Policies and
Information

At The Music School of Delaware, families can find everything they need to prepare for lessons, classes, ensembles in one place. This section includes school policies, closing procedures, and answers to common questions.

General Policies & Information

Our policies outline the expectations that keep learning consistent and fair for all students. They cover enrollment, attendance, billing, instrument requirements and rental, and other essentials that guide day-to-day participation at the school.

Registration & Enrollment

Enrollment for lessons, classes, and ensembles is for the entire academic year (September to June) unless otherwise indicated. Registration is ongoing throughout the academic year; tuition is prorated as applicable. Unless paying in full, a non-refundable tuition deposit is required for EACH private lesson schedule, class, or ensemble at the time of registration. The deposit is non-refundable (see exceptions under Refunds/Discontinuance) and secures the student’s place on the roster for that program. A one-time enrollment fee of $50 is charged to each student for the academic year. Registration is available online through the Programs section of our website. A printable form is also available. The Music School reserves the right to cancel classes due to insufficient enrollment.

New Private Study Students
Prospective students should contact Student Services to discuss a teacher recommendation based on the student’s age, readiness, musical background (if any), years of study (if any), goals, and scheduling preferences. Upon request, students may have a sample lesson with a prospective teacher before beginning lessons ($35 fee for 30 minutes, due when scheduling the sample lesson). To be scheduled for and to attend lessons, students must be registered.

Sample Lessons
Sample lessons are a reduced rate offering ($35 fee for 30 minutes, due prior to or when scheduling the sample lesson day/time) meant to provide the student with the opportunity to meet with an instructor before committing to the full session or prorated academic year. Payment prior to the sample lesson is required and is non-refundable. Sample lessons cannot be rescheduled once a day and time has been set.

Virtual Private Lessons/Classes
Virtual lessons are considered comparable to in-person lessons for the purposes of make-ups or if/when in-person lessons are not possible due to public health or other safety concerns. Virtual lessons and classes are delivered by the mode agreed upon between the instructor and student(s). When students fail to give proper notice to the school or teacher by 9 a.m. on the day of the lesson, they forfeit the lesson without a refund, and it is considered unexcused. All private lessons missed due to the teacher’s absence must be made up. To study virtually at the Music School, the student must have: access to an internet connection and sufficient bandwidth to share and receive video transmission; an internet connected device with a camera, a microphone, and a display large enough to view the instructor and instrument or topic; and a quiet space with sufficient lighting. The student’s internet connection and personal video conferencing setup are the responsibility of the student. The school is not responsible or liable for student’s technology disruption, inadequate setup, or failure of functionality.

Attendance

Regular attendance is expected of all students. No private lesson will be made up except for:

• Student absence: the Music School must be notified by 9:00 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 closings: When inclement weather or other emergencies require the cancellation of school activities, every effort will be made to provide make-up lessons and classes whenever possible.

Make-up Lessons & Classes
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 absences will be forfeited upon early withdrawal.
• Two consecutive lessons missed by the student without prior notification may result in discontinuance without refund.

MAKE-UP CLASSES AND REHEARSALS: Make-up classes and rehearsals will be offered only in the event of teacher cancellation or emergency school closing.
CREDITS: Credits in place of a make-up lesson/class/rehearsal will be offered at the sole discretion of the Music School.

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, on the school voicemail, by social media, and by email.
Lessons, classes or ensembles missed due to school closing will be made up whenever possible. Arrangements will be communicated to students once lessons, classes or rehearsals can resume.

Early Childhood Enrollment

Early Childhood enrollment is for the entire academic year unless otherwise indicated in class descriptions. Material fees for classes with reduced sibling material fees or optional instrument sets will be added to the registration after initial payment has been received. All material fees are nonrefundable (see exception under Refunds/Discontinuance).  Students who register after week 2 of the current semester will have a $5 materials late fee added to their accounts. All class times/days/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 Attendance
The Early Childhood department provides 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 availability) at the discretion of the Music School. Repeated absence without prior notification results in discontinuance without refund. Make-up classes can be arranged only 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 are made up whenever possible. Credits in place of a make-up class are offered at the sole discretion of the Music School.

