OUR POLICIES

Barefoot Music Academy Policies

Updated: October 5, 2026

TUITION & PAYMENT POLICY

  1. Tuition rates are based on 4 lessons/month and guarantee your lesson day and time as long as your registration remains active.
  2. Months with 5 weeks/lessons are billed the same monthly rate and the fifth week/lesson is “banked” for make-ups.
  3. Should you pause or suspend your registration for any length of time, your lesson day and time are not guaranteed.
  4. A 10% discount is applied for multi-family member and/or multi-instrument enrollment.
  5. A 10% discount is applied to invoices when a student wishes to pay for 3 months in advance.
  6. Payment Due Date: Invoices are sent via email on the last day of the month and tuition is due by the first lesson of each month, in advance, as one combined family payment unless otherwise arranged.
  7. Accepted Payment Methods: ☐ Cash ☐ Check ☐ Credit Card
  8. Late Payments/Returned Payments: Barefoot Music Academy reserves the right to apply a $25 late fee to any payment if not received within 5 days of the due date, or for returned or failed payment.
  9. Refunds: Tuition is non-refundable once the month/term has begun, except at Barefoot Music Academy’s discretion.

CANCELLATION & MAKEUP LESSON POLICY

  1. Student Cancellations:
    • Requires at least 24 hours advance notice.
    • Late cancellations or "no-shows" are not eligible for make-up.
    • Two “no-show/no-calls” in a row will indicate the student’s desire to suspend registration.
  2. Instructor Cancellations:
    • If the instructor cancels, the school will offer a makeup lesson.
  3. Make-up Lesson Scheduling:
    • Make-up lessons will be scheduled within 30 days of the missed lesson, subject to instructor availability.

HOLIDAYS & SCHOOL CLOSURES

Barefoot Music Academy is open on most state/federal holidays with a few exceptions.  Parents/Students can find up-to-date closure information for each month on the website: www.barefootmusicacademy.com/upcoming-events. The following are planned closures for 2026-2027.

  • Thanksgiving Break: November 26 and 27, 2026.
  • Winter Break: December 21, 2026-January 1, 2027- Please note: December’s tuition will be adjusted with a 25% discount to account for this closure.
  • Independence Day: July 5, 2027
  • Additional instructor vacations/holidays will be coordinated with students individually, providing at least 10 days advance notice, and Barefoot will either offer make-ups or pro-rate tuition for the month affected.

RECITALS & PERFORMANCES

  • Barefoot hosts recitals twice a year (typically in December and May) as a way of celebrating student’s accomplishments and skill building. Barefoot values these opportunities as a way of sharing in community with fellow musicians and their friends/family.
  • Participation is optional, but strongly encouraged and there is no fee to participate.
  • Additional performance opportunities are offered throughout the year and include, but are not limited to:
    • Sharing music with the residents of Spring Arbor on the third Friday of the month from 4-5 pm
    • Performing as part of community organized events:  Artrageous, Town celebrations, Invited performances
    • See barefootmusicacademy.com/upcoming-events for more information and opportunities.

WITHDRAWAL & TERMINATION

Should you find your time with Barefoot needs to end

  1. Student-Initiated Withdrawal: Requires a phone call to (252) 202-8102 or email to barefootmusicacedemy@gmail.com with the subject line clearly indicating the student’s name.
  2. Partial Family Withdrawal: If one student in a family withdraws, the remaining students' tuition/discounts will be recalculated based on the new headcount.
  3. Barefoot-Initiated Termination: Barefoot Music Academy may terminate lessons for any student due to non-payment or policy violations.

Note: Tuition is non-refundable once the month/term has begun, except at Barefoot Music Academy’s discretion.

PHOTO, VIDEO & MEDIA RELEASE

Barefoot Music Academy occasionally takes photos or videos during lessons, recitals, and events for use in:

  • School website
  • Social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.)
  • Promotional flyers/brochures
  • Newsletters

Please ensure we have an up-to-date photo release on file indicating your photo use preferences.