Terms & Conditions
Houtz Cello Academy (HCA) Last updated: November 29, 2025
1. For Donors (Sponsorship Program)
By donating, you agree:
Fair Assignment: Your gift is assigned to the next student on the waitlist to ensure every child gets an equal chance.
Reserve Policy (when no student is currently available): If there is no eligible student ready to receive lessons at the moment you donate, we will hold 100 % of your gift in a dedicated reserve. It will be applied to the very next qualified student who joins the program. Until a student is matched and lessons begin, no progress videos or updates can be sent.
Full vs. Partial Sponsorship: Not all sponsorships cover 100 % of lessons. You may choose to cover the full monthly cost (currently $154) or any smaller amount (for example $20, $50, etc.). If your donation is partial, the student/family must pay the remaining balance each month. Example: a $50 monthly gift means the family still owes $104.
Sponsored students must follow the Attendance & Participation Policy at all times or the sponsorship will be terminated.
Lessons Exclusively Through HCA: All sessions are delivered only by Houtz Cello Academy instructors.
Student Privacy: No contact info, last names, or direct meetings with students.
Video Updates: Monthly 15-second progress clips are private (email only) and will only be sent once a student has been assigned and lessons have started. Parents may request face blurring.
Use of Funds: 100 % of your donation funds HCA lessons — no admin fees (whether used immediately or held in reserve).
Cancel/Change: Email houtzcelloacademy@gmail.com anytime to stop or modify recurring gifts.
Tax Status: Donations are not tax-deductible. HCA is a private studio, not a nonprofit.
Questions: Email houtzcelloacademy@gmail.com
2. For Students Applying for or Receiving Sponsorship
By applying or accepting sponsorship, you (parent/guardian) agree:
Eligibility: Household income must be verified (pay stubs or page 1 of last year’s 1040). False info = immediate denial + 12-month ban.
Required Submission: Clear headshot, first name, grade, bio, video playing cello — used on donor page (consent required). This is a public page viewed by potential donors.
Full vs. Partial Sponsorship: Not all sponsorships cover 100 % of lessons. Donors may choose to cover the full monthly cost (currently $154) or any smaller amount (for example $20, $50, etc.). If your donation is partial, the student/family must pay the remaining balance each month. Example: a $50 monthly gift means the family still owes $104.
Attendance Policy: Follow the Attendance & Participation Policy (separate section below). 8+ points in one period = termination and loss of any partial or full sponsorship.
Privacy & Media: Monthly progress videos shared only with donors. Opt out or blur anytime via email.
Lessons Through HCA Only: All sessions are with HCA instructors.
Termination/Reapply: Removed students may reapply after 30 days (waitlist placement).
Questions: Email houtzcelloacademy@gmail.com
## 3. For Paying Students (Regular Sessions)
By booking and paying for lessons, you (parent/guardian) agree:
- **Payment**: Full payment is due at booking. **No refunds** for missed sessions. - **Scheduling**: Lessons are booked via the HCA calendar. Rescheduling requires **12+ hours notice** and is **not guaranteed** due to limited time slots. - **Conduct**: Respectful behavior is required. Disruptive students may be removed from the program. - **Media**: Photos/videos may be used for HCA marketing (faces blurred on request). **Opt out anytime** via email. - **Cancellation**: Request cancellation **before the next billing cycle** to avoid charges. - **Questions**: Email **houtzcelloacademy@gmail.com**
4. For legal reasons, we can only provide service to U.S. citizens living in the United States of America.