Sliding Scale and Pay-It-Forward

Where are you on the sliding scale?

In order to make classes more equitable and accessible, I offer sliding scale and pay-it-forward payment options for anyone with extra resources. Choosing the pay-it-forward option contributes towards the tuition for an artist who otherwise may not be able to attend a class. For anyone with fewer resources, sliding scale is available with no questions asked.

The top price class ticket is the actual cost of the class. If you choose a ticket price below the top tier you are receiving a discount.

The middle price is for those who are able to meet their basic needs but have little-to-no expendable income. Paying for this class may qualify as a sacrifice but it would not create hardship. (Use code )

The bottom price is for those who struggle to meet basic needs and paying for this class would still be a significant hardship. (Use code )

Please reference the graphic below to assess which sliding scale option reflects your financial experience. (Learn more about class and financial privilege here!)

For ease of reading, here is the text from each of the bottles in the above graphic:

Top of the Scale (or the left bottle):

  • I am comfortably able to meet all of my basic* needs

  • I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs

  • I own my home or property OR I rent a higher-end property

  • I own or lease a car

  • I am employed or do not need to work to meet my needs

  • I have regular access to health care

  • I have access to financial savings

  • I have an expendable** income

  • I can always buy new items

  • I can afford an annual vacation or take time off

Middle of the Scale (or the middle bottle):

  • I may stress about meeting my basic needs but still regularly achieve them

  • I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs

  • I own or lease a car

  • I am employed

  • I have access to healthcare

  • I might have access to financial savings

  • I have some expendable income

  • I am able to buy some new items & I thrift others

  • I can take a vacation annually or every few years without financial burden

Bottom of the Scale (or the right bottle):

  • I frequently stress about meeting basic needs & don’t always achieve them

  • I have debt and it sometimes prohibits me from meeting my basic needs

  • I rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing

  • I do not have a car and/or have limited access to a car but I am not always able to afford gas

  • I am unemployed or underemployed

  • I qualify for government assistance including food stamps & healthcare

  • I have no access to savings

  • I have no or very limited expendable income

  • I rarely buy new items because I am unable to afford them

  • I cannot afford a vacation or have the ability to take time off without financial burden

* Basic Needs include food, housing, health care, and transportation.
** Expendable Income might mean you are able to buy coffee or tea at a shop, go to the movies or a concert, buy new clothes, books, and similar items each month, etc.