Billing & Payment Schedule

The Music School of Delaware has moved to a new registration system with a student/family portal for convenient access to invoices, payment schedules, and details on registered activities. There are two options available when registering through the new system – pay in full or monthly billing via installment plans.

Monthly Billing
Students/families may elect to pay the applicable deposits and enrollment fees per student at the time of registration and would be due within 2 days of scheduling the lessons to ensure the lesson day/time is reserved. The balance of tuition can be paid by automatic monthly payments billed on the 1st or 15th day of the scheduled months. The payment schedule will be set up when the registration is processed and will be set for the period of instruction, varying between 5 and 9 monthly payments. Year-long private lessons, classes, and ensembles would have a 9-month payment schedule (after deposit). All schedules may be reduced if the student joins after the commencement of the course and proration of tuition is necessary. The complete payment schedule will be emailed to the student/family and is available to view at any time on their account.

Tuition rates and related materials charges are detailed on our website. Each student is assessed a 10% non-refundable deposit (of the entire enrollment) per lesson/class/ensemble, applicable toward tuition, and a $50 non-refundable enrollment fee each academic year at the time of registration.

Unpaid bills of 30 days past due will result in suspension of lessons and a $25 late fee. Unpaid bills of 60 days or more will result in a suspension of lessons/classes/ensemble rehearsals and a $50 late fee. Suspended lessons/classes/ensemble rehearsals due to unpaid bills will be forfeited. For all failed credit card transactions, The Music School of Delaware reserves the right to manually charge your credit card on file the next business day. If payment is not received within 3 days after the payment due date, a fee of $25 is added on your invoice. Automatic payment is required for all payment plans. We strongly recommend regularly updating your credit card to ensure uninterrupted instruction. All returned checks and failed credit card transactions are assessed a $25 fee without exception.

Past due balances must be paid in full prior to registering for any additional lessons/classes/ensembles or for the following summer session or academic year. Questions regarding billing or current account information should be directed to Student Services. Students and families experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to apply for tuition assistance.

Refunds/Discontinuance Policy
Discontinuance without penalty occurs only three times during the academic year and requires advance written notice to the Music School before the deadlines below. Discontinuances are processed immediately and your lessons will be terminated in accordance to the following deadlines. The student must complete the lessons up to the deadlines and have no balance due. Students/families are not eligible for refunds for any lesson missed prior to the deadline.

Deadlines: November 15th, January 15th and March 15th.

Notice of discontinuance to the teacher is not sufficient. Should discontinuance be elected by the student/family for any reason, a formal email or letter (no text messages or voicemails) must be sent to Student Services at the Music School.

The Music School may impose discontinuance upon any student in the event of excessive absence or late payments. Enrollment is for the entire academic year unless otherwise indicated in class descriptions.

• Students ceasing private lessons or classes prior to the discontinuance deadlines are still liable for the full tuition.
• All make-up lessons for student absences 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, enrollment fees, or the non-refundable deposit (exceptions 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 deposit and any applicable fees will be credited or refunded.
• Discontinuance imposed by the Music School for poor attendance is not subject to any refund, and balance remains 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 Student Services at the Wilmington Campus or Milford Campus must be informed of the exact dates of absence before the temporary discontinuance begins. Notice to the teacher is not sufficient.

Students must provide the following in a formal discontinuance email/letter (no text messages or voicemails):

• Student Full Name
• Teacher Full Name
• Instrument/Class Name
• Last Session (mm/dd/yyyy)
• Reason for Discontinuance
• Date of request

Financial Assistance

The Music School administers a tuition assistance program intended for families who have restricted financial circumstances. To access these funds, students must apply before registering for any programs. Funds are limited, and these awards are given on a first come, first served basis. If funds are fully depleted or your student has reached their maximum award amount, the award will no longer be available. We recommend visiting www.musicschoolofdelaware.org/tuition-assistance for detailed information about the award types, eligibility, what to expect and how to apply. Students must have created an account in Amilia for the award to be applied before enrolling in or checking out for any program.

