Q: Do I need a piano at home for family members taking piano lessons at WSM?

A: Yes. Pianos (not electronic keyboards) are required to be in each piano student’s home before lessons begin. Parents are strongly urged to have the piano tuned twice each year.

Q: What do lessons cost?

A: Tuition fees vary depending on the course and the teacher, and are determined by consultation with the Directors. For more information about registration and tuition, please call the school at (203) 227-4931.

Q: I would love to watch my child taking a lesson. May I sit in on a lesson?

A: Open House week will be October 18 – 24. Parents are encouraged to attend lessons and observe their child during an actual lesson.

Q: Does the WSM issue any kind of report card?

A: Evaluation reports are sent to parents in February and in June.

Q: When can I set up a conference meeting to discuss my child’s lessons?

A: Conferences with Mrs. Hisey or Mr. Simmons may be scheduled by calling the office. Appointments are encouraged to discuss any problem that might arise, or to review the progress of the student.

Q: What happens if a lesson is missed? Are there makeup sessions?

A: Each student is entitled to two make-up lessons each school year. Lessons missed for any reason, with prior notification to the school, will qualify for a make-up until the student has had two make-ups. Lessons missed for any reason after the limit will not be made up. If we are notified that a student has a prolonged illness involving hospitalization or confinement at home, credit will be given for those lessons missed. Lessons cancelled by the teacher for illness or professional engagements, or by the School because of weather conditions, will be made up on make-up days or when a period becomes available by the absence of another student. Make up lessons which are cancelled or missed by the student will be considered made up. If make-up lessons are offered twice and refused, the lesson will be considered made up.

Q: When is the WSM open and how can I reach someone after hours?

A: The School Office (227-4931) is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during the School year. An answering machine, which is monitored during teaching hours, takes messages after that time.

Q: Is the WSM open during the summer?

A: A Six Weeks Summer School begins the end of June. Lessons are taught Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Students are usually enrolled for the full six weeks but schedules are flexible and can be arranged to accommodate short family vacations or students’ camp activities. Tuition will be determined accordingly.

Q: How do I learn of special events, WSM news and calendar changes?

A: A flyer, “Notes from the WSM”, is emailed to clients each month. Parents are urged to read this flyer for reminders of the month’s activities.

Q: Are there any fund raising events during the year?

A: A Scholarship Appeal is made each spring. Parents are encouraged to answer this one-a-year request for donations. Established in 1960, the Scholarship Fund has been instrumental in providing assistance with tuition to families who might otherwise be unable to provide music instruction for their children.

Q: What kind of special student activities are available at the school?

A: There are a number of special events and activities during the year. For more information please visit “Student Activities”.