East Valley School of Music

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT

ADDENDUM FOR TEACHING IN-HOME LESSONS

This contract is an addendum to the Independent Contractor Agreement (the “Agreement”) – modifying, clarifying, or nullifying portions of the Agreement – for the purpose of Contractor teaching in-home lessons to Clients of East Valley School of Music (“EVSM”). Unless otherwise specified in this Addendum (the “In-Home Addendum”), all terms of the Agreement remain the same.

This In-Home Addendum to the Agreement is made effective as of , by and between East Valley School of Music and . In this In-Home Addendum, the party who is contracting to receive the services shall be referred to as “EVSM”, and the party who will be providing the services shall be referred to as “Contractor”. “Client” is defined as any person, parent or adult student who has a contract with EVSM for music lessons.

The parties hereby agree to the following:

1. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES. For the purpose of the In-Home Addendum, Contractor will provide the following services (collectively, the “Services”: Instructing in-home music students of EVSM.
2. COMPENSATION.EVSM will pay compensation to Contractor in a scale based on the number of in-home lesson students enrolled with the Contractor.
   • Pay will be $40.00 per hour for teaching 1 to 5 students in-home lessons.
   • Pay will be $45.00 per hour for teaching 6 to 10 students in-home lessons.
   • Pay will be $50.00 per hour for teaching 11 or more students in-home lessons.
   • Compensation is limited to the time spent teaching only; Contractor will not be compensated for time spent traveling.
   • No rental fee will be deducted from Contractor’s monthly pay for teaching in-home lessons
3. POLICIES. Contractor shall act in conformance with “Instructor Policies for In-Home Lessons”, which is attached as Exhibit C, as well as the “In-Home Client Agreement”, which is attached as Exhibit D, both of which may be amended from time to time at the sole discretion of EVSM. Contractor shall continue act in conformance with Exhibit B “Client Contract Agreement” for Clients taught at EVSM but shall instead act in conformance with Exhibit D for Clients receiving in-home instruction.
4. MODIFICATION OR AMENDMENT. No amendment, change or modification of this In-Home Addendum shall be valid unless in writing signed by the parties hereto.

I have read this In-Home Addendum in its entirety and agree to the terms:

I Agree

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Instructor Policies for In-Home Lessons ("Exhibit C")

These policies are an addendum to the “Instructor Policies” (Exhibit A) – modifying, clarifying, or nullifying portions thereof – for the purpose of Contractor teaching in-home lessons to Clients of East Valley School of Music (“EVSM”). Unless otherwise specified, all terms of “Instructor Policies” (Exhibit A) remain the same.

For the purpose of Exhibit C, “Contractor” shall be referred to as “Instructor”. “Student” is defined as the person directly receiving music instruction from “Contractor”, which may be an adult or a child. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified in Exhibit C, all terms of the Exhibit A, “East Valley School of Music Instructor Policies” from the Agreement shall remain the same.

