CMS Student Handbook

All School Information and Policies

Community Music School Lesson Locations

CMS Center, Main Campus

Old Orchard Building

Leon R. Strauss Center at Faust Park

Community Music School Additional Early Childhood Locations

The Lodge: Des Peres

  • 1050 Des Peres Road
    St. Louis, MO 63131
  • Phone: 314-835-6150

Webster United Methodist Church

  • 600 N. Bompart Ave.
    Webster Groves, MO 63119
  • Phone: 314-835-6150

  • Individual Lessons
  • Early Childhood Programs
  • Sequential Orchestra Program
  • Group Classes
  • High School Jazz Ensemble
  • McKinley After-School Program
  • Chamber Music Programs
  • Young Composers Competition
  • Summer Programs

The Director of the Community Music School has the responsibility and authority to administer the school’s programs, monitor its academic and disciplinary policies, and supervises the admission and continued registration of its students. The following policies and procedures of the Community Music School have been established to assist in quality and continuity of study. All students are required to abide by them.

  • To best serve the musical needs of its students, CMS reserves the right to dismiss any student because of lack of interest or progress, frequent unexcused absences (three or more lessons/rehearsals), frequent tardiness, disruptive behavior, delinquency in payment of tuition, and/or failure to abide by policies by students or parents.
  • Students and parents agree to accept faculty and administrative decisions regarding enrollment, financial aid, scholarships, evaluations, awards and applications of policies made under the published policies and procedures of the school.
  • The School Director and the Dean of the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts are, respectively, the ultimate authority regarding decisions made under the published policies and procedures of the school, unless the provisions of the specific policy of Webster University delegates authority elsewhere.
  • An appeal for a decision regarding instruction should be directed to the Office of the Director of the Community Music School of Webster University. The appeal will be reviewed by the CMS Director and the Dean of the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts.
  • Students who are unable to attend lessons/classes due to a long-term medical issue (three or more consecutive weeks) may submit a written notification and physician’s note to CMS for consideration of a credit/refund for lessons/classes/rehearsals missed.
  • In the case that CMS is required to use a virtual learning platform approved by Webster University to deliver lessons CMS will strive to utilize internet-based platforms that ensure student safety and confidentiality. Virtual Learning will be delivered only through parent’s email addresses.
  • Webster University adheres to any established protocols and procedures required of various educational and corporate partners, including the Department of Defense and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
  • The Community Music School reserves the right to modify or cancel any class, lesson, or course due to insufficient enrollment or instrumentation or extenuating circumstances.

If the CMS closes for inclement weather or any other unforeseeable circumstance for safety considerations, lessons/rehearsals will not be made up and no reimbursement will be made. Community Music School locations will be closed when Webster University closes or operates remotely, and all programs canceled.

School closing announcements will be made on the University website at webster.edu, or by calling 314-968-5939. An alert will also be posted on the CMS website at webster.edu/cms. The Lodge-Des Peres informs participants of building closures through the hotline, 314-835-6102 or the website: www.thelodgedesperes.com

CMS will occasionally use digital images and recordings of currently enrolled students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors to advance the awareness and reputation of the institution.

The policy of the CMS is that students will only be photographed and or recorded (individually or in a group) at a public event or in a public venue. Any photos taken in a public venue or at a public event remain the property of the Community Music School of Webster University.

CMS will not disclose a student's name in association with a photo without permission.

CMS does not share contact information with outside organizations.

If you do not want your student’s image used for any reason, contact the CMS at cms@webster.edu. CMS will make every effort to be sure your student’s image is not used. If your student is a member of an orchestra or ensemble, CMS will do our best to blur your student’s image in group photos or, have them sit out of a formal photo shoot. If you have questions or concerns about this policy, please contact cms@webster.edu.

Diversity and inclusion initiatives should serve to eliminate discrimination and exclusion based upon the following: race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability and military status. For Webster University and the CMS, diversity and inclusion are more than meeting a goal or focusing on a specific representation with a combination. It involves expressive dialogue and offerings of distinct talent, thought and inquiry from individuals from various backgrounds. We recognize that diversity and inclusion cultivate academic excellence. Our University also understands the success of each individual strengthens the community.

