PMAC Student and Family Policies

Welcome to PMAC! We’re excited to have you as part of our community. Whether you’re a student or a caregiver of a student, this information is for you.

At PMAC, we’re dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for students, caregivers, teaching artists, staff, and volunteers. Our policies are designed to ensure a positive learning atmosphere where students can fully benefit from high-quality arts education and thrive both personally and academically.

We request that you take a moment to review the policies and expectations listed below whether you are new to our community or a returning student.

If you have any questions, please contact our PMAC Office at 603-431-4278 or email us at info@pmaconline.org.

We look forward to supporting your growth and success at PMAC!

REGISTRATION

Registering for Private Lessons

Students interested in signing up for private lessons should first complete the Lesson Inquiry Form on our website (link). Our Lesson Coordinator will follow up to discuss your interest and work to pair you with a teaching artist. Please note: Completing the Lesson Inquiry Form does not guarantee a specific day and/or time within a lesson schedule.

New Private Lesson students start with a Six-Week Trial, which can begin at any point during the year. Music lesson students take six, 30-minute weekly lessons; visual arts students take six, 45-minute weekly lessons. Once a trial is complete, a student may continue for the rest of the semester in the same lesson day/time and with the same instructor. Following the trial, tuition will be prorated for the remainder of the semester. Learn more here. (link)

Registering for Classes & Ensembles

PMAC has many ensemble and class opportunities for adult, teen and youth students.

Students can register online or through the PMAC Office for a program of their choice.

Many spaces in our classes and ensembles are on a first come, first served basis.

However, we do offer select programs that have limited instrumentation especially for instruments like drums, bass, and keyboard. Priority is given to returning students. For available spaces within these groups, we are excited to welcome new students to audition for placement. Registering through our system is the first step, but it doesn’t guarantee a spot in the ensemble. If there isn’t an opening for your preferred instrument right now, we’ll add your name to a contact list in order to notify you of future availability and registration dates.

Online Registration / Payment Portal

We use ASAP Connected for our registration software to efficiently manage student registrations and payments. Students or parents of students under age 18 may login to their ASAP account to manage payments and confirm their program schedule.

If a student under age 18 opens an account in our system on their own, they will be contacted by our PMAC Office to gather information about their parent or guardian in order to complete their account.

Advance Registration for Current Students

The PMAC Front Desk Team will automatically register most students from the Fall Semester into the Spring Semester each November/December, and from the Spring Semester into the Fall Semester each June. This advance registration service is available to all semester lesson students and most ensemble students, who will be notified when the process takes place. Students can opt out of rolling registration before the semester starts without any penalty or fee. A $75 deposit is required to confirm a student’s lesson time or ensemble spot. Students who are in their trial lesson program, enrolled in an art class, receive tuition aid or have an overdue balance from the current semester are not eligible for advance admission.

INSTRUMENTS & MATERIALS

Private Music Lesson Materials

All music students must have their instrument before their first lesson at PMAC. Here’s why: Having an instrument at home allows students to practice daily, which is essential for achieving their goals during the trial period. During the first lesson, our music teaching artists will help students set goals for their lesson program, making consistent practice crucial for success.

Instruments and Materials: Students must provide their own instruments and materials. If you’re new to the instrument, please discuss your needs with the teacher before buying or renting. For rental recommendations, contact us at info@pmaconline.org. PMAC does not rent instruments directly.
Lesson Books: Most instructors will request students to purchase a lesson book after the first lesson. These can be bought online or at local music stores.
Essentials for Every Lesson: Please bring your instrument, a folder, and a pencil. Specific instruments like strings, bass, and woodwinds should also bring necessary accessories.

Special Notes by Instrument

Electric Guitar, Upright Bass, Bass: Bring your guitar and accessories (tuner, picks, strings, etc.). You will use the PMAC amp; leave your amp and cables at home.
Piano: You will use the PMAC piano for lessons; leave your keyboard at home.
Percussion – Auxiliary/Mallet: Bring your practice pad, sticks, and mallets. You will use PMAC-owned percussion during lessons; leave large instruments at home.
Percussion – Drum Set: Bring a pair of drumsticks and a practice pad. You will use the PMAC kit for lessons; leave your kit at home. For those without a drum kit, a practice pad is sufficient for trial lessons. Once you advance, you will need a drum kit at home, and the PMAC teaching artists can help with recommendations.

Private Art Lesson Materials

For your first art lesson, bring samples of your work, such as portfolios or photos of your pieces.

