Pendenny Studio

PROGRAM OUTLINE

TEACHING ETHIC
At the Pendenny Studio, we believe that artistic accomplishment can be measured objectively in terms of technical skill, stylistic fluency, creativity, well-roundedness, and good character.  We believe that every student is unique, and will excel in a unique way if given the right opportunities.  We prepare our students for a musical life, and hope that they will seize the opportunity to become artists and tradition bearers in their own right.

COVID-19 RESPONSE
We take very seriously the menace posed by SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly because long COVID endangers the vocational pursuits of musicians and dancers. Our goal is to prevent transmission of COVID-19 (and other illnesses, see below) within our studio. That is to say we are aiming for zero transmission between our teachers, students, and their families. For the foreseeable future, Pendenny Studio classes will be held outside unless the weather is too cold.

SEMESTERS
Pendenny Studio classes fall into four semesters: Autumn (September to December), Winter (January to March), Spring (March to June), and Summer (June to August). We observe breaks for Easter, August back to school, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. See the New Century Calendar for specific dates.  Private lessons do not follow semesters or take "breaks".

TUITION
Tuition for 60-minute classes is $275 per student per semester.  For the Autumn, Winter, and Spring semesters, students have the option to pay in full or in half-term increments.  Tuition for the Summer semester can be purchased a la carte at $25 per class to accommodate vacations and travel.

Tuition for 30-minute classes, such as An Rince Beag, is $165 per student per semester. For the Autumn, Winter, and Spring semesters, students have the option to pay in full or in half-term increments.  Tuition for the Summer semester can be purchased a la carte at $15 per class to accommodate vacations and travel.

PRIVATE LESSONS
Pendenny Studio instructors offer one-on-one lessons separate from or in addition to scheduled classes. Private lessons are available in music (including music theory), dancing, and singing, and are tailored to the interests of the student.

SPECIAL WORKSHOPS & MASTER CLASSES
The Pendenny Studio and the New Century American Irish-Arts Company hold special workshops and master classes with local and visiting artists.  These are valuable opportunities for our students to learn repertoire and style from master artists other than their teachers, and to gain exposure to a range of perspectives on music and dancing. We host between four and six workshops and/or masterclasses each year.

MAKE-UP CLASSES
We offer group make-up classes for scheduled student absences and illnesses.  Each semester contains a number of make-up classes that is proportional to the number of regular classes in that semester: three make-ups in winter/spring, one in summer, and two in autumn.  Make up classes will be scheduled at the discretion of the instructor.  Snow cancellations will be addressed individually.

ILLNESS
We are careful to prevent the transmission of contagions, epidemics, and other boogery outbreaks through our studio. If our teachers are sick, we will cancel class or schedule a substitute teacher. If you or your little patient zero are feeling a tickle, please stay home, and avoid us as though we have the plague.

SNOW CANCELLATIONS
Pendenny Studio classes follow Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ snow closure policy.  If school is in session, we will hold classes, barring other notice. Cancellation of private lessons due to blizzards, penguin uprisings, and the unyielding malice of snow queens is at the discretion of the instructor.

IMPAIRMENTS
We take all students as they come.

PAYMENT
We accept payment for classes in cash or checks, or on credit and debit cards via the New Century Irish-Arts Store. Sorry, our accountant says we can no longer accept payment in the form of snap bracelets or unruly children.

CLOTHING & INSTRUMENTS

SHOES FOR DANCING

Old-style step dancing should be danced in a leather-sole shoe.  We recommend basic clogging oxfords because it is an affordable dance shoe for young children with growing feet.  We have a small supply of lightly used shoes that we can offer to our students.  We also accept donations of used clogging oxfords.  An nicer alternative are Stacy Adams Oxford shoes. Shoes should be comfortable and slide easily along the floor. Adults can wear any leather-soled shoe or taps.  Students in the curricular classes will be expected to move into a tap shoe for performance.

INSTRUMENTS
It can be difficult to find the right instrument to begin playing. Please contact us at inquiries@newcenturyirisharts.com if you would like our help finding a button accordion or other instrument to start.

CLOTHING
For class: We recommend wearing comfortable clothes. Many students and instructors wear sleek, 21st century workout garments; others wear jeans. Wet/dry/hazmat suits are not appropriate.

For Performance: We require student musicians and dancers to observe a dress code for performances, but we are strictly committed to freedom of expression within that model. Past dress codes have stated, for instance, "a nice shirt in a shade of blue with black pants or black skirt". In our opinion, the most important consideration in dressing for performance is to show respect for the art form and the people who wrought it, but that consideration should leave room for the performer to be himself or herself, gently. We do not require our dancers to wear ghillies, wigs, or other Irish dancing costumes.