FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
- What ages does BMS serve?
- We believe in a vibrant music education for all and serve ages newborn to adult!
- Early Childhood Classes: newborns – age 4
- Young Children’s Classes: ages 4 – 8
- Movement & Dance: ages 4 – 8
- Private Lessons: ages 6+
- Performing Ensembles: ages 8+
- What types of classes do you offer?
- Early Childhood: caregiver-assisted musical introductory classes, exploration of hand percussion, song, dance, and world music
- Young Children’s Classes: group piano, voice classes (Sing Like a Star & Vocal Discovery), instrument introduction (Instrument Discovery; Move, Sing, Drum!, Recorder Explorers, Ukulele Adventure, Suzuki Violin)
- Movement & Dance: ballet classes (beginner and level one), creative dance, boys dance
- Performing Ensembles: chamber music (adults & youths), jazz ensembles (adult & youth), rock bands (adult & youth)
- Adult Classes: BMS does not currently offer any adult group classes; adults are encouraged to study privately and join a performing ensemble when ready
- What classes do you offer for a 4 year old?
- Musical Adventures ages 3-4
- Move, Sing, Drum! ages 4-5
- Group Piano ages 4-7
- Sing Like a Star ages 4-6
- Suzuki Violin ages 4+
- Beginner’s Ballet ages 4-5
- Creative Dance ages 4-6
- What classes do you offer for a 5 year old?
- Move, Sing, Drum! ages 4-5
- Sing Like a Star ages 4-6
- Group Piano ages 4-7
- Instrument Discovery ages 5-6
- Suzuki Violin ages 4+
- Recorder Explorers ages 5-8
- Beginner’s Ballet ages 4-5
- Creative Dance ages 4-6
- What classes do you offer for a 6 year old?
- Sing Like a Star ages 4-6
- Group Piano ages 4-7
- Instrument Discovery ages 5-6
- Suzuki Violin ages 4+
- Recorder Explorers ages 5-8
- Ukulele Adventure ages 6-8
- Vocal Discovery ages 6-8
- Ballet ages 6-8
- Boys Dance 6-8
- Private Lessons ages 6+
- How do I enroll?
- To enroll, use the yellow “register” button at the bottom of any class page or the orange buttons at the top of ensemble pages. For private lesson enrollments, please fill out our inquiry form. To learn more, go to “Enrollment & Registration” and select either Private Lesson Registration or Group Class Registration
- Are there any prerequisites?
- Early Childhood and Young Children’s classes offer open enrollment.
- Private lesson placement does not require any prerequisite study, but some applicants may be invited to perform informally for a staff member at an enrollment meeting to better assist with teacher placement.
- Performing Ensembles require a minimum of 2 years of private study, the ability to read music, and, in some cases, a placement audition. Visit our Chamber or Jazz/Rock pages to learn more about ensemble requirements.
- Can I drop a group class if I/my child doesn’t like it?
- No, group class enrollments are final and require a commitment to the full term.
- Can I drop private lessons if I/my child doesn’t like it?
- Private lesson study includes a 3 lesson trial period. Students may request a new teacher, lesson time, or withdraw entirely any time before the 4th lesson to re-enroll with another teacher, under a new schedule, or receive a prorated refund.
- How do private lessons work?
- During the school year, students are enrolled in 16-week terms; all students are entitled one excused absence to be made up at the end of the term during our designated make-up days. Teacher absences must be made up. No more than one absence per student can be guaranteed a make-up lesson.
- During the summer, private lesson schedules are variable and tailored to the availability of both students and teachers. Staff will assist with placement and initial enrollment, and subsequent lessons are arranged directly between the student and teacher.
- Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?
- Yes, BMS is proud to offer generous financial assistance to students in need. Interested students/families should visit the Tuition Assistance page for more information.
- What is your refund policy?
- There is a $45 non-refundable registration fee, billed once per family. Refunds are otherwise prorated to account for the lessons taken. Group class refunds will only be administered if the class cannot run, and/or the student withdraws before the class begins.
- Can I schedule a tour of the school?
- Absolutely! Prospective students are welcome to come tour our school during operating hours. Our staff would be happy to show you around and discuss your musical future at BMS!
- I’d like to sign up my child for lessons. What are the steps?
Private Lesson enrollment cannot be completed independently online. Since we believe in a tailored approach, we take the time to learn each students’ goals and interests before recommending the teacher(s) that best suit the student. Please visit the Private Lesson Registration page for more information.
- Do you offer trial lessons?
