General Policies

Table of Contents

• General Information
• Classroom Expectations
• Holidays
• Inclement Weather
• Leave of Absence
• Missed Classes
• Catch-Up Lessons / Extra Instruction
• Transferring
• Financial
• Withdrawal From School
• Online Classes

Classes Categories

General Information Top

Preparatory: Toddler Tunes 1, 2, & 3; Music in Me; More Music in Me.

Core: Harmony Road 1-4; Young Musician 1-4; Keyboard Prep 1-3.

Intermediate: Keyboard Musician 1-4

Piano 1-9; for graduates of Keyboard Musician 4. Other students may be placed in these classes by audition and/or teacher recommendation.

Teen/Adult: Ages 12 and above.

Class Size

Ideal class size is 4-6 students. Some classes may have up to 8 students if there is space and enough equipment in the classroom.

If enrollment falls to 3 students, an established class will continue but your students may be asked to join a different class for next semester if one is available.

If enrollment falls to 2 students in Core and Intermediate classes, the classes will be automatically reduced to 40 minutes and will continue for the remainder of the semester or until a third student joins the class. Students may be asked to join another class for the next semester.

If a Piano Level class enrollment falls to 2 students, the class members have the following options:

• Continuing at the semi-private rate of an additional $10.00 per class.
• Reducing class length to 40-45 minutes.
• Transferring to another comparable class for the remainder of the semester.

Classroom Expectations Top

Refer to the separate Classroom Expectations Document

Holidays / Spring Break Top

The School us closed for the following Federally Recognized Holidays:

• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving (Thursday through Saturday)
• Christmas (Up to two weeks, dates vary annually)
• New Years Day
• Memorial Day
• 4th of July
• Spring Break: Is usually the 3rd week in March (Dates vary annually).

Inclement Weather Top

Officially, our school follows public school closures for inclement weather. Experience has shown, however, that weather issues are frequently resolved before our afternoon classes begin. The decision to cancel afternoon/early evening classes due to weather issues is made mid-day. A student’s attendance is a personal decision based on weather conditions at their home. Exception: The decision to cancel morning classes will be made early in the day or the night before. Classes missed due to weather and other environmental issues will be rescheduled.

Leave of Absence Top

A Leave of Absence is available for PLANNED consecutive absences of 3 or more classes. Tuition is waived during a Leave of Absence. The leave must be arranged through the Business Office. Each LOA request will be reviewed by the Business Office in consultation with the student, family and teacher. Students taking a leave of absence of 3 or more classes may require private instruction to resume the class or may need to repeat a semester of study. Private Lesson Fees are additional and payable directly to the teacher.

Missed Classes Top

Teacher Absence

Every effort will be made to obtain a substitute teacher if your teacher is not available. If that is not possible, your class will be rescheduled.

Student / Family Illness / Activities

• A parent or caregiver is asked to call 503-557-5151 to notify the Business Office that their student will miss the class. They may also text the teacher if the teacher has requested text notification.
• Your teacher will send homework by text or email.
• Students are encouraged to attend another class of the same level to make-up their missed class. The make-up class does not need to be during the same week.
• Families will be called by the teacher or the business office after the second consecutive missed class.
• Tuition is not prorated for missed classes.

Catch-Up Classes / Extra Instruction / Private LessonsTop

Harmony Road teaching/pricing model is based on group classes. Private lessons are the exception and not in the best interest of the student. This option may be available in the short-term and must be approved by management. You may be asked to pay the teacher rather than the school for the private lesson. See Financial Policy for Private Lesson Rates.

Private instruction may be available under the following circumstances:

1. Students returning to class after a leave of absence.
2. Students begin instruction later than the second week of a semester when tuition is prorated.
3. Students who desire extra instruction during the semester or during breaks.
4. Class enrollment drops to one student and there is no appropriate class available.
5. Student skills exceed the level of students in any current classes.

It is the responsibility of the student or parent to schedule makeup/extra instruction.

Transferring to a Different Class Top

Transfers will be coordinated by the Business Office in consultation with teachers and student families. Ideally, transfers will occur at the beginning of the next semester.

Several factors are considered when evaluating the best class for the transferring student to join:

• The size of the class. If the class is at capacity (6 students), your student will not be able to join.
• Your student is significantly older or younger than the students in the class.
• The class is progressing slower or faster than the student’s current class.

CANCELLED CLASSES DUE TO DECREASED SIZE or CHANGE IN TEACHER AVAILABILITY: When affected classes are identified, you will receive information from the Business Office and your teacher about class options for your student(s). Your current teacher and your new teacher will be able to help you make your decision.

PERSONAL PREFERENCE: Transfers must be arranged with and approved by the Business Office. They will require teacher/management permission.

Financial Top

Tuition / Materials / Financial Policies

Refer to the separate Financial Policy Document

Withdrawal From the School Top

Please Note: Telling your student’s teacher that you are withdrawing does not meet the terms of this policy. You must inform the Business Office.

Should you need to withdraw from classes mid-semester, a two-week written notice is required. You are responsible for paying for lessons through the withdrawal date, even if your student does not attend the classes. Any other outstanding fees are due before the withdrawal date.

We ask that you email your notification toharmonyroadoregon@gmail.comat least 2 weeks before your last anticipated class. If there has been an overpayment, we will refund the amount owed.

In addition, we ask that you inform the Business Office as soon as possible if your student will be withdrawing at the end of the current semester.

Online Classes Top

Zoom is Harmony Road’s tool of choice when in-person classroom attendance by teacher or student is not possible. Out of Area family members could be invited to observe performance classes on Zoom.

Students may be able to join their class on Zoom instead of missing it altogether. This will keep the student on track and eliminate the need for a make-up lesson.

Class via Zoom may be implemented under the following circumstances:

• Inclement Weather (if teacher is available)
• Logistical (lack of transportation, child care, etc.)
• Student/family illness or quarantine
• Teacher illness or quarantine
• Family Travels

Rev. & Reviewed 10/28/21, Rev. 10/25/18, Reviewed 11/12/18