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  • Minstrel School of Music 2026–2027 Enrollment Packet

    Please complete all sections of this enrollment packet. Enrollment is not considered complete until all required agreements have been reviewed and electronically signed.
  • Welcome to the 2026–2027 Academic Year

  • Welcome to the Minstrel School of Music. Please complete this enrollment packet in its entirety. This form is designed to collect student information, lesson-program selection, required policy acknowledgments, and electronic signatures for the 2026–2027 academic year. Enrollment is not considered final until the packet has been submitted, all required documents have been electronically signed, lesson placement has been confirmed, and an approved payment method has been established.

  • This Enrollment Packet Includes

  • • Studio Policies
    • Tuition Agreement
    • Cancellation Policy
    • Media Release Authorization
    • Liability Waiver

  • Student Information

  • Student Date of Birth*
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Parent/Guardian Information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Is the parent/guardian address the same as the student address?
  • Emergency Contact Information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
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  • Studio Policies

  • The Minstrel School of Music is committed to providing a professional, organized, and positive learning environment for every student. The following policies summarize important expectations regarding enrollment, attendance, preparation, communication, and participation.

    By completing this enrollment packet, you acknowledge that you have received access to the Minstrel School of Music Academic Catalog & Piano Studio Handbook, understand its contents, and agree to abide by all studio policies.

  • Policy 1
    Lesson Attendance

  • Policy 2
    Lesson Preparation

  • Policy 3
    Practice Expectations

  • Policy 4
    Punctuality

  • Policy 5
    Missed Lessons

  • Policy 6
    Illness

  • Policy 7
    Communication

  • Policy 8
    Studio Conduct 

  • Policy 9
    Performance Opportunities

  • Policy 10
    Academic Catalog

  • 2026–2027 Academic Catalog & Piano Studio Handbook

    Please review the Minstrel School of Music Academic Catalog & Piano Studio Handbook before acknowledging the policy below.

    View / Download the Academic Catalog & Piano Studio Handbook

  • Initials

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  • Musical Background & Goals

  • Have you studied music theory before?
  • Have you studied ear training before?
  • Have you studied improvisation before?
  • Do you currently play in a church or worship setting?
  • Which musical styles are you most interested in studying?*
  • College & Professional Music Goals

  • Are you considering pursuing music in college?
  • Are you preparing for a college music audition during the 2026–2027 academic year?
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  • Lesson Program Selection

  • The Minstrel School of Music offers individualized instruction through two comprehensive lesson programs. Please review the descriptions below and select the program that best aligns with your educational goals. Final placement is subject to availability and approval by Dr. Alton Merrell.

  • Select Your Study Program*
  • Lesson Format*
  • Preferred Start Date*
  • I am generally available during the following times on Monday. Please select all times that you would be available for a recurring lesson. Selecting a time does not guarantee placement at that time.
  • Student Commitment

  • Students enrolled at the Minstrel School of Music are expected to approach their musical studies with consistency, integrity, and a genuine desire for artistic growth. While every student progresses at an individual pace, meaningful progress requires regular attendance, thoughtful practice, and active participation during lessons.

  • Parent / Adult Student Acknowledgement

  • By selecting a lesson program, I acknowledge that this represents my requested enrollment. I understand that enrollment is not considered complete until Dr. Alton Merrell has approved my application, confirmed lesson placement, and all required enrollment documents have been completed.

  • How did you hear about the Minstrel School of Music?
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  • Tuition Agreement

  • Enrollment in the Minstrel School of Music represents a commitment for the selected lesson program and academic term. Tuition reserves the student's recurring lesson time and supports the instructional and administrative services provided throughout the enrollment period.

    By enrolling, the student and/or parent/guardian agrees to the tuition terms outlined below.

  • Payment Terms

    Tuition is billed monthly and is due according to the payment schedule established by Minstrel School of Music.

    Tuition is a recurring monthly obligation and is not calculated according to the number of lessons that happen to occur within an individual calendar month. Monthly tuition reserves the student's place in the studio and recurring lesson time.

    Students and/or parents/guardians are responsible for maintaining a valid payment method and ensuring that tuition payments are made when due.

  • Late Enrollment

    Students who enroll after the beginning of the academic year may receive a prorated number of lessons and corresponding prorated tuition based on the remaining academic calendar and the student’s approved start date.

    The first tuition payment is due when enrollment is finalized and lesson placement is confirmed. Any remaining tuition payments will be processed according to the applicable payment schedule through the end of the academic year.

    Late enrollment does not guarantee the full number of lessons normally included in the selected annual study program.

