POLICIES
You can find a full copy of our school policies below. Continue scrolling to read. If you have not yet signed up for lessons and wish to know more about our policies or you wish to enroll, please click the link below.
For more enrollment questions and help
Email: sayla.frontdesk@gmail.com
Call or text: 209-981-4303
Wanting to discontinue lessons? Click below to continue to our discontinuation page:
Enrollment Policies and Procedures
Student Policy and Enrollment Form
This enrollment form is to be signed by a student, parent or legal guardian that is 18 years of age or older. The term “student” refers to any adult student 18 years of age or older, or the parent or adult guardian of the enrolled student. The person signing this enrollment form also agrees to be responsible for the observance of our policies and agrees to communicate and hold accountable all parties responsible for lesson attendance or paying tuition to these policies.
Safe and Respectful Workplace
At Sayla Music Academy we strive to provide a professional and friendly atmosphere. Our teachers are dedicated to educating students in a safe and respectful way and will try their best to maintain this environment. Discrimination of any kind, whether it is towards teachers, students, clients, or anyone else on the campus is not tolerated. No verbal, physical, or emotional harassment is tolerated within the campus of our school. We have the right to refuse service to anyone who is not able to abide by the policies in this contract or is a disruption to our safe and respectful school environment. We also have the right to refuse service to clients who are rude, disrespectful, or non-compliant to our teachers, employees, or policies.
Enrollment
Students are enrolled into our Academy and assigned a teacher. The student’s teacher will coordinate scheduling, tuition, and lesson materials and will be the main contact for school events and recitals. Please be sure to exchange telephone numbers for consistent communication and scheduling purposes. Please call the front desk at 209 981 4303 or e-mail info@saylamusicacademy.com if there is a problem communicating with the teacher. We do not offer supervision of students outside of normal lesson times and expect a parent or guardian to accompany underage students at all other times while on the premises.
We send monthly newsletters via e-mail so please be sure to provide us with a current email address. Enrolled students or legal guardians agree to receive said emails and can opt out anytime by informing the administration.
I have read the enrollment and safe workplace policies and I agree that I am 18 years of age or older and am an adult student or a legal guardian of the student being enrolled. I also consent that I am responsible for tuition payments and will communicate all policies with anyone else responsible for tuition payments or lesson activities associated with the enrolled student.
Signature:__________________________________________
Payment
The primary form of payment we accept is auto-pay by credit or debit card. Upon enrolling, you will set up a payment profile that connects to an active debit or credit card that we keep on file and charge on a monthly basis.
If the enrollment is in the middle of a month, payment is due immediately for the lessons taking place within that month. A separate charge will take place during the normal billing cycle for the following month.
Your teacher will contact you about the number of lessons and total tuition for the upcoming month before the 25th of each current month. You are required to finalize tuition amounts with your teacher for the next month on or before the 25th of the current month. Changes to tuition amounts after the 25th of the current month are not guaranteed, so please be sure of your schedule and give prompt responses to the teacher when discussing tuition for the upcoming month.
If student, parent or responsible party fails to communicate with teacher by the 1st of the next month, they will automatically be charged the amount of 2 lessons. We do this to ensure that the student does not inadvertently lose their time, room, or teacher placement.
Tuition payments are withdrawn between the 3rd and 7th of each month for the upcoming scheduled lessons. A receipt for the tuition will be emailed to the primary email you provided upon enrollment. A $25 late fee is charged if we cannot receive the funds by the 10th of each month. Questions or issues with payment can be directed to sayla.tuition@gmail.com
Sayla Music Academy requires that students take at least 3 lessons per month while enrolled. Exceptions will apply to lessons interrupted by nationally and locally recognized holidays or unexpected conflicts in teachers’ schedules.
I have read the payment policies, and I agree to pay for at least 3 lessons a month while I am a student at the Academy. I also agree to enroll in our auto-pay program and consent for the tuition charges to be withdrawn monthly.
Signature:________________________ _________
Schedule
Students are encouraged to take lessons on a weekly basis at a consistent time agreed upon by both teacher and student. To respect the teachers’ time and availability, we ask that this time not be changed unless absolutely necessary and that the teacher is given at least 30 days prior notice of any permanent lesson time changes.
Students are requested to arrive at least 5 minutes before the lesson time starts to ensure that they are ready and signed in. This time can be used to tune their instrument, organize lesson material and prepare for the lesson. Students who are late will not be offered extra time or be able to get an extended lesson.
Before the 25th of each month your teacher will discuss the number of lessons for the upcoming month. If you will be taking a vacation or missing a week, this is the time to discuss this with your teacher and adjust your schedule accordingly.
Students are required to take 3 or more lessons per month to maintain a consistent time in our schedules and teacher’s availability. If lesson amounts are consistently less than 3 per month then your participation in lessons may be questioned and reviewed by the administration.
Students can approach their teacher if wishing to change lesson duration. Lesson duration times are only adjusted on a monthly basis and you must commit to an agreed upon lesson duration for that month.
The Academy has peak hours from 3pm-6pm Monday through Friday. During these hours we have our largest volume of students and request that charter school students and other students with flexible schedules to take lessons outside of these times.
