1/2 hour, 3/4 hour or one hour lesson multiplied by the number of lessons. Tuition for a 1/2 hour private lesson ranges from $27.80 to $38.30. Please note that tuition costs for private lessons have not been increased for this Academic Year.
Individualized Chamber Coaching
Ensemble coachings scheduled for 2 or more students are arranged between the instructor and the students. Please inquire with the TMI staff for further details.
Ensembles and Classes
Please see the Ensembles and Classes section for complete descriptions, times and tuition.
Payments
Section fees and Tuition payments are due before lessons (one section), classes and ensembles can begin. The Music Institute office can no longer accept and process payments. All payments must be made at the Cashier’s Office located on the 2nd floor of the Rouse Student Services Building, which is to the left of the HVPA building (as one stands in the lobby facing the Quad) and at the end of the Quad. Payments may be made via U.S Mail with a complete registration and payment voucher form to Accounts Receivable, Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044. In the case of students or parents who have issues with mobility, a member of The Music Institute staff will carry your payment and payment voucher paperwork to the Cashier for processing. We will not be able to issue a receipt from the TMI office. The Finance Office will be happy to mail the Cashier’s receipt to your home address. Please let us know, when you are registering at the TMI office, that you would like to have us transport your payment and paperwork. Please note: due to new Federal and Maryland State policies, this courtesy may need to be modified or eliminated.
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Fees
We are now assessing only one type of fee, which is a per-section fee. The amount of the fee is $10.00. The maximum fees that will be collected for any one (single) student in a twelve month period is $80.00. If you are a member of a family with multiple students enrolled at the TMI, you will be assessed the total of $80.00 for one child, and each additional child is assessed one $10.00 fee. For example, a family with 3 children who are enrolled in 8 sections, would be assessed fees totaling the amount of $100.00; child A’s fees $80.00, child B’s fee $10.00 and child C’s fee $10.00. The first time registrant fee, the administrative fee and the payment plan fees, have all been eliminated. This change was made necessary due to the TMI being integrated into the college computer system.
Penalties
Most of our teachers depend on their respective teaching load as their primary source of income. Therefore it is the policy of the Music Institute that early withdrawal from contracted lessons will incur a four lesson penalty. Please be aware, timely payments allow the administration to make sure the teachers are paid on a regular basis.
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PAYMENT SCHEDULE
You have the option of registering for private lessons and (1) paying the full amount of tuition or (2) paying in monthly installments, if you are registering for more than one section. The first payment must cover at least one section, although it may cover more. Subsequent payments for any remaining balance are due during the third week of any given section. For example if Mrs. Jillian Public is registering for five (5) sections and chooses to pay for sections one through three, she would be responsible for making a payment during the third week of the third section for either the complete remaining balance, or if she chooses, for the fourth section. If she chooses to pay the tuition for the fourth section only, the final section payment would be due during the third week of the fifth section. There are no additional fees for making payments in installments. The Finance Department will process bills for all unpaid balances. Bills are currently scheduled to be processed and mailed two weeks prior to their due date. If the minimum payment is unpaid by the due date, HCC may invoke its right to collect delinquent payments, possibly (in extreme cases) using a collections company to do so. The Registrar may then elect to deregister the students from that set of private lessons and the teacher would be obligated to cease teaching that student for any unpaid lessons. Please note that Finance processes bills on the morning of the Billing Dates listed below. Late registrations will not receive a bill until the next Billing Date. The full unpaid amount will be listed on the bill for one complete Term (6 month period). Please pay your prearranged monthly payment as listed on your HCC Payment Plan form.
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Refunds
For Classes & Ensembles
If any class or ensemble has insufficient enrollment, the Music Institute reserves the right to cancel the class and will refund all tuition. There are no refunds for classes, ensembles or individualized coachings that are in progress.
Notice of withdrawal from private instruction and request for refunds must be made, in writing, to the Music Institute office for approval. Verbal requests cannot be accepted. Fees and materials costs are nonrefundable.
Refunds will be made according to the following plan:
- Notices/requests postmarked prior to first lesson/class – 100% refund
- Notices/requests postmarked prior to second lesson/class – 75% refund
- Notices/requests postmarked prior to third lesson/class – 50% refund
- Notices/requests postmarked after third lesson/class – No refund
Refund checks will be issued within 21 business days after the written request is received by the office. For new students, this will apply after the four week trial period.
