TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND POLICIES
Click here for a downloadable copy of this document.
Wendy Martelli Voice & Piano Studio
Online and in-person lessons are available year-round, worldwide.
Lessons can be in-person, online, or hybrid. For virtual sessions, Zoom is our preferred lesson platform. Once your enrollment is confirmed, you will receive a Zoom link if meeting online, which you will use to log on every week. We are up-to-date on the newest CDC guidelines and peer-reviewed studies regarding in-person voice and singing. For in-person lessons, if you are feeling under the weather, coughing, sneezing, or just feeling icky, call me, and we will do a session online that week. Please follow me on Facebook and like our page!
Non-Discrimination Agreement:
Wendy Martelli Voice and Piano Studio is all-inclusive and does not discriminate based on age, race, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
Payments:
Lessons are invoiced at the end of each month and sent by email to the address we have on your profile. Regular payments help teachers and students understand their obligations, save time, and help avoid misunderstandings.
Payments for lessons MUST be submitted in full before teaching. Monthly tuition is due in full before the first of each month, EVEN if he/she cannot attend that first lesson. A late fee of $5.00 will be added if payment is made after the 5th of the month. If the student has yet to pay the monthly tuition in full before the lessons start, the teacher will determine if a lesson will be given. The teacher also reserves the right to modify the student’s lesson schedule or refuse service. Refunds will not be issued once lessons for the month have been paid in full in advance. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, certified check, and PayPal. 2.9% plus. A thirty-cent convenience fee will be charged for any transactions made via PayPal.
*Registration/Material Fee :
A non-refundable registration/material fee of $45 will apply to each returning or new student upon completing the registration form at the start of each new academic year, regardless of when they begin their sessions. This fee also serves as a deposit for lessons students sign up for but cannot attend immediately. This also guarantees a time slot for lessons and allows me to purchase or copy the music and other materials as needed for the student. Should the total amount be spent before the end of the academic year, you will receive an invoice for additional funds needed. (It is rare when this happens.)
*Miscellaneous Fees:
Suppose the student participates in Masterclasses, Workshops, Festivals, auditions, and competitions offered each year at the teacher’s discretion. In that case, the cost per event will be known to the student before the event, and an invoice will be sent to the parent. Fees must be paid before registration. Please note that no portion of any entry fee is passed along to the teacher.
*Cancellations and Makeups:
If the student cannot attend a scheduled lesson, she/he/they must contact the teacher no less than *8 hours before the lesson. If the student cannot call on the day of the lesson, they must contact the teacher no later than 3 days after their scheduled time to confirm their next lesson. The lesson will be forfeited and given away without notice if the teacher is not contacted. Refunds will not be issued for students who drop out before the month ends. REGARDLESS OF REASON, NO SHOWS of regular scheduled or makeup lessons forfeit that lesson for makeup and all future Saturday makeups. Tuition will not be adjusted for any reason.
Makeup lessons will be offered (2) Saturdays per season. August to December and January to the end of June for lessons canceled with at least the 8-hour notice. Those makeup dates are on Saturdays and TBA. Each student is eligible for one Saturday makeup per year. They are not transferable and cannot be made up if missed. If a student misses a scheduled makeup lesson ('no show'), they forfeit all remaining makeup lessons for the year. Additionally, suppose a student contacts the teacher at least 24 hours before a lesson. In that case, they may request to be rescheduled during the week if a time slot is available, subject to the teacher's discretion.
Makeups scheduled before you terminate lessons: If lessons are terminated before the scheduled makeup session, the associated makeup session will be automatically canceled. Makeup sessions are designed for ongoing students completing the season. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to this policy.
*Lesson Swap: Students will be given the option to have their name, email, phone number, and lesson time placed on a copy of the instructor’s teaching schedule, which will be shared with all participating families. Students included in this list are willing to “swap” a single lesson to accommodate illness, family vacation, or school activity. Please note that you are forfeiting access if you opt out of the swap list. It is the parent’s responsibility to arrange the swap and notify the teacher of the change. The Swap List is emailed to parents and updated as required.
Marco Polo: Also added this year is the ability to use the Marco Polo app to get feedback for lessons missed by sending me a video of your songs or exercises you practice during the week for comments. This app is also great if you need me to help you through any challenges while practicing during the week.
