VIELKA'S YOUNG SINGERS ACADEMY
YSA Policies

Welcome to Vielka's Young Singers Academy! We are so excited to be on this singing journey with you. As vocal athletes, consistency is the key to amazing results. Our YSA Dream Team of voice educators reserves time on their schedules, plans for your lessons, and invests in the long-term development of each student. In order to develop the highest level of excellence in learning, the following policies must be adhered.

PRIVATE PROGRAM

PRIVATE MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM
TUITION

1. A non-refundable registration fee is due at initial sign-up. 
2. Included in the private term:
   • Fixed, reserved recurring lesson time 
   • Practice Space App to send info directly to you and reward practice
   • Student Events to build global friendships and performance skills
   • Annual Virtual and In-Person Recitals for Family and Friends to celebrate progress
3. Tuition is month-to-month, due on the 1st of each month, and is billed automatically to your credit card/bank account via auto-pay 12 days before the due date.
4. If tuition is not received by the due date of the 1st of the month, lessons will be terminated.
5. A non-refundable registration fee will be charged to reinstate lessons. 
6. Tuition is a flat monthly fee which reserves your fixed recurring lesson time based on a 48 week academic year. Tuition has already been prorated to include our 4 weeks of academic breaks. Most months will have the same amount of lessons, while some will vary. For example, weekly lessons will receive an average of 4 lessons per month, while some months have 3 or 5 lessons. The flat monthly fee stays the same.
7. We cannot issue refunds for missed lessons including other events, illness(es) and/or planned or unplanned school closings.

YSA CALENDAR

1. Click here for the YSA Calendar. 
2. YSA Academic Breaks. We are closed with no lessons for 4 academic breaks per year: (1) Thanksgiving, (2) Christmas, (3) 4th of July, and (4) spring break in March. There are no reschedules or make ups for academic breaks. 
3. Holiday Closings and Reschedules. Should your regularly scheduled private lesson fall on a YSA holiday, you will be issued a Holiday Reschedule Lesson Credit. Holiday Reschedule Credits are valid for the corresponding holiday month only. For example: MLK Jr. Day credit is valid for January, Presidents’ Day credit is valid for February. If your family observes a holiday not listed, email [email protected] to request a credit. You may reschedule with any available teacher.

LATE POLICY & ATTENDANCE

1. Go to ysa.opus1.io to sign into online lessons and view your upcoming schedule.
2. Students are expected to be punctual to all lessons.
3. Students who are 15 minutes late for a lesson forfeit the lesson.

HOME LESSON REQUIREMENTS

1. Lessons must take place in a common living area of your home (no bedrooms).

NOTE FOR PreK-12 SINGERS AND PARENTS:

1. HOME Lessons must have a responsible caregiver home and available if needed for the full duration of the lesson 
2. We are not responsible for before or after lesson care for students. 

MISSED LESSONS

1. Teacher Cancellations. For any lessons missed by a teacher, we will provide a substitute. If a substitute is unavailable, a make up credit will be issued. There are no refunds.
2. Student Cancellations.
   1. Before you cancel, consider a "no singing" lesson. Professional singers know there's still a ton of work you can do in a lesson even if you have lost your voice and can't sing! Additional options include using the lesson time to call in for a progress update or gifting your lesson time to a sibling or parent.
   2. Studio Lessons. You have the option to change to an online lesson if you can't make it to the studio. Just let your teacher know and you can sign in during your regularly scheduled lesson time at ysa.opus1.io
   3. Please cancel via ysa.opus1.io to notify your voice educator and receive a make up credit.
   4. Any missed lesson will receive an Asynchronous Video Coaching and a make up lesson credit.
   5. For Asynchronous Video Coaching - Send a video of your siren, song, and any questions/comments before your next lesson via Practice Space and your voice teacher will respond back with comments.
   6. Make Up Lesson Credits:
      • You will receive an Online Group Make Up Class Credit. You must use the credit to register at least 7 days in advance of a class date.
3. Make Up Lesson Credit Policies
   1. Make up Lessons may be scheduled with any available teacher.
   2. No more than 4 Make Up Lesson Credits can be pending at a time per membership.
   3. Make up Lessons cannot be rescheduled - no make ups for make ups!
   4. Make up Lesson Credits expire 30 days after membership ends.
   5. No tuition credit or refund will be provided for missed lessons or lesson credits.