All-Gender Bathrooms

The CMS at Webster Groves and the Strauss Center at Faust Park have all-gender bathrooms. All-gender bathrooms are indicated on the Webster Groves campus map.

CMS Center – Webster University Main Campus

Parking passes are available at the front desk. This pass must be placed on your dashboard every visit to the CMS and allows student’s families to park on flat lots and the Garden Park Plaza Garage. Permits are valid for only one semester. Students need to pick up a new pass every semester.

A building access card is required to enter the CMS Center. Students attending lessons/classes/rehearsals at the CMS Center will be issued a building access card.

Old Orchard – 23 S. Old Orchard, Webster Groves

No permit is required for students taking lessons at Old Orchard. Parking is available in the public lot. A building access card is required to enter the building. Students attending lessons at the Old Orchard branch will be issued a building access card.

Leon R. Strauss Center – Faust Park, Chesterfield

No permit is required for students taking lessons at Strauss Center. Students may park in the lot adjacent to the building. Park only in designated spaces, do not park in the circle drive area. Please limit your time in the circle drive to 2-minutes, for drop-off, pick-up and turn around only. The speed limit in Faust Park is 20 mph and 10 mph through parking lots.

Parking at or for the Community Music School and Webster University grounds is at your own risk.

CMS Online Account

A CMS online account gives families access to pay bills, see schedules, review documents, sign waivers, register for early childhood classes and summer programs. People under a family account share a single account, including the same login username and password. Family accounts group financial information together.

Access Webster University Wi-Fi

  1. By registering for guest wireless access, you receive up to 8 hours of access. You will need to re-register when you return.
    To register follow the directions below:
    Connect to the WU Guest wireless network on your device.
  2. If you are not automatically directed to the guest wireless portal, open a web browser on your device. You should now be redirected to the portal. If you are not automatically redirected, try browsing to a web page such as www.google.com. Note: If using a Chromebook, you may see a popup at the bottom right of the screen that says, "The Wi-Fi network you are using (WU Guest) may require you to visit its logon page." If you click in that message, you should be redirected to the portal.
  3. Click on the link that says register for access here at the bottom of the page.
  4. Enter your First name, your Last name, and your Email address.
  5. Review the terms and conditions for guest wireless access.
  6. Check the box to agree to the terms and conditions.
  7. Click Register.
  8. You will be taken to an Account Created message. Here you will find your automatically generated username and password. They will also be emailed to the email address you provided in the registration process. These credentials will be valid for 8 hours only. Click Connect to be automatically connected to the WU Guest network. Should you become disconnected within the 8-hour window, you can log on again at the main guest wireless portal with these credentials.

Email

Email communications will go to the primary account holder listed on your online account. Email can come from various staff members of the Community Music School, or it may come through our email server through Emma. CMS makes every effort not to spam your mailbox so please do not unsubscribe from Emma. Emails sent to CMS families include the monthly C-Blast, concert announcements and special events, school closures, and other important school information.

CMS on Social Media

CMS Monthly Newsletter (the C-Blast)

Read about school news, updates, musical performances, student and faculty accomplishments, interesting musical articles, and special offers to CMS students! The C-Blast is emailed to families once a month. You are automatically enrolled for the C-Blast when a student is registered. If a family does not receive the C-Blast, contact CMS to be added to the mailing list or sign up directly here.

CMS Bulletin Boards and Digital Signage

Check out the bulletin boards and any digital signage at all the CMS branches for news, events, reminders and instruments for sale. All flyers on bulletin boards must be approved by the CMS before being posted.

CMS Website

The CMS website has detailed information regarding CMS programs. Explore all the program options we have to offer!

We want to hear from you!

Send student accomplishments, and musical happenings to the CMS by email to cms@webster.edu. CMS will do its best to recognize all students, especially in the monthly C-Blast. When emailing happenings to CMS include a student’s name, instrument, teacher/orchestra/ensemble, and details of the accomplishment or happening.

All students are charged a $30 non-refundable registration fee once every academic year, due each Summer semester thereafter. There is no registration fee for early childhood programs or summer camps.

