Payment Policy
All Conservatory student registrations during the academic year will receive an invoice with the full year's tuition and an annual $50 family registration fee. Students have the option to either pay the yearly tuition in full, or pay a $250 deposit to set up a monthly payment plan (September-April) at no extra charge. Students who do not make their monthly payments or who have not paid in full by the end of the payment plan schedule may not be able to continue their lessons/classes at the Conservatory. There is a $30 charge for all returned checks.
Withdrawal Policy
All withdrawals must be submitted by email to conservatory@rider.edu. Absence from lessons or classes, or notification to a faculty member, is not accepted as an official withdrawal. Any exceptions to the withdrawal policies below require a meeting with an Conservatory administrator.
Withdrawals before the fourth scheduled lesson, class, or ensemble
Private lessons, Classes, and Ensembles: Students will be charged for all lessons, classes, or ensembles scheduled before receipt of the withdrawal. If the withdrawal takes place less than two business days before the fourth scheduled lesson or class, the student will also be charged for that lesson or class.
Honors Music Program: Students will forfeit the $250 deposit for all withdrawals made before the fourth scheduled class.
Withdrawals after the fourth scheduled lesson, class, or ensemble
Private lessons: Students will be charged for all lessons scheduled to take place before the receipt of the withdrawal, plus a penalty fee equal to the tuition of four lessons.
Classes: Students will be charged for all remaining classes in that semester.
Performing Ensembles and Honors Music Program: Students will be charged for all classes and/or rehearsals for the full year.
Spring Semester withdrawal deadline
Fall private lesson or class students who wish to withdraw for the spring semester should submit their withdrawal by email to conservatory@rider.edu by January 4, 2025. Withdrawals will be effective as of the end of the fall semester. This withdrawal deadline does not apply to performing ensembles or the Honors Music Program. These classes require a commitment for the full year.
Teacher or class change requests
All change requests must be by email to conservatory@rider.edu.
Requests before the fourth scheduled lesson, class, or ensemble: Students will be charged for all lessons or classes in the old program of study prior to receipt of the requested change. If the change request is received less than two business days before the fourth lesson or class, the student will be charged for that lesson or class.
Westminster will honor the change request based on availability. If the change cannot be accommodated, the student may continue in the old course of study or withdraw according to the withdrawal policy above.
Requests after the fourth scheduled lesson, class, or ensemble: Students will be charged for all private lessons scheduled before the receipt of the change request. In addition, the student will be charged a penalty fee equal to the tuition of four additional lessons in the old course of study. Westminster Conservatory will honor the change request based on availability. If the change request cannot be accommodated, the student may withdraw according to the withdrawal guidelines above. Class, Honors Music Program, and performing ensemble change requests cannot be made after the fourth scheduled class or ensemble rehearsal.
Missed Lessons
Student Cancellations: There are no makeups or credits for lesson cancellations / class absences by the student.
Teacher Cancellations or Conservatory Closes: Teachers have until the end of the academic year to make up cancelled lessons or classes. Two makeup options will be offered to private students and one makeup option to class students. No credits will be given to students who refuse makeups. Private lesson makeups may be delivered virtually.
Discontinuance Policy
Unsatisfactory Performance / Behavior: The Conservatory reserves the right to discontinue students whose work or behavior is deemed unsatisfactory – including frequent absences, tardiness, behavior problems, lack of progress in their studies, or failure to abide by Conservatory policies.
Non-Payment: Students may also be discontinued if payment is past due. In such cases, the student will be responsible for payment for all lessons or classes scheduled prior to the date the lessons or classes are discontinued by the Conservatory. In order to reinstate enrollment, all outstanding tuition balances must be paid in full.
Class Cancellation Policy
The Conservatory reserves the right to cancel any classes that fail to meet the minimum required enrollment. In the event of cancellation, a full refund will be issued.
Waiver, Release and Hold Harmless Agreement
All Conservatory students (adult students or a minor's legal guardian) must sign a waiver, release and hold harmless agreement provided by Rider University. This document will be provided to students at the time of registration.
Photography/Video Release
From time to time, Conservatory classes, events, and camps are photographed or videotaped for promotional purposes. These images may be used in social media or other promotional and informational materials for the Conservatory. No names or personal information of students are included. Enrollment and/or participation in Westminster Conservatory programs and events constitutes permission for the use of your likeness in an above-mentioned manner.
General Policies
Parking: Parking is permitted on the Westminster campus for Conservatory students between Princeton Hall (the main Conservatory building) and the Cottages. The parking area between Princeton Hall and Franklin Avenue is Princeton municipal parking; parking in that area could result in a ticket.
Food / Beverages: Food and beverages are not permitted in teaching studios or rehearsal halls.
Smoking: No smoking is allowed inside any campus building.
Pets: No pets are allowed inside the Conservatory.
Children under 6 years old: must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Fire Code: In the event of a fire or a drill, all persons are to evacuate the building using the designated exits.