Academy of Fine Arts
  • Welcome
  • Programs
    • Piano Program
      • Piano Classes for Beginners
      • Private Piano Lessons
    • Violin Lessons
    • Violin (Suzuki Program)
    • Singing Lessons
    • Guitar Classes
    • Guitar/Bass Lessons
    • Acting Program
  • Search By Age
  • About Us
    • 2020 Honors Competition
    • Testimonials
    • Why Choose Us
    • Online Tour
    • Calendar
    • Assessments
    • Performances
    • Policies
  • Welcome
  • Programs
    • Piano Program
      • Piano Classes for Beginners
      • Private Piano Lessons
    • Violin Lessons
    • Violin (Suzuki Program)
    • Singing Lessons
    • Guitar Classes
    • Guitar/Bass Lessons
    • Acting Program
  • Search By Age
  • About Us
    • 2020 Honors Competition
    • Testimonials
    • Why Choose Us
    • Online Tour
    • Calendar
    • Assessments
    • Performances
    • Policies
More Info!
301 947 9705

Policies and Procedures

Policies include:
    Weather and Closings
    Insufficient Enrollment 
    Make up Class/Lesson Policies  
    Payment and Fees Policies
    Student Attendance
    Photography Rights
​Weather Events and Closing
Before calling the Academy, check the Welcome Page (homepage) for frequent updates regarding school closings due to weather. If there is no update, the Academy is open for classes and lesson. During weekdays, we post updates throughout the day if needed. On weekends, the first post will be up by 7:30 AM.
​
Insufficient Enrollment Classes
Classes with fewer than 6 students are considered "Insufficient Enrollment" classes. In these cases, our options are:
   1) Cancel the class, or
   2) Raise the tuition for each student for the class, or
   3) Decrease the class length and tuition remains the same.  

While the Academy reserves the right to cancel insufficiently enrolled classes, these classes can often proceed on a short term basis, preventing the inconvenience and disappointment of class cancellation. In most cases, Option 3 above is the best option. Originally suggested by a parent, this practice has benefited many families since its adoption in 2010. Classes are able to proceed, the
student/teacher ratio is very small so it justifies the increased tuition per minute,  and tuition total does not have to be increased as in Option 2. The following are the policies and guidelines for Option 3 Insufficient Enrollment Classes:
  • 1-2 students - If a class falls to this level, the school reserves the right to cancel any remaining classes and either issue a class credit or a refund. In certain cases, we may offer to run a class of 2 for 30 minutes short term. Transfer to private lessons may also be a good option. 
  • 3-5 Students becomes a 40-45 minute class. 
  • 6 or More Students - Considered Full Enrollment Classes.
  • Classes that are regularly scheduled for 45 minutes due to age (ex. Music in Me), may be reduced to 30 minutes depending on enrollment. 
  • When Toddler Tunes classes run, they will always be 30 minutes in length and require 5 students in order to hold a class.
If a parent decides not to proceed with the altered class time, a full refund will be issued. The class may/may not proceed depending on viability.

Group Class Make Up Policies
Unless class is cancelled due to an emergency weather situation or the like, we cannot offer make up lessons for group classes. The only exception would be if there is another class being taught at the same level and on the same curriculum time table as your original class. This class may be attended if the teacher gives you and the office a confirmation of approval.

Private Lesson Make Up Policies
The overall school policy is teachers are not required to make up lessons that are missed by the student for any reason. Registration purchases a specific lesson time slot whether it is used or not. However, most teachers will allow a single make-up lesson each semester. Please inquire directly with your teacher at your Introductory Lesson. 

Summer Lessons/Classes
Music/Acting education is year round at the Academy. However, you can take advantage of a 2-week allowance to accommodate planned Summer vacations. Write the office and let us know the two weeks you will be absent and we will automatically refund for the equivalent of two weeks. Dropping out" for several weeks or for the entire Summer is considered a withdrawal and those procedures should be followed. It may be that your teacher will still have room for you at the end of Summer in which case you are welcome to re-register. However, we unfortunately cannot hold a lesson time with a teacher for extended week's absences. 

Calendar
The Academy classes and lessons are year round except for specific dates listed on the Calendar page.
​

Three-Week Money-Back Guarantee for New Students
For first time students, you are not satisfied with your classes or lessons, email the Academy Office within the first three weeks of classes or lessons and we will refund all prepaid tuition including the classes or lessons that have already occurred minus the registration fee. Phone or verbal notification will not be considered. A refund will not be issued on the day of the fourth class or lesson.
Payment Method and Policies: 
​
Beginning September, 2020, the Academy will no longer be on the semester system. With the exception of the Suzuki Violin Program, all lessons and classes will be on a monthly basis paid by monthly autocharge on a credit card. Please CLICK HERE for details. 

Photography Rights
The Academy reserves the right to use photos and videos taken in classes, lessons, camps and at school events for promotional materials.

Class Attendance
Class or lesson attendance is vital to student progress and a successful recital.
 Students missing class frequently may not be allowed to participate on recitals or sharings. 
 

Our Programs

Piano Classes 
​  Ages 3 - 4.5
  Ages 4.5 - 5
  Ages 6 - 7
  Ages 8 - 10

Guitar Class
​Singing Class
Acting Program
Rock Band
Summer Camp
Private  Piano
Private Guitar
Private Voice
Private Violin
Suzuki Violin Program

Our Company

About Us
Newsletter
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Policies
Employment
8451 Helgerman Ct.
​Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Phone: 301-947-9705

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© 2019 The Academy of Fine Arts All Rights Reserved
  • Welcome
  • Programs
    • Piano Program
      • Piano Classes for Beginners
      • Private Piano Lessons
    • Violin Lessons
    • Violin (Suzuki Program)
    • Singing Lessons
    • Guitar Classes
    • Guitar/Bass Lessons
    • Acting Program
  • Search By Age
  • About Us
    • 2020 Honors Competition
    • Testimonials
    • Why Choose Us
    • Online Tour
    • Calendar
    • Assessments
    • Performances
    • Policies