SCHEDULING AND LESSON DAYS

There are 34 scheduled lessons for the 2023-2024 term. All scheduling should be handled through the school office. All lessons must be completed by June 30, 2024; any lessons not completed by June 30, 2024 will be forfeited. No refunds for unused lessons will be given.

LATE ARRIVALS

Students arriving more than 15 minutes late for a private lesson will be considered absent without notification, and will be charged for the lesson. This includes lessons conducted online.

MAKE-UP FOR PRIVATE LESSONS

There are no make-up sessions for private lessons cancelled by a students. Any lessons or classes missed by a teacher will either be made up or refunded at the end of the academic year (June 30, 2024).

SUSPENSIONS

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

WITHDRAWAL POLICIES

To withdraw from lessons please notify a staff member. If the student withdraws from lessons at least a week prior to the start of lessons, a full refund (less an Administrative Fee) will be issued. Once lessons have begun a 75% refund will be issued on remaining unused lessons.

FEES & PAYMENT INFORMATION

Annual tuition may be paid in full at the time of registration; or “monthly” tuition may be made with recurring payments for four weekly lessons. A valid credit card is required for recurring payments, unless other arrangements are made in advance. Cash and checks made payable to the Berkshire Music School are also accepted forms of payment, and should be received by the music school office by the first of each month. There is a $30 fee for all returned checks, and a $15 late fee for payments that are two or more weeks past due.

VIRTUAL LESSONS

Virtual lessons are conducted via Facetime, Skype, or ZOOM. If registering for virtual lessons, a parent/guardian must authorize BMS to provide virtual music lessons to any minor child by a teacher employed by BMS through Zoom or other remote meeting platforms.  Requests for converting in-person to virtual lessons (or vice versa) must be made through the BMS office at least 2 business days in advance, and cannot be guaranteed.

INCLEMENT WEATHER CLOSINGS

BMS reluctantly cancels classes and programs due to inclement weather. Because road conditions may change during the day, BMS does not always follow the local school closures. Announcement of closings are recorded on the BMS outgoing voicemail 413-442-1411 and on our Facebook page. Students and teachers may choose to convert on-campus lessons to remote lessons, if agreeable to both parties. Make-up lessons for snow days may be given if time allows.

TEACHERZONE

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.

COLLEGE CREDIT THROUGH BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (BCC)

BMS offers lessons for credit at Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield. High school, college, and adult students who desire college credit can register as BCC students, paying tuition at BMS with waived tuition from the college. BCC fees for credit still apply. Payment in full is required at time of registration.

Sexual harassment policy