Instructor Duties

• All in-home clients are required to sign the In-Home Client Agreement with the school before beginning in-home lessons at EVSM. Instructor is responsible to assist EVSM as necessary in carrying out the terms of the In-Home Client Agreement, which is attached as Exhibit D.
• Teaching in-home lessons is considered a supplemental extension of the instructor’s current schedule. Unless otherwise agreed by EVSM, Instructor is required to teach lessons on location at EVSM as needed.
• EVSM reserves the right to assign in-home students to its instructors (Independent Contractors) as needed.
• Following discussion with EVSM, Instructor has the right to refuse to teach any client if:
  • The traveling distance is deemed to be too far by the Instructor.
  • Instructor has completed a trial lesson and feels uncomfortable or unsafe in the home environment, or if Instructor is concerned that the teaching experience would not be in the best interest of the student.
• Instructor is expected to keep their vehicle in good working condition. If there is an issue with the vehicle which requires repair, instructor is responsible to arrange alternative transportation. If Instructor chooses to cancel lessons due to vehicle repair, they may not continue to cancel lessons more than 1 week (7 days) from the date the vehicle first went out of service. Furthermore, EVSM will not reimburse instructor for any vehicle costs or alternative transportation services.
• In-home clients are permitted and expected to participate in the two annual Instructor formal recitals to be held in the EVSM performance hall: the Spring Recital in March, April and May and the Holiday Recital in November or December. In-home clients are not permitted to perform in any Instructor recitals outside of EVSM, as it is a conflict of interest.
• Instructor is expected to be organized and to have appropriate method books, supplemental books, and other curriculum on hand.
  • Instructor is expected to have a travel bag with these materials, and/or a scanned version of needed books/files.
  • EVSM will give instructor the necessary books to conduct regular trial lessons for their instrument; up to $100 cost value.
  • Instructor may purchase additional books from EVSM at a 10% discount.
• Instructor may borrow books from EVSM as needed. When borrowing books, instructor is required to send an email to office@evsm.net listing which books they are borrowing, with an expected return date of one week. (This will help EVSM properly track its book inventory.) For confirmation, Instructor will return the books directly to the front office. If the borrowed books are not returned within 4 weeks, EVSM may charge Instructor for the books at a 10% discounted rate.
• In the event that Student needs books or products, Instructor may make arrangements to courier them from East Valley School of Music by the next scheduled lesson. Instructor must also ensure that any books and/or products are paid for before are given to Student. For example, this can be done if Client has verbally given permission for EVSM to charge their payment method on file. Alternatively, Client may purchase books and/or products directly from EVSM.
• Instructor is required to follow the Lesson Scheduling section of “In-Home Client Agreement”, which is attached as Exhibit D. The following are further considerations regarding Lesson Scheduling:
  • Instructor is expected to communicate with EVSM regularly regarding the policies described, and especially regarding Student and Instructor cancellations, as it directly affects billing. Email accounting@evsm.net to report lesson credit updates. Do not assume that Client will contact EVSM when they wish to cancel a lesson and receive a credit.
  • If Instructor cancels a lesson more than once per quarter:
    • Instructor is required to email accounting@evsm.net to report if they cancel a lesson more than once per quarter (which results in Client receiving a credit for the lesson on their next invoice).
    • A second cancellation will result in a credit to the Client and Instructor will not be paid.
    • A third cancellation will result in a credit to the Client. Instructor will not be paid, and Instructor will additionally be required to pay EVSM the amount of lost revenue.
    • A fourth cancellation will carry the same consequences as a third cancellation, and may also result in Instructor termination, following a discussion with EVSM management.
  • Lessons may not be given online, other than once per quarter as a make-up for Instructor cancellation, or upon Client request.
  • EVSM offers in-home 45-minute trial lessons for $50. When a trial lesson is scheduled, the timeslot (day/time) is held by the prospective Client until 3 days after the trial lesson is given, and Instructor may not move students to the held timeslot. Instructor is paid $30 for each 45-minute trial lesson, regardless of whether Client enrolls. More than 1 family member may be included in the 45-minute trial lesson (ex: two siblings wish to enroll in 30-minute piano lessons).
  • For in-home lessons, Instructor is required to write detailed notes in My Music Staff any time there is a cancellation or schedule change of any kind. (Notes should be taken on the Private Description section when editing an event.) This ensures that all details are easily accessible by EVSM, especially to help resolve any disputes and for Instructor payment or Client billing purposes.
• Instructor is expected to manage their teaching schedule responsibly.
  • MyMusicStaff availability. Instructor is required to maintain accurate “availability boxes” in their MyMusicStaff schedule, indicating which days and times they are available to travel to teach in-home lessons. These boxes should also include details, such as the max distance they are willing to travel (ex: within 8 miles from my home address). Instructor is also required to communicate any changes to their availability with EVSM and discuss as necessary; this should be emailed to manager@evsm.net and mike@evsm.net.
  • Efficient route planning. Use apps like Google Maps to map routes and efficiently plan for lesson times. Be sure to add at least an extra 5 minutes to the estimated travel time to help ensure timeliness.
  • It is recommended to schedule in 5-minute increments.
  • Re-arrange locations and teaching timeslots to accommodate for new students. To be more efficient, adding a new student may affect the order and timeslots of teaching at other locations. Be professional and courteous if you need to ask a Client about changing their timeslot. Do not to be rude or pushy when asking a Client to change their timeslot and recognize that Clients are not obligated to change timeslots.
  • Schedule delays. If running behind time, contact Client to keep them informed.
• Instructor is required to enforce instrument requirements, such as a Client not having an 88-key piano or keyboard for piano lessons.
• Instructor is required to strictly adhere to the policies of Adult Supervision, Teaching Environment, and Instructor Safety, as written in the “In-Home Client Agreement”, which is attached as Exhibit D.
  • Instructor is expected to remain vigilant while on the premises. If Client is in violation because there is not an adult within close proximity, Instructor is required to stop the lesson immediately and proceed to their vehicle until the situation is resolved.
    • Child student: A supervising adult must be within close proximity at all times.
    • Adult student of opposite gender: Another adult must be within close proximity at all times.
  • Instructors are expected to maintain a consistent schedule; however, Instructor is permitted to take personal days off on occasion and sick days off when needed.

