VMEA Homeschool Policy

The Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) exists to support public, private, and homeschool music educators across the Commonwealth and, by extension, provides opportunities for students enrolled in those educators’ programs. Under current VMEA policy, homeschooled students are eligible to participate in designated VMEA events provided they are enrolled in a VMEA-approved Homeschool Music Program.

Special Note Regarding VMEA Eligibility: K–12 students who participate in community-based youth orchestras, bands, choirs, or guitar ensembles may not use this type of participation to gain eligibility for VMEA-sponsored events.  Eligibility standards for VMEA events are applied consistently across all VMEA divisions, including VBODA, VCDA, VEMEA, and VGDA, and are designed to ensure instructional accountability, equitable oversight, and consistent preparation standards for all participating students.

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VMEA recognizes that local school division policies regarding full time and/or part-time enrollment vary, VMEA does not control district-level enrollment decisions. The Association’s responsibility is to define clear, statewide eligibility criteria for participation in its programs.  That said, VMEA leadership continues to review homeschool eligibility guidelines to ensure they align with the Association’s mission of supporting access, fairness, and excellence in music education.

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Eligibility guidelines for a homeschool music program, along with details regarding homeschool participation in VMEA-sponsored events, including those organized by VBODA, VCDA, VEMEA, and VGDA—are outlined below.

 

Homeschool Music Program Registration Form

To participate in VMEA sponsored Full Ensemble Assessment Events and Audition / Honor Ensemble events, homeschool students must enroll in and actively participate in a VMEA Approved Homeschool Music Program. Homeschool music programs must complete the VMEA Homeschool Music Program Registration Form, available on the VMEA website, no later than August 15 each year. A VMEA Approved Homeschool Music Programs must serve more than one family.  A single family homeschool entity will not be considered for approval. 

 

The VMEA President will create a committee to review applications and provide final recommendations to the VMEA President’s Committee.

The registration form for homeschool music program eligibility gives applicants the opportunity to present their program and describe its unique aspects.  The following topics are suggested to give the most comprehensive description of your homeschool program:

• Program structure, organization, frequency/length of class meetings and school calendar

• Number of families served by your organization (must be more than one)

• Enrollment procedures, auditions, and admission policies

• Curriculum and course offerings

• Instructional staff and qualifications

• Ensembles and performance opportunities

Special Note.  Submission of application and/or payment of VMEA Dues does not guarantee application approval.

 

Homeschool Student Participation in VMEA Assessment Events

Solo & Ensemble Assessment Events:
Students enrolled in an approved homeschool music program are eligible to participate in Solo & Ensemble Events as scheduled by the appropriate VMEA Interest Section. These events are typically held at the district level. Directors must follow all procedures outlined in the respective Interest Section handbook.

 

Homeschooled students who are not enrolled in an approved homeschool program may participate in Solo & Ensemble events if their homeschool principal registers them through a VMEA-member director from a participating school, with the approval of both the school district and the director. 

Band, Choir, Guitar, and Orchestra Assessment Events:
VMEA approved homeschool programs with a concert band, choir, guitar, or orchestra ensemble may participate in district concert assessment events.

 

All participating students must be homeschooled and regular performing members of the registered homeschool organization. Directors must follow all procedures outlined in the respective Interest Section handbook.
 

Homeschool Music Program Participation in VMEA District, Regional, and State Auditions

Homeschool music students who actively participate in an approved homeschool band, orchestra, choral, or guitar program are eligible to audition for VMEA sponsored District, Region, and States events.

Please note the following expectations for Homeschool Directors and Students:

• Student Participation: Approved homeschool music program students must adhere to all audition procedures, rules, and guidelines established by the respective VMEA Interest Section.

• District/Region Assignment: A homeschool student enrolled in an approved VMEA homeschool program must participate in the audition process within the district or region in which the homeschool program is geographically located.

• Event Compliance: Homeschool students who earn positions in these honor ensembles are required to comply with all procedures, rules, and guidelines established by the respective VMEA event host.

• Director Membership and Fees: Approved homeschool music program directors must be active members of VMEA, and the program must pay the Interest Section Program Fee (if there is one), as well as any student participation fees as determined by the respective VMEA Interest Section.

• Director Responsibilities: Homeschool program directors must follow and adhere to all expectations for supervision and other requirements as determined by the respective VMEA Interest Section.

 

Homeschool Music Program Approval and Renewal

Approval of homeschool music programs is granted on an annual basis. Programs must submit updated registration materials each year to maintain eligibility for participation in VMEA-sponsored events. Any substantial changes in staffing, curriculum, or ensemble structure must be reported to the VMEA President’s Committee at the time they occur.

Failure to maintain compliance with VMEA guidelines or to meet annual renewal requirements may result in suspension of program eligibility until all conditions are satisfied.