Policies & Information

Policies
•   Registration & Enrollment
•   Attendance
•   Early Childhood Enrollment
•   Billing & Payment Schedule
•   Financial Assistance
•   Instruments
•   Special Needs/Disabilities
•   Photo Releases

Student Information
•   Student Files
•   Student Evaluation
•   Student Recitals
•   Certificate Program
•   Merit Scholarships

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Policies 2011-2012


REGISTRATION & ENROLLMENT

Enrollment for lessons, classes and ensembles is for the entire academic year (September to June) unless otherwise indicated in class descriptions. Registration is ongoing throughout the academic year and tuition will be prorated as applicable. A $75 nonrefundable deposit is required for each student for enrollment each year and is applied to charges on your bill, including the registration fee, tuition, materials fees, etc. A registration fee of $35 is charged to each student; a second student in the same family is charged $25 and additional students are free. Summer registration, after the early enrollment date, requires a $20 summer processing fee. To register, contact the appropriate branch or follow instructions in the spring registration packet (returning students only). All class times/teachers are subject to change. The Music School reserves the right to cancel classes due to insufficient enrollment.

New Private Study Students
Prospective students should contact the Wilmington Branch Registrar or the Milford Branch Office Manager for an in-person or phone appointment to discuss a teacher recommendation based on the student’s age, musical background, ability, goals and scheduling preferences. A Music School department head may also be consulted. Upon request, students may have an interview with a prospective teacher before beginning lessons ($25 fee). In order to be scheduled for lessons, students must be registered.

Returning Students
Returning students in private study and Early Childhood classes have the option of priority registration to better ensure preferred schedule and instructor availability. Information regarding priority registration is distributed each spring.

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ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance is expected of all students. No private lesson will be made up except for:
  • Student illness: the Music School must be notified by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the lesson to qualify for a make-up lesson. Only one lesson per semester (two per school year) will be made up.
  • Teacher absence: Any lesson missed as a result of the teacher’s absence will be made up.
  • Emergency school closing: When inclement weather forces the cancellation of activities, all lessons/classes will be made up whenever possible.

Make-up Lessons & Classes
Credits in place of a make-up lesson/class will be offered at the sole discretion of the Music School.
MAKE-UP LESSONS: Teachers will offer two alternatives for make-up days before lessons are forfeited.
  • All make-up lessons are arranged through the instructor.
  • All make-up lessons for student illness will be forfeited upon early withdrawal.
  • Two lessons missed by the student without prior notification may result in discontinuance without refund.
MAKE-UP CLASSES: Make-up classes will be offered only in the event of teacher cancellation or emergency school closing.

Emergency School Closing
If it should become necessary to close the school on a regularly scheduled school day, the school will post announcements on its website and on the following radio and TV stations:
WILMINGTON BRANCH: WILM 1450 AM, WDEL 1150 AM, WSTW 93.7 FM, WJBR 99.5 FM, KYW 1060 AM, FOX TV 29
MILFORD BRANCH: WBOC Channel 16, EAGLE 97.7 FM, COOL 101.3 FM
Lessons, classes or ensembles missed due to school closing will be made up whenever possible. Arrangements will be communicated to students once classes or lessons can resume.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD ENROLLMENT

Early Childhood enrollment is for the entire academic year unless otherwise indicated in class descriptions. Complete the Early Childhood Registration Form and the Materials Order Form and return both forms to the appropriate branch with the $75 nonrefundable deposit. The deposit is applied to charges on your bill, including the registration fee, tuition, materials fees, etc. Your application will be processed once all forms and payments are received. Registration confirmation is mailed directly to you and any discounts will be applied at the time of billing. All class times/teachers are subject to change. The Music School reserves the right to cancel classes due to insufficient enrollment. All other billing and discontinuance policies apply.

Early Childhood Sibling Discount
The first child from one family enrolled in an Early Childhood music class will be charged regular tuition; each additional child from the same family will receive $10 off. Any discounts will be applied to your bill after you receive class confirmation.

Early Childhood Attendance
The Early Childhood department is dedicated to providing as much continuity as possible for students. In the event of student absence, it may be feasible to attend class at a different day or time (depending on available space) and at the discretion of the Music School. Repeated absence without prior notification will result in discontinuance without refund. Make-up classes can only be arranged through your teacher on an individual basis. If the teacher is ill, the Music School will make every attempt to find a substitute. Any class missed due to teacher absence will be made up. When inclement weather forces the cancellation of activities, all classes will be made up whenever possible. Credits in place of a make-up class will be offered at the sole discretion of the Music School.