SCHEDULING AND STUDENT PLACEMENT CHANGES:

1. You may request a change to your reserved lesson time at any time by submitting our ONLINE CHANGE & WITHDRAWAL FORM and we will do our best to accommodate you.
2. You may request a change in teacher by the 15th of the month and we will do our best to accommodate the change by the 1st of the following month.
3. We reserve the right to modify student placement, change instructors, or location as necessary.

CODE OF BEHAVIOR: KIND + FAIR + SAFE + HONEST
Vielka's Young Singers Academy requires you to meet the above standards of behavior. We reserve the right to terminate membership, in which case prorated tuition will be refunded. We will seek to communicate and resolve any issues with families prior to dismissals.
OPEN-DOOR POLICY (PreK-12 Students) 
Observing singing lessons can be a great way to support their learning and growth, especially for our youngest singers up to age 8. As a parent, it's important to follow these guidelines when observing the lesson:

1. Look for joy in learning: One of the most important things to observe during your child's singing lesson is their level of engagement and enjoyment or as we call it, “keeping the love alive”. Learning should be a joyful experience, and if your child is enjoying their lessons, they are more likely to continue with them long-term.
2. Encourage independence: Grow your child's independence and allow them to take ownership of their learning. Avoid the temptation to intervene or direct their behavior during the lesson. Let your child work things out with their teacher and find their own solutions to challenges.
3. Be a silent observer: As a parent observing the lesson, it's important to refrain from interacting with the students or teacher during the lesson, and avoid making unnecessary noise, movements, and computer/phone use.
4. Build trust: Trust in your child's teacher and their methods is essential for successful learning. Show your child that you trust their teacher's expertise by allowing them to guide the lesson and make decisions that will benefit your child's learning.
5. Model engagement: Your child will take cues from you, so be sure to model being positive and fully engaged in the lesson. 

If you have any questions or comments after the observation, it's important to send a message to your teacher or schedule a conference with the director rather than discussing it with your child in front of other students or parents. This will allow you to address any concerns in a respectful and constructive way that benefits your child's learning.
PHOTO/VIDEO RELEASE:
Observation/Photo/Audio/Video Release for Educational Use.
Permission is hereby granted for Vielka's Young Singers Academy and The Vielka Method™ and its authorized agents to observe, photograph, audio record, and/or video you exclusively for educational use at any time presently or in the future during lessons, classes, and events. You understand that any such photographs and recordings become the property of Vielka's Young Singers Academy and The Vielka Method™ and may copyright such media in its name. Permission is granted for these recordings to be used for teacher trainings and professional development.
Social Media Release.
Unless requested in writing by clicking here to submit this opt out form, Vielka's Young Singers Academy and The Vielka Method™ is granted permission to photograph, audio record, and/or video of the students to use in promotional materials and social media.  Permission is also hereby granted for Vielka's Young Singers Academy and The Vielka Method™ to copyright such media in its name.
DISCONTINUING LESSONS:

1. Membership may be paused or cancelled by clicking here and submitting our ONLINE CHANGE & WITHDRAWAL FORM. For your convenience, it is now available on the YSA website under the “About” section or directly at https://www.youngsingersacademy.com/withdrawal. 
   1. Change & Withdrawal Form must be received by the 15th of the month to take effect by the 1st of the following month. E.g., a form received on May 15th takes effect on June 1st (no membership or charge for June). A form received on May 16th would take effect on July 1st (no membership or charge for July).
   2. There are no exceptions.
   3. You may withdraw the pause or cancellation at any time before it takes effect but your teacher and/or time slot cannot be guaranteed.
   4. Pause with a Return Date: We will process your enrollment payment during your last active month of membership before your pause in order to reserve your return lesson time and save you the registration fee. There are no refunds.
   5. Cancellations with No Return Date: The registration fee will be required to re-enroll once the withdrawal takes effect.
2. Active membership is mandatory to participate in our events, exams, and recitals. All registration(s) will be withdrawn at the time of membership cancellation.
3. All lessons and credits on your account expire 30 days from the cancellation effective date.
4. Membership is not transferable.
5. Vielka's Young Singers Academy does not provide tuition refunds under any circumstances.