The following are modifications to “Instructor Policies” (Exhibit A), regarding Instructor cancellation and hiring a substitute instructor:

• In the event of Instructor cancellation, EVSM will refund Client and deduct pay from Instructor, beginning from the second cancellation in a quarter (as described above).
• If known at least 1 week ahead of time, Instructor may ask EVSM management to hire an approved substitute Instructor, who must be another EVSM instructor.
  • EVSM will not likely hire a substitute instructor unless there is an extended absence, such as Instructor out of town for more than 1 week.
  • Substitute instructors will be paid directly by EVSM.

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I have read this Instructor Policies for In-Home Lessons ("Exhibit C") in its entirety and understand the policies and duties as described above in accordance with the Independent Contractor Agreement.

I Agree

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In-Home Client Agreement

Parent/Legal Guardian Name: |Name of Parent(s) or Legal Guardian(s)|

This Agreement is between East Valley School of Music (“EVSM”) and the above‑named Client.
By enrolling in EVSM’s in‑home lesson program, Client agrees to the following terms:

1. TUITION & BILLING

45‑minute weekly lessons are required when an instructor travels to a home to teach only one student. 30‑minute lessons are available only when two or more family members are enrolled in back‑to‑back timeslots.

*Monthly Rates

• 30-minute weekly lessons: $169/month (not recommended for piano students ages 7+)
• 45-minute weekly lessons: $239/month
• 60-minute weekly lessons: $309/month

*Rates above do not reflect any discounts or promotions.

Billing Schedule

• Tuition is billed monthly and due on the 20th of the preceding month. (Example: August tuition is due by July 20.) EVSM cannot accomodate alternate due dates.
• First‑month tuition is prorated; all subsequent months are billed at a flat rate.
• EVSM operates year‑round with four one‑week breaks (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter).
• Tuition remains constant. Months with 5 lessons offset months with scheduled one-week breaks.
• If first tuition is charged on or after the 15th, the second payment is due on the last day of that month; regular billing resumes on the 20th thereafter.

2. DISCOUNTS

• Family Discount: 5% off total family tuition per family member enrolled in back‑to‑back timeslots
• Referral Credit: $30 tuition credit for referring a family who enrolls and lists the referring person during registration.

3. SIGN-UP FEE

A $59 signup fee is required for all new and returning students. This fee is non-refundable. Books, accessories, and recital fees are billed separately.

4. PAYMENTS & AUTOMATIC COLLECTION

EVSM does not offer refunds for missed lessons, early withdrawal, or unused lessons.

