TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND POLICIES
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Wendy Martelli Voice & Piano Studio
Online and in-person lessons are available year-round, worldwide.
All lessons are hybrid and online only. For virtual sessions, Zoom and Forte is our preferred lesson platform. Once your enrollment is confirmed, you will receive a Forte invite (Forte is a free app for Chrome) or a Zoom link, a Meeting ID, and a password, 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 icky in general, 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 7th 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. Thirty cents convenience fee will be charged for any transactions made via PayPal.
*Registration/Material Fee :
A non-refundable registration/material fee of $40 will apply to each returning or new student upon completing the registration form at the start of each new academic year. This fee 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 made known to the student before the event, and an invoice will be sent to the parent. Payment of 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. If the teacher is not contacted, the lesson will be forfeited and given away without notice. 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 you contacted the teacher 24 hours before the lesson, you could ask to be rescheduled during the week if a time slot is available and only at 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 the event of 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, held at the teacher's discretion once or twice a year in addition to the normally 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 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 to be used in our media, royalty-free. This includes but is not limited to social media streams, marketing, advertisements, and 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 lesson per week on a prearranged day of the week 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.
*Deposits and Early Registration:
Deposits for next season will be accepted from April through May 1st. Time slots and days are on a first-come, first-served basis. After May 1st, I will open my schedule to accommodate new students. Students who wish to continue lessons for the upcoming season, secure a time and day of their preference, and plan to take off for July may reserve their desired time and day for the new season by paying a non-refundable REGISTRATION FEE of $40. Deposits and early registration are reserved for students who have fulfilled their commitment for the current season through the end of June and will resume sessions once the new season begins on August 1st. If you cannot start during the first week of the new season but wish to secure a specific day and time, you must still pay for the full month of August. Without a deposit, lesson scheduling will be subject to availability only
Students may also take lessons in July if offered by paying for them in advance. Once these lessons are booked, they cannot be rescheduled. Payment for missed lessons in June will not be credited for later months into the next season (e.g. August or September). Deposits cannot be rolled over for any reason unless the Teacher cancels a lesson.
Studio Season Duration:
The studio operates from August through the end of June. This period constitutes the "season" during which the studio is actively providing its services.
Payment Requirement:
Clients are required to pay for every month within this season in full. This includes all lessons scheduled by the studio for June.
Invoice Details:
Invoices will provide a breakdown of the number of lessons scheduled for each month, ensuring transparency in billing.
Cancellation Policy:
If the studio cancels any lessons that have been 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 essentially ensures that clients are committed to paying for the entire studio season in advance, with provisions for refunds or credits in case of studio-initiated cancellations.
Physical Contact:
Since singing is a very physical experience, occasionally, it is easiest to explain using physical contact. You should understand 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 aspect 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.
We ask that if a student exhibits cold-like or flu-like symptoms, he/she should not attend his/her/they lesson in person for the health and well-being of the teacher and the 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 full lesson occurred. Since the COVID pandemic, these guidelines have been strictly held.
Tardiness
If the student is tardy, the student will only be given a lesson that lasts for the duration of his/her pre-arranged time slot, on the specified date. For example, if the student’s lesson is from 4:00-4:30 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.
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________________________________________________________