MEDICAL TREATMENTS AND INJURIES:

1. Emergency Treatment: The Client authorizes the Academy to seek emergency medical treatment for the Student if necessary and agrees to bear all associated costs.
2. Release of Liability: The Client assumes all risks associated with the Student’s participation in the Academy’s activities and agrees to release and indemnify the Academy from any claims arising from injury, property damage, or loss

DISCLAIMERS:

1. Vielka's Young Singers Academy reserves the right to refuse service to anyone and the right to terminate membership, in which case the prorated tuition will be refunded.
2. Policy effective upon enrollment. 
3. Policies and terms are subject to change.

GROUP PROGRAM

GROUP TERM TUITION

1. A non-refundable registration fee is due at initial sign-up. 
   
2. Included in the Group Term:
   
   • Fixed, reserved recurring lesson time with 4:1 student to teacher ratio
     
   • Practice Space App to send info directly to your child and reward practice
     
   • Student Events to build global friendships and performance skills
     
   • Annual Virtual Recital for Family and Friends to celebrate progress
     
3. 100% Happiness Guarantee. If you do not love your first lesson, you will receive your money back. Simply click here and complete this withdrawal form within 24 hours of your first lesson, and we will refund the full tuition, excluding the non-refundable registration fee. There will be no refunds later than 24 hours after the first class. 
   
4. Group enrollment is a financial and educational commitment for the duration of the term. There are 3 Group Terms per year: 
   
   • Spring: February-June (5-month term)
     
   • Summer: July-August (2-month term)
     
   • Fall: September-January (5-month term)
     
5. Payment Options – Pay in Full or Monthly Payment Plan. 
   
   • Payments made in full will receive a discount for the term.
     
   • Monthly Payment Plan Conditions:
     
     1. The monthly payment option does not constitute a month-to-month enrollment. 
        
     2. The payment plan is a flat, monthly fee due on the 1st of each month and is billed automatically to your credit card/bank account via auto-pay 12 days before the due date.
        
     3. If tuition is not received by the due date of the 1st of the month, a $25 late fee will apply.
        
6. There are no make up credits, refunds, or holiday reschedules for YSA closings and academic breaks. Tuition remains the same regardless of holiday closures and academic breaks.
   
7. YSA Academic Breaks. We are closed with no lessons for 4 academic breaks per year: (1) Thanksgiving, (2) Christmas, (3) 4th of July, and (4) spring break in March. 
   
8. Holiday Closings. There are no scheduled group classes on - or make up classes for - Holiday Closings. Click here for the YSA Calendar to see additional holiday closings. 
   
9. We cannot issue refunds for missed lessons including other events, illness(es) and/or planned or unplanned school closings.
   

LATE POLICY & ATTENDANCE

1. Go to ysa.opus1.io to sign into online lessons and view your upcoming schedule.
   
2. Students are expected to be punctual to their weekly lessons.
   
3. Students who are 15 minutes late for a lesson cannot be guaranteed their lesson.
   

MISSED LESSONS

1. Teacher Cancellations. For any lessons missed by a teacher, we will provide a substitute. If a substitute is unavailable, the class will be rescheduled. There are no refunds.
   
2. Student Cancellations.
   
   1. Before you cancel, consider a "no singing" lesson. There's still plenty to do in a lesson even if you have lost your voice and can't sing! 
      
   2. Please cancel via ysa.opus1.io to notify your voice educator.
      
   3. Make Up Lesson Credit - You will receive an Online Group Make Up Class Credit. You must use the credit to register at least 7 days in advance of a class date.
      
   4. No more than 4 Make Up Lesson Credits can be pending at a time per membership.
      
   5. No tuition credit or refund will be provided for missed lessons or lesson credits.
      

SCHEDULING AND STUDENT PLACEMENT CHANGES:

1. We reserve the right to modify student placement, change instructors, or location as necessary.
   
2. Low Enrollment. YSA reserves the right to cancel classes with low enrollment. Students may be given the opportunity to transfer to another class or have a private lesson in lieu of the group class. We will contact you at least 48 hours before the second class of the term with the option of: 
   

1. Staying solo in a rolling admissions group class. You’ll receive 15% off private lesson pricing with group term commitment. When others join, group pricing will return.
   
2. Converting to private lesson monthly membership with a 5% discount.
   
3. Receiving a full refund (no charge for the first week’s private lesson), excluding the $25.00 non-refundable registration fee.
   

