***REMEMBER***

HNMA PPP: Philosophy, Policies, & Procedures

TUITION
1. All payments are processed by pre-authorized credit card, cash, or check on the 1st of the month. Private lessons are $165 per month for weekly 30-minute sessions at all locations. No registration fee is due at the time of registration. Tuition is never prorated for missed lessons. Tuition includes all teaching materials, such as books and instruments, which are available on-site if needed. You may pay with cash, check, or CC on file. Regardless of the form, all payments are due by the 1st or no later than the 7th of the month. A $35 late fee will be applied if payment is not received by the 7th.

CANCELLATIONS AND MAKEUPS
2. For any lessons missed by a teacher, the Academy will provide a substitute teacher when possible. If no substitute is available, a private makeup lesson with the teacher will be scheduled promptly.

In the event of school closing due to severe weather, a private makeup lesson with the teacher will be scheduled promptly.

For any lesson missed by a student, a private makeup lesson with the teacher will be scheduled promptly.

DISCONTINUING LESSONS
3. Every student at HNMA is on a month-to-month basis. To discontinue lessons and to stop charges to your account, submit an email for withdrawal before the 15th of your last month. We do not prorate tuition for the last month’s lessons. Students will be responsible for their last month’s tuition whether or not they attend lessons.

AVERAGE OF FOUR LESSONS PER MONTH
4. Monthly tuition is based on a 48-week year. We are closed for four weeks for the holidays. In the long months, you will receive five lessons; in short months (such as November and December), you will receive two to three lessons; and in most months, you will receive four lessons. Tuition is the same each month; we don’t charge more for five lessons, and we don’t charge less for three lessons. This makes everyone’s accounting easier.

SUMMER VACATION
5. HNMA operates year-round and does not close for the summer. We are happy to offer makeups to students who are on vacation for a month or more. If you are taking a month off for vacation and want to resume the next month, a payment is still due on the first of the month to reserve your lesson space. Lessons missed during your vacation may be made up when you return. If no fee is paid to reserve your class spot, then that spot will be given away, and you will need to find a different spot and potentially a new teacher when you return.

CARE OF STUDENTS
6. The school is not responsible for providing before or after care for students. Parents of children under the age of eight must remain in the school lobby during their child’s lesson. Students are not to be left at the school for excessive time periods before or after their lessons.

PARENTAL COMMITMENT
7. Parents may sit in during the 1st lesson. We value parental support, especially during the hours outside of weekly lessons.

INJURIES
8. Parents, legal guardians of minors, students and adult students waive the right to any legal action for any injury sustained on school property resulting from normal lesson activity or any other activity conducted by the students or their siblings before, during, or after lesson time, including hearing loss or hearing damage. Highland North Music Academy is not responsible for any damage done to vehicles or items stolen from vehicles.

PICKING UP
9. Children must wait for their parents to pick them up inside the Academy.  Students may not wait outside unsupervised.  Please do not ask them to meet you elsewhere. Students are not to be dropped off on the street or curb. The Academy assumes no responsibility for children who leave unaccompanied.

HNMA PHILOSOPHY ON MUSIC EDUCATION
10. At Highland North Music Academy, we believe music education is an indispensable part of every child’s formative years. Music is the only universal language, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers, and its benefits go far beyond the classroom. While many schools classify music as an elective, we view it as core curriculum essential for exceptional brain development and holistic growth. We are committed to the vision that every child should engage in music education daily from kindergarten through 12th grade. To help families achieve this, we recommend at least 2 hours of involvement per week, 48 weeks per year, over a 14-year span. This includes private lessons, group rehearsals, and participation in annual performances, complementing public or private school education. By investing in consistent and structured music education, we aim to nurture well-rounded individuals who excel academically, socially, and creatively.

EXPECTATION OF GROWTH
11. Before embarking on the journey of learning the language of music, it’s important for parents and students to reflect on the time and commitment required to master their native language. Most children successfully learn to communicate in their primary language within their first five years of life—long before they can recognize the alphabet, understand grammar, or read. A critical factor in this success is immersion. Babies are surrounded by language, hearing it spoken constantly, which fosters natural development. Learning music requires a similar approach. First is to immerse yourself in the language of music by surrounding yourself with music in various forms: listening, observing, and experiencing. Second is to seek guidance from qualified instruction; start with simple steps, setting realistic expectations for progress. However, the most important element is understanding the process. Just as learning a native language involves phases of rapid progress, periods of struggle, moments of engagement, and times of distraction, the journey of learning music will have its ups and downs. The key is to never stop, always affirm progress, and remain committed, even when challenges arise. By embracing this mindset, students can develop a lasting connection with the universal language of music.

WHEN WILL MY CHILD GAIN THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE INVOLVED IN PERFORMING?
12. At Highland North Music Academy, student development extends beyond individual lessons to include opportunities for performance and collaboration. First is Showcase Opportunities: Once a teacher determines that a student has developed a foundational level of ear training, musical recognition, and cognitive motor skills, the student is promoted to their first Showcase opportunity. This stage focuses on building self-confidence and addressing performance anxiety in a supportive environment. Students may continue participating in Showcases, advancing to more challenging musical pieces, or progress to the next stage. Second is Band Development: Performance60: After gaining experience through Showcases, students may join the Performance60 program, which introduces them to collaborative music-making in a weekly one-hour band rehearsal. Third is Advancement in Band Development: As students grow, they advance to longer, more immersive band classes – 75-minute sessions: Expanding skills in ensemble performance. 2-hour sessions: Preparing students to perform independently, without direct teacher support, fostering autonomy and collaboration. This progression ensures students not only refine their musical skills but also develop confidence, teamwork, and the ability to express themselves through performance.

WHY DO I NEED TO BUY TICKETS TO SEE MY KIDS PERFORM?
13. Our multiple annual performances cost: venue booking, staff, security, sound personnel, insurance, and promotion. All events are an expensive undertaking generally costing thousands of dollars. In order to offset some of the cost Showcase students pay an entry fee, Performance students pay for weekly rehearsals, and tickets are sold. Our objective is to break even financially or, ideally, generate a small surplus to help fund future events. Achieving this requires a collective effort from our community, including students, families, and staff, to promote and sell tickets for upcoming performances. Together, we can ensure the success and sustainability of these enriching musical experiences.

CONCERT PLACEMENT AND SONG OPPORTUNITY
14. All concerts at Highland North Music Academy are designed with an “ACT” flow. This approach enables seamless transitions among musicians, props, and aesthetics while maintaining a cohesive and engaging experience for the audience. Concert Guidelines: First, Act Structure: Each Act is limited to a set duration, which determines the number of songs included. Students’ participation is determined by their role in the band, the required instrumentation, and each musician’s unique sonority. Second, Teamwork and Collaboration: Every student plays a vital role in the concert’s success, working together as one unified band to deliver a polished performance. Third, Director-Led Casting and Song Selection: Directors assign roles and select songs based on their educational value and alignment with each student’s proficiency level on their instrument. Song selections are made to balance the educational needs of all participants while maintaining performance quality. Important Note: Lobbying by students or parents to influence casting or song selection undermines the fairness of the process and the directors’ ability to perform their roles effectively. This policy ensures equity and fosters a supportive environment for all musicians. By adhering to these guidelines, we deliver professional, educational, and enjoyable performances that showcase our students’ collective talents.