  • Automatic Payments

    Students and/or parents/guardians agree to maintain an approved payment method for recurring tuition payments. Tuition payments will be processed automatically according to the applicable payment schedule through the payment system designated by Minstrel School of Music.

    Any change to payment information should be made promptly to prevent interruption of enrollment.

  • Missed Lessons and Tuition

    Tuition is not reduced, prorated, credited, or refunded for lessons missed by the student. Missed lessons, cancellations, rescheduling, and any applicable make-up lesson provisions are governed by the Minstrel School of Music Cancellation Policy contained in this enrollment packet.

  • Enrollment and Withdrawal

    Enrollment remains subject to the withdrawal and cancellation requirements established by Minstrel School of Music. Students and/or parents/guardians remain responsible for tuition obligations incurred before the effective date of an approved withdrawal.

    Discontinuing attendance does not, by itself, constitute withdrawal from the School.

  • Financial Responsibility

    The student and/or parent/guardian assumes financial responsibility for all tuition and other authorized charges associated with enrollment in Minstrel School of Music.

    Failure to maintain the account in good standing may result in suspension or termination of lessons and/or future enrollment.

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  • Attendance, Cancellation & Withdrawal Agreement

  • Regular attendance and timely communication are important to a student's musical progress. Because each student's lesson time is reserved exclusively for that student, the following attendance, cancellation, and withdrawal policies apply to all students enrolled at Minstrel School of Music.

  • Student Cancellations and Missed Lessons

    If a student must miss a lesson, Minstrel School of Music requests at least 24 hours' notice whenever possible.

    Because lesson times are reserved exclusively for each student:

    - Missed lessons are not refunded.
    - Make-up lessons are generally unavailable.
    - Providing 24 hours' notice does not guarantee a make-up lesson.

    In documented emergencies, Dr. Merrell may, at his sole discretion and subject to availability, offer an online lesson, alternate appointment, recorded feedback, or other instructional accommodation.

  • Instructor Cancellations

    If Dr. Merrell must cancel a lesson for any reason, the lesson will always be rescheduled at a mutually convenient time.

  • Illness

    Students experiencing fever, vomiting, contagious illness, or other symptoms that could place others at risk should not attend lessons in person.

    When feasible, an online lesson may be offered during the student's regularly scheduled lesson time.

  • Online Lessons & Technical Difficulties

    Students participating in online lessons are responsible for maintaining a stable internet connection, appropriate device setup including a microphone and camera, Zoom videoconferencing software, and a quiet learning environment.

    Technical difficulties originating from the student's equipment, internet connection, or environment do not ordinarily extend the lesson or create an entitlement to a make-up lesson.

    The meeting link will be provided by the instructor via email or text message.

  • Discontinuing Lessons / Withdrawal

    Withdrawal from Minstrel School of Music requires 30 days' written notice.

    Tuition remains due throughout the 30-day notice period, whether or not the student attends all remaining scheduled lessons.

    Tuition already processed is nonrefundable.

    Simply discontinuing attendance or missing scheduled lessons does not constitute written notice of withdrawal.

  • Communication Regarding Scheduling Conflicts

    Students and parents/guardians are encouraged to communicate scheduling conflicts as early as possible.

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  • Media Release Authorization

  • Minstrel School of Music periodically photographs, video records, and audio records students during lessons, recitals, performances, educational activities, and other school-related events.

    These materials may be used for educational, informational, archival, and promotional purposes related to Minstrel School of Music.

  • Authorized Media Uses

    If permission is granted, I authorize Minstrel School of Music to use:

    • Photographs
    • Video recordings
    • Audio recordings
    • Student first name only
    • Written testimonials
    • Recorded interviews or quotations
    • Performance footage

    in connection with studio publications and promotional materials.

  • Duration and Revocation

    This authorization applies during the student's enrollment and may be revoked prospectively in writing.

    Revocation will not require the removal of materials published before Minstrel School of Music receives written notice of revocation.

  • Release of Liability

    I release and hold harmless Minstrel School of Music, Dr. Alton Merrell, and their employees, representatives, contractors, and affiliated organizations from any claims, demands, liabilities, or causes of action arising from the authorized use of photographs, recordings, interviews, or other media described above.

  • Media Release Authorization*
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  • Liability Waiver  & Assumption of Risk

  • Participation in private music lessons, rehearsals, recitals, performances, workshops, and other activities offered or sponsored by Minstrel School of Music is voluntary. I understand that participation in these activities may involve ordinary risks associated with travel, movement within the studio or performance spaces, musical instruments, audio equipment, furniture, electrical equipment, and participation in educational and performance activities.

  • Assumption of Risk

    I understand and voluntarily accept the ordinary risks associated with participation in Minstrel School of Music lessons, rehearsals, recitals, performances, and related activities.