Referral Program

Families who refer a friend, neighbor, colleague, or family member for private lessons at the Music School will receive a $100 credit to their Amilia account once the new student has completed three months of lessons and the referring family remains actively enrolled. The three-month period begins from the new student’s first lesson date. The student must be completely new to the Music School and not currently enrolled in a class or ensemble. When the new student or their parent/guardian contacts us or registers online, they must provide the name of the person who referred them. Whether you pay monthly, annually, or are on financial assistance, the credit will be applied to a qualifying account until it is fully disbursed.

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. No person other than the student is permitted to use the instrument. In case the instrument is lost or damaged beyond repair, the student must replace it with another at replacement value. Rental fee for private lessons is $82 per semester, unless otherwise noted.

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 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 Student Services at the Wilmington Campus or Milford Campus, or to the piano instructor.

Individuals of All Abilities and Neurotypes

The Music School serves individuals of all abilities and neurotypes. When registering, individuals who may need additional support are asked to volunteer pertinent information so that the best placement can be made. Music School facilities are ADA compliant and an elevator permits easy access to the second floor of the Wilmington Campus.

Media Releases

By granting The Music School of Delaware permission to use a student’s image and related media, you are giving the Music School and its legal representatives and assigns the right and permission to use, without charge, any media recorded and/or published of the student at the Music School or at any off-site or Music School-related functions. By giving permission, you release all claims with respect to copyright ownership and publications, including any claim for compensation related to use of the materials. The media (such as images, video, and audio) may be used in print, electronically, and/or on social media platforms, including but not limited to newsletters, brochures, flyers, press releases, advertising, the school’s website, radio, or other digital audio production (e.g., podcast), social media, and other promotional materials. Photos are never sold.

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 their file by requesting access from the Student Services at the Wilmington Campus or Milford Campus Front Desk.

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. Adult students may be exempted from participation at the discretion of the instructor. 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.

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.

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 Campus and in the Milford Campus recital room.

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.

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 Dean for complete details.

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 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.

Summer Policies & Information

Summer sessions have unique guidelines that differ from the academic year. This section outlines how registration, payment, attendance, and refunds work for summer programs so families know what to expect.

ENROLLMENT
Enrollment in all programs may be limited. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and must be secured by paying tuition and fees in full. The Music School reserves the right to cancel camps/classes/workshops due to insufficient enrollment, in which all payments are refunded in full.

SUMMER PROCESSING FEE
A Summer Processing Fee applies to all summer registrations (except one-day workshops), in addition to tuition and materials fees. The fee is $15 at Milford and associated satellites, and $25 at Wilmington and associated satellites. Classes with tuition under $100 are exempt. Fee is waived if participant registers and pays in full by June 1 for all lessons, camps, classes and/or workshops.

TEACHER ABSENCE
Lessons missed due to teacher absence will be made up but are to be scheduled directly with the teacher. The Music School reserves the right to provide a refund in lieu of a make-up lesson at its sole discretion.

STUDENT ABSENCE
There are no make-ups or refunds for missed lessons or classes due to student absence or for early withdrawal.

REFUND & CANCELLATION POLICY
By June 1: Full tuition and materials fees will be refunded. After June 1: No refund of any amount will be made. Please contact the appropriate branch to cancel/withdraw. If the Music School cancels a camp/class/workshop, full tuition, materials fees and Summer Processing Fee (if applicable) will be refunded.

SPECIAL NEEDS / DISABILITIES
The Music School serves many 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.

TUITION ASSISTANCE
The Music School administers a tuition assistance program intended for families who have restricted financial circumstances. To access these funds students must apply before registering for any programs. Funds are limited and these awards are given on a first-come, first-served basis. If funds are fully depleted or your student has reached their maximum award amount, the award will no longer be available  
We recommend visiting our tuition assistance page for detailed information about award types, eligibility, what to expect and how to apply. Students must have created an account in our new registration system, Amilia, for the award to be applied before enrolling in or checking out for any program. For any questions or assistance, please contact us at ahall@musicschoolofdelaware.org. 

Students must provide the following in a formal discontinuance email/letter (no text messages or voicemails):

Private Lessons FAQs

Families often have questions about scheduling, absences, billing, and registration. These FAQs summarize the most common policies so students can focus on music.