BILLING AND PAYMENT
ACTIVITY FEE
A non-refundable Activity Fee of $25 will be charged to all students each semester they are registered (Fall and Spring only). This fee helps offset the costs of recitals, masterclasses, community events, accompanist services, and other enrichment opportunities offered throughout the semester.
BILLING AND PAYMENT
Private Lessons:
Students are responsible for all registered lessons unless they withdraw before their fourth lesson. Invoices are sent via My Music Staff (our studio database), and payments may be made online, by mail, or over the phone.
- Past-due accounts will be assessed a $20 late fee starting the day after the due date.
- An additional $20 late fee will be applied after 30 days.
- If a balance remains unpaid after 60 days, lessons will be temporarily suspended and a hold will be placed on the account until payment is received.
Classes:
Payment for all RCMS classes must be made in full prior to the first class. Invoices are sent via My Music Staff, and payments may be made online, by mail, or over the phone. Students will not be allowed to participate in classes until payment is received.
WITHDRAWAL AND REFUNDS
Once a student is registered, their registration will remain active indefinitely, carrying over from one school year to the next. Students must notify the RCMS office to withdraw from lessons or classes by emailing [email protected] or calling 585-594-6321. Notifying your teacher or simply stopping attendance is not considered official withdrawal, and charges will continue to accrue.
Private Lessons:
- Students who withdraw before their fourth lesson will be charged only for lessons attended.
- Students who withdraw after the fourth lesson are responsible for the full term’s tuition.
Classes:
- Students who withdraw before the second class will be eligible for a refund of the remaining classes.
- Students who withdraw after the second class are not eligible for a refund.
Medical Withdrawals:
- Refunds will be issued for students who withdraw due to a verified medical reason.
SUSPENSION
A student’s registration for lessons or classes may be suspended for the following reasons:
- Non-payment of tuition
- Consistent disciplinary issues
- Poor attendance, including repeated missed lessons or last-minute cancellations over four or more consecutive weeks
CANCELLATION POLICY
All scheduled lessons and classes must be paid for regardless of attendance, as teachers have reserved that time.
If a teacher cancels a lesson or if there is a weather-related cancellation, a make-up may be offered at the end of the term. If no agreeable time is found, a credit or refund will be issued.
Teachers are not required to make up lessons missed by the student.
Excused Absences:
Students may request a credit or refund for a missed lesson or class due to:
- A religious holiday
- A school music function
- A college audition
- A verified injury that prevents them from playing their instrument
Other than these exceptions (or extenuating circumstances approved by RCMS), no credit or refund will be given for missed lessons.
Holidays:
If a scheduled holiday falls on a lesson day (e.g., Memorial Day, Independence Day, Good Friday), the teacher may offer a make-up lesson. If no agreeable time is found, RCMS will issue a credit or refund.
RCMS will be open on the following holidays:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Columbus Day
Veteran’s Day
LESSON DATES AND TIMES
Lesson dates and times are coordinated between the teacher and student/family at the beginning of the fall term or after mid-year registration. Once a time is confirmed by both parties, it becomes the permanent lesson time, and the student is billed for the full term.
Teachers are not required to change the lesson day/time mid-term. If a student’s schedule changes and they can no longer attend, they are still responsible for that term’s tuition.
Students may request a teacher change, which will be granted if availability exists at the start of the next term.
Updated: August 2025
