The Music Academy Policy Statement

The Music Academy (TMA) Policy Statement 

Revised 01/2024

1.    On-line Registration Each Semester:

To be admitted to TMA for private lessons and/or classes, parents/guardians/students must complete and submit the Registration Form through TMA website for EACH semester in which lessons/classes are desired. (Fall, Spring and Summer). A parent or guardian must be the primary contact for any students under 18 years old. NOTE: For private lessons students must have an assigned teacher before they register.

2.     Agreeing to TMA Policies:

Submission of a Registration Form for lessons/classes is also a confirmation of parent/student agreement with TMA Policies.

3.     Payment for Lessons and Classes / Due Dates and Late Fees

Tuition and all fees (registration and any additional administrative fees) are to be paid on or before the deadlines (Due Date) set for each semester. A $20 late fee will be assessed if payment is made past the due date. If, after one week past the due date, the payment due is still not made lessons will be suspended until the full payment due (including the late fee) is received. There will be no make-ups for any lessons missed due to lesson suspension.

4.     Forms of Payment Accepted:

Payments may be made by check, money order, cash or submission via your own bank’s on-line “Pay Bill” system. Payments may be mailed or deposited in the Payment Box, located in the entryway of the school. Payments may also be made online via Venmo at: https://account.venmo.com/u/TMA1963 . If paying by Venmo, please note Venmo charges TMA a fee for each transaction; these cannot be returned, in the unlikely event of a refund or a miscalculation. NOTE: All payments must include the student’s name.

5.     ANNUAL Registration Fee (Private Lessons only):

ALL students (New and Returning) enrolling for private lessons must pay an annual non-refundable Registration Fee within the academic year of lessons.

6.     Commitment for Weekly Private Lessons:

TMA offers three semesters. Fall and Spring Semesters are 18 weeks. Students are expected to enroll for a full semester and attend weekly lessons. Faculty approved exceptions to our standard 18-week semester and once a week lessons will incur a $20 administrative fee. Tuition will be pro-rated for NEW students who begin after the start of the semester. A $20 administrative fee will be applied. Summer Session requires a minimum of 3 lessons and scheduling of lessons can be more flexible.

7.     Refund Policies (Private Lessons and Early Childhood Classes):

Private Lessons - TMA acknowledges that learning to play a musical instrument takes time and dedication. While TMA does offer the option of trial lessons before a student registers for a semester of lessons, once enrolled the TMA does not offer refunds if a student decides to cease taking lessons. (Unusual circumstances, such as a long-term illness or moving from the area will always be considered.)

Early Childhood Classes - On occasion, a family may need to withdraw from an early childhood class. TMA will allow such a withdrawal within the first 3 weeks of classes. Specifically, if a family withdraws a child from class within the first 3 weeks, a refund may be offered, minus the cost of the number of classes attended and the cost of materials. A $20 processing fee will also be deducted from the refund. (Unusual circumstances, such as a long-term illness or moving from the area will always be considered.)   

8.     Trial Lessons (Private Lessons):

At the discretion of an instructor, a student may receive up to two trial lessons prior to committing to a full semester. Payment for trial lessons is due at or before the lesson.

9.     Lesson Absences/Teacher Notification:

The parent/guardian or student must notify the teacher directly at least 24 hours in advance if student is unable to attend the scheduled lesson. Calls should NOT be made to TMA office, as the message will not reach the teacher in a timely manner.

10.  Make-up Lessons:

TMA assumes no obligation to make up lessons missed due to student absences. Any requested make-up lessons will be solely at the discretion of the teacher. If a teacher is absent a mutually convenient make-up lesson time will be arranged. If a student misses the agreed upon make-up lesson, a second make-up lesson will not be arranged. Refunds are not issued for missed lessons/classes.

11.  Weather:

In the event of inclement weather, it may be necessary to cancel lessons, groups and classes. TMA will officially close when State College Area Schools close. However the teacher and student are at liberty to meet for lessons, if desired by both parties. Attempts will be made to make up lessons canceled due to weather.

12.  Expressing Concerns:

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian or student to notify TMA Director at info@scmusicacademy.org when problems arise, whether financial or instructional.

13.  Placement with a Teacher (Private Lessons):

Unless a specific instructor is requested (and available), TMA Director will carefully consider placement with a teacher. This must be determined prior to on-line registration. Any changes recommended or desired by either the student or the instructor will be resolved by TMA Director.

14.  Minimum Enrollment for Classes/Workshops, etc.:

TMA reserves the right to cancel any group offerings for which the enrollment minimum is not met.

15.  Parent/Guardian Responsibility:

Parents/guardians are responsible for watching their children and for keeping speaking and noise volumes low when waiting for a lesson to be given. In addition, children may not be left on the premises unattended. Only during lesson time are children under the supervision of the instructor. At no other time is TMA responsible for students. PLEASE NOTE: Parents/guardians will be charged for any damages incurred to the premises by minors in their care.

16.  Diversity Statement:

The Music Academy celebrates the diversity of its students and families, faculty, staff, and board members and, therefore, does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, disability or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. All persons associated with TMA are expected to abide by this policy in their interactions with students, families, faculty, staff, and board members.

17.  Discontinuing Lessons:

TMA reserves the right to discontinue lessons for any student due to frequent absence (more than 3 consecutive lessons), frequent tardiness, behavioral problems, or failure to abide by TMA policies.