Basic Supplies: Students should bring their own drawing utensils (pencils, colored pencils, crayons, markers, etc.). For painting, bring a watercolor palette and a labeled empty paint palette for other paints. PMAC can provide paper and assorted supplies depending on the project.
Storage: Students will need a carrying case to store and transport supplies and artwork safely.
Specific Recommendations: Instructors may suggest specific supplies based on your goals and/or ability level.

Group Class Materials

Performance Ensembles: Students must provide their own instruments.
Other Group Classes and Summer Camps: PMAC provides all necessary materials unless otherwise noted in the class description.

Online Lesson Materials & Setup

To ensure a smooth and productive online learning experience, please follow these guidelines:

Strong Internet Connection: We highly recommend high-speed internet with the ability to plug directly into your Wi-Fi router for a stable connection.
Good Lighting: Ensure your space is well-lit so our teaching artists can clearly see you play or create your art.
Zoom Account: We primarily use Zoom for our online lessons and programs. Please download and set up Zoom before your session.
Camera Setup: Position your laptop or computer so that the camera provides a full view of your instrument or workspace for your instructor.
High-Quality Headphones: For musicianship classes, we recommend high-quality headphones for the best sound experience.
Parental Presence: For students under age 10, a parent or guardian must be present during the lesson to take notes, assist with the online connection and computer setup, and learn how to support the student’s studies throughout the week.

All online students need to have their instruments or art supplies ready in their “Zoom room” before the first lesson. Make sure all additional supplies, such as paper, picks, sticks, brushes, and paints, are easily accessible during the lesson.

You will receive a link to your online lesson via email prior to the start of your session. This link will be used for the semester. If you have any questions or do not receive the link the day before your lesson, please contact the PMAC Office.

TUITION

Tuition Rates

Please visit our Tuition (link) for the most current information.

Tuition Payments

Registration obligates the student to pay tuition for the entire session or trial period. A non-refundable $75 deposit is required to hold a student’s space in a class, lesson, or ensemble time and is applied towards the student’s semester tuition. Trial students must pay for their trial lesson program in full at the first lesson. Semester tuition is payable in full upon registration or may be paid in up to four installments.

Payment Methods: Payment is accepted by VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, personal check, cash, or money order.

Auto Payment Plan: PMAC’s Auto Payment Plan allows students to set up a custom installment payment plan throughout the semester. Auto Payment Plans are available by contacting the PMAC Office. A credit card must be on file in order to activate the auto payment plan.

Updating Payment Information: Students and parents are responsible for keeping their payment information up to date. Please contact the PMAC Office to update your payment method.

Past Due Policy: Tuition not paid in a timely manner will be subject to a suspension of programs. If a student is suspended due to nonpayment, the student will not be able to continue lessons, classes, or ensembles until payment is made in full.

TUITION AID

PMAC offers need-based tuition aid for students. In determining awards, the Financial Aid Committee considers family financial obligations, along with such additional factors as temporary unemployment, emergencies, illnesses, and total music and art educational expenses. Please visit our Tuition Aid webpage to learn more about the program and how to apply. (link). For any questions about the program, please contact the PMAC office or email Michelle Shoemaker, PMAC’s Director of Education, at michelle@pmaconline.org.

DISCOUNTS

PMAC offers discounts to students who enroll in multiple programs, families who register multiple people in their household within a semester, and students over the age of 65 who enroll in music ensembles or select visual arts programs. Discounts are applied by the PMAC Admissions Team at time of registration or within 3-5 business days of an online registration. Only one discount is applicable.

10% Multiple Program Discount

Students who register for more than one program in a single semester qualify for a 10% discount on each additional program. The program with the highest tuition cost is full price, while additional programs with the same or lesser tuition value will be discounted within the same semester.

10% Family Discount

Households who register more than one student in a single semester qualify for a 10% discount for each additional student’s tuition. There is no cap on the number of family members in a household who are eligible for this discount. The program with the highest tuition is full price, while programs for additional family members with the same or lesser tuition value will be discounted within the same semester.

Creative Aging Discount for Ages 65+ for Adult Ensembles

PMAC provides tiered tuition discounts for students over the age of 65 who enroll in an adult music ensemble or select visual arts program. The discounts are as follows:

Age 65-69: 50% off an adult ensemble
Age 70-74: 75% off an adult ensemble
Age 75+: 100% off an adult ensemble

If you are a new student and eligible for this discount, please contact the PMAC Office. Available space in an ensemble and proof of birthdate is required.

ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES

Students are responsible for attending all lessons/classes at their regularly scheduled time. Students are charged for all lessons/classes for which they register, including those missed through student absence or student cancellation. PMAC does not provide any refunds, credits or make up programs for missed lessons or classes due to student absence. All students are expected to arrive at their lesson or class on time, with the proper materials and prepared for their instruction.

Reporting Student Absences

If you need to miss a class or lesson, please inform us by contacting the PMAC office or emailing your instructor. We do not provide make-up lessons or classes for student absences. If you are scheduled for a program onsite and cannot enter the building due to illness, but you want to study, an online lesson may be an option; contact the PMAC Office to find out if an online lesson can be arranged.

Teaching Artist Cancellations

If a PMAC teaching artist must cancel a lesson or class, they will notify students as soon as possible. All class cancellations due to instructor professional obligations or teacher illness will be rescheduled at a future date.

CLOSURES FOR VACATION OR INCLEMENT WEATHER

School Vacation Closures

PMAC does not adhere to the vacation dates or school closures of any specific school district. For our holiday break schedule, please refer to PMAC’s Academic Calendar (link). During the Spring Semester, we honor February and April vacation breaks for school-age students that differ from PMAC’s scheduled breaks. Please contact the PMAC Office to report differing school breaks or if you have any questions.

Inclement Weather or Unexpected Closures

In the event of inclement weather, emergency, or other unexpected cause, PMAC may close and shift lessons/classes online. Students should watch their email for notifications regarding any changes.

Please note: PMAC does not follow the weather cancellation decisions of the Portsmouth Public Schools. Please call the office or check our website to verify the status of lessons/classes/events during times of inclement weather or other emergencies.

Class cancellations by PMAC due to weather or emergencies will be rescheduled at a future date.

REQUEST FOR SCHEDULE CHANGE

To request a change to your lesson day, lesson time, or teacher, please reach out to the Lesson Coordinator at lessons@pmaconline.org.

REQUEST FOR WITHDRAWAL

Withdrawal from Lessons

If you need to withdraw from lessons, please contact the PMAC office at least two weeks before your final lesson. Here’s what you need to know:

Notice Period: Intent to withdraw must be received by the Admissions Team two weeks prior to the final lesson.
Credits and Refunds: A credit or refund will be applied to the student’s account for the remaining weeks in the semester, excluding lessons scheduled within the two-week notice period.
Non-Attendance: Simply not attending lessons does not constitute an official withdrawal and will not qualify for a refund or credit.
Remaining Balance: Students are responsible for any remaining balance due after their withdrawal has been processed.

Withdrawal from Classes/Ensembles

To withdraw from your class or ensemble, please contact the PMAC office. Please note the following:

Notice Period: No refunds are given after the second class meeting. To be eligible for a refund, intent to withdraw must be made in writing before the second class.
Non-Attendance: Failure to attend classes does not release the student from the obligation to pay for the entire semester.

COMMUNICATION

By enrolling at PMAC, you accept responsibility to check and reply to all communications regarding your lessons, including by phone, voicemail, and email. A valid email address and mobile phone number are required for any student.

Students are required to notify the PMAC office of any changes to contact information. PMAC is not responsible for missed communications due to non-compliance with this policy.

According to PMAC policy, communications to students under the age of 18 will be sent to the student’s parent/guardian.

ACCESS

PMAC is committed to accommodating student needs wherever possible to ensure that quality arts education is accessible to everyone. Read more about our mission. (link)

If you or your student need to request accommodations in order to support your education at PMAC, please contact Katie Grazier, COO at katie@pmaconline.org.

PHOTO/VIDEO WAIVER

By participating in a PMAC program, students and their parents / guardians (if applicable) give PMAC permission to photograph, audio record, and film without advance notice. PMAC may use, edit, alter, copy, publish, and/or distribute those photos and recordings in its print/audio/electronic communications, including PMAC’s website and social media channels, without payment or royalties. PMAC retains ownership of all captured media and reserves the right to share content with authorized 3rd party organizations, such as 3S Artspace or The Music Hall. Student names are not associated with media without student/parental consent.

By attending a public PMAC event, such as a student art show or a concert at a local venue, audiences consent to PMAC’s media policy. This policy applies to media captured by PMAC personnel; audience members; and, in the case of events in non-PMAC venues, non-PMAC personnel capturing media per the venue’s operational and administrative practices. PMAC bears no responsibility for any unauthorized use of images or recording by a third party.

For any questions about our policy or to discuss opting out, please contact PMAC’s Director of Marketing at melissa.schultz@pmaconline.org.