Lesson Tuition

Lesson tuition is billed based on the length of the lesson (30-, 45-, or 60-minutes) and the number of lessons in the semester. Fall and Spring Semesters are 18 weeks, summer semester is 6 weeks. Students who register after the start of the semester/session will pay tuition pro-rated for the number of lessons remaining in that term. Tuition is due the first of the subsequent month after the student is registered.

Tuition for Group Classes, Orchestras, Ensembles, Chamber Music Programs

Tuition for group classes, orchestras, and ensembles, are billed at the beginning of each semester and chamber music programs are billed at the beginning of each rotation.

Tuition for Early Childhood Programs and Summer Camps

Early childhood and summer programs tuition is due at registration. Registration is not complete for early childhood classes or summer programs until payment is received.

All bills/invoices will be emailed at the time of registration.

  • Payment can be made online directly from the email invoice.
  • Payments cannot be taken over the phone.
  • There is a 3% service fee per credit card transaction. Service fees are non-refundable.
  • There is a 1% service fee per e-check transaction. Service fees are non-refundable.
  • Early childhood classes and summer camp bills should be paid in full at the time of registration.
  • If you need a hard copy, you may download and print from the email, or contact the main office and we will print one for you.

Other Tuition Payment Options

Check or Money Order

Bills paid by check or money order may be mailed to the address below. Payments by check or money order must include a printed copy of the tuition statement or marked in the memo line of the check with the primary ID number found at the top of your tuition statement.

Webster University
P.O. Box 191165
St. Louis, MO 63119-7165

  • Tuition and fees can be broken up over monthly payments. Failure to maintain a schedule of monthly payments may result in cancellation of lessons/classes/rehearsals.
  • A payment plan can be set up online. There is a $30 deposit to set-up the payment plan.
  • There is a $25.00 fee for returned checks. If a check is returned, reimbursement must be made by money order or cash.
  • Tuition from the previous semester must be paid in full before students may register for the following semester.
  • Members of orchestras or ensembles with unpaid balances from previous academic years for any CMS program must pay in full prior to auditions or they will not be able to audition.
  • Members of orchestras or ensembles with unpaid Fall balance must pay in full prior to the first Spring semester rehearsal or they will not be able to participate.
  • The Community Music School reserves the right to require those students with a history of delinquent payments to go into a “pre-payment” status, in which the student must pay IN FULL for the entire semester and any past due balances before enrollment may continue.
  • Communications from the University Business Office are separate from those sent by CMS.

Tuition Assistance

  • Need-based tuition assistance based on total household income is available to cover partial tuition expenses for students demonstrating financial need.
  • Tuition assistance is awarded for individual lessons, classes, orchestra programs (ex: YPSO, YPCO), ensembles, chamber music programs, and Summer Programs.
  • Assistance can be awarded for the Summer, Fall and Spring Semesters.
  • Tuition assistance is not retroactive; students must pay in full for any lessons or classes scheduled before a financial assistance award is granted.
  • If a student accepts tuition assistance no further discounts apply.
  • Contact the CMS office to apply.

Endangered Instrument Award

  • Pre-college students new to CMS who wish to study viola, double bass, oboe, bassoon, horn, trombone, tuba, or harp may apply for the Endangered Instrument Award. This award may be granted for the Fall or Spring semester. The award can be given for individual lessons, orchestras, ensembles chamber music programs, and summer programs.
  • Students who receive the award for individual lessons may receive 50% off the tuition for 30-minute lessons and must audition for and, if accepted, take part in a CMS ensemble.
  • Students new to CMS ensembles may receive 50% off ensemble tuition if accepted into an orchestra, ensembles, and chamber music programs. Award recipients are not required to take individual lessons through CMS.
  • Contact the CMS office to apply.

Family, Multiple Instrument, and Orchestra Discounts

  • A family discount is available when there are two or more siblings enrolled in individual lessons. A discount of 10% is applied to all individual lessons except the one with the highest tuition charge.
  • A second instrument discount is available to students enrolled in individual lessons on more than one instrument. A 10% discount is applied to all but the highest tuition charge.
  • An orchestra discount is available to students enrolled in individual lessons that are accepted into a CMS orchestra or ensemble. A 10% discount is applied to the orchestra/ensemble tuition.