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BILLING & PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Enrollment for classes, ensembles and the Suzuki Academy is for the entire academic year (two semesters from September to June) unless otherwise indicated in class descriptions. Private instruction enrollment is for the entire academic year (four 9-week quarters). Bills are mailed three weeks prior to the start of each quarter/semester and are payable by the beginning of the term. Unpaid bills may result in the suspension of lessons/classes, and balances must be paid in full prior to registering for a new year or for additional lessons/classes. Questions regarding billing or current account information should be directed to the Business Office. Tuition rates and related materials charges are detailed in the Information Guide. Each student is assessed a $75 nonrefundable deposit, which is applicable toward all charges, including the registration fee ($35 for the first student, $25 for a second student in the same family, free for additional students). ALL RETURNED CHECKS WILL BE ASSESSED A $25 FEE WITHOUT EXCEPTION.

Refunds/Discontinuance Policy
Discontinuance without penalty only occurs mid-year between the fall and spring semesters and requires advance written notice to the Music School before the beginning of the second semester. Notice to the teacher is not sufficient. Should discontinuance be elected by the student/family for any reason, a completed and signed Discontinuance Form must be on file at the Music School. Forms are available from the Wilmington and Milford Branch front desks. The Music School may impose discontinuance upon any student in the event of excessive absence or late payments. Enrollment is for the entire school year unless otherwise indicated in class descriptions.
  • Students ceasing private lessons or classes prior to the end of a semester (two quarters) are still liable for the full semester’s tuition.
  • All make-up lessons for student illness will be forfeited upon early withdrawal.
  • No refunds are given for class/ensemble tuition after the start of the first class or rehearsal.
  • No refunds are given for materials fees, registration fees or the $75 deposit (exception below).
  • If the Music School cancels a class/ensemble due to low enrollment and a student does not enroll in a different class/ensemble, the $75 deposit and any applicable fees will be refunded.
  • Discontinuance imposed by the Music School for poor attendance is not subject to any refund, and balance due for the semester shall remain payable.
  • Temporary discontinuance may be elected if a student should miss three or more consecutive lessons due to an extreme case of illness (e.g., broken bone). The Wilmington Branch Registrar or Milford Branch Office Manager must be informed of the exact dates of absence before the temporary discontinuance begins. Notice to the teacher is not sufficient. Tuition is paid in full for all missed lessons.  The teacher is obligated to make up half of the missed lessons.

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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The Music School administers a financial assistance program to help ensure music excellence for everyone, regardless of financial means. Financial Aid Application Forms are available at the Wilmington or Milford Branch front desks or from the Business Office. The preferred due date for completed Financial Aid Application Forms, with the required supporting documentation, is June 30. Financial aid is applicable to summer and fall enrollment. Families requesting aid must submit a Financial Aid Application Form with supporting documentation for each year in which aid is being requested, even if they have received aid in the past.

Financial assistance is awarded subject to availability of funds. Awards are based on need as documented by the Music School Financial Aid Application Forms, accompanied by an income tax statement for both parents or guardians, presented at the time of application. Based upon criteria covered on the application form, requests for financial assistance are scored by the Business Office and approved by the President & CEO. Based upon the scoring, award amounts are allocated within the available and budgeted resources of the school. Financial assistance is applied to the student’s bill each quarter/semester, resulting in a reduced fee for lessons/classes actually attended by the student.

Tuition Discounts
To assist students wishing to enroll in multiple programs, the Music School offers the following tuition discounts. Discounts are per student, not per family, and apply to tuition only. Only one discount may be used at a time. Discounts do not apply to tuition already discounted by financial aid.
CONSERVATORY PACKAGE: Students who enroll in three or more programs will receive 10% off each of the lesser classes/ensembles. Includes private study, classes for youth & adults, chamber music and ensembles. Excludes the Suzuki Academy.
ENSEMBLE DISCOUNT: Private study students who also enroll in a large ensemble will receive a 25% discount on the ensemble tuition.

