PRIVATE LESSON POLICIES  

Private lessons can be started at any time throughout the year. All students must complete a new student registration, agree to VMA policies, and provide a method of payment prior to the start of lessons. Payment for the initial 4 lessons must be pre-paid prior to the first lesson. This payment is refundable if we cannot match you with a teacher at an agreed time.

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You will be contacted within 2-3 business days to arrange your new lesson time. Students receive a confirmation email with the teacher name and schedule. Students also receive a login for the Student Portal.

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During registration, all students consent to automatic payment by credit or debit card for any future charges for tuition or materials.

Upon completion of the initial 4 lessons, students will automatically be placed in our regular monthly billing cycle. On the first day of each month, students will be billed for the lessons scheduled in the upcoming month. 

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Tuition must be paid in advance each month. If a lesson is cancelled by the teacher or excused for any reason, credit will be carried forward to the next month's bill.

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​ATTENDANCE POLICIES 

Students are expected to attend lessons as scheduled. Teacher contact information is available on the Student Portal (see below). In the event of a planned or unplanned absence, students should communicate directly with the teacher first. The teacher may offer to reschedule at a mutually agreeable time.

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Unexcused absences are subject to billing. In order to be excused, the lesson must be cancelled by email or in the Student Portal with 7 days notice. Only two absences will be excused per semester in the spring and fall. Any lessons cancelled by the teacher are not billable.

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Individual teachers will have additional policies regarding required lesson materials, practice requirements, lesson expectations, lesson goals, and parent involvement. Speak with the teacher directly regarding their individual policies.

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STUDENT/PARENT PORTAL

Students/parents will be issued a login and password for the VMA student portal.  Students and parents are strongly encouraged to use this tool to manage their accounts, record practice time, cancel lessons, communicate with faculty and staff, and much more.  Student absences should always be submitted through the student portal to guarantee proper notification is given to VMA administrators and faculty.

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FINANCIAL AID

Tuition assistance for students under 18 is available based on reported household income. See https://www.valleymusicacademy.org/scholarships.

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HOW TO CANCEL

A student wishing to discontinue lessons must give 30 days notice. Please email programs@valleymusicacademy.org to notify us in writing. Students who cancel after the initial 4 lessons, before the 5th lesson, will receive no further charges for tuition.​ Payment for lessons during this 30 day period is required. 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Valley Music Academy may use unnamed photographs, videos, or portraits of students, participants, or attendees of classes, recitals, programs or other events, and any parts, reproductions, or likeness thereof in any form for promotional use online or in printed materials.

• You have full access to your account, billing, attendance, and payment information online at the student portal.  All billing and payment inquiries should be directed to the VMA office only.  Teachers do not have access to your payment or account information.

• VMA does not issue weather cancellations. Each teacher decides when to cancel in the event of inclement weather.

• Parents of young children may choose to remain with the child during the lesson, or wait in the waiting room.