MARYVILLE MUSIC ACADEMY
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Maryville Music Academy
197 Foothills Mall Dr
Maryville, TN 37801
(865) 738-7624
By enrolling in lessons, programs, or services through Maryville Music Academy, the student, parent, or financially responsible party acknowledges and agrees to the following Terms & Conditions.
These policies are designed to provide consistency for students, protect reserved lesson times, support our instructors, and allow Maryville Music Academy to operate as a professional, year round music academy.
1. ENROLLMENT
Enrollment at Maryville Music Academy reserves a recurring lesson time for the student.
Weekly lesson times are reserved specifically for each student and remain on the instructor's schedule until the student officially withdraws according to the withdrawal policy contained in these Terms & Conditions.
Enrollment is considered ongoing and does not automatically end at the conclusion of a month, semester, school year, or recital season.
2. MONTHLY TUITION
Maryville Music Academy operates on a monthly tuition model.
Standard monthly tuition covers the student's reserved weekly lesson time within Maryville Music Academy's 48 week instructional calendar.
Tuition is charged monthly and remains the same regardless of whether a particular month contains four or five scheduled lesson days.
Some students may have different tuition rates based on lesson length, instructor level, specialty programs, grandfathered tuition rates, or other approved arrangements.
Tuition reserves the student's recurring lesson time and is not calculated according to individual attendance.
3. 48 WEEK INSTRUCTIONAL CALENDAR
There are 52 weeks in a calendar year. Maryville Music Academy operates on a 48 week instructional year.
Because calendar months do not contain an equal number of weeks, some months naturally include an additional instructional day or fifth lesson.
Maryville Music Academy does not charge additional tuition during these longer months.
Instead, tuition is evenly distributed across the instructional year, allowing families to maintain a consistent monthly payment.
The remaining calendar weeks allow Maryville Music Academy to schedule planned closures, which may include:
Spring Break
Fall Break
Three days surrounding Thanksgiving
Approximately one and a half weeks during the Christmas and New Year holiday period
The exact academy calendar may vary slightly from year to year and will be communicated to families.
Monthly tuition is not reduced or credited for these scheduled academy closures because they are already accounted for within the 48 week tuition structure.
4. TUITION PAYMENT
Monthly tuition is billed through the academy's student management system.
Tuition is due according to the date shown on the student's invoice or account.
Families are responsible for maintaining a valid payment method and keeping all billing information current.
Invoices that remain unpaid after the fifteenth day of the month may be considered late.
Maryville Music Academy reserves the right to suspend lessons or enrollment when an account becomes significantly past due.
Families experiencing a billing concern should contact the academy office as soon as possible so that the situation can be reviewed.
5. FAILED OR DECLINED PAYMENTS
If a payment is declined, rejected, returned, or otherwise unsuccessful, the outstanding balance remains due.
Financial institutions may occasionally reject transactions because of security settings, insufficient funds, verification requirements, expired payment information, or other banking restrictions.
The family remains responsible for updating the payment method and satisfying any outstanding balance.
6. STUDENT CANCELLATIONS
Each student's lesson time is reserved exclusively for that student.
When a student needs to cancel a lesson, the following policy applies.
Cancellations Made More Than 24 Hours in Advance
When proper notice is provided more than 24 hours before the scheduled lesson, the instructor will provide a personalized video lesson during the student's reserved lesson time.
For a 30 minute lesson, the personalized video lesson should contain at least approximately 20 minutes of instructional material.
For a 60 minute lesson, the personalized video lesson should contain at least approximately 40 minutes of instructional material.
The video may include exercises, demonstrations, song instruction, technical work, practice assignments, or other material appropriate for the student's current development.
The video will be uploaded through the academy's designated student learning platform or portal whenever applicable.
The personalized video lesson replaces the missed in person lesson.
Cancellations Made Less Than 24 Hours in Advance
Lessons canceled less than 24 hours before the scheduled lesson are not eligible for a make up lesson, tuition credit, refund, or personalized replacement video.
No Shows
If a student does not attend a scheduled lesson and no qualifying cancellation notice was provided, the lesson is considered a no show.
