How CMC Works: The Quarter System
CMC works on a quarter system. Students sign up for lessons or classes on the same day and time each week for the whole quarter. Schedule changes (including drops, teacher changes, or reductions in lesson duration) must occur 24 hours before the student’s second scheduled lesson/class.
Registration (Private Lessons)
Enrollment for private lessons is done through two pathways:
- General Registration Phone Appointment (used when students require guidance to narrow their search for a teacher and lesson schedule), or
- Private Lesson Inquiry Form (used when students have a clear idea of their preferred teacher and lesson schedule)
Appointments are for general inquiry and scheduling purposes. The student’s first meeting with the faculty member will take place at the first lesson or class. Appointments are used to enroll, add lessons, or make schedule adjustments..
What to have ready during a registration appointment:
- Payment method for required fees
- The prospective student’s calendar to facilitate scheduling
- See details, instructions, and document requirements for Sliding Scale Tuition Assistance on the Tuition Assistance Application Form / Solicitud de apoyo para la matrícula (submit after registering).
Registration (Group Classes)
Enrollment for groups classes and ensembles is done through:
- Online registration where available, or
- Through submitting an online prerequisite form (found on the course descriptions)
Former Student Registration
Students who have studied with us before but are not enrolled for the current quarter must follow the registration steps in order to enroll.
Current Student Re-Registration
During the current re-registration period (the dates circled in the academic calendar), current students are tentatively enrolled for the next quarter. To reserve each of their current lesson/class times for the next quarter, students must pay a $25.00 deposit on each invoice. Students have a two week deadline to either pay the deposit and secure their existing spots, request a change, or make a drop request. Students who do not pay the deposit by the deadline will be dropped and will need to follow the registration steps to re-enroll.
Payments
Full payment is due at registration. We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. In case of financial hardship, CMC offers payment plans dividing the quarter’s tuition into equal monthly payments. All plans must conclude within the quarter of the enrollment. An active credit card on file is required to establish a payment plan. The first payment is made at the time of registration, and counts as that month’s payment. Subsequent payments are run on the 15th of the month (or the soonest business day following the 15th).
Attendance policy
CMC works on a quarter system. Lessons are scheduled for the same day and time every week for the entire quarter. Regular and punctual attendance is one of the best investments students can make in their musical education and essential to progress, enjoyment, and the high quality music at the heart of CMC’s mission. While some absences may be unavoidable, the accumulation of three or more absences in a given quarter may result in the evaluation of a student’s commitment to future study at CMC.
Missed lessons
Students pay tuition regardless of their attendance. Communication about attendance is also an essential part of the teacher-student relationship. If a student is not going to be able to attend a lesson, they must notify the teacher and a registrar. Missed lessons as a result of student absences are not made up or credited. Faculty may make up faculty absences during make up week. All lessons and classes are non-transferable and must be used within the quarter for which they were purchased.
Student illness guidelines
While we encourage students to attend all of their lessons, classes, and ensembles, an ill child or adult will not perform well and may expose others to communicable illnesses. If a child is sneezing, coughing and/or sick enough to stay at home from school, please do not send your child to music lessons.
Leaves of absence
In cases of serious illness or injury, a leave of absence may be arranged by contacting the registrar in writing with the reason for your leave of absence request and the dates that you would like to request the leave of absence for. If approved by CMC faculty and administration, credit may be given. Leaves of absence are not retroactive and should be requested in advance of the absence.
Discontinuation
CMC reserves the right to discontinue a student’s enrollment at any time for reasons including, but not limited to: poor attendance, non-payment of fees, lack of interest, or disruptive behavior. If a student is dropped for non-payment of fees, the student might be able to continue the quarter by paying the unpaid balance.
Substitute Teachers
In the event that a teacher has a planned absence for more than two consecutive weeks within a quarter, a substitute teacher may be provided by CMC. The teacher will prepare the substitute so they know what the student is working on. Students will be notified in advance if a substitute is planned for a teacher absence. If a substitute is not available or coordinated, students will be credited for the teacher absence lesson dates.
Refunds
Tuition refunds are given when lessons or classes are canceled by CMC. A student may receive a full refund (excluding the registration fee) if they provide notice of cancellation for the upcoming quarter at least 24 hours before the first lesson or class. A refund, minus the first lesson or class cost plus registration fee, may also be given if the student decides not to continue after the first lesson or class and notifies the registrar at least 24 hours prior to the second lesson. If the registrar is not notified at least 24 hours before the second scheduled lesson, the student is responsible for the full quarter’s tuition. $100 per week of CMC camp tuition is non-refundable and the remainder is refundable only until the cancellation deadline.
Photo and video release policy
CMC occasionally photographs and videotapes students for its print and online publications and those of its partner organizations. Compensation will not be provided. Students and parents have the opportunity to opt-out at any time.
Non-Discrimination Statement and Policy
Community Music Center does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, students, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