Artistic Merit Scholarship

  • Artistic Merit Scholarships are awarded annually in the spring by audition to exceptional pre-college age students who have been recommended by their teacher and have completed at least one 18 week-semester of individual lessons at CMS.
  • Scholarship awards are applied to student’s tuition for the following academic year.
  • Please discuss with your instructor to learn more and apply.

  • 1925 Edna Lieber establishes the Community Music School with faculty from the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. Alice Gerdine acted as the school’s Board President through the 1930s.
  • 1974 The Community Music School merges with the St. Louis Institute of Music, an accredited Junior College of Music, to form the Saint Louis Conservatory and Schools for the Arts (CASA). This added the Suzuki Strings Program which started in 1973. The CASA headquarters was in the former Shaare Emeth Temple offering classes in music, dance, theater, and visual arts.
  • 1978 The String Training Orchestra (under the direction of Mary Lou Gotman) and Young People’s Orchestra (directed by Henry Loew) are founded.
  • 1990 The String Training Ensemble (later named the String Ensemble) is formed from the String Training Orchestra (which is then renamed String Orchestra).
  • 1993 Kindermusik® program is established.
  • 1994 CASA merges with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra to become the Saint Louis Symphony Community Music School.
  • 1996 The Webster Groves branch at Webster University opens. The Percussion Ensemble is formed. The St. Louis Children’s Choirs become the Saint Louis Symphony Children’s Choirs (1996-2001).
  • 1998 Pre-College Music Preparatory (PREP) Program is founded (1998-1999 and 2002-present).
  • 1999 The Leon R. Strauss Center for Music in Faust Park opens after extensive renovations to the Faust Mansion.
  • 2001 The school joins with Webster University and becomes the Community Music School of Webster University.
  • 2003 Arden and Harry Fisher Young Composers Competition founded.
  • 2006 The Community Music School’s headquarters moves to a new facility on the Webster University campus.
  • 2007 Old Orchard Center location opens.
  • 2010 The After School Music Program is initiated with St. Louis Public Schools at McKinley Classical Leadership Academy.
  • 2013 Kindermusik Academy of St. Louis joins the CMS early childhood music education program.
  • 2014 Explore Music! is initiated with Explore Music! Brazil and Explore Music! India.
  • 2020 Artist Presentation Society initiates a scholarship for two CMS students who are featured on an APS recital.

The Community Music School of Webster University will be known nationally as an exceptional music education institution with a reputation based on the talents and accomplishments of its students and outstanding faculty.

A culturally diverse CMS student population will represent all ages, abilities, and economic backgrounds drawn by a common love of music, a wide range of high-quality programs, and outstanding performance opportunities. The CMS will be a truly musical community where relationships are developed within a supportive environment of rich musical experiences. Integral to a thriving and accomplished arts program nurtured by Webster University, the CMS will benefit from strong relationships with both academic and professional faculty, insightful community stewardship, growing annual and endowed funding, and access to quality education and performance facilities.

National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The Community Music School of Webster University is an accredited institutional member of NASM — an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges and universities with approximately 639 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees, and other credentials for music and music-related disciplines and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other music-related endeavors.

The National Guild for Community Arts Education includes over 450 schools across the country. To be a member of the Guild, the CMS must meet stringent criteria, such as offering financial assistance and talent-based merit scholarships and setting high standards for our faculty.

Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts. CMS shares the CMS Center with the Webster University Department of Music, and CMS students enjoy many campus privileges, including the use of the Webster University library, and free access to some Department of Music programs, like masterclasses and concerts.

Chamber Project Saint Louis. In 2019, the Community Music School of Webster University partnered with Chamber Project Saint Louis to be the resident ensemble for the Young Composers Competition.

The St. Louis Public School District and the Community Music School of Webster University have partnered to offer individual lessons after school for students at McKinley Classical Leadership Academy.

