The Music School COVID-19 Protocols for Private Lessons & Classes
Updated MARCH 29, 2023
MASKS
- Masks are optional for Music School classes, Private Lessons and events for staff, students, parents, and visitors. (PELC Sunshine Pathways, Rainbow Box, Dragonfly Box, and Sunflower Treats will all adhere to PELC mask policies, in which students and their Music School teachers will remain masked for their classes until further notice.)
- For classes, teachers may request masking for their students for all or portions of their class time, and masks will be provided as needed. Teachers have full authority with the support of Music School administrators to implement the request without the need for advance notice.
- For Private Lessons, both teachers and students/parents are welcome to request the other wear a mask at any time. Some students may be required to wear masks based on their instrument.
- For events, masking is optional for guests unless advance notice has been given via advertisements or prior notifications of mask requirements.
- The Music School still strongly recommends the use of well-fitting masks in group settings for protection against COVID, flu, and other respiratory illnesses, and as a component for protecting those that are most vulnerable in our communities, including the unvaccinated, the immunocompromised, or those at risk for severe disease and illness.
- Adult and child-sized masks are available in the office, the classrooms, and outside the piano lab.
- If Santa Clara County’s risk level rises significantly, The Music School’s mask requirements will be reevaluated.
VACCINATION STATUS
- Spotlight Theater, Summer Theater Workshop, Singing Children, Adventures, Kaleidoscope, The Entertainers, Voice Class, Strum Class, and Private Voice, Woodwind and Brass students must be fully vaccinated, and are required to submit proof of COVID vaccination status to The Music School office before beginning instruction on campus.
- Voice, Woodwind and Brass students who are not fully vaccinated may only take lessons online and are not eligible for on campus instruction.
- As the vaccine gains FDA approval, we expect to eventually require vaccination for eligible students in ALL Music School classes and in-person lessons in the near future.
- Vaccination has been verified for all Music School faculty, staff, and recurring volunteers.
ATTENDANCE
- Music School Private Lesson students and staff members who stay home as a precaution are encouraged to hold lessons online in lieu of an in-person lesson, on their regular day and time.
- Music School Class students are encouraged to stay home as a precaution when necessary and will not be offered make-up classes, online instruction, or pro-rated tuition. Teachers will pay extra attention to help them keep up with curriculum when they return to class.
- Students and staff are required to stay home if they receive a positive antigen or PCR test result. See Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines below.
- Students and staff are required to stay home if they experience any COVID-19 symptoms and/or fever in excess of 100.4 degrees. See Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines below.
- Tuition charges will not be adjusted to accommodate student absences. Exceptions will be determined by the Director on a case-by-case basis.
ROOM PROTOCOLS
- Students should sanitize their hands before and after instruction in the piano lab.
- Hand sanitizer, disposable masks, and contact-less thermometers will be available on campus for use.
- High-touch surfaces such as pianos, tables, doorknobs, and light switches will be disinfected on a regular basis.
- Doors and windows should be kept open for maximum air flow. When doors and windows are closed, the heating/air-conditioning system should be turned on and each room will run an air purifier.
- Restrooms are available in the 200 and 700 buildings. Students will be directed to the 700 building for use during lessons or class time. Students and staff are encouraged to bring individual water bottles, which may be filled in the 400 wing.
- Parents and children who are not students should limit their time in classrooms and studios unless they have submitted proof of vaccination to The Music School office in advance.
COVID-19 EXPOSURE
- Students, staff, and visitors who have had recent close contact with a COVID-positive person, may attend classes and lessons if they obtain a negative COVID test on the same day and they wear a mask while on campus.
- The Music School requires parents and staff to immediately report to administration if a Music School student or staff member positive for COVID-19 within 48 hours from their last visit to campus. Contact Chantelle Urbina, Director via chantelle@themusicschool.org (408) 739-9248×407.
- In the event of an exposure of concern, The Music School administrators will notify all persons involved. Confidentiality will be maintained as required by the county and state.
- The Music School administrators may notify the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department in the event of an outbreak of positive COVID-19 cases by emailing coronavirus@phd.sccgov.org and calling (408) 885-4214.
QUARANTINE & ISOLATION GUIDELINES
- Students, staff, and visitors are encouraged to stay home if they exhibit any COVID symptoms. Students and staff may attend classes and lessons if they obtain a negative COVID test on the same day and they wear a mask while on campus.
- Students and visitors who test positive for COVID via any method of test may not attend classes, lessons, or visit The Music School campus.
- After completing at least 5 days of isolation, one may return to campus if symptoms are resolved or resolving, and a negative COVID test has been obtained.
- After 10 days of isolation, if a student or staff member is still testing positive, they may return to campus with the understanding that a mask is required until a negative COVID test is obtained.
- Staff members who test positive for COVID via any method of test may not attend classes, lessons, or visit The Music School campus. Isolation requirements for staff members will adhere to recommendations from the California Department of Public Health.
As recommendations from the CDC and state and county requirements continue to develop, we will adjust accordingly in some areas.
RESOURCES
- Santa Clara County Public Health Department: https://www.scc.gov.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-guidance.html
- California Department of Public Health: https://www.cdph.ca.gov