- No. BMS offers a 3-lesson trial period for all students. This means that the first 3 lessons of your term are considered a trial period and you can request a teacher or time change, or withdraw completely for a prorated refund. You must inform administration at least 24 hours prior to your 4th lesson to have your request fulfilled.
- Can I add an extra lesson to my semester?
- Of course! Please confirm the added lesson with your teacher and cc [email protected] with the registration request. You will be billed for your added lesson at this time.
- I’d like to change my lesson schedule or change teachers. What are the steps?
- Beyond the 3-lesson trial period, we cannot permit mid-term changes. If you have not yet taken your 4th lesson, please call (617) 277-4593 or email [email protected] with teacher or schedule change requests.
- Can I enroll after the term has already started?
- Of course! You can enroll at any point in a term, but you must commit through the end of that term. You can always enroll late!
- Can I enroll for only a portion of the term?
- No. From the point of enrollment, you must commit through the end of the term. The only exception is the Summer Term, where enrollment is completely flexible. However, cancelling a lesson in under 24 hours notice would still count as an unexcused absence, and would therefore not be made up, rescheduled, or refunded.
- I submitted an inquiry some time ago. When should I expect a response?
- Inquiries typically receive response within 2 business days.
- Can I rent an instrument?
- BMS does have some instruments available for rent, but we largely recommend Johnson Strings for string instruments and Music & Arts for winds rentals.
- Do you offer lessons during the summer? What is the process: start date, registration etc.
- Summer lessons are available as offered by teachers; some teachers are not available during the summer, but others might be available all or part of the summer term. For this reason, schedules are agreed upon between the students and teachers directly. The summer term begins in early to mid-June. To register, please follow the steps outlined on the Private Lesson Registration page.
- Can I try a group class before committing to signing up?
- BMS offers an Open House for students to take demo classes of all of our group classes. For this reason, we do not offer singleton trial classes.
- What is the proficiency level required for lessons/classes/ensembles/
chamber? - Approximately 2 years of playing experience and the ability to read music proficiently.
- What is the tuition fee?
- All class and program tuition information can be found on our Tuition, Fees, & Aid page.
- Are there any additional costs?
- Yes, there is a once per year per family $45 registration fee.
- How do I start the process for financial aid?
- Follow the steps of the Tuition, Fees, & Aid page to apply for financial aid. You’ll need to fill out the application form and submit your most recent tax return and four of your most recent paystubs. BMS reserves the right to request additional documentation if needed to prove need for assistance.
- Are there any discounts available?
Multiple lesson discount: If there are 3 or more full-term (16) private lesson or class enrollments in the same term in a family account, a discount of 5% will be applied to the lesser priced registrations.
Early childhood sibling discount: A discount of 35% will be given to a sibling attending the same Music Play or Musical Adventure class. Prior teacher approval is required, and sibling seats are limited.
Senior citizen discount: For students 65 years and older, a discount of 5% will be given for any private lesson, class or ensemble.
- Can I attend events/salons?
- Salons, Performance Workshops and Master Classes are open to currently enrolled students only. All other events are open to the public, including Student Recitals.
- When does the semester start?
- Generally, the second week of September. Please refer to the Calendar for exact dates.
- When does the semester end?
- Generally, early June. Please refer to the Calendar for exact dates.
- What is a flex day?
- Flex Days are days when BMS is open but there are no regularly scheduled lessons or classes. These are typically holidays (Such as Rosh Hashanah, Veteran’s Day, Good Friday, Juneteenth, etc) that some, but not all students and faculty might observe. Our building remains open for make-up lessons as agreed upon by students and teachers, but there are no regularly scheduled lessons or classes. If you are unsure if you have a lesson on a Flex Day, please contact your teacher directly.
- I missed a class. What should I do?
- We cannot extend make-up classes for student absences. Please inform the teacher if you plan to miss class.
- Do you have parking?
- Kennard Road and the surrounding neighborhood offers free 2 hours parking. After 3pm, parking is also permitting in the Lincoln School circle. Students and parents are not permitted to use the BMS parking lot, it is reserved only for faculty and staff.
- Is the building accessible via elevator?
- Unfortunately, the Kennard House does not have an elevator. If you have accessibility concerns, please email [email protected] to let us know and we will arrange for an accessible studio for your lesson.
- Can I wait inside while my child attends lessons?
- Of course! BMS has seating on all floors of the Kennard House for parents and students awaiting lessons. You’re welcome to have a seat, use our communal coffee machine, and read while your child is in their lesson.