I have read the schedule policies and I agree to follow them to my best ability. I also am aware of the requirement and agree to schedule at least 3 lessons a month.
Signature:____________________________________
Missed Lessons and Makeup Lessons
Our teachers have very full schedules and often teach several lessons in a row during their available time. When a student misses a lesson, this typically causes a vacant spot in the teacher’s schedule that is difficult to fill. In order to be respectful of our teachers’ time and to still provide flexibility for unexpected changes, we have implemented the following policies regarding make-up and missed lessons:
Once a student is enrolled in a teacher’s studio, the student has a reserved time and place in our schedules. This time is kept for the student on a monthly basis and it is expected that the student regularly attends the lessons at the same day and time each week. To respect our teachers time and schedule, we do not give refunds for lessons missed for any reason. Failure to show up for lessons twice within the same month may prompt further questioning about your participation in our school.
If a lesson is missed without at least 24 hours’ notice, then that lesson is forfeited. No make-up lesson can be scheduled, and no credit or refund can be given. In order to be considered for a make-up lesson, the teacher must be notified at least 24 hours before that lesson will be missed.
Make up lessons may be offered if your schedule unexpectedly changes and you give your teacher at least 24 hours’ notice of that change. You must contact your teacher directly and advise of the schedule change through phone or text message to teacher’s mobile number. Your teacher will attempt to schedule a make-up lesson with you. A total of 2 make up lessons may be granted within any given month.
Make up lessons usually take place within the month that the original lesson is missed. If the lesson missed is between the 1st-15th of the month, the make-up lesson must take place before the month is over. If the lesson missed is after the 16th of the month, the make-up lesson must take place before the 15th of the next month. If a mutually acceptable time cannot be found to accommodate the make-up lesson within the period described above, the make-up lesson is forfeited and will not be refunded or credited. If you or the teacher is unable to find a time for a full make-up lesson, then an “extended Lesson” may be given if the teachers schedule allows it. This means that you will have 15 minutes extra added to two of your normal lesson times. This can only be received if you are taking 30-minute to 45 minute lessons and are not followed by another student.
Due to teachers’ limited availability and schedule, make up lessons are not guaranteed and will not be granted if the teacher does not have the availability. Refunds are not given if a make-up lesson is unable to be taught. We expect our teachers to try to accommodate students who responsibly communicate changes and we will consider issues due to teachers unable to give make up lessons.
Cancellations due to sickness or medical emergencies that result in a hospital visit or doctor’s appointment may also be eligible for a make-up lesson in extreme circumstances. Family emergencies or unexpected life events may also qualify for a make-up lesson or credit at the Academy’s discretion.
If a make-up lesson is scheduled but is then missed because of another schedule change by the student, the make-up lesson is forfeited and will not be refunded or credited.
I have read the missed lesson and make-up lesson policies and agree to abide by all terms. I understand that a makeup lesson may only be considered if the missed lesson is reported at least 24 hours’ in advance to my teacher. If proper notice is not given, the lesson is forfeited. I also am aware that make up lessons depend on the flexibility of the teacher and are not guaranteed.
Signature:____________________________________
Student Transfers
The teacher to whom a student is assigned is their permanent teacher at the school. If a student wishes to change instruments, we require 30 days’ notice to accommodate the request and find a new teacher. It is not guaranteed that we can accommodate transfers of this manner and request the student stay enrolled in current lessons until we find an appropriate time and teacher.
If student is unhappy with their teacher and wishes to transfer to a new teacher within the same instrument group, we require a 30 day “grace period” to consider the request. We will consult the teacher and try to remedy the situation. If we cannot solve the problem after 30 days, we will attempt to find a new teacher but cannot guarantee one will be available at the same day and time.
Discontinuing Lessons
Our teachers reserve their time and their rooms for each student’s lesson at Sayla Music Academy and we wish for our clients to observe and respect this. While we understand that life events and financial circumstances can lead to quitting music lessons, we encourage that this decision is not impulsive or abrupt and is handled in the following way.
We require 1 months’ notice that a student will be discontinuing lessons. Discontinuing or quitting lessons is defined as taking an entire month without paying for lessons. If a student wishes to discontinue lessons, the teacher must be contacted 1 month in advance. Student will then receive a discontinuation form. This must be filled out and returned on or before the 1st of the month prior to the month student is stopping. (For example: If student plans on quitting lessons June 1st, the discontinuation form must be turned in before May 1st.)
Failure to turn in the discontinuation form before the 1st of the month prior to month of discontinuation will result in a charge equaling the amount of 2 lessons. Student may request to take these two lessons in addition to the lessons that have already been paid, but the charge is nonrefundable and is to compensate the teacher for the time and space left open in their schedule.
If you wish to take a month off and then return with the same teacher and lesson time, a charge equaling the amount of 2 lessons will be applied to the month of your absence to compensate the teacher for holding your time and room in our schedules. This charge is non-refundable and cannot be received back in lessons or services unless they are rendered within the month of your absence. Lesson times and teachers can be reserved in this manner for only 2 months, after which the student will be expected to return or will forfeit their lesson time and teacher.