Inclement Weather: In inclement weather, in-studio lessons will NOT be canceled or rescheduled unless the weather interferes with power. If lessons are in person and the weather is due to a Hurricane, snow, or ice storm, the studio will be closed for your safety and mine. All lessons can be rescheduled at the instructor’s discretion.
*Time off of Lessons: If a student must discontinue lessons for a short period due to a vacation, school show, or a similar event, tuition payments must continue to be paid to hold the lesson time slot. All make-ups and credited lessons owed will be forfeited if the student discontinues payments and lessons. Students may resume lessons later, pending availability.
Mock Recitals: Students are expected to participate in mock recitals at the teacher's discretion once or twice a year in addition to the usually scheduled lesson. These events are carefully planned to give students the invaluable opportunity to perform for their peers in a safe and friendly atmosphere and socialize with other students who share the same interest in music. Our recitals are held online because virtual lessons span across the country.
Performances: There will be 2 significant performances for the year. One for the Winter Holiday, where we reach out to the older community and other venues, and all students are encouraged to attend. All students are expected to attend the studio spring recital and are encouraged to participate. Students are also encouraged to perform in festivals, competitions, and other local performances. The instructor is willing to help the student prepare for these events with ample notice.
Masterclasses: We will offer Master Classes and Workshops throughout the year based on student interest. Past classes and workshops include College Audition Preparation, Audition Master Class, and Recording Studio Masterclass and Workshop. A nominal fee is usually charged. Classes are taught by the Wendy Martelli Voice and Piano Studio and/or special professional industry guests. Please let us know if you’d like a specific offering.
STUDIO, VIDEO & PHOTOGRAPHY AGREEMENT:
Students participating in lessons, rehearsals, and/or performances with the Wendy Martelli Voice and Piano Studio may be photographed or recorded without advanced notice. By signing this contract, you agree to your or your child’s voice, image, and/or likeness being used royalty-free in our media. This includes but is not limited to social media streams, marketing, advertisements, and the YouTube channel. The Wendy Martelli Voice and Piano Studio will not publish the name of any student without consent.
Teacher Absence
If the teacher cancels a lesson due to illness, family emergency, or any other reason, the student will be granted a make-up lesson. The makeup lesson will be scheduled at a mutually agreed-upon time.
Lesson Schedule:
Each student will be given one thirty (30) minute, 45-minute, or 55-minute weekly lesson on a prearranged day and time slot. In certain months, the student will receive four (4) lessons; in other months, the student will receive five (5) lessons, depending on the number of days in the month. For example, a student is scheduled for lessons on Thursday at 4:00 pm. In August 2010, the student will receive four (4) lessons. In September 2010, the student will receive five (5) lessons.
*📌 Registration, Priority Scheduling & Summer Details
Deposits for the upcoming season will be accepted from April through May. Lesson times and days are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Current students may begin registering during this time to secure their preferred day and time. I will begin accepting new students starting May 1st, so I encourage you to reserve your spot sooner rather than later if you would like to keep your current schedule.
All students enrolling for the new season beginning in August are required to pay a $45 non-refundable registration fee.
For students who choose to take July off, this registration fee will also serve as a deposit to reserve your lesson day and time for the fall season.
Students who continue lessons through July will maintain their current day and time and will still submit the registration fee for the new season, as it applies to all students.
📌 Priority Registration & Season Completion
Priority registration is reserved for students who:
Complete the current season through the end of June, and
Plan to resume lessons at the start of the new season, starting the first week of August
This applies to all current students enrolled in the spring, regardless of when they began lessons.
Students who plan to take July off must still fulfill the season through June (or submit a full June payment) in order to be eligible for early registration and to reserve a preferred lesson time for the fall.
If a student is unable to attend all June lessons, full payment for June will still satisfy this requirement.
Registration & Scheduling Policy Addendum
Lesson times are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
To secure a lesson day and time for the upcoming season, current students must submit the $45 registration deposit in April and select a specific lesson time at the time of registration. A lesson time cannot be held without both the deposit and a confirmed scheduling selection.
