Vive City Chapel
School of Music

Parent/Student Contract

Music Lesson Agreement and Policies
Student and Parent Expectations:
● The student is expected to have fun in their lessons and in their personal practice. Music is supposed to be enjoyable!
● The parent is encouraged to let the student attend the lesson independently. Parents or guardians can wait in the hallway or chapel where seating is available.
● The student is expected to arrive on time to each lesson.
● The student is expected to bring all necessary materials (notebook, folder, lesson books, etc.) to each lesson.
● The student is expected to practice regularly as is appropriate based on the age and ability of each student. Suggested practice schedule will be discussed and parents will be notified. Practice is necessary to grow in musical skills.
● The student is expected to be an active participant in each lesson.
● The student is expected to ask questions and let the instructor know when further clarification is needed, allowing the student to be fully engaged in the learning process.
● The student is expected to treat him/herself, instruments, materials, facility, and the instructor with respect.
VCC School of Music Showcase:
● All students are strongly encouraged to participate in the VCC School of Music annual showcase. This is an opportunity to perform in front of others and showcase all of their hard work. Performing in front of others is an important part of learning to be proficient in an instrument. Further details will be made available to students by their instructor. Showcase recitals can be expected at least once a year.
Private Lessons
Registering for Lessons:
● Registration will be available after the start of the music program. After registering, the Director will make the students “active” and assign them to an instructor. The parent will then receive an email with instructions on logging into the website to have access to the private lesson schedule and lesson plans.
Lesson Schedule:
● Lessons are scheduled on a weekly basis in 30-minute increments. Once a day/time is agreed upon by the VCC School of Music and the student, that time will be reserved for said student and the student will be responsible for paying for that time slot.
● Lessons are held year-round. During the summer months, instructors and students schedules may change. Instructors will communicate this with parents. If a student’s schedule changes, we expect that you would notify the instructor prior to the change.
VCC School of Music Holidays:
● No lessons will be held on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Please ask if you are unsure if lessons are being held or not. We will communicate these holiday times as they approach.
Tardiness:
● Students are expected to arrive at their lesson on time. Students arriving up to 15 minutes late may have the remainder of their scheduled lesson. However, the instructor reserves the right to not add missed time to the end of the lesson. Many instructors have lessons back-to back and cannot accommodate extending lessons due to tardiness.
● Instructors are expected to arrive at the student’s lesson on time.
● Parents are responsible for picking up their student on time. Parents will either wait in the hallway outside of the lesson room or at the outside door for their student at the completion of lesson time.
Cancellations:
● The student/parent will contact the instructor if a lesson will be missed. The instructor will share their preferred means of communication at the first lesson.
● The student must pay only for the lessons they attend.
● The instructor reserves the right to cancel a lesson for any reason. No charges will be assessed if the instructor must cancel a lesson. Students will not be charged for any missed lessons due to the instructor’s absence.
● If an instructor must miss a lesson, they will contact the student and parent by their preferred means of communication, agreed upon at the first lesson.
Makeup Policy:
● Typically no makeup lessons are offered. If an instructor is willing to offer an additional time in a week it will be communicated directly with the student/parent. Please refer to the cancellation policy for further information on missed lessons.
Termination of Lessons:
● Lessons repeat every week. If you need to discontinue lessons, please contact your instructor.
VCC School of Music Code of Conduct
Purpose:
The VCC School of Music is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all students, teachers, and staff. This Code of Conduct outlines behavioral expectations to create a positive learning atmosphere and uphold the school’s values.
General Principles:
Respect: All participants must treat one another with kindness, consideration, and respect.
Inclusivity: Discrimination or harassment based on race, gender, age, religion, disability, or other characteristics is prohibited.
Safety: We maintain a safe environment. Any form of violence, bullying, or intimidation will not be tolerated.
For Teachers:
1. Professionalism: Teachers must be punctual, prepared, and maintain professional relationships with students.
2. Respectful Communication: Provide positive, constructive feedback and respect students’ privacy.
3. Boundaries: Lessons should occur in appropriate, approved locations with clear boundaries.
4. Lyrical Content: Teachers should select music that promotes positive, respectful messages. Songs with vulgar or explicit content are prohibited. In cases of uncertainty, teachers should consult with the board of directors.
Performances:
Modesty: Clothing should be modest and respectful. Revealing attire is not permitted.
Comfort & Safety: Students should wear comfortable clothes that allow for ease of movement during lessons. Footwear should be safe and appropriate for music instruction.
● Professionalism: 
For performances or recitals, students and teachers are encouraged to dress in a manner that reflects professionalism and respect for the event.
Social Media Conduct:
Professional Representation: Teachers and students should represent the VCC School of Music in a positive, professional manner on social media. Instructors should avoid any posts that could reflect poorly on the organization.
Respectful Communication: All interactions on social media should reflect the same level of respect as in-person communication. Harassment, inappropriate language, or bullying will not be tolerated.
Privacy and Consent:
No photos, videos, or personal information of students or instructors should be posted online without explicit consent. If student wishes not to be in a photo or video, parents must notify the instructor or staff.
● Boundaries: Teachers should maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students on social media. Personal interactions beyond the professional scope of music instruction are discouraged.
Disciplinary Action:
Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in warnings, suspension from lessons, or permanent dismissal from the program.
Lesson Rates:
Please understand that when committing to lessons, the VCC School of Music is reserving a specific day/time for you/your student. Therefore, you are not only paying for each individual lesson that occurs, but for that time slot. Your lesson rate includes all of the following:
● Allotted time for lessons
● Reservation of the assigned day/time of your lesson
● Knowledge/expertise of your instructor
● Instructor Preparation for lessons. We adapt/modify everything we do to meet the individual learning needs/styles of each student in order to make sure each student has a successful and enjoyable experience.
● Instructors will work to learn new music that fits the interests of each student.
● A lesson that is engaging, fun, informative and allows the student to gain a lifelong love of music, means of expressing him/herself, and the skills to successfully play your chosen instrument.
● The lesson rates are as follows: $25.00 per 30 minutes. Rates are subject to change. Notice will be given in advance.
Payments:
● Invoices will be emailed in advance. Payment must be received before scheduling the lesson.
● Credit or debit cards entered online are the only acceptable forms of payment.
● Online submissions will be signed digitally within the registration form in acknowledgement of and agreement with this contract.
By signing online, the student and his/her parent/guardian state that they have read and fully understand the policies outlined in this contract. Furthermore, the student and his/her parent/guardian agree to abide by all policies, including those specifically related to payment.
Please click on the link below to sign the Parent/Student Contract online.