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Policies

Welcome

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

Lesson & Class Materials

Students interested in signing up for private lessons should first complete the Private Lesson Inquiry Form on our website. 

Please note: Completing the Private 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 school year in the same lesson day/time and with the same instructor. Students may also request changes. Following the trial, tuition will be prorated for the remainder of the school year. 

All of PMAC’s ensemble and class offerings are listed on our website here. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some ensembles require a placement audition before registration is confirmed.

Note that most small ensembles have limited openings, depending on recurring student participation.

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 is available to all eligible lesson students and most ensemble students for the upcoming year. Students can opt out of rolling registration without any penalty or fee during this process. A $75 deposit is required to confirm a student’s lesson time or ensemble spot. The following students are not eligible for advance registration: students who are still in their trial lesson program, Summer-only lesson students, art class students, tuition aid recipients, and students who have an overdue balance. 

Please visit our Private Lesson Tuition page for the most current information.

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.

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.
  • 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.

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 throughout the session. If you have any questions or do not receive the link the day before your lesson, please contact the PMAC Office.

Tuition Payments, Tuition Aid, and Discounts

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 tuition. Trial students must pay for their trial lesson program in full at the first lesson. School-year lesson tuition may be paid in full upon registration, split into two payments (September and February), or paid through monthly payment plans.

 

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 year. 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.

New Hampshire Educational Freedom Accounts: PMAC accepts payments from the New Hampshire Educational Freedom Accounts (EFA) program. EFA are grants from the State of New Hampshire, administered by Children’s Scholarship Fund New Hampshire, made available to families with incomes at or below 350 percent of the poverty level to spend on their children’s education. PMAC is registered on ClassWallet, the digital wallet platform used for the EFA program. Learn more about how to use ClassWallet here.

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. For any questions about the program, please contact the PMAC office or email Michelle Shoemaker, PMAC’s Director of Education, at michelle@pmaconline.org.

PMAC offers discounts to students who enroll in multiple programs, families who register multiple people in their household within the same academic year, 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 one time period 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.

10% Family Discount

Households who register more than one student in a single time period 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.

Creative Aging Discount for Ages 65+ 

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 for adult music ensembles are as follows:

  • Age 65-69: 50% off 
  • Age 70-74: 75% off 
  • Age 75+: 100% off (Free)

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 & 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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

Policies for All Students

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.

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.  

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.

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. 

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

Students are required to complete a Student Agreement Form at the start of each year. In this form, we require students to list emergency contact information.


In the unfortunate event that a student or parent/guardian 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. PMAC has an AED unit in the lobby and key staff and faculty have been trained on CPR/AED. 

We understand that sometimes a student needs to make a schedule change. Here’s what to know:

 

  • You can request a Lesson Schedule Changes at any time during the year.
  • The change is permanent, meaning that the new time will be in effect for the rest of the session.
  • Schedule Changes are always subject to instructor availability.*
  • To Request a Change, please contact our Lesson Team at lessons@pmaconline.org. Please do not ask your instructor to facilitate the schedule change.
  • Our Lesson Team will do their best to find an adjusted time that works for you.
  • Schedule Changes can take about 2 weeks to complete due to our small staff. As soon as you need to make a change, please contact us! 

 

*For lessons in a popular studio, changing your existing schedule may be difficult, depending on the specific request and instructor availability. In the event that a change is not possible, we can discuss alternate options, such as an instructor change, an instrument change, or a withdrawal. 

Student evaluations assess each private lesson student’s progress, highlight recent achievements, and set goals for continuing study. These evaluations occur during January and June. After the evaluation process is completed, each student will receive a copy of their evaluation.

PMAC provides performance and exhibition opportunities throughout the year. 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 in January and in June. The art exhibition is free for students to participate and free for the public to attend. 

Youth-Specific Policies (Under 18)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Withdrawal

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 of the time period, 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. 

If you need to withdraw from an upcoming class, we request a 2-week notice before the class start date by contacting the PMAC Office. Once the class is underway, students may request to withdraw by submitting their request to the PMAC office, however, a refund may not be issued depending on the timing of the withdrawal notice.

 

  • Non-Attendance: Failure to attend classes does not release the student from the obligation to pay for the entire semester.

If you need to withdraw from your ensemble, please contact the PMAC Office with your intent to withdraw. Students who need to withdraw from an ensemble are encouraged to step away mid-year with ample notice so that the Admissions Team can fill their space.

  • Notice Period: Students enrolled in year-long ensembles may choose to withdraw from the spring session by notifying the PMAC office in writing by January 1.
  • Non-Attendance: Failure to attend rehearsals does not release the student from the obligation to pay for the entire academic year.

Parking

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.

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! 

We are a 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization that provides music and visual arts opportunities for all in the community.

Quick Links

PMAC Office Hours

  • Monday–Friday: 12 p.m.–7 p.m.
  • Saturday: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Sunday: Closed

Get in Touch

Copyright © 2024 PMAC. All Rights Reserved. 

Office Closure

 
PMAC is currently closed until 9/1. We will reopen and begin our 2025/2026 year on 9/2.
 
If you have any questions, please contact our PMAC Office at 603-431-4278 or via email at info@pmaconline.org.