Your support helps ensure that we continue to inspire an increasing number of people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, and financial circumstances to shape their lives through the joy of music education and performance.

Please consider making a contribution to support the Community Music School’s continued commitment to education and excellence and demonstrate your personal commitment to the arts.

Interested in donating to a specific program or scholarship? Please contact the CMS Director to designate your gift. You may also visit webster.edu/cms-giving.

Individual Lessons | Suzuki Program | Group Classes Policies

Students enrolling for individual lessons should not be studying with another individual instructor on the same instrument.

  • Students and/or parents have the responsibility of communicating with their teacher if an instructional, scheduling, or other problem arises. If the problem cannot be solved, the student and/or parent should contact the school office.
  • Students must make every effort to be on time for all lessons and classes. All lessons/classes will end at the scheduled time. Faculty will wait for a student for one-third of the scheduled lesson time; students are asked to do the same in the event of a teacher’s late arrival. Arrival past that time will be considered a missed lesson.
  • Students taking individual lessons who wish to change teachers must first notify and/or discuss any issues with their current teacher and make an effort to mutually resolve any problems. If a resolution is not found, contact the Assistant Director for approval to switch.
  • In order to ensure that student performances and audition experiences are positive and educational for each student, CMS recommends that students registered for individual lessons consult with and receive approval from their individual lesson teacher prior to initiating these activities.

New Students

  • Prospective students and/or parents should complete the inquiry form online and if available, attend an in-person or virtual registration session. Care is taken in pairing students with instructors. A student’s background, personality, personal motivation, and goals, as well as specific needs or requirements are carefully considered before a teacher is suggested. Our staff assesses these criteria to better ensure that the student is placed with the most appropriate instructor and will progress and thrive in his or her musical studies.
  • Registration is completed by discussing CMS policies and signifying acceptance. Students will be given the teacher’s name, plus the day, time, and location of the lessons. This information will appear on the emailed invoice.
  • Students are enrolled and charged for the entire semester or session. Students who register after the beginning of the semester are enrolled and charged for the remaining weeks in the semester. Regular attendance at all lessons/classes for the semester is expected.

Returning Students

  • Returning students will automatically be enrolled in the following semester unless a drop form is completed, or the information is communicated to the CMS office in writing.
  • Student account balances must be paid in full before they can register for new or continuing programs. Students with an outstanding account balance cannot be guaranteed their place on a teacher’s schedule, nor can they receive lessons until the previous semester’s balance is paid in full. Students with a history of late or non-payment may be required to pay in full for the next semester before enrollment may continue.
  • Returning students must consult with their teachers about lesson times and length of lesson.
  • Invoices will be emailed upon registration.

Waiting List

  • If it is not possible to place students with an appropriate teacher/class during registration, students may be placed on a waiting list for that instrument or class.
  • If an opening occurs for that instrument or the minimum enrollment for a class is obtained, students on the waiting list will be called to determine their interest in completing registration.

  • For the safety of our community, we ask that all students who are sick stay home so as not to expose instructors and other students to illness. An instructor can dismiss any student from a lesson, rehearsal, or class due to illness. The lesson will not be made up.
  • If a student misses a scheduled lesson, no make-up will be arranged, unless it is a long-term absence.
  • Students who are unable to attend lessons due to a long-term (three or more consecutive weeks) medical issue may receive a credit or refund for lessons missed. A physician’s note is required within the relative semester.
  • Students/Parents for all programs must contact the student’s instructor and the CMS office if they miss a lesson.
  • If the instructor cancels an individual lesson, a rescheduled make-up lesson will be offered. Instructors are only required to offer two reasonable make-up date alternatives. Reasonable make-up date alternatives may be online lessons.
  • If a student cancels an agreed-upon make-up individual lesson, it will not be rescheduled or refunded.
  • Students may miss one individual lesson per semester due to religious observances. One-week notification to the instructor is required.
  • If the CMS closes for inclement weather or any other unforeseeable circumstance for safety considerations, lessons will not be made up and no reimbursement will be made.
  • To best serve the musical needs of its students, CMS reserves the right to dismiss any student because of lack of interest or progress, frequent unexcused absences (three or more lessons), frequent tardiness, disruptive behavior, delinquency in payment of tuition, and/or failure to abide by policies by students or parents.

