What can I do to catch up if I have to miss a week of class? So long as you don't miss the first week of a class, we have built-in (that is, free) ways for you to get caught up. First we suggest alerting the instructor of your pending absence. The week before you will be away, you should plan to stay after class to get a preview of the new material. Then, the week after your absence you will get to go through the "review" which is standard procedure for the first half of class anyway, every week except Week One. And, we have structured practices every Sunday night which can be used for a make-up lesson, especially if your absence was unexpected. And of course, if it will make you more comfortable and confident about the material, you can always schedule a private lesson with the instructor ($60/hour).