Music Process and Terms
Thank you for your interest in the music program offered through the Continuing Education & Workforce Development division of Garrett College! We are pleased to offer individualized lessons, taught by trained professionals, at convenient locations throughout Garrett County
Lessons
Unless noted otherwise, all of our music classes are private, one-on-one lessons. These lessons are comprised of ten 30-minute sessions per ten-week term. There are 4 terms per year. Typically, the student will participate in one session per week, at a mutually agreed upon time. The student’s course registration represents his/her commitment to the lesson schedule, as well as completing homework assignments and practicing; these commitments will enable the student’s skill progression. The term dates and registration a due date deadlines are listed below. To register call 301-387-3781
Meet the Instructors
Sean Beachy
Dr. Sean Beachy, of Grantsville, Maryland, has been an active pianist, composer, and teacher in the region for the past 20 years. He earned a degree in applied music with an emphasis in piano from Alderson-Broaddus College, a Master of Music degree in composition from Shenandoah Conservatory, and a Doctor of Music Arts degree in composition from West Virginia University. Dr. Beachy has been an active collaborative pianist and composer for the past 17 years. Most recently, his work for concert band, Fanfare for an Uncommon Band, was premiered by the Garrett Community Concert Band, of which he is the director, in June 2022 celebrating the band's 20th anniversary. Along with his wife, Debi, he directs the Garrett Choral Society and is the director of the Garrett Jazz Ensemble. In addition, he is co-director of music at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Oakland.
Dr. Beachy currently teaches Piano Studies, Voice, and Composition/Songwriting for the Music Enthusiast. Lessons with him are offered at the Northern Outreach Center (NOC), Southern Outreach Center (SOC), and at the college main campus in McHenry.
Emily Brobst
From Frostburg, Maryland, is a flutist and pianist with training in both classical and jazz music. She currently teaches private flute and piano lessons while studying for a Music Performance Degree at Frostburg State University. She is a member of the FSU Wind Ensemble, FSU Jazz Combo, FSU Jazz Orchestra, and FSU Chamber Singers. She studies with flutist Dr. Eftihia Arkoudis, and previously studied with flutist Dr. Keith Hanlon. Emily has performed in masterclasses with successful flutists such as Kim Valerio (principal flutist of both the Annapolis Symphony and Maryland Symphony Orchestras), flutist and composer Hadar Noiberg, Emilio Rutllant, and and Beatriz Macias. She previously studied piano and composition with Dr. Sean Beachy, then studied piano with Dr. James DeWire, and currently studies jazz piano with Tom Harrison. Emily has performed with local groups such as the Garrett Choral Society, Garrett Community Concert Band, and Johnstown Youth Symphony Orchestra (first-chair flutist). While she is not practicing or performing, she enjoys composing for various instruments and ensembles.
Registration & Payment Information
Please call 301-387-3781 to initiate the student registration:
After collecting the required student information, and providing the student with access to their student account online, CEWD will put the student in touch with the appropriate instructor. Our instructor will then determine the student’s skill level and needed materials, and will also schedule the day/time of lessons and notify CEWD of the student’s need to pay for the upcoming session.
Online access to the student account allows the student/parent to make a payment, review account balance, as well as view payment receipts and enrollment history at any time. Payment must be made before lessons can begin for the Term. For any assistance with navigating the student account, please call 301-387-3781.
Payment in full is required before a student may begin lessons. At this time, we are unable to prorate the tuition/fees of a course or transfer lessons to another student.
The cost of the Term (series of ten 30-minute lessons) per student is determined by the student’s residency:
- Garrett County Rate: $229.00
- Out of County Rate: $234.00
- Out of State Rate: $239.00 *
- Maryland Senior Rate: $215.00**
*The state of Maryland requires that a differential be applied to out of county and out of state students.
**Maryland Seniors aged 60 and older pay fees only.
Refunds
The CEWD Refund Policy states that completion of a registration form and course fee/tuition payment serves as confirmation of registration and results in the student’s obligation for the cost of the course. If, for any reason, the student cannot attend the course for which he/she is registered, it is his/her responsibility to withdraw from the course by notifying the CEWD Office at 301-387-3069. A full refund will be made if the student withdraws from a course by the course registration deadline/closing date (see Term Calendar). If the student withdraws prior to the second week of a term, the student will receive an 88% refund of the total course cost. Refunds will not be available after the second week of the term. Any requests for exceptions to this policy must be made in writing and should be submitted to the Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development.
Attendance
Students should plan their schedule in order to attend each lesson of the term on the agreed upon day and time. The student should make themselves familiar with their scheduled dates and the location of lessons, and should arrive early and be ready to begin the lesson on time. Instructors often have multiple lessons on a given day and may not be able to accommodate a student who is late to his/her session. There are normally no refunds for unexcused/missed lessons. If the student is not able to attend a lesson, s/he should notify the instructor as soon as possible. Planned absences should be communicated to the instructor at least 72 hours in advance in order to arrange for a make-up request. The instructor will work with the student/parent to attempt to offer a make-up session within the term, but this is not guaranteed. Unexcused last-minute changes to the agreed upon schedule are ultimately the responsibility and ownership of the student. Instructors will do what they can to be flexible within reason, but please be respectful of their time and plans based on the agreed upon schedule.
- Combining two lessons back-to-back if possible based on the instructor’s schedule (Example: one hour-long session).
- Meeting twice a week on different days dependent on instructor schedule.
- In some cases, if the above two options are not possible, a lesson can be made up online via Zoom with the instructor at a mutually agreeable time.
Options for makeup sessions include:
Make up sessions are at the discretion and availability of the instructor, but are not guaranteed.
IMPORTANT: ALL MAKE UP LESSONS MUST BE DONE BY THE TERM END DATE!
Inclement Weather
All on-site music courses will adhere to Garrett College’s Weather Cancellation Policy. Please note that weather related cancellations for the college are different from those of the public-school system. If in doubt, please call the college’s Weather Line at 301-387-3798, check out the website at www.garrettcollege.edu or tune in to local radio stations such as 104.5FM, 92.3FM etc. The college also provides text alerts relating to college closings. If you would like to sign up, please continue to this webpage ( https://garrettcollege.regroup.com/signup ). For other weather-related information or FAQ’s (https://www.garrettcollege.edu/inclement-weather-faq.php ). If there is a weather-related concern that might impact a lesson, students should reach out to their instructor and determine if a Zoom session might be an adequate substitute.
Required Materials
Please note that required books and materials must be purchased online by the student and are not currently available through the college book store. The appropriate level and text will be determined upon meeting with the instructor who will be able to share the information needed for purchasing the text online.
A Note to Parents
While the college does its utmost to provide a safe and educational environment at all locations, please do not leave your children unattended before or after lessons. Be aware that our instructors have busy schedules and oftentimes must start a new lesson immediately following the one completed, so for the overall safety and wellbeing of your child, please be timely.
