4101 Washington Street
Wilmington, DE 19802
302-762-1132
23 N. Walnut Street
Milford, DE 19963
302-422-2043
Click for Summer Policies & Information
Policies & Information
PoliciesStudent Information
| • | Student Files | |
| • | Student Evaluation | |
| • | Student Recitals | |
| • | Certificate Program | |
| • | Merit Scholarships |
Policies
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; tuition is prorated as applicable. Unless paying in full, a $5 deposit is required for EACH private lesson schedule, class, or ensemble at the time of registration. The deposit is nonrefundable (see exception under Refunds/Discontinuance) and secures the student’s place in the roster for that program. A one-time registration fee of $50 is charged to each student for the academic year. Registration is available online through the Programs section of our website at www.musicschoolofdelaware.org. 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 the Wilmington Branch Registrar or the Milford Branch Front Desk 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. 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). In order to be scheduled for lessons, students must be registered. To register, submit a private lesson inquiry through the Programs > Private Lessons section of our website at
Sample Lessons
Sample lessons are a reduced rate offering ($35 fee for 30 minutes, due when scheduling the sample lesson) meant to provide the student with the opportunity to meet with an instructor before committing to the full term of lessons. 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 between the instructor and student(s). When students fail to give proper notice to the school or teacher by 10 a.m. on the day of the lesson, they forfeit the lesson without refund. 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.
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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 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 closing: When inclement weather forces the cancellation of activities, all lessons/classes are made up whenever possible.
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.
CREDITS: Credits in place of a make-up lesson/class 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 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. Registration is available online through the Programs > Classes > Early Childhood section of our website. A printable form is also available. 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 3 of the current semester will have a $5 materials late fee added to their accounts. 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 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 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.
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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.MONTHLY BILLING
Students/families may elect to pay the applicable deposits and registration fees per student at the time of registration, and the balance in automatic monthly payments billed on the 1st or 15th day of scheduled months. The payment schedule will be set up when the registration is processed and will be set for the period of instruction – for example, a 12-week Early Childhood class would have a 3-month payment schedule. A semester-long class would have a 5-month payment schedule. Year-long private lessons, classes, and ensembles would have a 10-month payment schedule. 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 through the portal on the Programs section of our website at www.musicschoolofdelaware.org.
Tuition rates and related materials charges are detailed on our website and in this Info Guide. Each student is assessed a $5 nonrefundable deposit per class/lesson, applicable toward tuition, and a one-time $50 registration fee per academic year. Unpaid bills may result in the suspension of lessons/classes/ensemble rehearsals. 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. ALL RETURNED CHECKS ARE ASSESSED A $25 FEE WITHOUT EXCEPTION.
Refunds/Discontinuance Policy
Discontinuance without penalty occurs only at 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 formal email or letter (no text messages or voicemails) must be sent to the Registrar or Milford Front Desk 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 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 $5 per-class 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 $5 per-class 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 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 Wilmington Branch Registrar or Milford Branch Director must be informed of the exact dates of absence before the temporary discontinuance begins. Notice to the teacher is not sufficient.
- Student Full Name
- Teacher Full Name
- Instrument/Class Name
- Last Session (mm/dd/yyyy)
- Reason for Discontinuance
- Date of request
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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. To be considered for financial assistance, the students must be registered for lessons/classes/ensembles (having paid the $5 per-class/lesson deposit and one-time registration fee) and a completed Financial Aid Application Form (including the required supporting documentation) must be submitted to the Business Office. The application cannot be processed until all documents have been received. Financial Aid Applications must be submitted each academic year, even if the student has received assistance 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. 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/ensembles actually attended by the student.
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INSTRUMENTS
Instrument RentalThe 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 $50 per 9-week quarter, 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.
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INDIVIDUALS OF ALL ABILITIES AND NEUROTYPES
The Music School serves individuals of all abilities and neurotypes. When registering, individuals who may need additional supports 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 Branch.Return to top
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 annual info guide, the school’s website, radio, or other digital audio production (e.g., podcast), social media, and other promotional materials. Photos are never sold.Return to top
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 Front Desk.Return to top
STUDENT EVALUATION
Achievement WeekAchievement 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:
Standard Track: Two pieces appropriate to the student’s level, one of which is memorized. Two selections from the technique options in the curriculum, in two keys which may be pre-selected by the teacher and student.
Honors Track: Two pieces performed from memory. All selections from the technique options which should be prepared in every key for the student’s given level. The panel will select which items and keys the student should perform.
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 Dean for complete details.Return to top
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 – Wilmington Community Orchestra
- Alberta Elizabeth Edge Scholarship Fund
- Anthony G. Simmons Scholarship Fund
- Austrian American Society Scholarships
- Barbara H. Bythewood Memorial Fund
- Benjamin Whitten Endowment Fund
- Brandywiners Scholarship Fund
- Catherine “Cappy” Hanke Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Chichester DuPont Scholarship Fund
- Crystal Trust - Distinguished Teachers Fund
- Delaware Classical Showcase Fund
- DFRC Scholarship
- Elizabeth Grattan Camerano Award
- Ellen Hanson Gebhart Honor Award
- Estella Hillershohn Frankel Scholarship Fund
- Flint Scholarship Fund
- Frances Rhoads Piano Maintenance Fund
- Geraldine K. and Glen D. Barbaras Fund – Composition
- Grace Salzburg Scholarship Fund
- Herman and Charlotte Glotzer Scholarship Fund
- Jacqueline Beach Faulcon Scholarship
- Janet Cohen Piano Scholarships
- Linda Wheaton Breedlove Endowment Fund
- Maria deVries Music Scholarship Fund
- Milford Cognitively Impaired Children Instruction
- Nativity Student Scholarship
- Pasquale M. Marinelli Scholarship Fund
- Patricia Burton Memorial Fund
- Patricia Layton Annual Scholarship Fund
- The Thomas Edward Ebright Memorial Scholarship Fund
- William B. & Helen Vanneman Fund
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This organization is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.
The Music School of Delaware is proud to be an active partner in the IN Wilmington Arts Campaign.
The Music School of Delaware is proud to be an active partner in the IN Wilmington Arts Campaign.