I have read the discontinuation policies and I am aware that failure to abide by the policies may result in extra charges to my account at time of discontinuation. I also understand that discontinuing lessons is defined as taking an entire month without scheduling or paying for lessons.
Signature:__________________ _____________________
Assumption of Risk Release & Waiver
And Media Rights Release
The individual named below individually and/or on behalf of and as the legal parent or guardian of the minor child also named below (the “Student”), desires that the Student participate in music lesson activities provided by Sayla Music Academy, a California Corporation located at 21 Locust Street, Lodi, California (the "Company"). As lawful consideration for Student being permitted by the Company to access the Company premises and to participate in the music lessons and related activities (the “Activities”), I agree to all the terms and conditions set forth in this (this "Agreement").
Assumption of Risk Release & Waiver
I AM AWARE AND UNDERSTAND THAT THE STUDENT’S PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITIES PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY MAY INVOLVE THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY AND/OR DEATH AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I AM KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY PARTICIPATING IN OR ALLOWING THE STUDENT FOR PARTICIPATE IN THE REFERNECED ACTIVITIES WITH AN EXPRESS UNDERSTANDING OF THE POTENTIAL FOR DANGER INVOLVED AND HEREBY AGREE TO ACCEPT AND ASSUME ANY AND ALL RISKS OF INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE OF THE COMPANY OR OTHERWISE.
I hereby expressly waive and release any and all claims which the Student may have, or which the Student may hereafter have, whether known or unknown, against the Company, and its officers, directors, employees, agents, affiliates, shareholders, successors, and assigns (collectively, "Releasees"), on account of and injury, death, or property damage arising out of or attributable to Student’s participation in the Activities, whether arising out of the ordinary negligence of the Company or any Releasees or otherwise, except to the extent of and not in excess of any available insurance coverage as may be maintained by the Company and that may apply to any claim made by me or the Student. Except for claims within the policy limits of any available insurance coverage as may be maintained by the Company and that may apply to any claim made by me or the Student, I covenant not to make or bring any excess claim against the Company or any other Releasee, and forever release and discharge the Company and all other Releasees from liability under such claims. This waiver and release does not extend to claims for gross negligence, intentional or reckless misconduct, or any other liabilities that California law does not permit to be released by agreement.
I understand that by signing this release, I am waiving any and all claims, of any kind arising out of or attributable to Student’s participation in the Activities, including those claims that may be unknown to me, or which I do not suspect to exist at this time. With the intention of waiving all unknown and unsuspected claims, I hereby expressly waive all rights, benefits, and protections i may have under California civil code section 1542, which reads as follows:
A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party.
Media Rights Release
I also understand and agree that in the course of Student’s participation in the Activities, the Company may take or cause to be taken, photographs and videos that may include the Student and the Student’s likeness and image. I hereby grant Company the absolute right and permission to take, use, reuse, publish, and republish photographic portraits or pictures of the Student or in which the Student may be included, in whole or in part, or composite or distorted in character or form, without restriction as to changes or alterations from time to time, in conjunction with the minor's own or a fictitious name, or reproductions of such photographs in color or otherwise, made through any medium, and in any and all media now or hereafter known, including the internet, for art, advertising, trade, or any other purpose whatsoever. I also consent to the use of any published matter in conjunction with such photographs.
I also specifically consent to the digital compositing or distortion of the portraits or pictures, including without restriction any changes or alterations as to color, size, shape, perspective, context, foreground or background. I waive any right that I or the Student may have to inspect or approve any finished product or products or the advertising copy or printed matter that may be used in connection with such photographs or the use to which it may be applied. I release, discharge, and agree to hold harmless and defend the Company, and all persons acting with Company’s permission or authority, from any liability by virtue of any reason in connection with the making and use of such photographs, as well as any publication of them, including without limitation any claims for libel or violation of any right of publicity or privacy.
I hereby warrant that I am a legally competent adult and a parent or legally appointed guardian of the minor, and that I have every right to contract for the Student in the above regard. I state further that I have read the above authorization, release, and agreement, prior to its execution, and that I am fully familiar with the contents of it. This release shall be binding upon the Student and me, and our respective heirs, legal representatives, and assigns.
This Agreement constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the Company and me with respect to the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter. If any term or provision of this Agreement is held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this Agreement or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. This Agreement is binding on and shall inure to the benefit of the Company and me and their respective heirs, successors, and assigns. All matters arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of California without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of California or any other jurisdiction). Any claim or cause of action arising under this Agreement may be brought only in the federal and state courts located in or serving San Joaquin County, California and I hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts.
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and fully understood the enrollment policies and all of the terms of this Agreement and that I am voluntarily giving up substantial legal rights, including the right to sue the Company for claims, whether known or unknown, arising out of participation in the activities.
If I am consenting to this Agreement on behalf of a minor (Student), I warrant and represent that I am the parent or legal guardian of the Student named below. I have the legal right to consent to and, by signing below, I hereby do consent and bind the Student to the terms and conditions of this Agreement
Date: __________ ________________________________________
Signature of Student / Parent or Guardian