Teaching Guidelines
Official policy guidance for teaching standards, conduct, and instructional quality at The Global Conservatory. Protecting students, families, and faculty by making expectations clear, consistent, and enforceable.
Purpose & Scope
This policy outlines teaching expectations and standards for all Conservatory instruction.
Applies To
- Private lessons and coaching
- Group classes and studio classes
- Masterclasses and intensives
- Rehearsals and ensemble instruction
- All instructional communication
Core Purpose
- Protect student safety and dignity
- Ensure consistent teaching quality
- Define professional conduct and boundaries
- Standardize communication and scheduling
- Provide escalation path when issues occur
Key Principles
We prioritize clarity, respect, and professional integrity.
Consistency & Fairness
- Students deserve consistent standards and clear expectations
- Teachers apply policies fairly and calmly
- No student should be shamed or pressured as a teaching method
Student Safety & Dignity
- Respectful communication is mandatory
- Boundaries are non-negotiable
- Minors require extra care in privacy and communication
Professional Accountability
- Teaching must be organized: clear goals, feedback, next steps
- Scheduling must be handled professionally
- Concerns must be routed through formal channels
Teaching Standards
These are the minimum standards expected of Conservatory instruction.
Respectful Culture
No harassment, humiliation, intimidation, discriminatory remarks, or inappropriate commentary.
Lesson Structure
Every lesson must include:
- A clear focus (what matters today)
- Actionable feedback (what changes)
- Next steps (what to do before next session)
Professional Boundaries
- Faculty and students communicate professionally
- No inappropriate messaging, content, or behavior
- Private student information is protected
Online Professionalism
- Punctual start/finish where possible
- Basic setup and clarity (camera, audio, environment)
- Time zone clarity required for scheduling
No Recording Without Consent
Any recording requires consent according to Conservatory standards.
Written Lesson Notes
Provide written lesson notes or summary after each session for student reference.
Repeatable Practice Plan
Give students a structured weekly practice plan they can follow independently.
Progress Reviews
Conduct periodic progress reviews with milestone checkpoints to track development.
Parent/Guardian Involvement
For minors, maintain respectful parent/guardian involvement in progress and communication.
Teacher Checklist
Common-sense operational guidance for before, during, and after each lesson.
Before the Lesson
- Confirm time zone and meeting link (if needed)
- Review last lesson notes and decide 1–3 priorities
- Ensure a professional environment (lighting, sound, background)
- Plan a clear lesson arc: focus → work → feedback → next steps
During the Lesson
- Start with a simple goal statement: "Today we will…"
- Keep feedback specific and actionable (not vague criticism)
- Maintain respectful tone even when standards are high
- Avoid multitasking or distractions
- Manage time so lesson ends with next steps, not abrupt cutoff
After the Lesson
- Give the student a short plan: 1–3 priorities
- Include 1 practice structure (how to work)
- Include 1 measurable target (what "improved" means)
- If possible, provide a written summary (even 5 lines is enough)
Online Teaching Standards
Because the Conservatory is global and online, consistency matters across time zones and platforms.
Student Setup Expectations
- Stable internet if possible
- Camera positioned so teacher can see what matters
- Quiet environment when possible
- Materials ready (music, pencil, metronome)
Teacher Setup Expectations
- Clear audio and stable camera
- Professional environment (not chaotic)
- Lesson link sent clearly when applicable
- Time zone clarity always
Etiquette & Professionalism
Professional conduct extends to all digital interactions.
Expected Behavior
- Punctuality and respectful presence
- No casual recording or screenshots
- No sharing private links to third parties
- Professional language in messages and calls
Minors (Additional Safeguards)
When the student is a minor, additional safeguards apply.
Requirements
- Parent/guardian communication may be necessary for scheduling and safety
- Teachers must maintain extra professional boundaries
- No casual recording or public sharing
- Lesson environment should be appropriate and respectful
Feedback Standards
Quality feedback is specific, actionable, and constructive.
Scheduling & Cancellations
Fairness and professionalism apply to both faculty and students.
Expectations
- Cancellations should be communicated as early as possible
- Repeated last-minute cancellations undermine progress
- Professionalism applies to both faculty and students
Recordkeeping & Consent
Professional documentation standards apply to all instruction.
Standards
- Basic records may be kept for continuity (attendance, progress notes)
- Recordings require consent
- Student data is confidential and handled professionally
Escalation & Reporting
If issues arise (conduct, quality, boundaries, safety, scheduling), the Conservatory uses a formal pathway.
Clarify
Clarify expectations calmly (when appropriate)
Document
Document relevant facts (dates, messages, issue summary)
Submit
Submit a policy inquiry through the form below
Review
Internal review and next-step resolution
Escalate
Escalation if needed depending on severity
Communication Templates
Copy and paste these templates for common teaching communications.
Lesson Follow-Up
Scheduling Conflict
Boundary Reminder
Performance Readiness
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these guidelines strict rules or general standards?
What if a teacher is not following these standards?
What if a student is unprepared repeatedly?
Are teachers allowed to record lessons?
Contact Us
For clarification on any aspect of these Teaching Guidelines, submit your question. We will respond with guidance.
Policy Question
Complete all fields. We will respond promptly.