Policies

REGISTRATION & TUITION

MAD Institute offers private lessons and classes for students of all ages and abilities. Registration is conducted through MAD Institute’s online scheduling and registration system, Acuity Scheduling.

The school year is divided into three terms: a fall semester beginning in September, a spring semester beginning in February, and summer term beginning in July.

Tuition for private lessons and classes is listed on the Plans & Pricing page. Tuition does not include music books, sheet music, or other required study materials. Private lesson students are responsible for providing their own instruments, with the exception of piano students.

Private lessons may be enrolled in on a rolling basis throughout the semester. Students enrolling after the first week of the semester will receive a prorated tuition rate based on the week of enrollment.

PAYMENT INFORMATION

Payment for private lessons and classes is processed during the online registration process. Payment in full is required at the time of registration unless another arrangement has been expressly approved by MAD Institute.

Available payment methods and applicable tuition rates are presented during registration. A registration is not considered complete until the required payment has been received.

Registration confirmations and payment receipts are provided electronically.

Any applicable fees associated with returned or declined payments will be communicated to the student or account holder directly.

ATTENDANCE, MAKE-UP, AND CANCELLATIONS

Students and teaching artists are expected to work together to maintain consistent attendance and continuity of instruction. Regular attendance is an important part of a student's progress.

Private Lessons

Each student is permitted up to two excused absences per semester. To qualify for a make-up lesson, the student must provide at least 24 hours' notice of the absence.

Absences may be reported by emailing info@madinstitute.org with the subject line “Notice of Student Absence” or by text message to (929) 615-1284.

Make-up lessons are subject to instructor availability and should be scheduled directly with the instructor.

Absences beyond the two permitted excused absences are not eligible for make-up lessons. Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice are considered unexcused and will not be made up.

If a teaching artist must cancel a lesson, MAD Institute will work with the student to arrange a make-up lesson or another appropriate accommodation.

Classes

Individual student absences from group classes are not eligible for make-up sessions.

Make-up sessions for classes will be provided only when a class is cancelled by the teaching artist or due to an emergency school closure. Unless otherwise specified, class make-up sessions will be scheduled during the designated make-up week at the end of the semester.

PARENT & GUARDIAN PARTICIPATION

MAD Institute encourages students to develop independence, focus, and a direct working relationship with their teaching artist. For this reason, parents, guardians, and other family members are generally discouraged from attending or remaining in private lessons.

Parents and guardians of minor students and students with disabilities or other support needs may attend lessons when their presence is necessary or beneficial to the student's learning, safety, communication, or well-being.

In other circumstances, a parent or guardian may be invited to observe or participate in a lesson at the discretion of the teaching artist or MAD Institute administration.

Parents and guardians are welcome to communicate with the Institute regarding their student's progress, attendance, scheduling, tuition, or other administrative matters.

For minor students, parents or guardians should remain available and reachable during the student's lesson unless otherwise arranged with MAD Institute.

PHOTO, AUDIO & VIDEO PERMISSION

By participating in MAD Institute programs, students and their parents or guardians, where applicable, grant MAD Institute permission to photograph, audio-record, and/or video-record participants and to use such materials for promotional, educational, archival, and institutional purposes.

Participants who do not wish to be photographed or recorded must notify the administrative office in writing before the start of the program.

MAD Institute is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information collected from our students, families, and participants.

We collect only information reasonably necessary for registration, instruction, administration, payment processing, and communication. Personal information is not shared with third parties except when necessary to provide services, process payments, comply with legal requirements, or with the participant's consent.

NONDISCRIMINATION & HARASSMENT POLICY

MAD Institute is dedicated to providing an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

MAD Institute does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, bullying, or other inappropriate conduct in connection with its programs, activities, or facilities.

Any concerns regarding discrimination, harassment, or inappropriate conduct should be reported to the administrative office. MAD Institute will review such concerns promptly and take appropriate action consistent with its policies and applicable law.