Studio Policy and Agreement (Updated December 1, 2024)

 

Happy Sound Music Studio Policy

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1. Membership and Fees:

 

Individual Lessons: $249.00 per month (promotions/discounts may apply). Each lesson is 30 minutes, with four lessons per month.

 

Group Lessons “Allegro” Package: $129.00 per month (promotions/discounts may apply). Each lesson is 60 minutes, with four lessons per month.

 

Group Lessons “Presto” Package: $159.00 per month (promotions/discounts may apply). Each lesson is 60 minutes, with eight lessons per month.

 

Scheduling: Lessons are scheduled once a week unless rescheduled with instructor approval.

 

Attendance Responsibility: Students are responsible for their attendance. Notify the instructor 24 hours in advance if unable to attend. Medical emergencies require a doctor’s note for exemptions. One reschedule per month is allowed; additional reschedules incur a $25 administration fee.

  

2. Payment and Invoicing: 

Parent Portal: Parents will have access to a portal via MyMusicStaff.com for lesson information, invoices, payments, and resources. You will be provided login information at the time of registration.

 

Invoice Deadlines: Invoices are sent 7 days before the new month. Payment is due by the 5th day of the month to avoid late fees. A late fee of $10 will be added after the due date.

Autopay Option: To simplify payments, you may opt into autopay through the Parent Portal. Autopay ensures that your invoice amount is automatically charged to your preferred payment method on the due date each month.

Payment Plans: Upon request, payments may be divided into two equal parts, charged every two weeks through autopay. This flexible option makes managing payments easier. If a payment fails, lessons may be canceled, and missed lessons will be forfeited.

Prorated Fees: Initial fees may be prorated if fewer than 4 lessons are available at the time of enrollment.

 

Charter School Enrollees: Students enrolling through Yosemite Valley Charter or Monarch River Academy must submit an enrichment order before each service month. Failure to do so will require out-of-pocket payment or cancellation of lessons.

 

Non-Payment: If payment is not received by the due date, lessons may be canceled, and any missing lessons will be forfeited. Future services will not be provided until payment is completed in full.

 

Securing Lesson Times: Outstanding balances or unpaid invoices do not secure your child's lesson time. In such cases, the reserved lesson time may be given to another student.

 

3. Refund Policy: All payments made for lessons are non-refundable. In the case of extenuating circumstances, such as prolonged illness or relocation, refunds may be considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the studio management. Any approved refunds will be prorated based on the number of lessons attended.

 

4. Attendance and Rescheduling Policy: Rescheduling: One reschedule per month is allowed. Additional reschedules incur a $25 fee. COVID-related absences require a positive test result for exemption.

 

Effort to Reschedule: Both parents and instructors must make efforts to reschedule missed lessons. If a suitable time cannot be found, alternatives such as scheduling for the following month or account credit will be provided.

 

Unattended Lessons: Unattended lessons without notice will not be rescheduled, and the lesson will be forfeited. A 10-minute grace period is given for late arrivals; after this, it is considered a no-show.

 

Family Vacations: Notify instructors at least two weeks in advance for any planned vacations.

 

5. Communication Policy: Email Communication: All communication, including but not limited to invoices, lesson reminders, event notifications, and cancellations, will be conducted via email. It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to check emails regularly to stay informed of any updates.

 

Please ensure that your contact information is up-to-date and that you regularly check your email for important notifications.

 

6. Risk, Release, and Indemnification: COVID-19 Precautions: The studio follows health guidelines to minimize COVID-19 risks. However, the risk of exposure cannot be eliminated. Parents are advised to keep symptomatic children at home and notify the facility immediately.

 

Assumption of Risk: Parents acknowledge the risks associated with COVID-19 and release the facility from any claims related to exposure or contraction of the virus. Online lesson options are available.

 

Liability Waiver: By signing the waiver, parents agree to release and indemnify the studio from any legal claims related to their child’s participation.

 

In light of ongoing health concerns, students and parents are expected to adhere to health and safety guidelines. If a student is feeling unwell or showing symptoms of illness, they should not attend in-person lessons. Online lessons may be offered as an alternative.

 

7. Consent and Use of Likeness: 

Media Release: Parents grant Happy Sound Music the right to use their and their child’s likeness in photos, videos, and other media for promotional purposes. The studio retains full ownership of these materials.

 

8. Release of Liability: Participation Agreement: Parents and students agree to follow all posted rules and instructions. They assume responsibility for any injuries or damages incurred during participation in studio activities. 

 

Legal Agreement: Any legal disputes will be resolved under California law, and parents are encouraged to seek legal counsel if necessary before signing the agreement.

 

9. Dispute Resolution: Mediation: Any disputes will first be attempted to resolve through friendly negotiation. If unresolved, mediation will be pursued as the primary dispute resolution method.

 

10. Emergency Contact: Emergency Procedures: In case of an emergency, the primary familt contact/s will be called.

 

11. Agreement Validity: Changes: The studio policy is subject to change, with any updates effective immediately.

 

12. Damages and Misuse: Any damages or misuse of equipment, materials, or instruments at the studio may result in additional charges to cover the cost of repair or replacement.

 

13. Practice Expectations: Students are expected to practice for 15-30 minutes per day as recommended to ensure their success. Students who consistently show a lack of interest or fail to make progress may be recommended for alternative approaches or programs that better suit their needs.

 

14. Studio Etiquette: Students are expected to treat the studio, staff, and fellow students with respect. Disruptive behavior, misuse of equipment, or failure to follow studio rules may result in termination of lessons without refund.

15. Holidays and Breaks: The studio will observe certain holidays and breaks throughout the year. These will be communicated in advance, and lesson schedules will be adjusted accordingly. Invoices for these months will be prorated to reflect the number of lessons offered.

16. Instrument Maintenance: Students are expected to maintain their instruments in good condition. The studio may provide guidance on care and maintenance, but it is the student’s responsibility to ensure their instrument is functional for lessons.

17. Privacy and Data Protection: All student and family information provided to the studio will be kept confidential and used solely for studio operations.

The studio uses secure systems for managing student information, payments, and communication. However, students and parents should also ensure their personal devices are secure when accessing the parent portal or engaging in online lessons.

18. Special Needs and Accommodations: The studio is committed to providing an inclusive environment. Parents should inform the studio of any special needs or accommodations their child may require to ensure a supportive learning experience.

19. Parking and Drop-Off Policy: All families are advised that parking is only available on the street. Please do not park in the back parking lot as it is reserved for instructor.

Drop-Off & Pick-up Procedure: For the safety of all students, please drop off students as close to the studio as possible. Ensure that your child safely enters the building before leaving the premises. Students are to be picked up on the curb nearest the studio to ensure their safety. Parents are encouraged to enter the building at the time of pick-up.

Parents or guardians must park on the street and come into the studio to pick up their child. Students are not allowed to walk home from the studio alone for safety reasons.

Please be mindful of our neighbors when parking on the street. Do not block driveways or park in restricted areas. Your cooperation helps maintain a positive relationship with the surrounding community.

20. Cancellation and Termination of Services: The studio reserves the right to terminate lessons if policies are repeatedly violated, including non-payment, frequent absences, or disruptive behavior. In such cases, any remaining balance will be handled according to the refund policy.

A parent or student may cancel lessons at any time. A refund for incomplete lessons will be initiated according to the refund policy.

Acknowledgment:

By enrolling in lessons at Happy Sound Music, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to abide by the policies outlined above.

 

End of Policy