ERCAYO Music Centre
Legal Information & Policies
14-14 28th Ave Apt 8, Astoria, Queens, NY 11102
samva4@gmail.com | www.ercayo.com
Effective Date: May 2025
This document contains all legally required website policies and disclosures for ERCAYO Music Centre, a music education program serving families in Queens and New York City. These policies apply to the ERCAYO website and all enrollment, inquiry, and communication services provided through it.
For questions about any policy in this document, please contact us at samva4@gmail.com or reach Samuel Marchan directly at the address above.
Terms and Conditions
Effective Date: May 2025 | Last Updated: May 2025
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using the ERCAYO Music Centre website (www.ercayo.com) or by enrolling a student in any ERCAYO program, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions and all applicable laws and regulations. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not use our website or services.
These terms apply to all visitors, registered users, enrolled families, and any other persons who access or use the website or the services offered by ERCAYO Music Centre.
2. Description of Services
ERCAYO Music Centre is a music education program based in Astoria, Queens, New York. We provide:
- Pre-K through High School music instruction, including entry-level, beginner, intermediate, and chamber orchestra tracks
- Individual and ensemble instruction in strings, winds, brass, and other instruments
- Audition preparation coaching for NYC performing arts high schools (Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, LaGuardia High School), All-City ensembles, and competitive youth orchestra programs
- Ensemble and chamber music programming rooted in El Sistema values
- Music enrichment for students already enrolled in NYC performing arts programs
ERCAYO reserves the right to modify, expand, or discontinue any program or service with reasonable notice to enrolled families.
3. Enrollment and Registration
Enrollment in ERCAYO programs is subject to availability, age-appropriate placement, and completion of required registration forms. By submitting an enrollment inquiry or registration form, you confirm that:
- You are the parent or legal guardian of the student being enrolled, or are a student age 18 or older enrolling yourself
- All information provided is accurate and complete
- You have read and agree to these Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy
ERCAYO reserves the right to accept or decline any enrollment application at its discretion. Enrollment confirmation is only valid upon receipt of written confirmation from ERCAYO staff.
4. Tuition, Fees, and Payment
Tuition and program fees are communicated at the time of enrollment. By enrolling, you agree to pay all applicable fees according to the payment schedule provided. The following terms apply:
- Tuition is due on the schedule specified in your enrollment agreement
- Late payments may be subject to a late fee
- ERCAYO reserves the right to suspend or terminate enrollment for non-payment
- Fees are subject to change; enrolled families will receive at least 30 days’ written notice of any fee increases
ERCAYO may offer financial assistance, scholarship, or sliding-scale arrangements on a case-by-case basis, consistent with our commitment to equitable access. Please contact us directly to inquire.
5. Refund and Cancellation Policy
Refund requests must be submitted in writing to samva4@gmail.com. The following policies apply:
- Cancellation before the start of an enrollment period: full refund of tuition paid for that period
- Cancellation within the first two weeks of an enrollment period: 50% refund of tuition for that period
- Cancellation after the first two weeks of an enrollment period: no refund
- Registration fees and materials fees are non-refundable
ERCAYO reserves the right to cancel individual classes or program sessions due to instructor illness, weather, or other circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, a make-up class will be offered or a prorated credit applied.
6. Attendance and Make-Up Policy
Regular attendance is essential to student progress and ensemble integrity. Families are expected to:
- Notify ERCAYO at least 24 hours in advance of an absence whenever possible
- Understand that consistent unexcused absences may affect a student’s placement or continued enrollment
Make-up lessons, where offered, are subject to instructor and space availability.
7. Code of Conduct
ERCAYO is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students, families, instructors, and staff. All participants agree to:
- Treat all members of the ERCAYO community with respect and dignity
- Refrain from harassment, bullying, discrimination, or any abusive behavior
- Comply with all ERCAYO staff instructions and program rules
- Respect ERCAYO’s equipment, instruments, and facilities
ERCAYO reserves the right to suspend or terminate enrollment of any student whose behavior is deemed harmful to the community, without refund.
8. Supervision and Drop-Off Policy
ERCAYO provides supervision during scheduled program hours only. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring timely pick-up of minor students at the end of each session. ERCAYO is not responsible for students who remain on premises after program hours.
9. Media Release and Photo/Video Policy
ERCAYO may photograph or record students during classes, rehearsals, and performances for educational, promotional, and archival purposes. By enrolling, you grant ERCAYO permission to use such images and recordings on our website, social media, and marketing materials, unless you opt out in writing at the time of enrollment.
ERCAYO will never sell student images or recordings to third parties.
10. Instrument and Equipment Policy
Where ERCAYO loans or provides instruments to students, the student and their family accept responsibility for the instrument’s care and safe return. Loss or damage beyond normal wear may result in repair or replacement charges.
11. Intellectual Property
All content on the ERCAYO website, including text, images, logos, curriculum materials, and other content, is the property of ERCAYO Music Centre and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of any ERCAYO content is prohibited.
12. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability
ERCAYO provides its programs and website on an ‘as is’ basis. While we strive to deliver high-quality music education, we do not guarantee specific outcomes, including but not limited to acceptance to any performing arts school, All-City ensemble, or youth orchestra.
