Music Policies and Procedures
PMA provides students with consistent, quality instruction that is tailored to their artistic needs, abilities, and goals. We conduct our lessons in a nurturing environment that includes the structure and support necessary for advancement. Learning is a process of mutual respect and co-operation with both instructor and student arriving well-prepared and ready to move forward. Our goal is to have every student leave their lesson encouraged and eager to continue pursuing their love of music.
Course Offerings
Students are accepted on a space available basis. Early registration is the best way to get into the lesson slot that you want. Class availability, day, time or assigned instructors are subject to change. PMA reserves the right to change instructor assignments. If there is a change in staff, the instructors will work together to ensure that the student’s progress continues uninterrupted. Registered students will be notified of any changes in their class as soon as possible.
If your regular instructor is unable to teach a lesson, every effort will be made to find a suitable substitute. If a substitute is not available, we will work with the student to provide a make-up lesson. If no rescheduling is possible, a credit will be applied to the next month’s tuition.
Term Length
We operate two terms: School Year runs September to Mid-June and Summer runs Late-June to Late-August. Sometimes within a season we do need to make an adjustment in the schedule. However, we do our best to work with the families to create the least disruption. Our goal is to maintain an optimal teacher/student ratio in all classes, which provides students with the best opportunity for successful learning.
Tuition Payment
We accept cash and check, as well as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The following payment arrangements are available for School-Year tuition:
1. Pay for the entire term with 1 payment. This can be done at any time.
2. Make 2 payments - The 1st at the beginning of the term and the 2nd in January.
3. Split the year’s tuition into 10 equal payments that are made once per month
If you choose the 10 equal payments option, we can set up automatic debit from a credit card or bank account that can be taken on the 1st, 5th, or 10th of each month, whichever is most convenient to you. If you do not wish to be on automatic debit, then we ask you to sign a payment agreement form with us and payment for each month is due on the 15th of the previous month.
Payment for Summer Term works a little differently with students paying only for the lessons attended.
Attendance/Lateness
Consistent attendance is critical to each student’s progress. PMA reserves the right to shorten class length of students who come late to class. The late arrival of one student can not be allowed to intrude on the lesson of another. Late arrival also interferes with the student’s ability to progress and learn.
Student Lesson Cancellation, Missed Lesson, Leave of Absence Notice
Consistent attendance is critical to each student’s progress. PMA reserves the right to shorten lesson length of students who come late. We require that students contact our office at least 24 hours in advance of an absence. If you have given our office at least 24 hours’ notice in advance of an absence, every effort will be made to work with instructor and student to schedule a make-up lesson. Students are entitled to two make-up lessons during the School Year Term. Missed lessons must be made up within six months of the absence.Student Lesson Cancellation-Emergency
With less than 24 hours’ notice of an absence, no make-up lesson, rescheduling, class credit or refund will be given. In situations of sudden illness, family crisis or other unforeseen circumstance, each student will be granted one instance of grace and a make-up lesson will be scheduled. Beyond the one exemption, the student will be held financially responsible for the missed lesson. If more than two lessons will be missed or a leave of absence is required, we cannot guarantee that their current instructor, time slot or day will be available upon their return.
Termination of Lessons
One month’s written notice is required to terminate music lessons. Regardless of the student’s attendance for that month, they will be financially obligated to pay for the required one month’s notice. From the date of notice of termination, students will have 30 days to bring current any balances due on their accounts. Contact our Registrar to make arrangements.
Holidays, Winter Break & Spring Break
Classes will not be held on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Independence Day. On all other holidays whether Federal, State, or local, classes will be held. Any exceptions to this will be listed on the class calendar which is updated online every twelve weeks. A two-week Winter Break is taken the last of December into early January. A one-week Spring Break is taken in March. Holidays and vacation breaks may be used for make-up classes/lessons at the mutual convenience of student and instructor.
Children’s Class Observation
Every student has an individual learning style. Some students, especially the younger ones, can benefit from having a parent in the room during their lessons. Other students may feel uncomfortable with anyone else in the room. Discuss this with your student and the instructor to jointly decide what is best for the student.
Photo Release
There is an assumption of consent for PMA to take photographs of students to use in brochures, web sites, posters, advertisements, and other promotional materials the school creates. Permission is also granted for PMA to copyright such photographs in its name. If you wish you or your child to be excluded from photographs, please complete a written request for our office.
Assumption of Risk/Waiver of Liability
Participation in arts programming includes physical activity and the possibility of physical injury. Parents, legal guardians of minor students and adult students assume all risks of injuries of any kind; waive the right to any legal action against Portland Metro Performing Arts Center and School, any trustee, board member, officer, faculty member, agent, servant or any employee of the Center and School, for any injury sustained on PMA property, resulting from normal class, performance or any other activity conducted by the students before, during or after class time. Those who have concerns should seek the advice of a health care provider before participating in programs with physical activities.
PMA is not responsible for the loss or damage to any personal belongings or other personal property in case of fire, theft or any other cause. It is the responsibility of the student to exercise due care and judgment in securing their belongings in their car, in the building and on PMA property.
