MUSIC LESSON FEES - PAYMENT POLICY

The music school is unable to pay the teacher for lessons where lesson fees have not been collected, The lesson fees are due and payable at the commencement of lessons. Students will automatically be billed for the second semester's tuition.

Postdated cheques may MAY be accepted for up to 2/3 of total fees. To keep your account in good standing, payment and/or partial payment plus postdated cheque(s) must be received within 30 days from the start of the billing term.
Postdated cheques will only be accepted from members who consistently keep their accounts in good standing.

Lessons will be discontinued if accounts are in arrears.

Postdated cheque guidelines:
• Fees may be divided into 2 or 3 equal installments
• First payment due at the beginning of the term
• Second payment due October 15 (Term 1) and March 1 (Term 2)
• Third payment (if applicable) due November 15 (Term 1) and April 1 (Term 2)

Payment is by cash or cheque only. All NSF cheques will be charged back at a cost of $10 for each cheque.
All fees are subject to change.

Cheques are payable to:
VERNON COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL
1705 - 32 Avenue
Vernon, BC V1T 2J3


CANCELLATION POLICY

Two week notice is required if lessons are to be discontinued. Otherwise fees will be charged for two lessons.

After the end of the 10th week of the semester there can be no refund if lessons are discontinued.


ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular and punctual attendance at lessons is essential.

Student absences: When a student is scheduled to study for the term, the student is, in effect, reserving the teacher’s time for the duration of the term. When a student is absent, with or without notice, the teacher will be paid for this lesson time. Teacher are not obliged to supply make-up lessons or lesson credit given their schedule but may do so at their discretion.

Group lesson fees are based on a group enrollment and there can be no refund if lessons are missed.

Teacher Absences: When a teacher is absent, with or without notice, the student’s lessons must be made up or the student will receive a refund at the end of the term.

OVERDUE ACCOUNTS & DISCONTINUATION

The Music School reserves the right to discontinue the lessons of any student whose account is in arrears or who is consistently late or absent.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Students may be recommended for a scholarship by their teachers. In early May a special recital is held for scholarship applicants. Scholarships are provided by various service clubs, individuals, corporations, and the Music School.
Anyone wishing to sponsor an award can do so by making a scholarship-designated donation to the Music School. All donations are tax-deductible.

EXAMINATIONS
The pros and cons of taking examinations should be discussed with your teacher. For some students this is a way of measuring progress and of giving incentive. Others progress satisfactorily without them. Syllabi, examination entry forms and deadline dates for Royal Conservatory and Conservatory Canada are available online at: http://www.rcmexaminations.org/ at the desk. and http://www.conservatorycanada.ca/students-and-teachers/exam-information.php

SUMMER PROGRAMS
Some teachers provide instruction during the summer break. Please enquire at desk for details.

PERFORMANCE NIGHTS
The Music School believes that public performance is an essential component of musical education. Performance Nights are held at the School to provide an opportunity for such performances.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
An elected Board of Directors runs the Music School, a non-profit organization registered under the Societies Act. The success of the school is attributed not only to the dedicated teaching faculty but also to the volunteer Board of Directors. The Board is a ‘working’ board and is always in need of interested in meeting prospective enthusiastic new members. If you would like to find out more about interested in being a part of the Music School Board of Directors, please contact the school office.

VCMS ENDOWMENT FUND
The Vernon Community Music School is a non-profit organization. We have an endowment fund established with the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan. This fund does not permit withdrawal of principal, but the interest generated can be used to offset operating costs. The Music School is committed to increasing its investment at the Foundation in order to assure future financial stability. All donations are gratefully received and are tax-deductible.