My Current Students
Policies
Attendance and Scheduling:
Lessons will be scheduled prior to the first of the month with the teacher via Google Forms. Students should make every effort to attend their lesson every week. If a student cannot attend his/her lesson, they must give 24 hours notice. In the event of sickness, death, school conflict, or medical emergency, every effort will be made to make the lesson up at a later date.
If a lesson is missed and the absence is unexcused and the monthly payment has been made, there will be no time for a make-up lesson. My time is extremely valuable (as is your time) and if other students can make their lessons, the expectation applies to your student. This is teaching responsibility for your student. No exceptions.
If a student is late to their lesson, this time cannot be made-up. Due to the amount of students in the studio, it is only fair that your student be on-time for their lesson. However, if the studio is late due to the lesson being extended on my behalf, there is no extra charge for your student nor penalty for the next student. Each student will be given their specific amount of time that they are paying for.
Online Lessons are available on the following:
1. Zoom
2. Skype
3. FaceTime
4. WebEx
Payment:
Payment for scheduled lessons is due at the end of each month. This payment will be for the following month. Payment is made directly to the teacher. The rate varies for each district. Generally, each lesson for the 2023-2024 school year is $35 per half hour and $65 per hour. Forms of payment may include cash, check, Venmo, and PayPal.
Venmo: @Donald-Rabin
Zelle: @donald.rabin97@gmail.com
Materials
Students are expected to come prepared with their lesson books (assigned at the first lesson), a metronome, and a tuner. These materials will be available for purchase at the store at the student discount price. Lesson books may not necessarily be the school band method book, depending on the needs of the student.
Instrumental Maintenance:
Students must have a quality instrument in working order. This means having several good reeds (not applicable for flute), a quality mouthpiece/headjoint, and a level-appropriate instrument. Advancing students will often outgrow the capabilities of their current instrument. When this happens, it is highly recommended that they upgrade to an intermediate or professional model instrument.
Practice:
Students should practice a minimum of 30 minutes per day. Older students, especially college-bound students, should practice one hour or more per day as that will be the expectation as a college music major. Younger students will be encouraged to fill-out a practice log (provided) to keep track of their weekly practice routines. Parents should look to make sure that their child is maintaining a good practice schedule so that they can get the most out of their lessons.
Studio Opportunities
Recital:
A recital will be scheduled at the end of each school year to showcase the work that students have done over the course of the school year. All students should make every effort to perform or attend.
Masterclasses:
Periodically over the course of the upcoming year, students will have opportunities to perform for professional musicians in a masterclass format. This will provide students with a great opportunity to learn from incredible musicians in the field.
Performances:
Students will be encouraged to participate in community service and other opportunities. This will allow students the opportunity to showcase their musicianship for community members. Additionally, it will help promote the arts and encourage young artists share their talents. Performances will be scheduled on a monthly basis. Students are not required to sign-up, but they are highly encouraged.
Regional Band Auditions:
The Texas Music Educators Association has district honor band opportunities for both junior high and high school students. Audition requirements vary by district and it is highly recommended that students take these auditions.
Youth Orchestra Auditions:
Students who are excelling at their instrument should consider participating in youth orchestra. This experience is once in a lifetime and will benefit their musical growth. It is best to get involved and continue growing!
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Houston Youth Symphony
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Virtuosi Orchestra of Houston
Summer Festivals:
Students are encouraged to participate in summer festivals (applicable to high school students only). This will allow students to branch out from their local school and investigate the music culture. Music festivals provide students with a great educational environment to establish relationships with their colleagues. It is a wonderful way to learn new ways to play and perform.
Mock Auditions:
Students who are in the process of auditioning for any type of band/performance situation will have the opportunity to participate in a mock audition. Each performer will get feedback from judges.
Scale Competition:
Students will perform a jury at the end of each 6-week cycle. This will ensure that students are on the right track to success. Scales will depend on level and playing ability. They will compete with other students for prizes and awards.
100-Day Practice Challenge:
Students will have an interactive online environment during the summer months known as the 100-Day Practice Challenge. This opportunity will provide students with skills of recording, practicing, and work-ethic. Students are required to record a 2-minute video of their daily practice routine. At the end of 100-days, students will be awarded for their efforts and contributions to others.
Assignments:
Students will be required to complete assignments that are given in lessons. Be sure to check with your students to understand what their assignment is. You are paying for these lessons and I want your student to benefit the most from them. Therefore, these assignments are not busy work. They are assigned to develop their musicianship. Be aware that students will be required to complete:
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Listening Logs
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Dream Boards/Goal Sheets
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Semester Reflections
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Composer Biographies
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Music History Reports
These assignments will develop your child’s musicianship.
Rabin Studio Highlights
Zachary Arvantely (Saxophone) - Second Chair Massachusetts Junior Districts (2019)
Anna Wang (Flute) - First Chair (2019)
2023-2024
Perrin Scheibel (Flute) - Appointed Montana State University Assistant Professor Biochem
Kayla Dimalanta (Flute) - 5A Area, Region Bands (2nd Chair)
Jovanna Garcia - 5A Area, Region Band (5th Chair)
Jorge Velasquez (Flute) - 5A Region (6th Chair)
Brieana Hernandz (Flute) - 5A Region (7th Chair)
Abi Hardin - 5A Area, Region (Piccolo)
Jacqueline Marquez (Flute) - Solo Rating-I
Anna Young (Flute) - Solo Rating-I
Madelyn Sharp (Flute) - Solo Rating-I
Delilah Pinot (Flute) - Solo Rating-I
Fredricka Tidwell (Flute) - Solo Rating-I
Biel Arias (Flute) - Solo Rating-I
Elise Wade (Flute) - Solo Rating-I