    I agree that the student will follow reasonable safety instructions provided by Dr. Alton Merrell, Minstrel School of Music, and personnel at any facility in which a school-related activity occurs.

  • Liability

    To the extent permitted by applicable law, I release and hold harmless Minstrel School of Music, Dr. Alton Merrell, and their employees, representatives, contractors, and affiliated organizations from claims arising from the ordinary risks inherent in participation in school activities, except to the extent a claim results from the negligence or other legally actionable conduct of Minstrel School of Music or its representatives.

  • Instruments, Equipment & Studio Property

    Students are expected to use musical instruments, furniture, audio equipment, technology, and other studio property responsibly and in accordance with instructions provided by Minstrel School of Music.

    Students and/or parents/guardians may be held financially responsible for damage to studio property resulting from intentional misconduct, negligence, or misuse.

  • Recitals, Performances & Off-Site Activities

    Minstrel School of Music may provide opportunities for students to participate in recitals, performances, rehearsals, workshops, or other activities at locations other than the School's primary teaching studio.

    Students and/or parents/guardians are responsible for transportation to and from such activities unless Minstrel School of Music expressly agrees otherwise.

  • Emergency Medical Authorization

    In the event of an illness, injury, or medical emergency during a Minstrel School of Music activity, reasonable efforts will be made to contact the student's parent/guardian or designated emergency contact.

    If a parent/guardian or emergency contact cannot be reached and immediate medical attention is reasonably believed to be necessary, I authorize Minstrel School of Music and its representatives to contact emergency medical services and seek appropriate emergency assistance for the student.

    The student and/or parent/guardian is responsible for medical expenses incurred as a result of such emergency care.

  • Online Instruction

    I understand that online instruction relies upon internet connectivity, computers or mobile devices, videoconferencing software, and other third-party technology that may occasionally experience interruptions or technical difficulties.

    Minstrel School of Music cannot guarantee uninterrupted operation of third-party internet or technology services.

    Parents/guardians remain responsible for providing appropriate supervision of minor students during online lessons when reasonably necessary.

  • Circumstances Beyond the School's Control

    Minstrel School of Music is not responsible for delays, interruptions, cancellations, or inability to provide services resulting from circumstances reasonably beyond its control, including severe weather, utility or internet outages, facility closures, governmental restrictions, emergencies, or similar events.

    When reasonably possible, Minstrel School of Music will communicate affected scheduling arrangements and provide an appropriate alternative consistent with the School's policies.

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  • Electronic Signature & Final Enrollment Certification

  • Please review the certification below carefully before signing.

    By electronically signing this enrollment packet, I certify that the information I have provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and that I have reviewed the applicable policies, agreements, authorizations, and acknowledgments contained in this enrollment packet.

  • Enrollment Agreements

    By signing below, I acknowledge that I have received, reviewed, understand, and agree to the applicable terms and policies of Minstrel School of Music, including:

    • Studio Policies
    • Tuition Agreement
    • Attendance, Cancellation & Withdrawal Agreement
    • Liability Waiver and Assumption of Risk
    • Student expectations and responsibilities
    • Applicable enrollment and payment requirements

    I further acknowledge that my Media Release Authorization selection made in this enrollment packet accurately represents whether I grant or decline media permission.

  • Financial Responsibility

    I understand that enrollment creates a financial obligation according to the lesson program selected and the applicable tuition terms.

    I understand that tuition reserves the student's place and recurring lesson time in the studio, that missed lessons are not refunded, and that make-up lessons are generally unavailable.

    I understand that withdrawal requires 30 days' written notice, that tuition remains due during the 30-day notice period whether or not the student attends the remaining lessons, and that tuition already processed is nonrefundable.

  • Consent to Electronic Signature

    I consent to the use of electronic records and electronic signatures for this enrollment process.

    I understand that my electronic signature below is intended to constitute my signature on this enrollment packet and my acknowledgment of the agreements, policies, authorizations, and selections I have made throughout this enrollment process.

  • For Students Under 18

    If the enrolled student is under 18 years of age, this enrollment packet must be completed and electronically signed by the student's parent or legal guardian. The parent/legal guardian assumes responsibility for the financial obligations and applicable agreements associated with the student's enrollment.

  • I am completing this enrollment as the:*
  • Date Signed*
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • Enrollment Submission

    By selecting Submit Enrollment below, I confirm that I have completed the Minstrel School of Music 2026–2027 Enrollment Packet and electronically signed the applicable enrollment agreements.

    Submission of this form does not guarantee a particular lesson time until enrollment and scheduling have been confirmed by Minstrel School of Music.

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