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Service Comparison as of Spring 2007
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Offering
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Virtuoso Music
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Music Store
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Freelance Teacher
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Typical In-Home Service
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Music teachers who travel to you
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Yes
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No
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Rarely
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Yes
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Member of the Better Business Bureau
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Yes
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Rarely
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Unlikely
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Very Unlikely
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Organized recitals
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Twice per year
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Rarely
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Sometimes
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Sometimes
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Judged performance opportunities or festivals
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Yes
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Unlikely, unless individual teacher provides
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Unlikely, unless individual teacher provides
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No, unless individual teacher provides
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Music discount or credit program
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Yes, including free classical music*
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None or very limited
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None or very limited
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None
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Verifiable background checks for instructors
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Yes, with reputable firm
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Rarely
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No
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Sometimes, but methods are not always clear
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Experienced, reliable, fun and proven teachers
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Clear teacher qualifications
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Hit or miss - often young student teachers
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Hit or miss
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Many haven't even met their teachers
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Affordable prices for service received
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Best Value
(more info)
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Cheapest Option
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Varies, but usually limited to just teaching
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Most are very expensive and provide little
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Community / volunteer opportunities
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Yes
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No
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No
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No
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Music newsletter for your local community
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Yes
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Rarely
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No
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Rarely
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Fair cancellation policy
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Cancel anytime with 2-wk notice
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Usually 1 month notice required
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Usually 1 month notice required
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Varies, if there is a policy at all
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Clear and understandable written policies for makeups and lesson credits
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Provided at signup
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Limited makeups and usually no credits allowed
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Limited makeups and usually no credits allowed
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Unpredictable, if there is a written policy at all
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