Need-Based Financial Scholarships
Through the generosity of our donors, financial assistance based on need is available through the Van Slyck Scholarship Fund. NSM offers need-based scholarships for private lessons, group classes, or ensemble study throughout the year.
Applications for 2024-2025 are now being accepted. Download an application and guidelines. Please see the info below if you would like to pay tuition through a payment plan. If you have any questions, please contact NSM at (617) 492-8105 or email info@newschoolofmusic.org.
NSM Policies
Attendance and Payment
- Registration is complete when full payment and registration fees has been received by NSM. Only completed registrations qualify to start lessons and/or classes at NSM. Attending classes or informing instructors of the intent to register does not constitute registering for courses.
- All purchased lessons must be used by the end of the term. No credits or refunds will be provided after the term ends.
Makeup Lessons and Classes
- NSM instructors are able to provide one makeup for student absences, over the course of the term, provided 24 hours notice was given.
- If an instructor cancels a lesson/class or if NSM calls a weather cancellation, instructors will do their best to make up the lesson/class during the term. If they are unable to schedule a makeup, students will be credited the prorated cost of the lesson/class.
- In the event that a group class is cancelled, NSM will add an additional makeup class at the end of the term.
- We have scheduled “make up weeks” at the end of each term to allow for all needed make ups (for either lessons or classes) that are not able to be scheduled at any other time during the semester.
Payment Plans
- Payment for private lessons may be spread out over the course of the term with 4 monthly payments. This option is readily available at check out by selecting the “installments” option on our registration website.
- If you have received a scholarship award (usually placed on your online account as a credit) and you would also like to arrange for a payment plan, please contact the office. Our registrar will create a customized payment plan for you.
Withdrawals and Refunds
- Private Lessons – Office must be notified by the 4th lesson of intent to withdraw, refund will be 80% of the unused tuition; no refund after the 4th lesson of the term.
- Group Classes – There are no refunds for group classes, ensembles, vacation programs, workshops, etc.
Cancellation of Classes and Ensembles
- Please note that NSM reserves the right to cancel any class or ensemble due to insufficient enrollment.
Weather Cancellations
- All closings and delays will be announced on our website and our Facebook page, or call the NSM office at 617.492.8105 for weather alerts.
- NSM doesn’t necessarily follow the Cambridge Public School closings and delays regarding inclement weather. Please check our website for the most up to date information, particularly for morning classes.
- NSM does not make individual calls to students if and when the school is closed; please call or check the website to confirm school winter weather closure. Lessons cancelled due to weather will be made up.
- Instructors reserve the right to make an individual decision to cancel lessons or classes due to bad weather; should they do so, they will contact students directly.
Use of Photographs, Audio, and Video
- By registering for instruction, you consent that NSM may take photographs and record audio/video of students and family members during all NSM-sponsored activities, including classes, lessons, performances, and special events, whether in person or online. This media may be used in print and online for publication and marketing purposes. NSM never includes the names of children in any captions. To opt-out, please email info@newschoolofmusic.org at the time of registration.