While it is understood that fall schedules may not yet be finalized, the studio is unable to reserve or hold lesson times beyond April without a confirmed selection, as enrollment will open to new students beginning May 1st.
Students are encouraged to select the most suitable time based on their anticipated schedule. Requests for schedule changes after registration will be accommodated when possible, but are subject to availability.
📌 Scheduling Notes
If you wish to hold your lesson time but cannot begin lessons during the first week of August, full August tuition is required to reserve your spot.
As of May 1st, registration will also be open to new students. Without registration, scheduling will be based only on the best available openings, and current lesson times cannot be guaranteed.
📌 Summer Reminders
The studio will be closed for the first two weeks of July.
July lessons may be offered on a limited basis and must be paid in advance. Once scheduled, these lessons cannot be rescheduled.
Missed lessons in June cannot be credited or applied toward future months (including August or September).
Registration fees and deposits are non-refundable and cannot be transferred or rolled over, unless a lesson is canceled by the teacher.
Cancellation Policy:
If the studio cancels any lessons paid for in advance, the client will receive credit for those canceled lessons. This means they won't lose out financially if the studio has to cancel a lesson.
This policy ensures that clients commit to paying for the entire studio season in advance, with provisions for refunds or credits in the event of studio-initiated cancellations.
Physical Contact:
Since singing is a very physical experience, it is sometimes easiest to explain with physical contact. It would help if you understood that to demonstrate, I might occasionally place my hands on your abdominal/dorsal or head/neck areas, or may ask you to do that to me. This helps in understanding the technical aspects of singing. I will ask for permission before placing my hands on any area, but if, at any point, you feel uncomfortable, please say so immediately.
Student Illness/Emergency
We understand that everyone may have an emergency. If that is the case, please notify the teacher immediately, and the lesson will be rescheduled, if possible. You can also have your session online or swap with someone that week.
We ask that if a student exhibits cold- or flu-like symptoms, he/she should not attend his/her lesson in person for the health and well-being of the teacher and other students. Students may request an online lesson or submit a video of their lesson through Marco Polo for feedback. If a student arrives for a lesson exhibiting such symptoms, we reserve the right to send the student home and will charge the student as if a whole lesson had occurred. Since the COVID pandemic, these guidelines have been strictly enforced.
Tardiness
If the student is tardy, he/she will only be given a lesson for the duration of his/her prearranged time slot on the specified date. For example, if the student’s lesson is from 4:00 to 4:30 on Monday, and the student arrives at 4:15, the student will only be given a lesson until 4:30. No make-up lesson will be granted for tardy students, and tuition will not be adjusted.
Misbehavior
If the student becomes disruptive, disrespectful, or otherwise misbehaves, the Teacher reserves the right to terminate the lesson without a refund. The student’s parent/guardian will be held responsible for any damages caused to the Teacher, including but not limited to equipment, home furnishings, or time lost caused by the student and/or parent/guardian. The teacher is the sole determiner of what constitutes misbehavior.
Holidays
The Holiday Policy is as follows: There will be no lessons during the following holiday periods and specific dates:
- Dec 22-Jan 1st
- First 2 weeks of July
- Your religious holiday
Payments will be adjusted for those specified dates and periods only.
Termination Policy
If the Client wishes to cancel lessons, especially before the next month, he/she/they must notify the Teacher in writing/email with at least 14 days paid notice. Any deposits, payments, and/or tuition are non-refundable.
Modifications: Modification of the Agreement must be written.
Limitation of Liability
The client agrees that it shall not hold the Teacher or their agents, relatives, or employees liable for any incidental or consequential damages. Client, as a result of this, holds harmless Teacher of any claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained, whether caused by the negligence of Teacher, or otherwise, while participating in the lesson, or while in, on, or upon the premises where the lesson is being conducted.
Please fill this form out completely!
I have read and agree with this policy. Date: ___________
Students name(please print) ______________________________________________________________
Signature of Student 18 years or older_____________________________________________
Signature of Parent if the student is a minor___________________________________________
Address__________________________________________________________________
City_______________________ State___________________Zip____________________
Phone Number ___________________________
Email of Parent_____________________________________________________
Email of Student________________________________________________________