PHOTO/VIDEO RELEASE:
Observation/Photo/Audio/Video Release for Internal Educational Use.
Permission is hereby granted for Vielka's Young Singers Academy and The Vielka Method™ and its authorized agents to observe, photograph, audio record, and/or video your child exclusively for internal, educational use at any time presently or in the future during lessons, classes, and events. You understand that any such photographs and recordings become the property of Vielka's Young Singers Academy and The Vielka Method™ and may copyright such media in its name. Permission is granted for these recordings to be used for teacher training within a private unlisted network for educational purposes and professional development.
Social Media Release.
Unless requested in writing by clicking here to submit this opt out form, Vielka's Young Singers Academy and The Vielka Method™ is granted permission to photograph, audio record, and/or video of the students to use in promotional materials and social media.  Permission is also hereby granted for Vielka's Young Singers Academy and The Vielka Method™ to copyright such media in its name.
DISCLAIMERS:

1. Vielka's Young Singers Academy reserves the right to refuse service to anyone and the right to terminate membership, in which case the prorated tuition will be refunded.
   
2. Policy effective upon enrollment. 
   
3. Policies and terms are subject to change.
   

CODE OF BEHAVIOR: KIND + FAIR + SAFE + HONEST
Vielka's Young Singers Academy requires your child to meet the above standards of behavior. We reserve the right to terminate membership, in which case prorated tuition will be refunded. We will seek to communicate and resolve any issues with families prior to dismissals.
EARLY CHILDHOOD (PK-GRADE 2) OPEN-DOOR POLICY
Parents are welcome to sit in on lessons. Observing your child's singing lessons can be a great way to support their learning and growth. As a parent, it's important to follow these guidelines when observing the lesson:

1. Look for joy in learning: One of the most important things to observe during your child's singing lesson is their level of engagement and enjoyment or as we call it, “keeping the love alive”. Learning should be a joyful experience, and if your child is enjoying their lessons, they are more likely to continue with them long-term.
   
2. Encourage independence: Grow your child's independence and allow them to take ownership of their learning. Avoid the temptation to intervene or direct their behavior during the lesson. Let your child work things out with their teacher and find their own solutions to challenges.
   
3. Be a silent observer: As a parent observing the lesson, it's important to refrain from interacting with the students or teacher during the lesson, and avoid making unnecessary noise, movements, and computer/phone use.
   
4. Build trust: Trust in your child's teacher and their methods is essential for successful learning. Show your child that you trust their teacher's expertise by allowing them to guide the lesson and make decisions that will benefit your child's learning.
   
5. Model engagement: Your child will take cues from you, so be sure to model being positive and fully engaged in the lesson. 
   

If you have any questions or comments after the observation, it's important to send a message to your teacher or schedule a conference with the director rather than discussing it with your child in front of other students or parents. This will allow you to address any concerns in a respectful and constructive way that benefits your child's learning.
ENROLLMENT AUTO-RENEW:

1. Group Term Auto-Renew.  For your convenience, Group Program students are auto-renewed from term-to-term. This means your child will receive priority registration by being automatically enrolled in the following Group Term.
   
2. Discontinuing Term Auto-Renew. You will receive an email reminder before the next term auto-renews. To opt out, click here and submit this form by the following deadlines:
   

• by December 15th to opt out of the Spring Term (February-June)
  
• by May 15th to opt out of the Summer Term (July-August)
  
• by July 15th to opt out of the Fall Term (September-January)
  

MEDICAL TREATMENTS AND INJURIES:

1. Medical Treatment. If your child is injured and requires medical attention and you cannot be reached for instructions, you do hereby give authority to Vielka's Young Singers Academy to obtain necessary emergency medical treatment for your child with the understanding that the family will be notified as soon as possible. You give permission for Vielka's Young Singers Academy personnel to treat minor injuries on site.
   
2. Injuries. You assume all risk of injury or harm to the child(ren) or adult(s) associated with participation in activities at Vielka's Young Singers Academy and agree to release, indemnify, defend and forever discharge Vielka's Young Singers Academy and its officers, volunteers, employees, contractors and agents,  from all liability, claims, demands, damages, costs, and expenses in the unlikely event of injury, property damage or theft sustained by your child(ren) or adult student.
   

AGREEMENT:
The completion of this transaction signifies that you have read and understand the Vielka's Young Singers Academy and/or The Vielka Method LLC policies, procedures, and payment authorization agreement and agree to abide by them.​

MISSED LESSONS

Students receive an Asynchronous Video Coaching and Make Up Credit.

