General Policies

Enrollment: In order to enroll in the Maryland Talent Education Center students/parents must first observe a private lesson, a group lesson and possibly attend a parent orientation. To schedule observations and to obtain a schedule of when parent orientations will be held contact Phyllis Freeman at freeman@marylandtalent.com

Beginners: Students may begin violin, cello or piano at the age of 6. Siblings of current students will be given priority for placement. Students may begin studies at anytime during the semester, but August is preferred for a starting time. Beginners will have a 30 minute private lesson and a 30 minute group lesson once a week. Parents must be present at both the group and private lessons, take notes and guide the practice at home. We do not accept any beginners on violin who are older than 10 or cellists who are older than 11. We do start beginners on viola students.  Potential violists start on violin and then learn viola later.

Continuing Students:  Students who have already been studying their instrument in another program will be accepted after the parents have completed the observations.  Students/parents must also have an intake evaluation with the director, Phyllis Freeman.  There is a charge of $40/half hour for the intake evaluation which must be paid at the time of the evaluation.   Students may request specific teachers, but placements with a specific teacher cannot be guaranteed.  Students will be accepted based upon their willingness to work diligently and their compatibility with the MDTEC curriculum. 

Private Lessons:  Every student receives a weekly private lesson.  Parents are required to attend the lessons until their child is 12 years old.  Parents need to take notes and be prepared to practice daily with their child at home.  Depending upon their level, students will need the following amount of time for their private lessons:

  Beginner-Suzuki Book 1          30 minutes
  Suzuki Books 3-4                     45 minutes
  Suzuki Book 5 and up              60 minutes
  Professional track                    2 hours a week

Group Lessons:  Violin Students are required to attend a weekly group lesson until they have finished the 8th grade.  Starting with the 9th grade students must also participate in either a youth orchestra, school orchestra or chamber music ensemble or they may continue in group classes.  Failure to follow this requirement will result in a student immediate dismissal from the MDTEC program.

Performances:  All students are required to perform on at least one solo recital each semester.  Students who are in groups classes will also be required to perform in a group concert each semester.  Most recitals are held on Friday evenings.  Occasionally, there will be a recital on a Sunday afternoon, but this is not guaranteed.  Students will not exempt from these requirements due to religious restrictions.

Accompanists:  MDTEC provides a pianist for every MDTEC concert/recital.  Students in Suzuki books 1-3 may sign up via email for a rehearsal with the designated pianist that will occur in the hour prior to the performance.  MDTEC covers the fees for this rehearsal time and any MDTEC concert/recital/group class.  Students in Suzuki books 4 and up must rehearse with the pianist prior to the day of the performance.  Parents are responsible for the payment(s) for these rehearsal(s) if they occur outside of group class, and they should make payment directly to the pianist.  MDTEC will cover the fee for the actual performance as long as the pianist is the designated MDTEC pianist.  Parents are responsible for payment of all fees to any other pianist. 

Participation:  MDTEC requires a strong commitment to a child’s musical studies.  The following is a list of activities that students could add in addition to their concerts at MDTEC.  Please consult your private teacher before engaging in any performance committments outside of MDTEC sponsored events.  We encourage your child to particpate in any of the following:
Youth Orchestra, school orchestra, chamber music, performances at religious services, ASTA exams, competitions, music camps, Suzuki Institutes, All-State orchestra and masterclasses.

Probation:  Students can be placed on probation status for any of the following reasons:

Consistent tardiness to group/private lessons. 
Absence from group classes more than 2 times in a semester.
Missing the dress rehearsal or group concert.
Failing to perform in a recital each semester.
Lack of progress due to lack of consistent effort/practicing.
Not bringing all necessary materials to class/lessons.

When a student is placed on probation parents will receive a letter stating the reasons for the probation.  The student will then have one semester to make the needed changes.  At the end of the semester the director or asst. director will determine if the student will be permitted to continue their studies at MDTEC.

Professional track: This is for students who are seriously considering a career in music performance.  This decision should be made no later than the 10th grade and no earlier than the 8th grade.  In addition to private lessons these students should also take music theory, piano as a second instrument, orchestra and chamber music.  Parents should be prepared to purchase an instrument/bow that is suitable for a professional musician.  Students should be prepared to practice 3 hours a day and attend a major music camp/institute for 3-6 weeks during the summer.  If you and your child are considering this track please schedule a conference with your private teacher and the MDTEC director.

Practicing:  All students are expected to practice everyday.  Please consult your private teacher regarding the expected duration. Parents should help the students with their practicing until the child is 12 years old.  Consult with your private teacher to determine what form this assistance should take.  Students should practice at least as long as their lesson time, more if they are participating in orchestra or chamber music. 

Summer Lessons:  Students must take at least 3 private lessons during the course of the summer.  If their regular private teacher is not available during the week you wish to schedule a lesson then you may schedule a lesson with another MDTEC teacher.  Please do not schedule lessons with other teachers if your regular private teacher is available.  Students who attend a camp/institute may subtract one lesson for each week they attend a camp.

Concerts:  Students should attend concerts given by professional musicians as often as possible.  Students ages 10 and over are required to attend at least 2 concerts by professional musicians/orchestras/etc. each academic year.  MDTEC will provide a list of recommended concerts.

Safety/Supervision:  Students under the age of 15 may not be left unsupervised in any MDTEC location or surrounding property.  Parents are responsible for any damage that their children cause to property or harm they inflict upon others while in any MDTEC location.  Siblings must be supervised by an adult while their brother/sister is having a lesson.  Siblings are welcome in lessons.