Withdrawal & Refunds (return to top)
A 100% tuition refund will be given for all lessons and classes that are cancelled 24 hours before the first scheduled lesson or class. Registration and material fees are not refundable.

Tuition will be refunded only in the limited circumstances of illness or serious family emergencies after lessons or classes have begun. Conflicts with other activities are not an acceptable reason for refund; students are advised to check with the office about alternative lesson/class times before scheduling any activity that conflicts with their current time.

Notice of withdrawal must be received in writing by the office; any adjustment in tuition will be calculated from the date written notification is received, not from the last date of attendance to MAEC.

If MAEC is unable to provide services because of the loss of faculty or other unavoidable circumstances, MAEC will offer the student credit or refund the missed services.

Absences/Tardiness (return to top)
Regular attendance is expected. Notification by the student/parent of inability to attend a lesson/class is requested as a courtesy to MAEC, but does not exempt the obligation for tuition. There will be no make-ups or credits given as a result of unexcused absences. Excused absences include advanced (one week) notification of vacations, trips, and (24 hour notice where possible) illness. Conflicts with other activities are considered an unexcused absence; students are advised to check with their teacher or the office about alternative lesson/class times before scheduling any activity that conflicts with their current time. All other situations will be at the discretion of your instructor.

If lessons are interrupted due to tuition payment in arrears, make-up lessons are not required. A teacher absence requires the lesson to be made-up or credit for lessons with the next term.

MAEC reserves the right to dismiss any student or discontinue financial aid award because of frequent absences or tardiness, or because of delinquent lesson payments. A student may also be discontinued who does not make reasonable progress or whose interest continually lags in the opinion of the instructor.

School Closings (return to top)
In the event of inclement weather, Music Academy activities will be cancelled if the site closes. If the site is open but the student cannot travel to the Music Academy, please contact the office. Every effort will be made to announce Music Academy closings with the local media and with an announcement on the telephone answering machine. Please be aware that local media do not announce business openings during times of inclement weather.

Payment Policy (return to top)
Tuition is payable in full upon the first lesson or one-half at the first lesson with the balance due in full prior to the 9th week of the semester. Tuition may be paid using Visa, MasterCard, cash, money order or check. A $30 charge is added to accounts for any returned payment because of insufficient funds. For cash payments, please pay in exact amounts, as cash is not kept on the premises.

Late Payment (return to top)
Tuition not paid in full by the 10th week of the semester will result in a late fee and possible suspension. A $25 late fee will be applied to all late payments.

MAEC reserves the right to discontinue instruction of any student who is severely delinquent in fulfilling their financial obligations. Reasonable effort will be made to contact the student regarding delinquent payment and pending lesson suspension. The student's teacher will be notified not to resume instruction without notification from the MAEC office. Any missed lessons will not be made up. All costs of collection for delinquent payments incurred by MAEC, including reasonable attorney's fees, are to be paid by the student.

Financial Aid (return to top)
To the extent that funds permit, MAEC offers financial assistance to cover partial tuition expense. Need-based financial assistance is determined on an individual basis, considering each family's financial resources, number of dependents and other extraordinary financial circumstances. To receive financial assistance, students or their parents should consult with the Music Academy Director.

Aid is limited to one activity per person per term. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Recipients of aid must maintain reasonable progress, excellent attendance, and perform at least once during the academic year in a student recital. Applications are available in the MAEC office.

Website created by Wendy Pender, October 2003. Email website comments to: webmaster