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INSTRUMENTS

Instrument Rental
The Music School has a limited supply of rental instruments with availability on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are responsible for maintenance of instruments (e.g., string and reed replacement, cleaning) and any repair costs due to damage. Rental fee is $42 per 9-week quarter.

Piano/Keyboard Instrument Requirements
The piano faculty strongly recommends that every Music School piano student have regular access to a standard and well-maintained acoustic piano. Important reasons for this include the need for students to have a closer physical connection to their sound production, as well as the fact that most lessons and performances inside and outside the Music School take place on acoustic pianos. If families of beginning/elementary piano students already own a digital piano and are unable to afford an acoustic piano, their digital piano must meet the following minimum specifications:
  • Piano keyboard must have 88 keys with graded action to reproduce the key weight and dynamic range of an acoustic piano.
  • Voicing must contain the “Grand Piano” setting and be stereo sampled.
  • Keyboard should have an ample stand to allow a proper sitting position and have functioning pedals to offer the damper and una corda (soft pedal) options.
  • Parents must make plans to acquire an acoustic piano within one to two years of the student’s initiation of piano study at the Music School.
Any questions or concerns should be directed to the Wilmington Branch Registrar, Milford Branch Office Manager or piano instructor.

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SPECIAL NEEDS/DISABILITIES

The Music School serves people with special needs and developmental or physical disabilities. When registering, those with special needs or circumstances are asked to volunteer pertinent information so that the best placement can be made for the student. Music School facilities are ADA compliant, and an elevator permits easy access to the second floor of the Wilmington Branch.

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PHOTO RELEASES

The Music School reserves the right and permission to publish any photographs/images taken at The Music School of Delaware or at off-site Music School functions.  People enrolled at or employed by the Music School must sign a photo release form (included on registration forms and employment contracts), which provides permission to use photos/images and releases all claims with respect to copyright ownership and publications, including any claim for compensation related to use of the materials.  Photos/images may be used in print, electronic or video format, including but not limited to newsletters, brochures, flyers, press releases, advertising, the annual info guide, the school’s website and Facebook page, and other promotional materials.

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Student Information


STUDENT FILES

A file is maintained for every enrolled student. Materials pertinent to Music School enrollment and activities are retained in the file (e.g., some correspondence, registration information, certificate documentation). The office retains student files for one year following the last recorded year of Music School enrollment. After that time, files may no longer be retained. A student may review his or her file by requesting access from the Wilmington Branch Registrar or Milford Branch Office Manager.

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STUDENT EVALUATION

Achievement Week
Achievement Week gives private study students an opportunity to perform, demonstrate their progress and receive comments/suggestions from other faculty. During Achievement Week, students perform for 10 minutes for their teachers and at least one additional teacher from that department. This performance is in lieu of one private lesson. Students prepare repertoire following the guidelines provided. A written evaluation, consisting of constructive comments from all teachers in attendance, will be given to the student’s teacher to be discussed during a subsequent lesson. All private lesson students are expected to participate in Achievement Week. If your teacher determines that Achievement Week is not appropriate for you/your child, he or she may opt to make up the lesson at another time. However, make-up lessons for Achievement Week are at the discretion of the teacher.

Achievement Week juries also provide an opportunity for current Wilmington Branch students to audition for chamber music, large ensembles and summer programs. See page 6 for audition details.

Achievement Week Repertoire Guidelines
Strings/Guitar: Two pieces, one of which is memorized. Etude and scales at teacher’s discretion.

Winds/Brass: One piece, memorization encouraged but not required. Etude and scales at teacher’s discretion.

Percussion: Snare drum: rudiments and etude/solo. Mallets: scales/arpeggios and etude/solo. Timpani: tuning of various intervals and etude/solo. Drum set: various styles.

Piano/Harpsichord/Organ: Two pieces, one of which is memorized (encouraged for both pieces). Two out of four selections from technique category (from Piano Curriculum).
Note: for Adjudicated Level, contact your private study teacher.

Harp: Two pieces, one of which is memorized. Two-octave scales, major and relative minor; arpeggios; rolled chords.

Voice: Two pieces, one of which is memorized.

Progress Reports
Progress reports are completed and given to private study students by their teachers if they do not participate in Achievement Week or if the teacher wishes to communicate about students at other times of the year. Written comments from the faculty are an important way for Music School teachers to communicate with students/parents about student progress. Concerns about practice habits, attendance and other significant issues may be addressed in the written report, as will positive comments when a student is progressing well.