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, ERCAYO shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of our services or website.
13. Changes to These Terms
ERCAYO reserves the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Enrolled families will be notified of material changes by email. Continued enrollment following notification constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
14. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of New York. Any disputes arising from or relating to these terms or ERCAYO services shall first be addressed through good-faith communication with Samuel Marchan at samva4@gmail.com. If not resolved, disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Queens County, New York.
15. Contact
For questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact:
ERCAYO Music Centre14-14 28th Ave Apt 8, Astoria, Queens, NY 11102
Email: samva4@gmail.com
Attention: Samuel Marchan
Privacy Policy
Effective Date: May 2025 | Last Updated: May 2025
1. Introduction
ERCAYO Music Centre (‘ERCAYO,’ ‘we,’ ‘us,’ or ‘our’) is committed to protecting the privacy of students, families, and visitors to our website. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect personal information in connection with our website and music education services.
This policy complies with applicable federal law, New York State law, and New York City Administrative Code requirements, including the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), the New York SHIELD Act, and the New York City Consumer Privacy Act.
2. Information We Collect
A. Information You Provide to Us
- Student and family names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses
- Student age, grade level, and school information
- Musical background and program interest information
- Payment information (processed through secure third-party payment processors; ERCAYO does not store full payment card data)
- Communications you send to us via email or contact forms
B. Information Collected Automatically
- IP address, browser type, and device information
- Pages visited, time spent on our website, and referring URLs
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 7)
C. Special Categories: Children’s Information
Because our programs serve students including children under the age of 13, we are subject to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through our website without verifiable parental or guardian consent. All enrollment and registration for students under 13 is completed by parents or guardians.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the personal information we collect to:
- Process enrollment inquiries and registrations
- Communicate with families about programs, schedules, events, and updates
- Provide and improve music education services
- Process payments and maintain financial records
- Send program announcements, newsletters, and educational materials
- Comply with legal obligations
- Protect the safety of students and staff
We will not use your personal information for unrelated commercial purposes or sell it to third parties.
4. Sharing of Information
ERCAYO does not sell, rent, or share personal information with third parties for their own marketing purposes. We may share information in the following limited circumstances:
- With service providers who assist us in operating our website and programs (e.g., payment processors, email platforms), under confidentiality agreements
- With schools, audition programs, or youth orchestras with the explicit written consent of the parent or guardian
- As required by law, court order, or government authority
- To protect the safety and rights of students, staff, or the public in emergency situations
5. New York SHIELD Act Compliance
In accordance with the New York Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security (SHIELD) Act, ERCAYO implements reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal data, including:
- Access controls limiting who can access student and family data
- Secure storage of digital records
- Staff awareness of data security responsibilities
- Risk assessment and ongoing review of our data security practices
In the event of a data breach affecting New York residents, ERCAYO will provide timely notification as required by law.
6. Your Rights Under New York Law
New York residents have the following rights regarding their personal information:
- The right to request access to personal information we hold about you
- The right to request correction of inaccurate information
- The right to request deletion of your information, subject to legal retention requirements
- The right to opt out of non-essential communications at any time
To exercise these rights, contact us at samva4@gmail.com.
7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve user experience, analyze website usage, and remember preferences. Types of cookies we may use:
- Essential cookies: necessary for the website to function
- Analytics cookies: help us understand how visitors use our site
You may disable cookies through your browser settings; however, some website features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.
8. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites (such as schools, audition programs, or community organizations). ERCAYO is not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites and encourages you to review their policies independently.
9. Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, or as required by law. Student enrollment records are retained for a minimum of three years following the end of enrollment.
10. Security
We take the security of your information seriously and implement reasonable measures to protect it. However, no method of electronic storage or transmission is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify enrolled families of material changes by email. Continued use of our website or services after notification constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact:
Samuel Marchan | ERCAYO Music Centre
14-14 28th Ave Apt 8, Astoria, Queens, NY 11102
Email: samva4@gmail.com
Accessibility Statement
Effective Date: May 2025
ERCAYO Music Centre is committed to ensuring that our website and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable New York State and City law.
We strive to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, and continually work to improve the accessibility of our digital presence.
Accessibility Features
- Text alternatives for non-text content
- Content that can be accessed by keyboard navigation
- Sufficient color contrast for readability
- Clear and consistent navigation
Reporting Accessibility Issues
If you experience difficulty accessing any portion of our website, or if you require information in an alternative format, please contact us:
Email: samva4@gmail.com
Contact: Samuel Marchan, ERCAYO Music Centre, 14-14 28th Ave Apt 8, Astoria, Queens, NY 11102
We will make reasonable efforts to provide the information in an accessible format or offer an alternative means of access.
Physical Accessibility
For questions about physical accessibility of our program locations, please contact us directly. We are committed to accommodating students and families with disabilities and will work with you to ensure meaningful participation in our programs.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy
Effective Date: May 2025
ERCAYO Music Centre is committed to providing equal access to all its programs and services without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, immigration status, family status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, New York State, or New York City law.