TECHNOLOGY POLICY

PMAC embraces technology as a part of a student’s music and visual arts education. Many aspects of apps and programs are designed to help support a student’s learning process. However, a student’s use of their personal devices may be distracting or take away from the overall learning experience.

Within the Lesson Setting, use of personal devices (phones/tablets/laptops) are limited to focused educational applications that supplement the student’s education. Those products are approved by the teaching artist. Examples of these products would be the use of a digital metronome app or access to a museum’s website.

Within a Group Setting, use of personal devices is not permitted during active classroom time. PMAC faculty or staff may request that devices be left at home or at the Front Desk.

If a family member or guardian is observing a program, we require that they limit their device use while in the classroom.

YOUTH STUDENT POLICIES

Youth Children Policy – Under Age 10

The parent/guardian of a student under the age of ten (10) must remain on the premises for the duration of the student’s lesson or class. Parents or guardians may wait in the lobby, attend the lesson with their child, or wait outside. This policy allows our Teaching Artists to easily connect with the parent / guardian during the lesson, if needed.

For online lessons, we ask that a parent/guardian of a student under the age of ten (10) be present during the lesson.

PMAC Teacher Artists and administrative staff are not responsible for supervising children outside of teaching time. No student under the age of 10 may leave the building unaccompanied.

Carpooling Approval/Non-Approval & New Teen Driver

In the event that your student will be picked up by someone other than your immediate family, please contact the PMAC Office with your permission, along with their contact information.

If there are any concerns about your child being picked up by someone who is not approved, please express those details directly to Katie Grazier, COO, at katie@pmaconline.org to form an action plan.

If your student is a new driver, please remind them to be cautious in our parking lot and park within the correct spaces in front of our building.

Student Pick Up/Drop Off – Please Be On Time!

PMAC requires all parents / guardians to make arrangements to drop off their child for their PMAC program and pick them up on time. PMAC Teacher Artists and administrative staff are not responsible for supervising children outside of teaching time. No student under the age of 10 may leave the building unaccompanied.

Know & Tell

Everyone at PMAC is a mandated reporter related to abuse, as required by NH State law. PMAC actively participates in Know & Tell training to advocate for the safety of youth students. If you have any questions, please contact Katie Grazier, COO, at katie@pmaconline.org.

STUDENT EVALUATIONS

Student evaluations assess each student’s progress, highlight recent achievements, and set goals for continuing study. These evaluations occur at the end of both the Fall and Spring Semesters. After the evaluation process is completed, each student will receive a copy of their evaluation.

STUDENT PERFORMANCES & EXHIBITIONS

PMAC provides performance and exhibition opportunities for students every semester. Please contact the PMAC office or ask your instructor for details.

Recitals

Performing in front of a live audience is an important part of a student’s musical development. PMAC encourages students of all levels and ages to perform when they are ready. Multiple free recital opportunities are available throughout the year and information sign up will be communicated in a timely manner. All recitals are free for students who perform and free for the public to attend. Participation is not required but is strongly encouraged.

Off the Wall Art Exhibit

PMAC’s bi-annual student art exhibit is called “Off the Wall.” Visual arts private lesson students and students in visual arts classes are invited to display their work from the semester. The art exhibition is free for students to participate and free for the public to attend.

PARKING AT PMAC

PMAC has 18 dedicated parking spaces directly in front of our building at our Islington Street location. Please DO NOT park in front of our direct neighbors’ buildings: New Hampshire Theatre Project, Bill Truslow Photography, Port One Architects, or 1001 Islington Street Apartments, as you will be towed. If you have any questions about where to park at PMAC, please ask the Front Desk for help.

PMAC IS A DRUG-FREE ZONE

PMAC is a drug-free zone. We respectfully ask that all students, parents or guardians refrain from the use of any substance while participating in programs onsite at our facility.

ONSITE MEDICAL EMERGENCY

In the unfortunate event that a parent / guardian or student has a medical emergency onsite, PMAC staff will contact 911 to seek assistance from a medical professional and contact the parent/guardian or if adult, their emergency contact. Please make sure that the parent / guardian / emergency contact information is up to date every semester. PMAC has an AED unit in the lobby and key staff and faculty have been trained on CPR/AED.

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about our policies or have any concerns, please contact Katie Grazier, COO, at katie@pmaconline.org. We are happy to hear from you!

Please note that PMAC reserves the right to update our policies at any time. Any changes will be posted on our website and communicated via email.