  • Students must contact the CMS Assistant Director to cancel lessons. (Contacting the instructor is not sufficient.)
  • Students that withdraw 24 hours or more before the first lesson will forfeit the $30 registration fee.
  • Students that withdraw anytime between the day of their first lesson and the end of the 6th week of the fall and spring semester, will be billed for the lessons attended from the time of enrollment, the $30 registration fee, and a $125 cancellation fee.
  • There are no refunds for students that cancel lessons after the 6th week of the fall and spring semesters. If a student cancels after the 6th week the students will be charged and responsible for the full semester tuition and any applicable fees and interest charges.
  • During the summer semester, withdrawals between the day of the first lesson and the end of the 2nd week of the summer semester will be billed for the lessons from the time of enrollment, the $30 registration fee, and a $50 cancellation fee. There are no refunds after the 2nd week of the summer semester.
  • Tuition for group classes is not refundable unless classes are canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
  • Credit card and e-check service fees are non-refundable.

School Recitals

CMS encourages students to participate in the rich musical life of our community as performers and audience members.
School recitals are held regularly during the fall and spring semesters at the school’s main location on the Webster University campus. Upon teacher recommendation, students perform for other students, families, and friends in a semi-formal format. Accompanists are provided by the school for school recitals and must be arranged by the student’s teacher. Accompanists must receive the music no less than 3 weeks prior to the performance.

If a student is scheduled to perform on a recital, the student’s teacher will review appropriate performance behavior such as taking bows, acknowledging the audience and accompanist, and entering and exiting the stage with the student. Recital attire may be semi-casual to semi-formal and should be clean, appropriate to the occasion, and allow students to perform without restriction. Jeans, shorts and flip-flops are discouraged.

Studio Recitals

CMS faculty members may choose to hold a recital for their individual students in their studio. These recitals allow students to hear other students playing the same instrument. Teachers will inform students when these recitals are scheduled. Accompanists are not provided by CMS.

Orchestras and Ensembles Policies

The Community Music School of Webster University Orchestras and Ensembles support and enhance students’ individual lessons and school music programs. Students must be enrolled in their school band or orchestra program. This policy is waived only when no orchestra or band program exists or with written permission from the relative band or orchestra director.

Students should never bring electronic devices (phones, tablets, etc.) onstage during rehearsals.

  • For the safety of our community, we ask that all students who are sick stay home so as not to expose instructors and other students to illness. An instructor can dismiss any student from rehearsal due to illness. The rehearsal will not be made up.
  • If a student misses a scheduled rehearsal, no make-up will be arranged, unless it is a long-term absence. (See below).
  • Students who are unable to attend rehearsals due to a long-term (three or more consecutive weeks) medical issue may receive a credit or refund for rehearsals missed. A physician’s note is required within the relative semester.
  • When you join an orchestra program, you recognize that attendance is vital to the group. Being present, prepared and attentive is the responsibility of every musician. When you miss rehearsal, you are missed by the conductor and the entire group.
  • Please plan to arrive for rehearsal at the time requested by the conductor. This will allow for unpacking your instrument, tuning and a quick hello to your stand partner. Be focused and ready when the conductor begins.
  • CMS orchestras rehearse once a week, for an entire school year. Orchestra members must make a commitment to attend rehearsals every week. Please carefully consider your student and family schedule to determine whether a student is able to commit to the rehearsal and concert schedule.
  • If a student must miss rehearsal, arrive late, or leave early, the Ensembles Representative must be notified as soon as possible by email. For a last-minute absence, please call the Ensembles Representative at 314-246-4450 or the main phone line at 314-968-5939.
  • If a student can only attend part of a rehearsal, that is still preferable to missing the entire rehearsal. If a student misses a rehearsal, it is the student’s responsibility to contact another ensemble member to get rehearsal notes and practice assignments.
  • Rehearsal habits make an impression on conductors, and that impression can influence future decisions about leadership and participation.

