Does music education make my child smarter academically?
Music majors are the most likely group of college graduates to be admitted to medical school. Physician and biologist Lewis Thomas found that 66 percent of music majors who applied to medical school were admitted, the highest percentage of any group. For comparison, (only 44 percent) of biochemistry majors were admitted.
Does music education really help my student on the SAT or even in life?
[Profiles of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, The College Board, 1998]
Are there other reasons to participate in music education?
Self-Discipline: We learn to handle responsibility as an individual and as a team player. We also learn to concentrate much better.
Use of Gifts & Talents: A chance to use a natural gift to the best of our abilities.
Lasting Fun: Yes, it takes a while to learn the basics, but the whole world of music will open up for you to enjoy.
Pride & Achievement: To see the growth from the first day of class to the last concert is one of the greatest feelings you will ever know!
Cultural Awareness: Music is universal. It overlaps and interweaves cultures, introducing students to many people and the world.
Creative Outlet: An opportunity to explore life in a different way and from a different perspective.
Why do you allow home school parents to participate with only paying a $60 Registration fee and no tuition for the year when their students are enrolled in Joyful Noise?
We have many parents who play with their student in band or orchestra, as well as sing in the chorus. It’s amazing how it helps build family unity when both parent and child are learning to play an instrument. Students find that they are on a level playing field and can compete with their parent, perhaps for the first time! Seeing their parents being diligent in practicing, encourages diligence in the student. Students sitting near the parent actually appreciate their support and encouragement. It works for our students, our families and our programs. It’s a good thing all around.
How can you do your music programs so inexpensively?
Based on the annual tuition of $120, students pay less than $5 per class. The registration fee of $60 pays for expensive music, programs, and more. We can only do this because all our parents volunteer in the program during the year and this allows us to minimize costs. We hope that you can appreciate our efforts to keep the costs at a minimum and your student’s opportunities at a maximum.
How do tuition payments work?
The tuition amount is for the entire year. Tuition is payable in September and January as a convenience to you, but may be paid in one lump sum at the beginning of the year if you so desire. Please keep in mind you are paying an annual tuition rate broken down into two installments to keep the price more manageable for most families.
Why is the registration fee non-transferable and non-refundable?
Our music programs run on a limited resources budget. We only charge what it actually costs us to run the program. All our classes have limited enrollment, and when your student is registered, we hold a place open for them and often turn other students away. We need to have families understand the level of commitment they are making when they register. Registration fees may not be transferred from one non-attending student towards tuition of another for the same reason.
Why do I have to commit to the whole year and pay for it even if I drop out?
Death or unemployment of a parent
Family moving more then 50 miles from Joyful Noise
My student wants to participate in the concert but we’re too busy for rehearsals, is that a problem?
Yes, it’s a problem! Concert preparation takes work and lots of practice. It is something to take seriously and work hard for. It takes time and commitment to make the programs run well and we hope you will encourage that in your children along the way.
Does my student have to participate in the concerts?
It is most important that each student plan on performing! Every student seated around you will be used to your being there, and depend on you. Just like practicing for a ball game for months and then the big game comes, and the shortstop doesn’t show up, any gaps in our ‘line-up’ hurt the ‘team.’ You are an important part of the whole. We need you.
Are Joyful Noise Home school music programs Christian based?
Yes, they are. We begin our first classes of the year and each concert with prayer. The values we expect from our students are certainly Judeo-Christian in origin; honesty, truthfulness, diligence, kindness, modesty, punctuality, courtesy, and respect. However, no doctrine is taught, and we have had students of all faiths, and even no faith enrolled in our program. Each student is welcome, but you need to know where we stand. Some Christian/sacred music is played at each concert, in addition to other secular or classic music.
What is your policy on visitors?
Parents are always welcome visitors as are students considering future enrollment. Students that already play an instrument are welcome to bring their instrument and participate for the day. Future participation will require enrolling in the program.
Can I use Joyful Noise for school credit on my transcript?
Of course. At the end of each year, certificates are available upon request for students stating how many hours they have had in music education for that year. For high school transcripts you may count the total for fine arts or music. Some of our students ask for certificates listing numbers of volunteer hours spent with the band. We are glad to accommodate them. Colleges look for student leadership, and those volunteer hours look impressive. Please request certificates before the end of the year, in order to help us save postage costs.
