Absences
Teachers must be notified of known absences (concerts, sporting events, vacation, etc.) at least one week in advance of the lesson. If a student is ill, a call must be made to the teacher’s phone at least two hours prior to the lesson to be considered excused.
Only one make-up lesson is allowed (for excused absences only) per semester. If more than one lesson is missed, the lesson and lesson fee are forfeited.
If a call is not received and the teacher was not notified beforehand, that absence will be considered unexcused and the lesson fee will be forfeited. In certain cases (family emergency, extreme weather, extended illness), efforts will be made to reconcile lost time in the best interest of both parties.
Cancellations
Lessons cancelled by an instructor will be made up at the earliest convenience of both the teacher and the student.
The Academy of Music only cancels lessons due to weather when the University of Northwestern cancels events for that day. Call 651-631-5310 to find out if the campus is closed. If the student decides to cancel the lesson due to bad weather but the Northwestern campus is still open, the instructor is not obligated to make up the lesson.
Late Arrivals
Students are expected to arrive on time for their lessons/classes. Instructors will wait 15 minutes before assuming that a student is absent for a lesson. Instructors are not required to make up the lost time as a "no-show" is considered unexcused. However, an instructor who arrives late will arrange to make up any missed lesson time.
Make-Up Lessons
Only one make-up lesson is provided for excused absences. See Absences, above, for more information. If more than one lesson is missed, the lesson and lesson fee will be forfeited. The week of recitals at the end of each semester is also known as "make-up lesson week," and is a great time to fit in the make-up lessons needed!
Withdrawals
Withdrawing a student from lessons or classes requires written or verbal notification to the Academy of Music office. Students who discontinue and do not provide notification of withdrawal will continue to be considered officially enrolled and be held responsible for any tuition charges associated with an official enrollment.
Refunds will be given on a prorated basis if a student withdraws from lessons prior to the sixth week of the semester. No refunds will be given if notice of withdrawal or cancellation is given after the sixth week of the semester. In the event that all lessons need to pivot to virtual, no refunds are allowed after the sixth week. Outstanding balances must be paid in full upon cancellation.
Expectations
- Keep a regular practice routine as outlined by the instructor and (when applicable) in consultation with the parents/guardians
- Attend all lessons, classes, rehearsals, and recitals
- Bring instrument, music, and all appropriate materials to lessons, rehearsals, classes, and recitals
Behavior in the Building
The lobbies and hallways serve as both a waiting area for students prior to lessons and a meeting place for parents, students, and instructors. Students are expected to speak quietly in these areas to prevent interference with instruction in nearby studios, classrooms, and/or offices. They are also to be respectful of a professor's property hung outside their doors and on bulletin boards. Parents/guardians are responsible for curtailing, running, loud play, and any dangerous or disturbing behavior. Children must be supervised by a parent or another adult at all times.
Academy Property
The Academy provides drawers labeled "books and toys" located in the practice room hallway in Totino outside the Academy office and on the third floor music hall in Nazareth hall. These drawers are stocked with books, coloring books, games, doodle boards, and more. All Academy families are welcome to use these items while waiting for a music lesson to finish. Parents are responsible to help their children respect the property of the Academy and ensure that they return everything to the drawers before leaving the building.
Student Dismissal
Students who do not meet the expectations outlined above may be dismissed with lesson tuition forfeited.
Address Change
Changes of address, telephone, or e-mail address must be provided to the Academy of Music office in a timely manner.
Photography
By registering with the Academy of Music, families agree to pay all fees related to lessons and/or ensembles. Parents give the right to use the student's photograph or image without his or her name for Academy publications unless the office is otherwise notified.
Payments
Once registered, tuition may be paid by credit card (online or over the phone) or check. Payment is due on or before the first lesson with the exception of those on a monthly payment plan.
Payments may be made in full or in monthly installments for an additional $25 fee (per family, per semester). Monthly invoices will be sent by e-mail.
Checks can be placed in the drop box located outside the Academy office or mailed to:
Accounts Receivable
University of Northwestern
3003 Snelling Ave. N.
St. Paul, MN 55113-1598
Late Payments
Late payments will accrue an interest charge. In the event that it is necessary to place an account with a commercial collection agency, the student/parent will be responsible for all collection costs, along with attorney fees and court costs incurred by the university.
Families with an overdue balance may not register for additional activities until the overdue balance has been paid.
Registration Fee
There is a nonrefundable $20 registration fee per family per semester.
Late Registration Fee
There will be a $20 late registration fee applied if a student begins lessons before registering.
Refunds
Refunds will be given on a prorated basis if a student withdraws from lessons prior to the sixth week of the semester. No refunds will be given if notice of withdrawal or cancellation is given after the sixth week of the semester. If the need to pivot to virtual lessons arises, no refunds are available after the sixth lesson. Outstanding balances must be paid in full upon cancellation.
Family Discount
Families registering three or more students or registering for lessons on three or more instruments/ensembles during the same transaction will receive a 10 percent discount off the family's total tuition per semester. The discount does not apply towards the registration fee or the monthly installment plan fee.
University of Northwestern Academy of Music Mission Statement
The Academy of Music seeks to provide quality musical instruction and performance opportunities for community members of all ages and backgrounds to develop their God-given gifts.
Goal 1: Provide musical instruction and performance opportunities
- Offer private and group lessons for all ability levels.
- Offer varied levels of teacher experience and education, as well as varied costs.
- Offer a variety of ensembles to supplement the lesson experience.
- Offer performance opportunities each semester.
- Offer summer opportunities for lessons, ensembles and camps.
Goal 2: Provide supervised teaching experiences for current UNW students
- Provide valuable experience to UNW music students through teaching private lessons or assisting ensemble directors.
- Provide mentoring and professional development to student instructors.
- Provide competitive wages.
Goal 3: Recruit students to UNW
- Share prospective student information with UNW Admissions for follow-up.
- Include Academy families in Music Department and University publicity mailings.
- Develop interaction between music faculty and Academy students and families.
- Strengthen the ability of the AOM to attract and retain gifted potential music majors.
Goal 4: Maintain wise stewardship of resources
- Maintain up-to-date financial records in collaboration with the UNW Accounting Office.
- Explore grant opportunities with UNW Grants Office.
- Maintain affordable pricing structures to enable lower-income community members to participate.
- Maintain a self-sustaining budget that will adequately cover AOM expenses
- Establish funding for potential new programs.
- Use allocated space on campus and satellites wisely.
Goal 5: Communicate program to community and current customers
- Publicize program to area schools, home-school groups and churches.
- Maintain a professional, informative, and up-to-date website.
- Provide e-newsletters on a regular basis.
- Provide excellent customer service.
- Market program offerings through community advertising.
Goal 6: Provide Community Outreach
- Offer satellite locations in various area churches.
- Offer children’s concerts and other community events.
- Foster partnerships with local schools.
- Foster partnerships with local churches.
