Student Policies
The following is the full list of Music Center policies. Policies specific to music lessons, classes, ensembles, and workshops are also noted in each of those sections.
Classes, Ensembles and Workshops
Classes, ensembles and workshops take place throughout the year and rates vary depending on their length and duration. Specific information is available on our website, www.mcnw.org. Fees are due in full at the time of registration. Students who withdraw from a class or ensemble, one week or more before first class, will receive a full refund. Before the second class, 50%. No refunds will be given after the second meeting. Students withdrawing from workshops by the registration deadline will receive a full refund. No refunds are made after the registration deadline, and all refunds are subject to a $15 drop fee. If a class is canceled by Music Center, students receive a full refund.
Individual Music Lessons
When you register for lessons at Music Center of the Northwest , it is assumed you will continue for the entire academic year (or the remainder thereof, if registering after the year begins). The academic year runs from September 7 until June 30 and includes a total of 38 lessons. New students may register for an introductory lesson before signing up for the full year. Your registration is a contract stating that you have reserved your teacher’s time during the year at that specific time period each week. For summer session (July and August) students may sign up for a predetermined number of lessons at the regular lesson rate. Discounts are also given for additional family members.
Attendance, Absences and Make-ups
Tuition reserves all lesson times during the year for a student regardless of student non-attendance, vacation, field trips, school music obligations, sports, etc. Payment for music lessons is due in full at the time of registration. A monthly payment plan option is available to students who register for the full year. Any lesson missed due to teacher absence or inclement weather will be made up or refunded upon request at the end of the school year. No credits or refunds will be given for student absences.Discontinuing lessons
If it is necessary for a student to withdraw, students/parents should pick up a Discontinuance Form at the office, fill it out, get the teacher’s signature, and return it to the office. This must be done one month in advance of withdrawal in order to receive any refund for the remainder of the year (or to stop the automatic withdrawals). No refunds will be given for those students withdrawing from lessons during the last four weeks of the year. Verbal notification of intent to withdraw is not acceptable.Music Lesson Payment Plan Options
Payment may be made in full when you register or you may choose a payment plan with automatic withdrawal from your credit or debit card. Inquire in the office at (206) 526-8443
A yearly registration fee of $35 is charged for students/families taking music lessons.
Tuition Assistance
Fees owed to Music Center of the Northwest may be reduced by participation in our Tuition Assistance Program. To apply, complete and return a Tuition Assistance form. Please request what you need, without embarrassment, but please pay what you are reasonably able to. Our desire is to make musical study and participation available to all who sincerely want to pursue it, regardless of their financial status. Students who receive financial assistance must take their involvement seriously, maintain regular attendance, and make satisfactory progress (based on teacher evaluation). Assistance will be suspended if four (4) or more lessons or classes are missed due to student absence. Financial aid awards are for either one class/ensemble or for 30-minute lessons.
Donate
As a 501(c)3 charitable organization, Music Center of the Northwest accepts tax-deductible donations. There are a number of ways to contribute to Music Center efforts. Donations to the Music Center Annual Fund and the Janice Gockel Scholarship Fund are the two main avenues of support. Music Center works towards a sustainable future through contributions to endowed funds and legacy creating memorial gifts. Sponsorships are also accepted to fund specific programs and initiatives.
Inclement Weather
We are committed to remaining open whenever possible, but safety for our students is our foremost concern. In general, Music Center of the Northwest follows the same emergency weather closure procedures as the Seattle Public Schools. In the event that the school is closed, a recorded message will be available on the MCNW line (206) 526-8443, posted on the website mcnw.org, and sent to all students via e-mail (if possible).
Photographs and Recordings
Music Center of the Northwest uses photographs and recordings made of school sponsored functions involving students in its publications, brochures, and website. If you prefer not to be included, please notify the office with a written notice when you register. Verbal notices are not accepted.
Personal Property Liability
Music Center of the Northwest does not assume liability for personal property, including musical instruments used in lessons, classes, ensembles, workshops or other school sponsored activities. All students are encouraged to check with their personal insurance carrier to cover theft or damage.
Discounts
All discounts must be used during the current year and are non-transferable.
Private Lesson "Second Student" Discount
Families with more than one student registered for music lessons may take a discount of 10% for the second student and 5% for subsequent students. The 10% discount will be taken from the smallest tuition and the 5% from the next smallest. All students must register at the same time for the family discount to apply.Music Together® Bring a Friend Discount
When a current Music Together® family refers a new family to a Music Together® class both will receive a $25 discount on their tuition.Referral Credit
Current students who refer a new student who registers for individual weekly music lessons at Music Center will receive a $50 credit toward future lessons or classes (does not include family members).



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