MASTER STUDIO POLICIES
Last Updated: March 9, 2026
Welcome to AM Music Academy. These Master Studio Policies (the “Agreement”) govern the relationship between AM Music Academy (“the Academy”) and the student and/or the student’s parent or legal guardian (collectively, “the Student”). By enrolling in lessons, the Student agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions set forth below.
1. MISSION AND SCOPE OF SERVICES
AM Music Academy provides professional music education, including but not limited to piano, voice, music theory, composition, and career consulting. Instruction is available in-person at our St. Louis, Missouri studio or through online digital platforms. Our goal is to provide a supportive and patient environment for students of all ages and skill levels.
2. ENROLLMENT AND TUITION
2.1 Registration: Enrollment is ongoing throughout the year. A completed registration form and acceptance of these policies are required prior to the first lesson.
2.2 Invoicing and Due Date: Invoices are issued on the 20th of the previous month for all upcoming lessons. Payment is due by the 1st of the month. Payments cover the reserved time slot for the Student, regardless of whether the Student attends the lesson (subject to any credits expressly provided in these policies).
2.3 Payment Methods and Convenience Fees: The Academy accepts cash, Direct Debit (ACH) (no convenience fee), and credit card payments. Credit card payments are subject to a 3% convenience fee. For Missouri compliance, the convenience fee applies only to credit card transactions and will not be applied to debit card transactions.
2.4 Late Fees; Default; Suspension of Lessons: A late fee of 10% of the invoice total will be applied to payments received on or after the 6th of the month. If payment is not received by the 7th of the month, all upcoming lessons will be suspended immediately to ensure no unpaid instruction is provided, and will remain suspended until the account is brought current.
2.5 Fee Adjustments: The Academy reserves the right to adjust tuition rates with thirty (30) days’ written notice to the Student.
3. ATTENDANCE AND CANCELLATION POLICY
3.1 Student Portal Requirement (Scheduling/Cancellations/Reschedules): All scheduling changes, cancellations, and reschedules must be managed through the Student Portal. Please do not contact instructors or the office directly for scheduling changes. The portal displays available spots for rescheduling.
3.2 24-Hour Notice Requirement: Lessons may be cancelled or rescheduled for any reason via the Student Portal, provided the change is submitted at least twenty-four (24) hours before the lesson.
3.3 Late Cancellations and No-Shows: Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice, as well as “no-shows,” are not eligible for make-up lessons, credits, or refunds. The full lesson fee will be charged.
3.4 Attendance Rate and Credit Eligibility (Effective Jan 1, 2026): Students must maintain an 80% or higher attendance rate over the previous ninety (90) days to be eligible for payment rollovers/credits. If attendance falls below 80%, cancelled lessons (with 24-hour notice) will receive a make-up credit (valid for sixty (60) days) instead of a payment rollover to the next month.
3.5 Teacher Absences: If an instructor is unable to attend a lesson, the Academy will provide a qualified substitute or schedule a make-up lesson. If neither is possible, a credit will be applied to the following month’s tuition.
4. LESSON SCHEDULE, PUNCTUALITY, AND FORMATS (HYBRID MODEL)
4.1 Reserved Weekly Lesson Slot: AM Music Academy offers weekly recurring lessons, either online or in-person at our studio (3300 Douglas Rd, Florissant MO 63034). Students are assigned a specific weekly time slot (the “Reserved Slot”).
4.2 Punctuality and Lesson Start/End Times: Lessons start and end at the scheduled time. Due to back-to-back scheduling, the Academy cannot accommodate early starts or late finishes. Lessons will end at the scheduled time regardless of the Student’s arrival time.
4.3 In-Person Lessons: In-person instruction occurs at our north county St. Louis studio. Students are expected to arrive on time.
4.4 Online Lessons: Online lessons are conducted via approved video conferencing software. It is the Student’s responsibility to ensure a stable internet connection and functioning equipment. Technical issues on the Student’s end do not qualify for a refund or make-up lesson.
5. LEARNING EXPECTATIONS, STUDIO ETIQUETTE, AND SAFETY
5.1 Learning Expectations: To ensure progress, students are expected to practice regularly (recommended 5x per week), review weekly lesson notes (sent via email and available in the portal), and bring all required materials to every lesson.
5.2 Conduct: Students and parents are expected to behave in a respectful and professional manner. The Academy maintains a supportive environment; disruptive or disrespectful behavior may result in immediate dismissal from the program.
5.3 Supervision: The Academy is not responsible for the supervision of minors before or after their scheduled lesson time. Parents/guardians are encouraged to remain on-site or return promptly at the end of the lesson.
5.4 Health Policy: For the safety of our staff and other students, please do not attend in-person lessons if the Student is ill or exhibiting symptoms of contagious illness. In such cases, the lesson may be switched to an online format with 24 hours’ notice.
6. MEDIA RELEASE
The Student (or parent/guardian) grants AM Music Academy permission to use photographs and video recordings of the Student’s participation in lessons or performances for educational, marketing, and promotional purposes (e.g., website, social media). If the Student wishes to opt out, a written request must be submitted at the time of enrollment.
7. LIABILITY WAIVER
To the fullest extent permitted by Missouri law, the Student (and their parent/guardian) hereby releases, waives, and discharges AM Music Academy, its owners, employees, and agents from any and all liability, claims, or causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury that may be sustained by the Student while on the studio premises or participating in any Academy-sponsored activity, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
8. TERMINATION OF ENROLLMENT
8.1 Student Withdrawal: Students wishing to discontinue lessons must provide thirty (30) days’ written notice. Tuition for the final thirty days is non-refundable.
8.2 Academy Termination: The Academy reserves the right to terminate a Student’s enrollment at any time for reasons including, but not limited to, failure to pay tuition, frequent absences (falling below the 80% threshold), or violation of studio policies.
9. GOVERNING LAW
These policies shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri. Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved in the courts of St. Louis County, Missouri.
BY PROCEEDING WITH ENROLLMENT AND PAYMENT, THE STUDENT AND/OR GUARDIAN ACKNOWLEDGES THEY HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO COMPLY WITH THESE MASTER STUDIO POLICIES.