REGISTRATION

The academic year begins September 13. Students must enroll for a full academic year, unless it is specifically noted in the catalog and on the registration form that the course is divided into seasonal sessions. New students may enroll at any time during the year for most programs and tuition will be pro-rated. A non-refundable $40 registration fee is due on an annual basis (each additional family member will be charged a reduced fee of $25). New students starting in the summer will be charged a $20 summer registration fee. A completed and signed registration form, registration fee, and first tuition payment must be received by NCMC prior to the student attending any lessons or classes.

Tuition may be paid in full or in installments, as designated on the registration form, using Visa, Mastercard, cash, money order, or personal check. Students who choose our installment plan option MUST provide a valid credit card on their registration form to secure the unpaid portion, only to be charged if payments in some other form are not received by the dates they are due. (Students enrolling for shorter term courses are expected to pay for these in full upon registration.)

Payment Due Dates:
25% of tuition, plus registration fee due upon enrollment
25% of tuition due Nov 1
25% of tuition due Feb 1
25% of tuition due Apr 1

Overdue balances that cannot be rectified by NCMC with a valid credit card will accrue surcharges at a rate of 5% per month. To avoid suspension from a program, students are urged to contact the Executive Director promptly to discuss any problems with payment.

MISSED LESSONS & MAKE-UP POLICY

Regular attendance is expected of all students. In the event of illness or family emergency, students may cancel a lesson. It is common courtesy to give teachers 24 hours notice if you cannot attend a lesson for any reason. Students are financially responsible for all lessons, including those for which they are absent. Make-up lessons are scheduled at the discretion of each teacher, and may not exceed two per academic year. If extenuating circumstances warrant special consideration, a formal request may be made to the Executive Director. Students who miss two consecutive lessons without proper notification will be withdrawn from the program and no refund will be issued. All lessons or classes cancelled by the teacher or by NCMC will be made up at a later date.

In cases of inclement weather, lessons and classes held prior to noon at NCMC will be cancelled when the Northampton Public Schools close. For cancellations after noon, please call the NCMC office for recorded announcements.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

Two weeks’ written notice must be given to withdraw from any program. Pro-rated refunds for lessons beyond the two weeks’ notice will be issued as follows:

Through October 31: student will be reimbursed the full cost of the remaining lessons
Nov 1-Jan 31: student will be reimbursed 75% of the cost of the remaining lessons
After Jan 31: student will be reimbursed 50% of the cost of the remaining lessons

NOTE: Since the running of group classes is contingent upon how many students enroll, refunds will not be issued to students who withdraw from these programs.

In some circumstances, the Executive Director may grant an in-house credit. However, it must be used within the same academic year, after which it will be nullified.

SCHOLARSHIP

It is the intent of NCMC that no student should be unable to study music because of financial constraints. Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis. Students must complete and submit a new scholarship application upon registering for each new academic year. Until an application has been processed, full tuition applies. Applications must be filled out clearly and completely, and must be accompanied by official proof of income in the form of your most recent tax return or current pay stubs. Financial aid will be awarded based on household income and family size. Financial information will remain confidential. Students who are hesitant to apply for financial aid for any reason are encouraged to call NCMC and speak with the Executive Director to assess eligibility.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

NCMC admits students of any race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical ability, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, national and ethnic origin in its hiring of faculty or staff, or in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship programs and other school-administered programs.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The study of music can be a joyous and rewarding experience. It offers a unique opportunity to develop one’s self-expression, artistry and discipline. In order to make good progress, students should do the following:

• attend lessons regularly and on time
• practice every day in a quiet place--quality of practice is as important as quantity
• keep instrument and books in good working order, and bring to every lesson
• talk to teachers about goals and how to achieve them
• attend live music performances at every opportunity
• make each musical experience an enjoyable one--take pride in being a student of music

A NOTE ABOUT PERFORMANCES

Studio recitals are scheduled by teachers in NCMC’s recital hall each winter and spring and are free and open to the public. Students who are interested in performing should make arrangements with their teachers. (NOTE: Tuition fees do not cover the cost of paying accompanists to perform with students at recitals. When necessary, an equal portion of the required fee will be collected from each student who requires this service.)

Performance workshops are scheduled several times each year. Their purpose is to give students an opportunity to try out a piece and to learn proper recital etiquette prior to participating in a formal recital. They are strongly encouraged for all students, and required for students who wish to perform in NCMC-sponsored recitals.

Be A Good Performer
• bring a clean, neat appearance to each performance
• maintain focus when performing--do your best, keep going, stay positive
• look at the audience and bow to thank them for being there and listening
• remember to acknowledge your accompanists before exiting the stage

Be A Good Audience Member
• remember to turn off cell phones prior to entering recital hall
• stay quietly seated and refrain from speaking during performance
• applaud efforts of all performers after they complete their piece
• plan to stay for entire recital out of respect for others