Revised 7-10-2023

REGISTRATION

Students must register for lessons. 

  • There is no registration fee. 
  • The Academy requires that a credit/debit card be maintained on file and must be entered with the registration.
  • Once the registration form is received, the student and preferred instructor will be contacted to work out scheduling details for private lessons.  
  • Group lessons and ensemble schedules will be set once it is determined there are enough students to form a group or ensemble. Group lessons occur as scheduled and there is no credit for missed lessons unless the AoA cancels the lesson.
  • Once scheduling is confirmed the invoice will be sent and must be paid prior to the first lesson against the card on file.

DISCOUNTS

  • First Baptist Jackson staff families will receive a 5% discount on all lessons. 

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS: 

  • The student is expected to arrive on time to each lesson. 
  • The student is expected to bring all necessary materials (instrument (as applicable), notebook, folder, lesson books, etc.) to each lesson whether in person or virtual. If the student fails to bring these items, the lesson may be considered an unexcused absence at the teacher's discretion and will not be credited or made up.
  • The student is expected to practice regularly as is appropriate based on the age and ability of each student. Suggested practice schedule will be discussed with the teacher. 
  • The student is expected to be an active participant in each lesson. 
  • The student is expected to ask questions and let the teacher know when further clarification is needed, allowing the student to be fully engaged in the learning process. 
  • The student is expected to treat him/herself, instruments, materials, and the teacher(s) with respect. 

TEACHER EXPECTATIONS: 

  • The teacher is expected to attend every lesson on time and with all necessary materials. 
  • The teacher is expected to explain things in a clear and understandable manner. 
  • The teacher is expected to show respect for his/herself, the student, the instruments, and all materials. 
  • The teacher is expected to modify/adapt and prepare material that is appropriate to the age, ability, and unique learning style of each individual student. 
  • The teacher is expected to make each lesson enjoyable and rewarding. 
  • The teacher is expected to teach the principles of music and instrument so that the student can gain the most out of their musical education. 
  • The teacher is expected to immediately terminate the lesson and inform the Director of the Academy of Arts if they find themselves in an uncomfortable or unmanageable situation with a parent or student.
  • The teacher has completed MinistrySafe’s Sexual Abuse Awareness Training per the expected schedule for teachers. 

INSTRUMENTS AND MUSIC

  • Except for piano and voice, all students are required to provide their own instruments. Information can be provided on rental and purchase options upon request. We have access to a limited number of stringed instruments for rent and can recommend other rental options. You may inquire about those at aoa@fbcj.org.
  • Private students are required to provide their own music unless otherwise noted by the instructor. Most music used by the Academy can be purchased from Amazon, SHAR, or similar.  If the Academy purchases the music, a materials’ fee will be invoiced to the student.
  • Students in groups or ensembles may be charged a materials’ fee for music.

TUITION

 Private Lessons 

30-minute lessons | $120/4-Pack

45-minute lessons | $180/4-Pack

60-minute lessons | $240/4-Pack

Lessons In Student Homes

AoA instructors have the option to teach in the homes/designated location of students.  If we teach anywhere other than FBCJ, CCS or the teacher’s home:

  1. A $10 charge per lesson for gas and travel time for the instructor will be added to the lesson charge.
  2. Where more than one student is in the household and lessons are held back to back with same instructor, there is only one charge per household.

Group Lessons at First Baptist Jackson or Student Home

The Academy offers an after school string program at First Baptist Jackson. These groups are set for 12 weeks (a semester) at $25 per lesson plus the materials fee. Both semester based and 4-pack pricing is available. A minimum of three students are required for a group session.  

 CALENDAR

  • Private lessons may be scheduled to begin at any time. 
  • On premise FBJ lessons will not be held on Labor Day, Thanksgiving (Wednesday afternoon through Sunday), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter, or Memorial Day. 
  • There will be a student recital at the end of the Spring Semester. All students are encouraged to participate.
  • There will be additional playing opportunities offered in the community including Carols by Candlelight pre-worship, Thankful Christmas, hospitals, and nursing homes. Students are encouraged to participate.

TARDINESS:

  • Students are expected to arrive at their lesson on time. Students arriving up to 15 minutes late may have the remainder of their scheduled lesson. However, the teacher reserves the right to not add missed time to the end of the lesson. 
  • Teachers are expected to arrive at the student’s lesson on time. If the teacher is running late for any reason, this will be communicated to you by a phone call. 

 CANCELLATIONS: PRIVATE LESSONS

Cancellation by the teacher: 

  • If a single cancellation, the lesson will be rescheduled as the last lesson of the current billing cycle.
  • If all lessons for a student must be cancelled by the teacher, all funds for lessons not taught will be refunded. 

Cancellation of all future lessons by the parent/student: If cancellation occurs after lessons begin, full payment for the 4-weeks in process plus a $25 processing fee will be retained. If paid in full, remaining prepaid lessons beyond the 4 in progress will be refunded. There are no exceptions.

Cancellation of all the lesson for a specific week by the parent/student: See MAKEUP POLICY: PRIVATE LESSONS below.

Cancellation of lessons by the Academy due to COVID-19 or similar: Students will be given multiple options:

  • Continue lessons via online means (Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, etc.) if acceptable to both student/parent and teacher; 
  • Refund fees paid for lessons not conducted.

MAKEUP POLICY: PRIVATE LESSONS

  • Students and teachers will set lesson schedule that works for both parties and the schedule is expected to remain the same every week and not change once set unless mutually agreeable to both parties during a term (fall, spring, summer).
  • Any schedule conflicts with a 7 day minimum notice to the instructor will be made up by moving the lessons to be missed forward.
  • Any missed lessons with less than 7 days’ notice, regardless of reason including illness, will be made up only at the discretion of the instructors. Instructors are responsible for discussing their policy with you at the beginning of the term (fall, spring, summer).
  • Any unexcused (no notice given) lessons will not be made up and no credits will be given.

CANCELLATIONS: GROUP LESSONS OR ENSEMBLE REHEARSALS

Single cancellation due to weather or scheduling issue: If a single cancellation, the lesson will be rescheduled as soon as a reasonable date can be determined.

 Single cancellation due to teacher absence: The lesson will be rescheduled as soon as a reasonable date can be determined or moved forward to the end of the payment period.

Cancellation of lessons by the Academy due to COVID-19 or similar. All funds for lessons/rehearsals that did not occur will be refunded.

Cancellation by the parent/student:  If cancellation occurs after lessons begin, full payment for the 4-weeks in process plus a $25 processing fee will be retained. If paid in full, remaining prepaid lessons beyond the 4 in progress will be refunded. There are no exceptions. 

There are no makeups or credits for missed group or ensemble sessions unless it is a family group. The makeup will be at the discretion of the teacher in the case of a family group.