1.  Registration:  The school year is divided into two 16-week semesters (some teachers and locations may vary): Each semester includes 2 make-up weeks Fall and Spring.  A flexible summer session is also offered.  Classes, workshops, camps, and ensembles run for specific periods of time as outlined in the descriptive copy.  New students for private lessons should call the Registrar for placement with a teacher. 

2.  Tuition Payments.  Admission to private lessons and classes/workshops/camps is by registration through the CVSM office only.  Payment for the semester must be received by CVSM before the stated registration dates.  No lessons will be taught without prior payment.  If you feel your financial situation warrants a special payment plan, please contact us as soon as possible.  Arrangements must be made prior to the first lesson, and a small surcharge will be added to help defray the billing costs.  Payments in arrears will result in discontinuance of instruction.  If lessons have been stopped because tuition payment is in arrears, instructors are not required to make-up lessons even after payment has been brought up to date.  In addition, we are required to assess your account with a late payment fee of $10 or 5% of the unpaid balance, whichever is higher.  A finance charge of 1.5% will be added to the outstanding balance each month thereafter until your account it paid in full.  Students entering after the start of a semester will be charged on a pro-rated basis for the duration of the semester.  Each semester's tuition balance must be paid in full prior to registering for the next semester.

3.  Refunds/Withdrawals:  A minimum enrollment is required for all classes.  If CVSM cancels an offering, a full refund (including any registration fees) will be made to those enrolled.  If a student cancels at least 7 days prior to the start of the semester or start of a class/workshop/camp, a full refund (less registration fee) will be made.  After that point, a teacher’s schedule is set and your time slot has been reserved, so no refunds for private lessons will be issued to any student who withdraws later than 7 days prior to the start of the semester.  No refunds for classes/workshops/camps will be made to any student who withdraws later than 7 days prior to the start of the class/workshop/camp.

4.  Registration Fee:  A registration fee is charged once per student or family during the academic year.  The family rate covers siblings and parents who study at CVSM.  Summer and spring registration rates are prorated.  This fee is not refundable.

5. Makeup Lessons/Absences: 

a)      CVSM cannot make-up classes or ensembles missed by the student.

b)      Private lessons missed by the teacher or due to weather conditions will be made-up during the designated make-up weeks at the end of each semester or credited to your account.

c)      Students registered for private lessons will be allowed a maximum of two excused absences per semester.  Not all absences are considered excused.  Students must give the CVSM office 24-hour notice in all instances except illness.  If the office is closed, please leave a message on the answering machine. 

d)      Excused absences include: Illness (the CVSM office must be notified prior to the lesson.  Please call as soon as you know the student will not be attending.); School required activity (at least 24-hour notice must be given in order to receive an excused absence, and more is appreciated.  Most mandatory school functions such as sports teams and music and dramatic performances are scheduled months in advance.); Family emergency (please notify as soon as possible)

e)      Make-up lessons can be scheduled individually or as class instruction, at the teacher’s discretion.

f)       Communications regarding rescheduled lessons is between the student and teacher; the office staff does not schedule makeup lessons or rearrange individual teacher's schedules from week to week.  If a student misses an arranged makeup, it will not be rescheduled and a refund will not be given.

g)      There are two weeks scheduled as make-up weeks at the end of each semester.  Make-ups are likely to be scheduled at that time but may also be scheduled at other times throughout the semester at the teacher’s discretion. 

6.   In the instance of inclement weather it may be necessary to cancel lessons and classes.  CVSM will not automatically close if public schools are closed.  We will make every effort to announce a closing on the following radio stations: WARK 1490 AM, WARX 106.9 FM, WSRT 92.1 FM, WCHA 800 AM, WQCM 94.3 FM, WCRH 90.5 FM, WIKZ MIX 95.1 FM, WCBG 1590 AM, WHAG 1410 AM, as well as on our website at www.cvsmusic.org. 

7.  Parking for Chambersburg students will be in the parking island to the rear of Thomson Hall and in other non-restricted areas. Please do not park in areas designated for Wilson students or marked no parking. There is also unrestricted parking available in the rear of the Rosenkrans Hall parking lot at the south entrance to the college.  Wilson College Security will issue tickets to violators.  Parents who are dropping off students and waiting in their cars for lessons to be completed are requested to move their cars off of the CVSM reserved lot and return at the designated completion of the lesson to help free up space for faculty and students who are not able to stay with their vehicles.  Waynesboro students should use the lot available at their site (Fairview Avenue Church or St Andrew School); please go directly to your assigned room, and do not wander in church or school areas not used by CVSM.  Students at the Mercersburg Academy should call CVSM for clarification about location and parking.                                                                                                    

8.  Placement of each student with a particular teacher is carefully considered at the time of enrollment.  If a change of instructor is recommended by the instructor, or desired by the student or parent, proper handling of the matter should first be discussed with the other party, and then referred to the program director and registrar to arrange the scheduling change.

9.  The school reserves the right to discontinue lessons of any student due to frequent absence (more than 3 consecutive lessons), frequent tardiness, behavioral problems, delinquency in payment of fees, or failure to abide by policy. A student wishing to discontinue at the end of a semester should notify the instructor as a courtesy.

10.  Any music that students use in private or class instruction will be purchased by the student either through the school or a music store.  Photocopying music is illegal.

11.  Unless otherwise arranged, private instruction schedules will remain the same throughout the Fall and Spring Semesters.

12.  Performance Opportunities:  CVSM students have numerous opportunities to perform for each other and for the community through student recitals in beautiful Thomson Alumnae Chapel at Wilson College, and occasionally at other venues.  CVSM students and faculty members are frequently asked to perform throughout the community for local events.  In addition, CVSM offers numerous ensembles for students of all ages, including the CVSM Community Symphonic Band, the CVSM Community String Orchestra. the Cumberbunds youth chorus, and other chamber music and jazz groups.  Students interested in performance or ensemble opportunities should inform their instructors and/or the office.

13.  It is the responsibility of the parent and/or student to notify the CVSM directors when problems arise, whether financial, instructional or personal.  Every effort will be made to respond to individual need, and all requests will be kept confidential.

14.  Scholarships:  The CVSM awards a limited number of scholarships for merit and for financially needy students.  We are committed to making music a part of everyone's life who desires it.  If you feel your financial situation warrants scholarship consideration, please call the office for an application or download one from our website.  Merit scholarships are awarded through a competition held in the spring of each year; please ask your teacher or the office for more information.

15.  The CVSM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, sex, ethnic origin, or religious beliefs in its admission, financial aid, or other educational policies.