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STUDENT RECITALS

Performance is an integral part of music study for students at all levels. One of the advantages of attending a community music school is the opportunity to attend faculty concerts and to participate in student performances in a supportive environment. The Music School provides a variety of performance opportunities for students, including performance classes, a regular schedule of recitals for novice through advanced students, and ensemble performances throughout the year. With the guidance of their instructors, students are encouraged to explore music through the art of solo and ensemble performance. Student concerts are held regularly in the 300-seat concert hall at the Wilmington Branch and in the Milford Branch recital room. See page 38 for more information about concerts and events.

Performance Classes
These informal classes give students a chance to perform for each other and receive feedback. Classes may be designated by department/instrument or combined and will be scheduled by faculty. Accompaniment will be available without rehearsal. When possible, students are encouraged to participate in a performance class prior to performing on a student recital. Performance classes may be scheduled in lieu of a student’s private lesson or as a make-up lesson.

Individual Studio Recitals
Faculty may choose to schedule recitals for their own students to provide additional opportunities for performance and feedback, to prepare students for more formal recital settings and to allow students to observe their peers’ progress. The Music School does not provide accompaniment for studio recitals.

Student Recitals
Students of any age, level or method of study are encouraged to participate in the Music School’s formal student recitals. A student should be scheduled to play on a recital only when his/her teacher is confident that the student can perform a piece at an appropriate performance level. The Music School provides accompanists for student recitals and schedules one rehearsal per student free of charge (up to 30 minutes). Students who have not rehearsed with the accompanist may be prohibited from performing. Students are expected to dress nicely for recitals: dress shoes, dress slacks, shirt and tie, turtleneck, modest blouse, knee-length or longer skirt or dress are appropriate; no jeans, midriffs, shorts, T-shirts or sneakers. Inappropriately dressed students may be prohibited from performing. Students should contact their teachers for detailed information about recital etiquette and procedures. Special adult recitals take place throughout the year, but adults are welcome to perform on any regularly scheduled recital.

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CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

The Music School’s Certificate Program is designed for the most serious young musicians to inspire and stimulate their music study. Certificates are awarded to Music School students (typically at the end of the students’ senior year or at the end of the year in which the requirements have been completed) to recognize special accomplishment in music studies, including private vocal or instrumental instruction and supplemental music classes and ensembles. A student is selected for this program by nomination from his/her teacher and recommendation of a faculty committee, with approval of the President & CEO. Students completing the program are considered by Music School faculty to be ready for college-level study, whether or not they choose to pursue it. Interested students should speak to their private teacher or the Executive Director for complete details.

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MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

Honor Awards and special scholarships have been established at the Music School through the generosity of many individuals and organizations. These awards are given to students who have achieved a high level of music proficiency and they provide scholarship monies toward continued study at the Music School. Students are nominated by their teachers, and auditions are held each spring with awards decided by a panel of guest judges. The following funds provide merit, need-based awards, as well as program and general operating support, to help students with music study as specified by the donors:
  • Albert Beekhuis Memorial Fund
  • The Brandywiners, Ltd., Award
  • Patricia P. Burton Memorial Fund
  • Barbara H. Bythewood Memorial Fund
  • Elizabeth Gratton Camerano Memorial Award
  • Delaware Classical Showcase Fund
  • Maria deVries Music Scholarship Fund
  • Chichester duPont Scholarship
  • Thomas Edward Ebright Memorial Scholarship
  • Alberta Elizabeth Edge Memorial Scholarship
  • Jacqueline Beach Faulcon Scholarship
  • Peter H. Flint Fund
  • Estella Hillersohn Frankel Scholarship
  • Ella Hanson Gebhart Memorial Scholarship
  • Pat Marinelli Memorial Scholarship
  • Frances Rhoads Piano Maintenance Fund
  • Edith R. Rosin Memorial Trust
  • Grace and Paul Salzberg Memorial Fund Award
  • Anthony “Tony” G. Simmons Scholarship Fund
  • Helen and William B. Vanneman Memorial Scholarship
  • Benjamin Whitten Endowment Fund

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The Music School of Delaware is proud to be an active partner in the IN Wilmington Arts Campaign.

Programs are made possible, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.
 
Programs at The Music School of Delaware