COVID-19 Policies & Procedures
The Westminster Conservatory of Music will follow the policies and procedures outlined by Rider Universities Resolved and Ready plan. Learn more here.
Withdrawal Policy
All withdrawals must be in email to the [email protected] to the office. Non-attendance or verbal withdrawal to a faculty member is not an official withdrawal. Any exceptions to the withdrawal policies below require a meeting with an assistant director.
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 $500 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 scheduled lessons before the receipt of the withdrawal plus a penalty of four lessons.
Classes: Students will be charged for all classes for the full semester.
Performing Ensembles: Students will be charged for all rehearsals for the full year.
Honors Music Program: Students will be charged for all classes 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 in writing to the Conservatory office by January 8, 2021. Withdrawals will be effective as of the end of the fall semester. This withdrawal deadline does not apply to performing ensembles, Young Artist, or Young Musician. These classes require a commitment for the full year.
Teacher or class change requests
All change requests must be writing (by mail, fax, or email) to the office.
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
Private Lesson Change requests after the fourth scheduled lesson: Students will be charged for all lessons scheduled before the receipt of the change request. In addition, the student will be charged a penalty equal to 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
Missed Lessons
Student Cancellations: There are no makeups or credits for cancellations by the student.
Conservatory Closes: 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.
Teacher Cancellations: 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.
Discontinuance Policy
The Conservatory reserves the right to discontinue students whose work or behavior is unsatisfactory – including frequent absences, tardiness, behavior problems, lack of progress, or failure to abide by Conservatory policies. 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.
Class Cancellation Policy
The Conservatory reserves the right to cancel classes with insufficient enrollment. In the event of cancellation, a full refund will be issued.
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: All cars parked on the Westminster campus must display a parking hang tag available at no charge in the Conservatory office. This gives the student permission to park while attending their lesson or another Conservatory event. No parking is allowed at other times. Failure to display a parking hang tag could result in a fine.
No Food or Beverages: are permitted in teaching studios or rehearsal halls.
No Smoking: is allowed inside any campus building.
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.