Music Conservatory of Sandpoint Policies and Procedures

Registration: Payment information is collected at the time of registration. Installment plans are available and are due the first of each month, payments are equal amounts (4 installments, one per month) while the student is enrolled in private lessons. Payments do not vary due to holidays or absences. There are no registration fees for 2026-27 and no fees for the installment plans. Payments made by credit card will include a processing fee of 3.2%.

Enrollment: Semester private lesson enrollment includes 16 private lessons to be taken during the semester. Lessons do not transfer to other semesters. Additional lessons may be added to a students schedule with agreement with their instructor. New students may take one trial 4-pack of private lessons prior to full semester registration. Students 9 years and older that wish to take private lessons will be enrolled in our tuition program, which includes no-cost access to group classes. Students younger than 9 years old may opt to register for our tuition program or may choose private lessons as a young artist. Adult students may arrange alternative schedules if approved through the administration office and your instructor.

Payments: Payment is due prior to attendance for group classes and private lessons. Group classes must be paid in full at the time of registration. For private lessons, semester enrollment requires either payment in full, or installment plan setup with a card on file set to autopay. Installments are due (charged to card) the 1st of each month. If installment plan is selected, 4 installments will be scheduled beginning the first day of the first month of the semester (September 1 for fall, February 1 for spring). For full semester payments by cash or check, the 3.2% processing fee does not apply. MCS charges a fee of $25 for every returned check. All payment plans must be scheduled as autopay and are subject to a 3.2% processing fee. After 1 month of no payments or failed transactions, lessons may be canceled and the student dropped.

Private Lesson Attendance: By registering and paying for private lessons, students commit to a consistent schedule with their instructor. As such, students are expected to attend all scheduled lessons and to give as much notice as possible when a cancellation is absolutely necessary. All students are entitled to two excused absences (requiring 24 hour notice). After the two excused absences, missed lessons will not be made up or reimbursed, except at the discretion of the instructor/admin office. All lessons canceled with less than 24 hours notice are unexcused (charged to the student), except in cases of emergency. Instructor Absences do not count against the students 2 allowable excused absences. If the instructor is not able to teach all paid lessons during the semester, remaining lessons will be credited to the student’s account.

Adjudication: Adjudication is available for beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels in flute, guitar, piano, strings, and voice. Adjudication is recommended after the second year of private lessons and is an opportunity for students to receive feedback and encouragement. Adjudication is required for scholarship consideration.

Recitals and Performances: Performance in semester recitals is recommended after one full year of lessons. This is a required component for scholarship consideration.

MCS Closures: MCS group classes are closed when the Lake Pend Orielle School District closes, whether due to scheduled holidays or weather closures (see the MCS calendar for scheduled holidays). Private lessons are handled on a case-by-case basis, so please touch base with your instructor to verify.

Refund Policy: Students who wish to receive a refund for remaining tuition fees upon withdrawal must do so prior to the 4th private lesson; no refunds will be given after the 4th paid lesson of that semester. Refunds may be given upon withdrawal from group lessons only when withdrawl occurs before the start date of the class. There will be no refund after the first day of class. Extenuating circumstances may be submitted to the Executive Director for consideration.

Late Registration/Prorate Policy: Group lessons will not be prorated. Tuition private lesson students may be prorated for late start students.

Cell Phone Policy: Cell phones must be turned off/silenced and put away during instruction. Parents are encouraged to contact the office or instructors directly in case of emergency.

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