No shows are not eligible for a make up lesson, tuition credit, refund, or personalized replacement video.
7. STUDENT LATE ARRIVALS
Students are encouraged to arrive on time and prepared for their lesson.
If a student arrives late, the lesson will still end at the originally scheduled time so that the instructor can remain on schedule for the next student.
Additional time cannot be added to compensate for a student's late arrival.
8. INSTRUCTOR CANCELLATIONS
When Maryville Music Academy or an instructor must cancel a lesson, the academy will make every reasonable effort to provide one of the following:
A make up lesson
An approved substitute instructor
A lesson credit
Another appropriate instructional solution approved by the academy
Instructor cancellations are always accounted for and are handled differently from student initiated cancellations.
9. SUBSTITUTE INSTRUCTORS
Maryville Music Academy may provide a qualified substitute instructor when a student's regular instructor is unavailable.
A lesson taught by an approved substitute instructor is considered a completed lesson and does not qualify for an additional make up or credit solely because the regular instructor was unavailable.
10. 30 DAY WRITTEN WITHDRAWAL NOTICE
Maryville Music Academy requires a minimum of 30 days written notice to discontinue lessons.
Withdrawal must be submitted through Maryville Music Academy's official Withdrawal Form or another written method specifically approved by the academy office.
Telling an instructor verbally that a student intends to stop lessons does not constitute official withdrawal notice.
The withdrawal notice period begins when the academy receives the completed written withdrawal request.
The student remains financially responsible for tuition during the required 30 day notice period.
If proper notice is not provided, Maryville Music Academy may assess a late withdrawal charge equal to one month's tuition.
This policy allows the academy time to responsibly manage instructor schedules, waiting lists, payroll, and the lesson time being released.
11. RESERVED LESSON TIMES
A student's recurring lesson time remains reserved until the student has completed the official withdrawal process.
Missing lessons, stopping attendance, failing to communicate with an instructor, or choosing not to participate does not automatically cancel enrollment.
Tuition obligations may continue until proper withdrawal notice has been submitted.
12. EXTENDED ABSENCES
Families anticipating an extended absence should contact the academy office before the absence begins.
Maryville Music Academy cannot guarantee that a student's recurring lesson time can be held without tuition during an extended absence.
Special arrangements must be approved by academy management in advance.
13. ACADEMY CLOSURES
Maryville Music Academy may close for scheduled breaks, holidays, weather emergencies, building emergencies, safety concerns, utility disruptions, or other circumstances affecting normal operations.
Scheduled closures that are part of the academy's 48 week instructional calendar do not generate tuition credits.
If an unscheduled academy closure results in a lesson being canceled by the academy, the lesson will be handled according to the Instructor Cancellation policy.
14. INCLEMENT WEATHER
Maryville Music Academy will determine whether the academy remains open during severe weather.
The academy does not automatically follow local school system closures.
Families should rely on official communication from Maryville Music Academy regarding weather related schedule changes.
If the academy remains open and a family chooses not to attend because of weather, the normal student cancellation policy applies.
If Maryville Music Academy closes and cancels lessons, the Instructor Cancellation policy applies.
15. PRACTICE AND STUDENT PROGRESS
Consistent progress depends on regular attendance, practice, preparation, and participation.
Maryville Music Academy and its instructors will provide professional instruction, guidance, and educational resources. However, specific results cannot be guaranteed because progress varies according to the student's practice habits, attendance, age, ability, preparation, and individual development.
Families are encouraged to support a consistent practice routine at home.
16. STUDENT LEARNING PLATFORMS
Maryville Music Academy may use online systems, student portals, applications, video platforms, or other digital resources to distribute assignments, instructional videos, music, communications, practice materials, and academy information.
Families are responsible for accepting invitations, activating accounts, maintaining current contact information, and checking academy communication platforms regularly.
17. COMMUNICATION
Families are responsible for maintaining an accurate email address, telephone number, billing method, and other contact information with Maryville Music Academy.
Important academy communication may be delivered through email, text message, the student portal, academy software, or another official academy communication system.
Families are responsible for reviewing these communications.