Action plan for absences

  • Three (3) absences in one orchestral cycle — conference with the parent, Ensembles Representative, and the conductor (when available).
  • Four (4) absences in one orchestral cycle — the Ensembles Representative will send a reminder email that the student needs to attend all further rehearsals.
  • Five (5) absences in one orchestral cycle — further student participation is solely at the discretion of the conductor.

  • Acceptance into an orchestra or ensemble requires a commitment for the full 30-week academic year.
  • Any accepted student who decides not to participate must notify the Community Music School in writing before the first rehearsal for no fees to be assessed. You may email your notification to the Ensembles Representative.
  • If withdrawal notification is received after the first rehearsal but prior to the 4th rehearsal of the CMS fall semester, students are billed the $30 registration fee and a $125 withdrawal fee.
  • If withdrawal notification is received after the 4th rehearsal of fall semester, students will be charged and responsible for the fall semester tuition and the $30 registration fee.
  • If a student does not continue into the second semester, a $125 withdrawal fee will be charged if notified before the first rehearsal of the spring semester.
  • If notification is made after the 4th rehearsal of the CMS spring semester, students will be charged and responsible for the spring tuition and any applicable interest charges.
  • Credit card and e-check service fees are non-refundable.

Part of being a good performer is looking like a good performer so please make sure you dress carefully and appropriately for concerts, taking care to look neat, tidy and professional before you step onto the stage.

YPSO/YPCO/YPOP

  • Option 1: All black -dresses, dressy slacks and blouse, or longer skirts and blouse. Shoulders should be covered. Black dressy shoes.
  • Option 2: Black shirt, black pants and jacket, black dress shoes and socks, and long black tie.

String Orchestra/String Ensemble

  • Option 1: White top or blouse with sleeves, black longer skirt or black dressy pants. Black dressy shoes.
  • Option 2: White shirt, long dark tie, black pants, black shoes and black socks. No white shoes or socks.

Early Childhood and Beginner Classes Policies

Payment must be received for registration to be complete.

Payment

All registrations are online. Payment may be made online at the time of registration. A 3% service fee applies to credit card transactions. Payment may also be made by e-check (1% fee). Please include the primary id in the memo section of the e-check. Remember: Registration is not confirmed until payment is received. Cash and check payments are only accepted at the CMS Center in Webster Groves or by mail at:

Webster University
P.O. Box 191165
St. Louis, MO 63119-7165

Payment Plan

Please contact the CMS office to discuss a payment plan.

  • If a teacher misses a class, a make-up class will be scheduled. These make-up classes are normally scheduled after the last class of the semester.
  • If a child misses a class due to illness or family emergency, arrangements may be made to make up that class at another time by attending another class with your teacher.
  • If the class you would like to visit is too full and additional children and adults will negatively impact the educational value for the families already enrolled in that class, the Community Music School reserves the right to deny a family requesting a make-up class at their discretion. In that case, you will be offered an alternative.
  • We ask that families be respectful of the make-up class policy and use it only as needed. This policy is to be used for illness or genuine family emergencies, and not for cases where a family chooses another activity or family function over their scheduled class time. Make-up classes are generally limited to three per semester.
  • Make-up classes are not provided when inclement weather or any other unforeseeable circumstances force the closing of a location for safety considerations.

  • If a teacher misses a class, a make-up class will be scheduled. These make-up classes are normally scheduled after the last class of the semester.
  • If a child misses a class due to illness or family emergency, please notify your teacher and they will send you an explanation of the lesson and the pieces assigned. Excessive absences will cause your student to fall behind and jeopardize graduation to the next level so please make every effort to attend.
  • Make-up classes are not provided when inclement weather or any other unforeseeable circumstances force the closing of a location for safety considerations.
  • Please choose your day and time carefully. No changes can be accommodated due to seasonal sports.

  • Registrations canceled 4 weeks or more before the start of classes will receive a full refund.
  • Registrations canceled 3 weeks or less before the start of classes will be charged a $50.00 withdrawal fee.
  • There are no refunds after the 3rd week of classes.
  • There are no refunds for opened class materials.
  • Credit card and e-check service fees are non-refundable