+ Is this a Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) music program?

We are not a district program. However, we were originally founded by a SMMUSD music teacher, and multiple SMMUSD music teachers and coaches also teach for Elemental Music programs. Additionally several prominent SMMUSD music teachers sit on our Advisory Board.

Nearly 70% of Elemental Music’s ensemble teaching staff are current or former teachers for the SMMUSD music program. In fact, 4 of our teachers (including 2 program directors) are current full-time SMMUSD music teachers! This close connection to SMMUSD staff gives us the distinct ability to provide a team-based curriculum that can support individual student needs and development, while aligning with the district curriculum.

+ What makes you different from other similar programs?

While every organization has its own strengths, here are a few things that we are especially proud of:

• We have a long history in the community: we've been here since 2004! That is long enough for one of our students to graduate our programs, go to college for music education, become a SMMUSD music teacher, and start coaching for our ensembles!

• Many of our teachers have worked with us for years – they know the ins and outs of our curriculum and are truly dedicated to the organization’s mission of inspiring, training, and nurturing young musicians.

• Our teachers are highly trained educators and professional musicians. Of our 23 Ensembles teachers, all have at least a bachelor’s degree: 11 hold master’s degrees and 5 hold doctorates. Our staff includes full-time music teachers and college professors, as well as professional musicians who perform in world-class concert halls!

• We meet each student where they're at – while auditions may seem scary, they are essential in ensuring a successful learning experience for each student. By holding auditions, teachers and directors ensure that students will be placed in an ensemble with level- and age-appropriate music learning opportunities.

• We partner with world-class arts organizations in town such as Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and the Broad Stage to offer free concert tickets to students and their families, and our alumni students have even been invited to perform at the Broad Fest!

+ Does my child need to take private lessons?

Our programs are designed to support and encourage students to delve further into their musical studies. Our low student to teacher ratio allows all students to receive a great deal of support regardless of outside private lessons.

However, private lessons are strongly recommended for all students. One-on-one instruction can help students address individual musical and technical issues that arise in ensemble rehearsals.

+ What ages do you teach?

At this time, our ensemble programs are only for students in grades 3 through 12. We hope to see you when your child reaches grade 3!

+ What is your tuition policy?

Tuition varies by program. A non-refundable deposit of $250 is due upon enrollment and applied to the total cost of tuition.

All families who enroll by June 1, 2024 will receive a $50 Early Bird discount.

Invoices are sent through Intuit Quickbooks - please be sure to add quickbooks@notification.intuit.com to your address book so the invoice does not go to your junk folder.

Questions about tuition should be directed to Director of Operations Emily Senchuk.

+ What is your refund policy?

If Elemental Music needs to move the regular rehearsal to a different day for your ensemble, and you are no longer able to participate, or if you pay a deposit and your child is unable to be placed into an ensemble, we will make a full refund of your non-refundable deposit minus a $50 processing fee.

Once rehearsals begin, refunds for withdrawals from Elemental Music programs will be issued through November 2024. We will refund the amount paid proportional to the number of rehearsals that were attended beyond what is covered by the non-refundable deposit. After that, no refunds will be issued except in the case of extreme emergencies and full tuition payment is expected from all students, even students on payment plans.

Students enrolling in Elemental Music are expected to make a commitment for the duration of the school year.

+ We want to participate, but cannot afford tuition. Do you offer tuition assistance?

We know that the pandemic has seriously impacted many families in our community. We pledge to work with every family to make it possible to participate.

We believe that all students deserve access to high-quality music education, and are committed to providing scholarships for all qualified families. Please fill out a tuition reduction form and our staff will help you figure out what is manageable for your family.

+ Oops - I forgot to pay my tuition on time! What now?

All tuition payments are expected upon receipt of invoice. A $10 late fee will be assessed per each week that a payment is past due. We understand that, in rare instances, situations may arise that prohibit timely payment. If there are extenuating circumstances that will cause a late payment, please contact Emily Senchuk.

+ What is your attendance policy?

Because we have limited rehearsal time each week, it is essential that students attend as many rehearsals as possible. We understand that things like illness, internet outages, and other unexpected emergencies may mean that your child needs to miss rehearsal. We respectfully request that absences are kept to a minimum - just 3 per season.

If your child needs to miss rehearsal, please alert your program director.

+ My child has a conflict with the class time. Can they come 15 minutes late?

Every part of rehearsal is crucial. We unfortunately cannot permit students to come to rehearsals late, or leave early, on a regular basis for other activities. If there is a one-time conflict, please speak with your director.

+ Can my child join in the middle of the year and still keep up?

We have often had students join our programs mid-season, after hearing from friends about our ensembles. While we always recommend joining our programs from the start, we will work with all students who would like to join Unit 2 or Unit 3 to place them accurately, based on level and experience, within our ensembles. Students who join mid-year will be asked to play for a director, to ensure accurate placement into an ensemble.