Tuition must be paid automatically through one of the following:

Bank Account (Preferred)

• Client provides routing and account number.
• Returned ACH payments incur a $10 fee; EVSM will reattempt the charge after 3 days.

Credit/Debit Card

• Client must maintain current card information.
• EVSM will contact Client if a card is declined or expired.

ClassWallet (ESA Students)

• EVSM emails invoices with student name and service description.
• Client is responsible for submitting ESA funds by the due date.

Tuition must be paid in full before the first lesson of each month. EVSM may report unpaid tuition to a collection agency.

5. LATE FEES & NON-PAYMENT

• Tuition is late after the last day of the month and incurs a $30 late fee.
• If tuition remains unpaid, it must be collected 24 hours before the next lesson.
• If payment is not received by the 7th of the following month, the student will be dismissed.

6. CHARGEBACKS

All payments made to EVSM are final. The Client agrees not to initiate chargebacks, disputes, or payment reversals with their bank or card provider provided EVSM has delivered services as outlined in this Agreement. If the Client has a grievance, they must contact EVSM and allow 14 days for EVSM to investigate and respond.

Unauthorized chargebacks:

• Client is responsible for all fees incurred by EVSM.
• EVSM may suspend services.
• EVSM may report the delinquent account to credit bureaus.

7. ONGOING ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENT

EVSM reserves weekly timeslots for students. Lessons cannot be paused or placed on hold for vacations, travel, or personal scheduling conflicts. Only serious illness/injury or documented extenuating circumstances qualify for temporary suspension.

8. LESSON SCHEDULING

Weekly Timeslot Commitment

• Students must maintain the same weekly lesson time.
• Frequent rescheduling requests are not permitted.
• 30‑day notice is required to change lesson day/time.
• Instructors may occasionally request flexibility; cooperation is appreciated.

9. MISSED LESSONS & INSTRUCTOR CANCELLATIONS

For in-home lessons, EVSM operates on quarterly scheduling (Jan–Mar, Apr–Jun, Jul–Sep, Oct–Dec).

Client Cancellations

• Client may cancel 1 lesson per quarter with 24+ hours notice and receive a tuition credit.
• Additional cancellations are not credited or made up.
• Notify the instructor directly, not the office. Notification must be sent via text message or email. Verbal notification is not sufficient.

Instructor Cancellations

• Instructor may cancel 1 lesson per quarter, requiring an online make‑up lesson. However, at instructor discretion, make‑ups may occur in‑home or at EVSM.
• Additional instructor cancellations are credited on the next tuition payment.
• If instructor provides 1+ week notice, a qualified EVSM substitute may teach the lesson.

10. ONLINE LESSONS

Online lessons may be used temporarily for illness, contagious symptoms, or instructor transportation issues, unless otherwise agreed between Client and Instructor.

11. SCHEDULE DELAYS

Student Delay:

• Instructor waits up to 15 minutes; missed time is not added or refunded.

Instructor Delay:

• Student must allow up to 15 minutes; missed time will be added to the end of the lesson.

12. EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES

Students may skip one month of tuition per calendar year due to documented extenuating circumstances (bereavement, serious illness/injury, etc.).

13. COMMUNICATION

EVSM sends important updates via email. Clients must remain subscribed and read all communications.

14. LESSON BINDER & MATERIALS

Students receive an EVSM binder and book bag. Clients must purchase music books and materials as assigned.

15. INSTRUMENT & MATERIALS REQUIREMENT

Students must have a functioning instrument and required accessories.

• PIANO: Acoustic or full size 88 key digital piano with stand, bench, and pedal. Keyboards with fewer than 88 keys are not acceptable, as they do not provide the sound quality or touch sensitivity required for proper musical development.
• VOICE: Piano or keyboard recommended; additional materials may be required.
• GUITAR/UKULELE/BASS: Working instrument, music stand, tuner, extra strings, picks (guitar).
• STRINGS: Working instrument, bow, rosin, cloth, music stand, tuner; cello requires rock stop.
• WOODWINDS: Working instrument; reed players must have 2 working reeds; music stand and tuner required.
• BRASS: Working instrument; valve/slide oil, tuning slide grease, cleaning cloth, music stand, tuner.
• PERCUSSION: Snare drum or practice pad, sticks, music stand; drum kit recommended.

