Policies

Please note that new policies are highlighted

PLACEMENT New students may enroll at any time; tuition will be prorated as necessary. Classes are subject to availability and student pre-requisites. Please call one of the following numbers for placement:
    Private Lessons: 401.248.7001 
    Ensembles: 401.248.7038 (All new students must audition) 
    Suzuki: 401.248.7020 
    Early Childhood & Classes For Kids: 401.248.7001
The Music School may recommend an informal interview and placement lesson to assure assignment with an appropriate instructor. The placement fee is $32.50

REGISTRATION The Music School operates on a two-term schedule: a 32-35 week school year session and a flexible 8-week summer session. The number of group classes and ensembles are scheduled according to faculty availability within each session. Returning private lesson and group class students must submit a completed registration form and tuition deposit to be scheduled with an instructor. Students who have auditioned and been accepted into an ensemble must submit an Ensemble Acceptance Form and tuition deposit prior to attending the first rehearsal. The Music School office will assign registered students into a lesson or group class. If it is not possible to place a student with an appropriate instructor/class during registration, students may elect to place their names on a waiting list or receive reimbursement for the submitted deposit. Student registration is a contract that reserves a specific day/time slot with the instructor each week. It is assumed that students will continue for the entire 32-35 week session (or portion remaining thereof). Students choosing to withdraw before the end of the session must notify the Administrative Office in writing according to the “Withdrawal/Refund” policy listed below.

REGISTRATION FEE ($26.00/individual; $52.00/family of two or more) is due at the time of registration. Students who attend lessons, group classes or ensemble rehearsals without registering and submitting a tuition deposit will be charged a LATE REGISTRATION FEE of $25.00.

TUITION PAYMENT may be made at either Music School Branch or mailed to the Administrative Offices at 667 Waterman Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914. The Music School offers the following payment options: 

Annual: Students may pay the total tuition prior to beginning lessons, group classes or ensemble rehearsals. Tuition will be discounted two dollars per hour. Semi-annual and annual tuition payments must be received by the scheduled due dates to receive discounts. (Monthly payment plans optional at an increase tuition rate and must be approved by the Education Business Manager’s office).
New Late payments will be charged a late payment fee of 1.5% per month.
Semi-Annual: Students may pay the tuition in two semi-annual installments. Tuition will be discounted one dollar per hour.
Quarterly: Students enrolling in private lessons, Suzuki group classes and/or ensembles may pay their tuition in four quarterly installments.

NON-SUFFICIENT FUNDS NSF Fee of $25.00 will be added to Music School accounts for bounced checks or declined credit cards. Families on automatic installments must notify The Music School if credit card has been replaced prior to scheduled payment to avoid fees.

DISCOUNTS Students enrolled in several programs at the Music School may be eligible for a tuition discount. See “Fees and Discounts” for a complete list of discounts offered.

WITHDRAWALS In the event that a student elects to discontinue lessons before the end of the session, a written notice must be submitted to the teacher. “Withdrawal Notice Forms” are available for students to complete. The written notice will be approved by the teacher and submitted to the Music School administrative staff to be processed.

REFUNDS There are no refunds for registration fees and tuition deposits (3 credit lessons or deposit amount for group class or ensemble tuition). Other pre-paid tuition for private lessons may be transferred to another family member studying at the Music School, held in reserve for future registration fees and tuition, or, if requested in writing by the student, refunded. Pre-paid tuition for group classes or ensembles is not refundable.

ATTENDANCE/ABSENCES Regular attendance is expected. Students taking private lessons are allowed one excused absence between September – December and one excused absence between January – June PROVIDED a voicemail message is left at the music school’s front desk 248-7001 by 11 a.m. on the day of the absence.  If the school is not notified by 11 a.m. on the day of the absence, (except in cases of a serious emergency) the absence will be classified as unexcused.  Once an excused absence has been taken, all other absences will be unexcused.  Unexcused absences are not subject to make-ups, credits or refunds. The Music School reserves the right to discontinue a student with poor attendance at any time. In cases of prolonged illness or injury, the teacher must be notified of all lessons that will be missed. A doctor’s note or other medical document may be requested to receive credit for the missed lessons. If a teacher cancels a lesson, it is his or her responsibility to make up the lesson.

MAKE-UP LESSONS  Two weeks are reserved for make-up lessons at the end of the school season. Please see the “Calendar” for make-up week dates. Private lesson students must be available during this week to receive make-up lessons. Teachers may schedule make-ups during make-up week or at a mutually convenient time for excused absences, teacher cancellations or inclement weather cancellations. If a student misses an appointed make-up lesson, it is considered unexcused and is not credited to the student’s account. Excused absences, teacher cancellations, and lessons cancelled by the Music School due to inclement weather that cannot be made up by the close of the session are credited to the student’s account. Credits will remain on account for up to one year and are not subject to refunds. No make-ups or credits are given to students absent from a group class or ensemble.

TARDINESS/MISSING BOOKS Students who are late for a scheduled lesson or forget their lesson books are not guaranteed their full lesson length. Students more than 15 minutes late for their lesson will be considered absent. The teacher reserves the right to cancel the remainder of the lesson.

INCLEMENT WEATHER If the Music School closes due to inclement weather, faculty members will be contacted to notify their students. Students may also call 401.248.7001 or check ABC6 and NBC10 or their websites.

FINANCIAL AID Financial aid applications are available at all Music School branches or by calling the Music School Director at 401.248.7032. Families seeking financial aid must submit the necessary paperwork once annually.

PHOTO & RECORDING POLICY Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School reserves the right, and may give permission to its photographer or outside media, to photograph classes, programs and participants at all our facilities and properties. Please be aware that these photos are for promotional purposes and may be used in future publications and media communications. By participating in the Music School classes and programs, you consent to the taking and publication of your photograph for these purposes.