COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

The Music School COVID-19 Protocols for Private Lessons & Classes

Updated February 3, 2025

MASKS

  • Masks are optional for Music School classes, Private Lessons and events for staff, students, parents, and visitors.
    • 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.
    • PELC students will all adhere to PELC mask policies.
  • 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

  • Students enrolled in 2023-2024 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.  
  • COVID vaccines are highly recommended but not required for new enrollment in Private Voice, Woodwind and Brass lessons, 2024 Summer programs, or 2024-2025 Regular Term classes. Moving forward, vaccines are not required for enrollment for any class or lesson, but are still highly encouraged.
  • Vaccine requirements could be implemented at any point based on Santa Clara County or CDC guidance.     
  • 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 test positive for COVID via any method of test.  See Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines below.
  • Students and staff are required to stay home if they exhibit a 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. 
  • For group classes, teachers may remove a child from class and contact parents for pick-up if they are exhibiting excessive symptoms of illness. Tuition charges will not be adjusted.
  • For Private Lessons, both teachers and students/parents may end a lesson early if there is concern regarding excessive symptoms of illness. Administrators may assist by offering alternate room spaces, and/or converting the lesson to online instruction. Tuition adjustments will be determined by administrators.
  • For events, guests may be denied entrance if there is concern regarding excessive symptoms of illness.

ROOM PROTOCOLS

  • Students should sanitize their hands before and after instruction in the piano lab.
  • Hand sanitizer, disposable masks, and contact-less thermometers are available on campus for use.   
  • High-touch surfaces such as pianos, tables, doorknobs, and light switches will be disinfected on a regular basis.  
  • Air purifiers are available for use in all studios, classrooms, and offices. 

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 should consider wearing 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 should wear a mask while on campus.
  • Students, staff, and visitors who test positive for COVID via any method of test may not attend classes, lessons, or visit The Music School campus.
  • Isolation requirements for students, staff, and visitors 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