What to know before you register

A quick read before you sign up. These policies keep classes running smoothly and ensure a great experience for every student.

Registration & payment

Registration & waitlist

Classes and workshops are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, use the buttons on the Classes & Workshops page or contact us directly.

Fundamentals of American Mah Jongg (Beginner)

Classes form in groups of 4. If none is scheduled, join the waitlist — we’ll contact you when enough students are ready, and you’ll be first for last-minute openings.

Signature Series Workshops (Intermediate & Advanced)

Scheduled monthly and open for registration in advance. No minimum enrollment required.

Private lessons

Scheduled directly — contact us to find a time that works.

Payment

Payment is required at the time of registration to hold your spot.

Venmo — preferred

Cash

Check — payable to The Netty Professor

Workshop and class invitations are sent via Punchbowl, which includes a Venmo payment link for your convenience.

Cancellation & refunds

Fundamentals & workshops

More than 2 days before the first session

Full refund

Within 2 days of the first session

50% refund

Private lessons: life happens. If you need to cancel, just let us know and we’ll reschedule at no penalty.

Prerequisites & self-assessment

Each level of the Signature Series builds on the one before it. The Intermediate Series (workshops 1–6) suits students who’ve completed Fundamentals or have equivalent experience; the Advanced Series (7–12) suits those who’ve completed the Intermediate Series or have solid playing experience.

New to American Mah Jongg but want to start higher up? Take a quick self-assessment first.

Take the self-assessment

Where classes are held

Locations

Classes are held at a variety of locations depending on availability and group preference — public spaces such as the local library, private rooms at local restaurants (subject to availability), rented space at InnovationHub (an additional cost split across the class), or in a student’s home. Home classes are available for private and hybrid Fundamentals groups, and the host receives free tuition in exchange for providing the space.

Ideal host space

A room large enough to fit the group comfortably
Card tables and chairs for all students — the instructor can bring one set, but the more on hand the better
A television 50″ or larger for the presentation (the instructor can bring one if needed)
A bathroom available for student use
Refreshments — water at minimum; anything more is appreciated, or the class can do a potluck
Minimal distractions — please arrange for children and pets during class

The instructor provides Mah Jongg sets (use your own if you prefer). Please let us know in advance what tables, chairs, and AV equipment you have so we can plan accordingly.

Venue courtesy

Some classes are held in the back room of a local restaurant or bar, generously provided to us free of charge. If your class meets at one of these venues, please plan to purchase a meal and tip your server generously. This is how we show appreciation and keep the space available for future classes.

Are you a local venue interested in hosting a class or workshop? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch.

In the classroom

Classroom conduct

We’re committed to a welcoming, respectful learning environment for students of every experience level.

Arrive on time and stay for the full session

Late arrivals and early departures disrupt the flow of class for everyone.

Fundamentals students attend all three sessions

Each builds on the last and can’t be skipped or taken out of order. Miss one for an emergency and we’ll recommend catch-up resources, but makeup sessions aren’t available.

Let the instructor lead

If you already know how to play, please don’t instruct other students — well-meaning advice can create confusion.

Silence your phone

Save unrelated conversations for the planned breaks or after class.

Treat everyone with patience and respect

Every player learns at their own pace — that’s true at every level of the game.

Photography & recording

Photos of charts, diagrams & slides

Welcome — snap away during class.

Video recording

Not permitted, of any kind.

Slides after class

Not distributed or shared afterward. Printed handouts are available for note-takers.

Online lessons (Microsoft Teams)

Online private lessons are conducted via Microsoft Teams.

Have Microsoft Teams installed before your session
A meeting invitation is sent once your lesson is scheduled
Test your audio and video ahead of time to avoid delays

The Netty Professor guarantee

Many instructors teach a single 2–3 hour intro session and offer follow-ups as next steps — and that works well for them. For my teaching style, one session isn’t enough time to leave students with the knowledge and confidence to sit down and play a full game. I don’t want anyone walking away feeling they need to sign up for more just to finish what they started. That’s why Fundamentals is three sessions — the complete foundation, not just the first installment.

Learning Mah Jongg takes time, and sometimes a second pass makes all the difference. If you feel you didn’t fully absorb the material after Fundamentals, you’re welcome to sit in on a future class free of charge as an observer (a 5th participant — watching and listening). If an open seat is available, you may fill it as a full participant instead.

Questions about registration or policies?