Terms & Conditions

Houtz Cello Academy (HCA) Last updated: February 13th, 2026

For legal reasons, we can only provide service to U.S. citizens living in the United States of America.

For Pay Monthly Plans -

Pricing

The Hobbyist plan- 2 hours/week – $154/Monthly - ($18 per 1-hour session on average)
The Troubadour plan- 3 hours/week – $212/Monthly - ($16.50 per 1-hour session on average)
The Virtuoso plan- 4 hours/week – $258/Monthly - ($15 per 1-hour session on average)

Payment

Payment must be made in advance for all scheduled sessions. Sessions will not commence until payment is received in full.

Payments are processed through MyMusicStaff. Auto-pay is required for all monthly subscriptions.

Refund Policy / Cancellation Policy:

Students receive 2 makeup credits per month, which can be used to reschedule missed sessions. To earn a makeup credit, the student must cancel or reschedule the session via the MyMusicStaff booking calendar at least 24 hours before the session start time. Cancellations or reschedules made less than 24 hours in advance will not receive a refund or makeup credit.
Makeup Credits: Makeup credits expire within 7 days of issuance, so it is important to use them as soon as possible. In cases of emergency or sickness, there may be a grace period given. If you believe you should be given a grace period due to emergency/sickness, please contact Jezreel at houtzcellacademy@gmail.com.
Rescheduling availability is not guaranteed due to sometimes having limited time slots. To use your makeup credit, please use the MyMusicStaff booking calendar to find an open slot for your makeup session. The session can be booked as much as 50 days in advance, but must be booked before the makeup credit expires (after 7 days from the date of issuance).
In the event of an emergency or illness requiring cancellation less than 24 hours before the session, please contact Jezreel at houtzcelloacademy@gmail.com. Jezreel will work with you to provide either a makeup credit or a refund for that missed session. The refund amount will equal the pro-rated cost of one individual lesson, based on your current monthly subscription plan.
If the instructor (Jezreel/HCA) cancels a scheduled lesson without rescheduling it (or is unable to attend), a refund will be issued for that session. The refund amount will equal the pro-rated cost of one individual lesson, based on your current monthly subscription plan.
If you believe you made a purchase in error, please contact houtzcelloacademy@gmail.com to resolve the issue.
Termination of Ongoing Lessons: If you choose to discontinue your subscription mid-month, no refund will be issued for any remaining lessons in that month. Future months will not be charged.
For planned vacations or important appointments, please notify Jezreel at least 1 week in advance via houtzcelloacademy@gmail.com so those sessions can be excluded from billing.

For Pay-Per-Session/Self-Book - Flex plan

Pricing

Each self-booked Guided Practice Session is $20, and automatically billed through MyMusicStaff.

Payment

Payments are processed through MyMusicStaff. Auto-pay is required for all bookings.

Refund Policy / Cancellation Policy:

Rescheduling: Rescheduling must be requested at least 24 hours before the session start time to receive a makeup credit.
Makeup Credits: Makeup credits expire within 7 days of issuance, so it is important to use them as soon as possible. In cases of emergency or sickness, there may be a grace period given. If you believe you should be given a grace period due to emergency/sickness, please contact Jezreel at houtzcellacademy@gmail.com.
Rescheduling availability is not guaranteed due to sometimes having limited time slots. To use your makeup credit, please use the MyMusicStaff booking calendar to find an open slot for your makeup session. The session can be booked as much as 50 days in advance, but must be booked before the makeup credit expires (after 7 days from the date of issuance).
Cancellations or no-shows less than 24 hours before the session will not receive a makeup credit.
In the event of an emergency or illness requiring cancellation less than 24 hours before the session, please contact Jezreel at houtzcelloacademy@gmail.com. Jezreel will work with you to provide either a makeup credit or a refund for that one (or more) missed session(s).
If the instructor (Jezreel/HCA) cancels a scheduled lesson without rescheduling it (or is unable to attend), a refund will be issued for that session. The refund amount will equal the pro-rated cost of one individual lesson, based on your current monthly subscription plan.
If you believe you made a purchase in error, please contact houtzcelloacademy@gmail.com to resolve the issue.

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

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