Web Site Analysis

Stelu Aioanei

Old Town School of Folk Music - www.oldtownschool.org

The value proposition for the Old Town School of Folk Music is to give exposure to all ages about different music and dance cultures. Most of their individual lessons are for string instruments, which include ukulele and mandolin. It also includes ensembles such as jazz, rock, Latin, etc. All the class information is in catalog form (Merchant model) and a student can sign up for these programs online.

The main channels that the school interacts are their two locations. One of them is in the city, and the other is in a north suburb. It also provides different concerts around different venues, and sometimes it brings workshops to other locations then their own. It provides a monthly newsletter. It does not have its own store, but it does provide links to other local stores.

Impulsive - These would be parents that would want to get rid of their kids for a few hours. The schools provides great and fun activities for these.
Patient - The school seems to target community involvement, and whoever is looking for an arts activity will find something here.
Analytical - The school does provide different cultural arts programs, so if someone is looking for a more specific culture, it can most likely be found.
Utilitarian - If a student wants to purse a professional career, I would recommend another school, but if it's just for cultural learning it would be great.
Hedonic - It is really appealing and catchy, because it is new, looks fun and many times exotic.

The interaction is pretty straight forward, although sometimes it seems a little difficult to find things. For example, if you want to register for a flute class, you need to go through about 4 steps, before you get to the registration page. The registration page is fairly standard, and you either have to log in into your account, or create a new account to register. The website does have a music store link, but it just promotes other local music stores.

It first let you search for the general product, in this case classes. It shows you the available classes, and then the cost. If you choose to register, it will take you to the registration page. Here you have to log in or if you're for the first time, you have to create an account. Then it will take you to the next page where it will let you check your shopping cart. If you're ready to check out, it will send you to a payment page where you can input your payment info (credit card no., bill address, etc). After you click "submit" button a (printable) receipt and record page is displayed.

There are no products that are being delivered or shipped. However, they have a policy for canceled classes, and it has different cancelation policies.

A student can contact the school by regular mailing address, phone, email or general Contact form.

The initial page contains a navigation bar running horizontally, and on the left side there is the same bar running vertically, but this also includes submenus. When navigating through pages, it provides bread crumbs to see where you are. Search options on the classes page is really useful and self explanatory. For some pages the info seems irrelevant, and I think it can be distractive.

A good part of the content is too much text, which makes it hard to find things. However, overall is designed in a way that appeals and attracts. For some of the events, the important info is displayed in different color to stand out.

- A search button would be really helpful.
- Sign on button to access the account.
- An account to check my class schedule and possible balance.