16. ADULT SUPERVISION

Instructors cannot enter a residence or teach a minor without a supervising adult present and nearby for the entire lesson.

17. TEACHING ENVIRONMENT

Lessons must occur in an open, common room (preferably downstairs). Doors must remain open. Lessons cannot be held in bedrooms.

18. INSTRUCTOR SAFETY

• Female instructors may not teach adult male students in‑home without another adult present.
• Male instructors may not teach adult female students in‑home without another adult present.
• EVSM reserves the right to dismiss any student or household whose behavior is unsafe, disruptive, or inappropriate, or whose environment poses a safety concern for instructors.

19. DISTRACTION MINIMIZATION

• Parents may quietly observe lessons.
• Siblings and friends may not remain nearby, as they disrupt instruction.
• Pets (such as dogs and cats) must be kept away from the teaching environment.
• Household noise should be kept to a minimum; loud TVs, music, or conversations should not occur near the lesson area.

20. PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS & PROBATION

Students must attend lessons consistently and practice assigned minutes. Parents are expected to assist younger students. Instructors will notify parents of ongoing issues (absences, lack of practice, incomplete theory, misbehavior). Unresolved issues may result in a 4‑week probation and possible dismissal. Students missing 3 consecutive lessons without communication will be dismissed without refund.

21. RECITALS

EVSM hosts two formal recitals annually. Instructor will host a Spring Recital around April/May, and a Holiday Recital around November/December.

Requirements:

• Repertoire must be performance‑ready and memorized.
• Arrive 10–30 minutes early depending on instrument.
• Follow formal dress code.
• Remain for the full performance set.
• Students must announce their name/piece and bow/curtsy.

22. WITHDRAWAL POLICY

A 30 day notice of withdrawal is required at any time. An initial 2-month commitment is expected.

To withdraw:

• Client must communicate their intent to withdraw to the Enrollment Manager. (Informing the instructor alone is not sufficient.)
• After communicating with the Enrollment Manager, Client will receive the official Notice of Withdrawal Form.
• Billing continues until the form is received. Final tuition is prorated based on lessons received.

23. EXTRA LESSONS ACCRUED

If a student withdraws before a scheduled break and has already received an extra (5th) lesson, the additional lesson will be billed.

24. INSTRUCTOR REASSIGNMENT

EVSM may reassign students as needed. Students whose instructor leaves EVSM will be reassigned. The 30‑day withdrawal policy remains in effect.

25. NON-COMPETE CLAUSE

Clients may not solicit EVSM instructors for individual lessons outside EVSM. EVSM instructors (current or former) may not teach EVSM students individually for one year after leaving EVSM. Legal action may be taken for violations by instructors or clients.

26. OPTIONAL MEDIA RELEASE

EVSM may photograph or film students for marketing purposes (website, social media, print/digital). No identifying information or compensation will be used or provided.

Do you agree to Media Release (optional)? |Yes  or  No|

26. POLICY UPDATES & SEVERABILITY

EVSM may update policies as needed. Clients will be notified via email, and continued enrollment constitutes acceptance of updated policies. Furthermore, If any provision of this Agreement is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

Agreement

I, |Name of Parent(s) or Legal Guardian(s)|, agree to the terms of this agreementand understand that failure to comply may result in dismissal from EVSM.

Date: _______________

EVSM Office
Phone: (480) 895-0007
Email: office@evsm.net

 

I have read this In-Home Client Agreement ("Exhibit D") in its entirety and understand the school policies and that I am responsible to assist EVSM as necessary in carrying out the terms of the In-Home Client Agreement.

I Agree