The Music Academy Policy Statement

The Music Academy (TMA) Policy Statement

Revised 12/2021

1. On-line Registration Each Semester:

To be admitted to TMA for private lessons and/or classes, parents/students must complete and submit the Registration Form through TMA website for EACH semester in which lessons/classes are desired. (Fall, Spring and Summer) 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 also be made online via Venmo at: https://account.venmo.com/u/TMA1963 . NOTE: All payments should include specification of the student’s name. Payments may be mailed or deposited in the Payment Box, located in the entryway of the school.

5. ANNUAL Registration Fee:

ALL students (New and Returning) enrolling for private lessons must pay an annual non-refundable Registration Fee within the academic year of lessons (Fall through Summer). (No registration fee is due for classes.)

6. Commitment for Weekly Private Lessons:

TMA offers three semesters. Fall and Spring Semesters are 18 weeks. Summer Session requires a minimum of 3 lessons and is more flexible. 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.

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. 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 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. 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 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. 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.