This policy applies to all aspects of our programs, including enrollment, placement, instruction, participation in performances and events, and access to scholarships or financial assistance.
Our Commitment
Rooted in El Sistema values, ERCAYO believes that music education is a right, not a privilege. We actively work to remove barriers to participation and prioritize outreach to underserved families and communities.
Reporting Discrimination
Any student, family member, or community member who believes they have experienced discrimination in connection with ERCAYO programs is encouraged to report it to:
Samuel Marchan, ERCAYO Music Centre
Email: samva4@gmail.com
We take all reports seriously and will investigate and respond promptly.
Refund and Cancellation Policy
Effective Date: May 2025
This policy applies to tuition payments and program fees paid to ERCAYO Music Centre.
Program Cancellation by Family
- Cancellation before the start of an enrollment period: full refund of tuition paid for that period
- Cancellation within the first two weeks: 50% refund of tuition for that period
- Cancellation after the second week: no refund
- Registration fees and materials fees are non-refundable
Individual Class Cancellation
- Families who miss individual classes due to student illness or emergency, with 24-hour advance notice, may be offered a make-up session subject to availability
- No-shows without advance notice are not eligible for make-ups or credits
Program Cancellation by ERCAYO
If ERCAYO cancels a class due to instructor illness, weather, or circumstances beyond our control, families will receive a make-up session or a prorated credit. If ERCAYO discontinues a program, a full prorated refund of unused tuition will be issued.
Financial Hardship
Families experiencing financial difficulty are encouraged to contact us before withdrawing. We are committed to working with families to maintain student participation wherever possible.
How to Request a Refund
Submit all refund requests in writing to: samva4@gmail.com
Refunds will be processed within 14 business days of approval.
Children’s Privacy Notice (COPPA)
Effective Date: May 2025
ERCAYO Music Centre serves students including children under the age of 13. We are committed to complying with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and protecting children’s privacy.
We Do Not Collect Children’s Data Directly Online
We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13 through our website. All online inquiry and registration forms are intended for completion by parents or legal guardians.
Information Collected From Parents/Guardians About Their Children
Parents or guardians may provide information about their child (name, age, school, musical experience) as part of the enrollment process. This information is used solely to provide educational services and communicate with the family.
Parental Rights
Parents and guardians have the right to:
- Review personal information collected about their child
- Request deletion of their child’s information
- Refuse further collection or use of their child’s information
To exercise these rights, contact: samva4@gmail.com
Media and Photography Policy
Effective Date: May 2025
ERCAYO Music Centre may photograph, audio-record, and video-record students during classes, rehearsals, recitals, and other program events. This content may be used for educational, archival, and promotional purposes, including on our website and social media channels.
Consent
By enrolling a student in ERCAYO programs, parents and guardians provide consent for ERCAYO to capture and use such media, unless they opt out in writing at the time of enrollment.
Opt-Out
Families who do not wish to have their child photographed or recorded may opt out by notifying us in writing at the time of enrollment or at any subsequent time. We will respect opt-out requests promptly.
Limitations
- Student media will never be sold to third parties
- Full names of minor students will not be published online without explicit written consent
- Media is used only in contexts directly related to ERCAYO program activities
Third-Party Photography
Families attending ERCAYO events may photograph their own children. Photography of other students without the knowledge of their families is discouraged. Commercial or media photography at ERCAYO events requires advance written permission.
Contact Information
For all inquiries, enrollment questions, policy matters, or concerns, please contact ERCAYO Music Centre using the information below.
ERCAYO Music Centre
Responsible Person: Samuel Marchan
Mailing Address: 14-14 28th Ave Apt 8, Astoria, Queens, NY 11102
Email: samva4@gmail.com
Service Area: Queens and New York City
Program Levels: Pre-K through High School
Enrollment and Program Inquiries
To learn more about our programs, schedule an intake appointment, or ask about financial assistance, please send an email to samva4@gmail.com. We aim to respond to all inquiries within two business days.
Complaints and Concerns
Families with concerns about ERCAYO programs, policies, or conduct are encouraged to contact Samuel Marchan directly at samva4@gmail.com. All concerns will be taken seriously and addressed in a timely manner.
Disclaimer
Effective Date: May 2025
The information provided on the ERCAYO Music Centre website is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to keep information current and accurate, ERCAYO makes no warranties or representations of any kind regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of any content on the website.
No Guarantee of Outcomes
ERCAYO Music Centre offers high-quality instruction and audition preparation, but does not guarantee admission to any performing arts school, All-City ensemble, youth orchestra, or any other program. Musical advancement and audition outcomes depend on many factors, including individual student effort, talent, and preparation.
External Links
Our website may contain links to external sites for informational purposes. ERCAYO is not responsible for the accuracy, content, or privacy practices of any third-party website.
Medical and Health Information
ERCAYO does not provide medical, therapeutic, or health-related advice. Families with questions about a student’s physical or learning needs in relation to music instruction should consult appropriate professionals.
Changes to Content
ERCAYO reserves the right to modify website content, programs, and policies at any time. We recommend checking this site periodically for updates.