18. RECITALS, PERFORMANCES, AND SPECIAL EVENTS
Maryville Music Academy may offer recitals, showcases, concerts, camps, workshops, artist development opportunities, recording projects, and other special events.
Participation in these activities may require separate registration, fees, rehearsals, deadlines, or participation requirements.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, special event fees are separate from regular monthly tuition.
Registration fees for special events may be nonrefundable when expenses have already been committed on behalf of the participant.
19. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND CONDUCT
The following requirements supplement Section 18 and apply to academy-sponsored recitals, concerts, showcases, recordings, livestreams, promotional events, and other public performances. A separate event-specific Performance Approval & Agreement Form is required before participation.
Purpose and scope
Maryville Music Academy (MMA) provides student performances to develop musicianship, confidence, creativity and professional stage skills. These standards apply to all MMA-sponsored recitals, concerts, showcases, community appearances, recordings, livestreams and related presentations, whether on MMA premises or elsewhere.
Advance performance approval
Each performer must submit a Performance Approval & Agreement Form for each event by the deadline set by MMA. Songs, original lyrics, spoken introductions, dedications, staging, props, projected content, special attire and other planned elements require instructor review and MMA approval. Instructors may approve routine selections under management guidelines; management must review flagged or sensitive material. MMA may approve, condition, substitute, postpone or decline a selection consistent with applicable law.
Original music and sensitive subjects
MMA supports songwriting about authentic emotions and experiences. Material suitable for private lessons may not be suitable for a family-oriented public performance. Original songs require submission of complete lyrics in the version to be performed. MMA may restrict content involving identifiable persons, personal allegations, family or custody disputes, bullying, harassment, threats, explicit sexual content, graphic violence, or excessive profanity. Review concerns the suitability of the performance, not whether a student’s personal experiences or claims are true.
No public targeting or personal disputes
No performer may use lyrics, a dedication, introduction, statement, gesture, projected image or staging to publicly single out, accuse, shame, intimidate, threaten, harass or deliberately humiliate an identifiable person. Identification can occur through a name, relationship, pointing, or other reasonably recognizable reference. MMA is not a forum for adjudicating family, divorce, custody or interpersonal disputes, and its approval of a performance does not endorse factual allegations or opinions expressed by a performer.
Approved introductions and changes
Students must provide the exact planned spoken introduction or dedication in advance. A student may not add an unapproved dedication, materially alter approved lyrics, or introduce new sensitive content or presentation elements. MMA may redirect or end a performance when reasonably necessary. Because live remarks may be spontaneous, approval of submitted material does not mean MMA has approved undisclosed remarks or actions.
Attire, staging and age appropriateness
Students must wear clean, event-appropriate attire that allows safe performance and does not display threatening, hateful, sexually explicit or otherwise prohibited content. Costumes, props, footwear, jewelry, choreography and equipment must not create avoidable safety risks. MMA may publish event-specific attire and staging instructions and will consider legally required accommodations.
Privacy, recordings and livestreams
Students, families, staff and guests must respect the privacy of others and comply with event recording rules. Public posting, livestreaming, photography, promotional use of a student’s image or voice, and distribution of copyrighted music remain subject to applicable law and any required permissions. No recording or post may be used for harassment or retaliation. This policy does not prevent lawful reporting of safety concerns or other protected activity.
Student safety and respectful conduct
Performers, parents, guardians, instructors, staff and guests must follow reasonable safety instructions and treat others respectfully. Threats, harassment, retaliation, abusive behavior and unsafe conduct may result in intervention, removal from an event or other proportionate action. Safety concerns should be reported promptly to MMA management or appropriate authorities; nothing in this policy limits legally required reporting.
Instructor, student and family responsibilities
Instructors review proposed selections, refer sensitive content to management and confirm that approval is recorded. Students must perform only the approved version and follow event directions. Parents or guardians of minors must review the submitted information and sign the event agreement. MMA may request further information, modifications or a different selection. Approval is not guaranteed solely because an instructor has rehearsed a song.
Equal treatment and accommodations
MMA will apply these standards consistently and without unlawful discrimination or retaliation. Reasonable disability-related, religious or other legally required accommodations will be considered. Concerns should be raised privately with management whenever practical.