For private instruction, there are no refunds within a section that is currently running. Refund requests made one month prior to the Start Date (please see the Music Institute Sections Chart) of the next section, may be granted a full tuition refund.
For Private Lessons
The Music Institute understands that serious situations may arise where the suspension of lessons becomes necessary. Should you experience such circumstances and desire to withdraw from lessons, please make your request in writing, stating the circumstances that make the withdrawal necessary. Verbal requests cannot be accepted. Fees are nonrefundable. Also, as many of our faculty depend on their respective teaching incomes as a large source of their total income, any granted withdrawal will still require that the teacher have a “four lesson cushion”, unless the instructor waives this stipulation, which also must be made in writing. No verbal waivers can be accepted.
Refund checks will be issued by the HCC business office within 21 business days after the written request is received by the Music Institute office. For new students, this policy will be effective after the four week trial period.
Absences/Tardiness
Regular attendance is very important for students to fully develop their musical abilities. Students are charged for all lessons or classes for which they register, including those missed through student absence. As a courtesy, students are expected to directly notify their teachers of any impending absence from lessons. Instructors are not required to make up lessons missed by students.
Lessons canceled by the teacher will be rescheduled. Lessons canceled due to weather or other emergency will be rescheduled. The Music Institute follows school closing policies of Howard Community College. HCC’s weather emergency closings will be aired on Baltimore and Washington television stations affiliated with the major networks and on area radio stations between 6 and 9 am. If HCC classes are canceled anytime after the college opens, announcements will be aired in the same manner. A recorded message will also be placed on the college’s main telephone number, 410-772-4800 and a message posted on the college homepage, www.howardcc.edu.
Tardy students cannot be guaranteed full lesson time. Teachers must stay on schedule for subsequent students.
A weekly attendance report will be maintained by the teacher and student, detailing lesson times, lengths and any other pertinent details. It is imperative that the teacher and student maintain good records using the Lesson Chart provided by the Music Institute office. In the case of any disputes as to the number or length of lesson given and received, the Lesson Chart (which should have identical information) will be the accepted reference document rather than personal schedule books.
Change of Instructor
Our four week trial lesson period for beginning students allows both students and instructors ample opportunity to decide if they want to continue working together, or if the student wishes to continue lessons at all. We strive to pair students and teachers together to achieve the best results, but we view the process as a professional obligation on the part of both the teacher and the student.
In other cases, if a change is desired, students/parents must first discuss this with the current teacher, and then the office must be notified, in writing. Students desiring to change teachers must give one month’s notice – no exceptions. Most teachers rely on their private teaching as their primary source of income and it is both unfair and unprofessional to end the teacher/student association abruptly without proper notice.
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Location
Howard Community College is conveniently located just a couple of miles from the intersection of US Route 29 and MD Route 175. The Music Institute is in the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center on the Howard Community College campus. Directions to Howard Community College can be found on the college website at www.howardcc.edu. A link to a map of campus is provided under the Parking section.
Parking
Music Institute students may park in LOT I and LOT A. When parking in these or any other lots on campus, please be considerate of our handicapped students and refrain from parking in spaces reserved solely for their use. Please click here for a campus map.
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Friends of The Music Institute at HCC
We hope you will consider becoming part of the Friends of The Music Institute through a donation to The Music Institute at HCC. Please designate your gift as ’The Music Institute at HCC’ and mail this form directly t
HOWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
Attn: Missy Mattey, Executive Director
10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy
Columbia, MD 21044
For questions, please feel free to call Missy Mattey at 410 –772-4208 or email your inquiry to mmattey@howardcc.edu.
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DATES TO REMEMBER
Registration: Begins August 18, 2008 and thereafter
HCC Holidays:
Labor Day Holiday Aug 30– Sep 1
Thanksgiving Break Nov 26– Nov 30 No Classes
Nov 27– Nov 30 HCC Closed
Winter Break Dec 24– Jan 1 HCC Closed
Martin Luther King Day January 19 HCC Closed
Spring Break April 6-April 12 HCC Closed
Memorial Day May 25 HCC Closed
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