Lessons come in 4 week cumulative packages. Berkshire Music School typically runs in line with the Pittsfield Public School system’s school year, with many teachers taking summers off or significantly reducing hours. Lessons are available during our hours of operation and are dependent upon the availability of the individual instructors.

All scheduling is handled through the front office.

Virtual lessons are conducted via Facetime or Zoom. Requests for converting in-person to virtual lessons (or vice versa) must be made through the BMS office at least 4 days in advance and cannot be guaranteed.

If a lesson can not be attended for any reason, a call to the front desk to cancel the lesson is required. Two no shows will necessitate a removal from the schedule.

Student cancellations are the responsibility of the student, meaning the lesson is still paid for by the student. If a teacher cancels a lesson, the lesson is the responsibility of the teacher, meaning the student is not charged for the lesson. For example, in a package of four lessons, if lesson two is cancelled by a student, the following lesson will be the third lesson of the package, but if a teacher cancels, the following lesson would still count as the second lesson of the package. BMS does not offer refunds or credits for missed lessons unless missed by a teacher.

Please note: Students are allowed one makeup lesson per semester (fall and spring) if the lesson is cancelled with a minimum of one week notice.

Students arriving more than 10 minutes late for a private lesson will be considered a no show  and will be charged for the lesson. This includes lessons conducted virtually.

Once lessons begin, students are responsible for the full amount of the lessons in a four week package, even with early withdrawal.

New lesson charges are incurred every four lessons. It is our policy to have a credit card on file that can be run automatically. If a card is declined and payment cannot be collected, an additional $15 will be charged. If you do not want to keep a card on file, permission must be requested and approved.

BMS reserves the right to discontinue any student whose behavior, work, or attendance is unsatisfactory, or whose payment is in arrears.

Any student who fails to pay for lessons will be given a week grace period before being removed from the calendar. If you are having trouble paying for lessons, please speak to our office staff to see what we can do to help.

BMS reluctantly cancels classes and programs due to inclement weather. Notifications of closing will be issued through TeacherZone as well as being posted on Facebook and Instagram. Teachers may offer students the option to move scheduled lessons virtually. Students are not charged due to weather cancellations.

The Berkshire Music School utilizes TeacherZone for scheduling and payments. Through this app, students will receive lesson reminders and other notifications. You can use your TeacherZone account to cancel a lesson, view your billing and attendance history, and update your credit card. A free app is available for students through the iOS or Android app stores. 

 TeacherZone is also the preferred method of communication between teacher and students.

Financial aid is awarded on an as needed basis and is based on anticipated gross family income, number of children and number of adults in the household, and any additional expenses. Financial aid may also be awarded due to special circumstances, as explained by an applicant. Financial aid is awarded on a yearly basis and needs to be reapplied for each August.