1. For Asynchronous Video Coaching - Send a video of your siren, song, and any questions/comments before your next lesson via Practice Space and your voice teacher will respond back with comments.
2. You will receive an Online Group Make Up Class Credit. You must use the credit to register at least 7 days in advance of a class date.

Make Up Lesson Credit Policies

• Make up Lessons may be scheduled with any available teacher.
• Make up Lessons cannot be rescheduled - no make ups for make ups!
• Make up Lesson Credits expire 30 days after membership ends.
• No tuition credit or refund will be provided for missed lessons or lesson credits.

​Teacher Cancellations. For any lessons missed by a teacher, we will provide a substitute. If a substitute is unavailable, a make up credit will be issued. There are no refunds.

Student Cancellations.

• Before you cancel, consider a "no singing" lesson. There's still plenty to do in a lesson even if you have lost your voice and can't sing! Additional options include using the lesson time to call in for a progress update or gifting your lesson time to a sibling or parent.
• Studio Lessons. You have the option to change to an online lesson if you can't make it to the studio. Just let your teacher know and you can sign in during your regularly scheduled lesson time at ysa.opus1.io
• Please cancel via ysa.opus1.io to notify your voice educator and receive a make up credit.

OPEN-DOOR POLICY

Parents are welcome to sit in on lessons. Observing your child's singing lessons can be a great way to support their learning and growth. As a parent, it's important to follow these guidelines when observing the lesson:

1. Look for joy in learning: One of the most important things to observe during your child's singing lesson is their level of engagement and enjoyment or as we call it, “keeping the love alive”. Learning should be a joyful experience, and if your child is enjoying their lessons, they are more likely to continue with them long-term.
2. Encourage independence: Grow your child's independence and allow them to take ownership of their learning. Avoid the temptation to intervene or direct their behavior during the lesson. Let your child work things out with their teacher and find their own solutions to challenges.
3. Be a silent observer: As a parent observing the lesson, it's important to refrain from interacting with the students or teacher during the lesson, and avoid making unnecessary noise, movements, and computer/phone use.
4. Build trust: Trust in your child's teacher and their methods is essential for successful learning. Show your child that you trust their teacher's expertise by allowing them to guide the lesson and make decisions that will benefit your child's learning.
5. Model engagement: Your child will take cues from you, so be sure to model being positive and fully engaged in the lesson. 

If you have any questions or comments after the observation, it's important to send a message to your teacher or schedule a conference with the director rather than discussing it with your child in front of other students or parents. This will allow you to address any concerns in a respectful and constructive way that benefits your child's learning.

100% Happiness Guarantee. ​LOVE YOUR FIRST LESSON OR YOUR MONEY BACK.

If you do not love your first lesson, you will receive your money back. Simply click here and complete this withdrawal form within 24 hours of your first lesson, and we will refund the full tuition, excluding the non-refundable registration fee. There will be no refunds later than 24 hours after the first lesson. 

WHAT HAPPENS IN SUMMER?

Get ready to level up your singing skills during summer! As a vocal athlete, summer is a crucial time to maintain your training regimen, build your confidence, and take your skills to the next level! This is the perfect time for your singer to sing for joy, prepare for auditions, and earn an international voice certificate! 

Summer also means vacay and schedule changes, so here’s how summer private lessons work:

1. As always, the Academy offers asynchronous video coaching and unlimited group class make ups for missed lessons. Group make up classes will be a fun-filled hour of singing, moving, sight singing, listening, and performing for students of all ages. Class size will vary, and if you’re the only one who registers for that session, you’ll get a private lesson! 
2. Have in-person lessons and going out of town? Join The Online Private Program. Click here to change to online lessons for more flexibility. 
3. Need to pause? Click here to pause and invest with a return date and we'll enroll you now to save your spot. This option will prioritize you over the Wait List, secure your reserved time with your teacher, and save you the registration fee! 
4. Need a break without a return date? Click here to cancel. Please note that when you return, you’ll be added to the Wait List, and your desired teacher and lesson time cannot be guaranteed. Our teacher's schedules are very limited and most are already sold out!!

Should you need to change plans, pause, or cancel, please click here to complete and submit this form by the 15th of your last month. Note: Private lessons are on a month-to-month membership. We do not prorate tuition for the last month’s lessons. Students will be responsible for their last month’s tuition whether or not they attend lessons.