# Information for Parents Under FERPA, university study is your student's domain — faculty cannot share academic records or discuss progress with parents. Still, choosing a school raises questions that are *yours*, and this page answers the ones we hear most. **Short version:** it's demanding, and it's worth it. > [!FAQ]- What's the time commitment like? > 25 hours a day, plus overtime. > > Hyperbole, yes — but that's how it will feel. Diligent music students keep immensely busy schedules. If your student is a linchpin in your family's weekly operations, plan for that to change. > > Babysitting siblings, running errands, and attending every family event are almost *never* excused absences — or excuses for lack of preparation. Please don't put your student in a position where they must choose between their academic record and an avoidable family obligation. > > We say this not to be harsh, but to ask that you treat your student as an adult taking on something genuinely difficult — something that demands attendance, punctuality, and hard work. > [!FAQ]- What about student loans? > Loans are a tool, not a death sentence. The real danger is not understanding them. > > College is expensive — we know. But two extremes both end badly: > > - Students who refuse all debt often work themselves into poor health, poor grades, and burnout. A music degree **does not coexist** with full-time work. > - Students who borrow everything they can to fund a cushy, no-stress lifestyle graduate buried in avoidable debt. > > The answer is **balance.** Talk with your student about when it's appropriate to "buy time" to be a healthy, focused student. Yes, loans accrue interest, and yes, that can be unnerving. But anything worthwhile has a cost. > > **A perspective:** most families accept debt for a car or a house because the purchase justifies itself. A completed music degree works the same way — it becomes your student's skills, credentials, and career access for the rest of their life. It is an investment. > [!FAQ]- Can I contact the faculty about my student? > You can — but in nearly all cases we'll ask your student to contact us directly instead. > > Under FERPA, your student is an adult with privacy protections that prevent parent involvement unless formal paperwork establishes otherwise. Beyond the legal side, handling their own academic business is part of their training. > > While your student is still in high school, you're welcome to reach out with questions. Once they enroll: **when in doubt, have your student contact us.** > > That said, **we welcome parents and family at all concerts and events**, and we often build wonderful relationships with families over the years of their student's studies. We just don't do academic business with them. > [!FAQ]- How can I help my student succeed? > **Simple answer:** ask them questions and learn about *what they actually do.* > > Your instinct will take care of the rest. > > Have conversations and ask about their daily life of study and practice. Ask about how they prepare music and what lessons are like. Chances are they might enjoy explaining it to you. If not, do your best to get *something* out of them. > > Arming yourself with some context as to their work will allow you to choose how you show up for them. A little goes a long ways. > > **Don't buy them random instruments:** Save yourself the money and realize that your student is studying to become an expert in their craft. If you see a pair of sticks or a tambourine on Amazon and think it would be a "cool gift," we'd recommend avoiding the expense. > > A+ for the thoughtfulness, but chances are the quality of the equipment will be extremely low and unusable. **We note this lightheartedly more than anything.** We've seen some pretty funny "I thought of you" instruments that, while heartwarming, are humorously cheap. More FAQs soon...