CSA Terms and Conditions

I. Registration

The CSA academic year is divided into two 15-week semesters: fall and spring. Registration is required for participation in any Community School of the Arts class or activity and is processed through the ActiveNet online registration system. Registration can be completed online, by phone at (574) 535-7849, or in person in the Music Center Main Office. Payment by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) can be completed online or by phone; payment by check or cash should be completed in person at the Music Center Office.

Registration will be considered complete when the registration fee* and tuition (or at least a deposit of 1/3 of the semester’s tuition) is received in the Music Center (MC) Office.

Deadlines for registration vary by program and are listed on the individual web pages. Deadlines are generally one week prior to the start of lessons or activities but may vary from semester to semester. Registrations after the stated registration deadline will still be accepted pending space in the class or program, but will be assessed a $10 late fee.

* A non-refundable registration fee is payable one time per academic year per family. Registration fee is $20 for the first child enrolled in CSA, plus $5 per other enrolled child, to a family maximum of $30.

2. Financial Aid for Private / Group Lessons

(Information about Financial Aid for Ensembles can be found here.)

CSA’s Acorn Scholarship Program awards need-based scholarships for private and group lessons on a sliding scale, factoring in family income, size and other relevant criteria. Available scholarship dollars are apportioned to the various areas of CSA instruction and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applicants are encouraged to turn in necessary paperwork and income verification without delay before the registration deadline. A downloadable scholarship application form is available.

Scholarships that are awarded in the fall for private lesson instruction or children’s choir participation will be automatically awarded for the spring semester as well, as long as participation has been at a satisfactory level through the fall semester. Students receiving financial aid are expected to follow all terms and conditions of the CSA, be prompt and prepared for their lessons with a positive attitude. The CSA reserves the right to terminate a student’s financial aid for not following these guidelines. Limited funds are available for new applicants for each Spring semester, and are considered on a rolling basis.

Please note that sibling discounts will not be granted to students receiving awards.

All information is kept confidential.

To apply:

• Request a scholarship application form from the Music Center office in person or by phone at (574) 535-7849 to be emailed to you, or download and print the form.

• Bring or mail completed form to the Music Center office, along with the required income documentation. If you need help to fill out the form, or otherwise wish to speak to someone about your application, please call CSA Director Mary Rose Norell at (574) 535-7849 to arrange an appointment.

• After all necessary information is supplied, applicants will be notified within 10 days whether they have qualified for an Acorn scholarship.

NOTE: Financial aid for CSA Ensembles and the Music Together® program is tied to the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program guidelines and is separate from the Acorn Music Scholarships. For more information, please see the Financial Aid for CSA Ensembles page or the Music Together® information page.

3. Withdrawal, Attendance, Weather, etc.

Withdrawal from Lessons or Classes

Private Lessons: Intent to withdraw must be given to Music Center office staff prior to the fourth lesson. If the full semester tuition has been paid, a partial refund may be available, and is issued upon the CSA director’s approval. Failure to attend lessons/classes without notifying CSA, or withdrawing after the fourth week of lessons or classes will not generate a refund; you will be financially obligated regardless of your attendance. In the event of medical issues or moving out of the region, families must communicate with the CSA Director and office staff immediately to be considered for a partial refund, which will be considered at the discretion of the CSA Director.

Ensembles / Classes: No refund will be given for withdrawal from ensembles or classes, except for medical reasons or for moving out of the region. In order to be considered for a refund for those situations, families must communicate with the CSA Director and office staff immediately, and a partial refund will be considered at the discretion of the CSA Director.

Attendance

Regular attendance is expected. Students are allowed one excused absence with advance notice, which will be made up according to the teacher’s schedule. Students must pay for all lessons in the semester, including those missed through student absence. Lessons that are missed without advance notice will not be made up, including forgotten lessons, or lessons missed without advance notice. Lessons missed due to student illness will be made up according to the teacher’s schedule. Students are asked to notify their private teacher or the MC Office one week in advance of any anticipated absence if possible, and as soon as possible in the event of illness or emergency. Any lessons canceled by the teacher due to illness, weather or emergencies will be made up by arrangement between the student and teacher. Missed group lesson time or ensemble rehearsals will not be made up.

Extreme Weather

In general, CSA will follow the school closing announcements made by Goshen Community Schools for poor weather conditions. Exceptions may be agreed upon between students and teachers in some cases. Private instruction missed due to weather will be made up, however group lessons cancelled due to extreme weather will not be rescheduled. Information will be posted on the main page of the Music Center web site at www.gcmusiccenter.org, or can be obtained from the MC office by calling 535-7361.

Sports or Other Injuries

In the event of sports or other injuries, assuming the seriousness of injury does not prevent reasonable mobility, students are expected to continue to attend scheduled lessons. Instructors will utilize specially-selected repertoire and other types of music instruction to work around a short term disability.

Questions?

If you have questions about the policies stated on this page, please e-mail Community School of the Arts director Mary Rose Norell at csa@goshen.edu or call (574) 535-7849.