Lesson Calendar
The year is divided into two semesters consisting of 15 lessons each. The first semester starts in September and runs through January. The second semester begins in January and runs through June. Each semester includes two make-up weeks. We teach lessons on early dismissal days and on teacher conference days. Lessons are not held when school is not in session. If our physical spaces are unavailable for any reason, lessons will be conducted on-line.
Our summer session takes place in July and August 2021 and we offer flexible lesson packages for this session.
Payment
Registration and full payment are due before the first lesson of each semester. For installment plans, the first installment must be received before the first lesson. For scholarship students, payment is due upon notification of your award. A late fee of $25 per month will apply for any payments more than 2 weeks late.
Missed Lessons, Makeup Lessons, Rescheduling Lessons
If you need to miss a lesson, you must let your teacher know at least 36 hours in advance. With this notice, teachers will work with you to schedule make-up lessons, but please be aware that it may not always be possible. Teachers are not required to offer a make-up without 36 hours’ notice.
If the need is sudden and unexpected (such as an illness) the 36 hours’ notice is waived, but you must notify your teacher. If a student does not appear for a lesson and the teacher is not notified, that lesson will be charged as a regular lesson.
If a lesson is canceled due to the teacher’s absence, a scheduled school holiday, or a snow day, the teacher is responsible for scheduling a make-up. In all these instances, if a make-up lesson proves too difficult to set up, a credit of a maximum of two lessons, will be given at the end of the semester.
Make-up lessons cannot be scheduled for group lessons.
Teacher Compatibility
All of our faculty are highly qualified musicians and teachers, and we take great care to try and match each student with a faculty member that will provide them with an engaging and educational experience. The relationship between student and teacher is highly individual. If you would like to make any adjustments to your instruction, please contact Maureen Kelly, the Music Program Director at musicprogram@riverarts.org.
Cancellation Policy
Refunds may be requested after taking up to two lessons. You will be refunded the cost of the lessons remaining in your semester package. You will not be refunded tuition for the number of classes already taken or the $35 registration fee. No refunds will be given after you attend the third lesson. If you decide to discontinue lessons you must inform both the teacher and the Music Program Director. If you do not inform anyone and your child does not show up, you will not be refunded for the lessons.
Scholarships
Through the generous support of The RiverArts Kristeen Nelson Memorial Scholarship Fund, Arts Westchester, and individual donations at recitals and other events, RiverArts offers need-based scholarships. The Scholarship Committee meets to approve awards 6 weeks before to the start of the next semester. If you plan on applying for a scholarship, please do so at least 6 weeks PRIOR to the start of the next semester. The application can be filled out when you register for lessons. If you have submitted an application for a scholarship and are awaiting a decision, payment is not due until those decisions have been made.
Parents’ Responsibilities
Parents are responsible for getting children to lessons on time, supporting practice between lessons, notifying teachers of cancellations at least 36 hours in advance, and for completing registration and payment before the first lesson.
We welcome you to the RiverArts Music Program! If you have any questions at any time please contact the Music Program Director, Maureen Kelly at: musicprogram@riverarts.org.