Authority, updates and preservation
MMA retains final event-content and safety decisions subject to applicable law and contractual requirements. Failure to enforce a provision on one occasion does not automatically waive future enforcement. Changes apply prospectively after notice; the policy in effect for an event governs that event. MMA will retain approval forms and relevant materials according to its records procedures and any applicable preservation obligations.
Revised Edition: October 13, 2026. The updated performance requirements apply prospectively from this date, subject to applicable law and notice to families. They do not retroactively govern earlier performances.
20. STUDENT CONDUCT
Maryville Music Academy is committed to maintaining a professional, welcoming, and respectful environment.
Students and guests are expected to treat instructors, staff members, other students, families, academy property, and neighboring businesses respectfully.
Behavior that is threatening, abusive, destructive, repeatedly disruptive, unsafe, or inappropriate may result in dismissal from the academy.
21. PARENT AND GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITY
Parents and guardians are responsible for the supervision and appropriate behavior of minors while on academy property unless the student is actively participating in a lesson or academy supervised activity.
Children who are not participating in lessons should not be left unattended.
22. PERSONAL PROPERTY
Maryville Music Academy is not responsible for lost, stolen, forgotten, or damaged personal belongings.
Students should clearly identify instruments, music books, accessories, electronic devices, and other personal items whenever possible.
23. INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT
Students are expected to treat academy instruments, recording equipment, furniture, technology, and other property with reasonable care.
Families may be financially responsible for damage caused by intentional misuse, reckless behavior, or inappropriate handling of academy property.
24. HEALTH AND SAFETY
Students should not attend lessons when they are experiencing a contagious illness or other condition that could reasonably place instructors, staff members, or other students at risk.
Families should use the student cancellation policy when illness prevents attendance.
In an emergency, Maryville Music Academy may contact emergency services when academy staff reasonably believe immediate assistance is necessary.
25. PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEO, AND MEDIA
Maryville Music Academy may occasionally photograph or record academy performances, recitals, events, group activities, or other academy related programs.
Any separate media consent requirements established by the academy will be respected.
Families with questions or concerns regarding photography, recording, or promotional use should contact the academy office.
26. RECORDING STUDIO AND SPECIALTY SERVICES
Recording studio services, custom tracks, artist development, songwriting programs, production services, camps, workshops, and other specialty services may have separate pricing, agreements, scheduling requirements, and policies.
Participation in these services may require acceptance of additional terms beyond regular lesson enrollment.
27. CHANGES TO INSTRUCTORS OR SCHEDULES
Maryville Music Academy may occasionally need to adjust instructor assignments, lesson rooms, lesson times, or schedules because of staffing changes, enrollment needs, instructor availability, emergencies, or academy operations.
When possible, the academy will communicate significant scheduling changes in advance.
28. DISCONTINUATION OF ENROLLMENT BY THE ACADEMY
Maryville Music Academy reserves the right to discontinue enrollment when necessary.
Reasons may include, but are not limited to:
Repeated nonpayment
Serious or repeated behavioral concerns
Threatening or abusive conduct toward staff, instructors, students, or families
Repeated violation of academy policies
Circumstances that prevent the academy from safely or effectively providing services
When appropriate, Maryville Music Academy will communicate with the financially responsible party regarding the reason for discontinuation.
29. POLICY UPDATES
Maryville Music Academy may update these Terms & Conditions as academy programs, systems, operations, or policies evolve.
Families will be notified when substantial policy changes are made.
The most current version of the Terms & Conditions will govern active enrollment.
30. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF TERMS
By enrolling in Maryville Music Academy, maintaining active enrollment, or authorizing tuition payments, the student, parent, guardian, or financially responsible party acknowledges that they have reviewed and agree to follow Maryville Music Academy's current Terms & Conditions.
These policies are intended to provide consistency, fairness, clear expectations, and a professional learning environment for every Maryville Music Academy family.
Questions regarding policies, billing, scheduling, withdrawal, or enrollment should be directed to the academy office.
Maryville Music Academy
197 Foothills Mall Dr
Maryville, TN 37801
(865) 738-7624