CSMA Policies

We strongly encourage students to enroll one week or more prior to the course start date. Programs can fill up quickly and early registration helps us anticipate instructional needs. Registrations are processed in the order received, and students may be waitlisted due to enrollment limits. Classes which have not met minimum enrollment prior to the first meeting will be cancelled. For certain classes, enrollments may be accepted after the first meeting on a space-available basis and subject to staff and instructor approval.

Students must be registered through the CSMA office in order to participate in any class or ensemble. Full payment of tuition is due prior to the first class or ensemble meeting. The student’s place in a class or ensemble is not confirmed or guaranteed until full payment has been received.

Students may register in person, by phone, by mail, or on this website. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card.

CSMA members receive a 25% discount on all class and ensemble tuition fees. Veterans and students age 62 and older who are non-members receive a 20% discount. These discounts do not apply to private instruction.  A maximum of one discount can be applied to any class or ensemble.

Learn more about membership >>

Students withdrawing from a class or ensemble prior to 3 days before its meeting are entitled to a 90% cash refund or credit for tuition paid.  Once classes begin, no cash refunds will be given.

Withdrawal between 3 days before the 1st class and prior to the 2nd class or ensemble meeting entitles the student to a credit of 75% of the tuition paid, usable for one year.

Withdrawal prior to the 3rd class or ensemble meeting entitles the student to a credit of 50% of the tuition paid, usable for one year. No credits will be given after the 3rd class/ensemble meeting.

Please note: In the case of short-term classes or programs meeting four or fewer times, no credits will be given after the first meeting.

Membership fees are non-refundable.

For CSMA to honor the above policies, students must notify the office directly when withdrawing from a class or ensemble. Failure to attend or to complete a class does not constitute official withdrawal.

CSMA reserves the right to cancel any class or ensemble due to insufficient enrollment. Should CSMA cancel a program, for this reason, the office will notify all registered students. Students are then entitled to a full refund. Occasionally, a class or ensemble meeting may be canceled due to inclement weather, instructor illness, or other reasons. In those cases, every reasonable effort will be made to schedule a makeup session. If rescheduling is not possible, CSMA will offer a pro-rated credit or refund.

We strongly encourage students to enroll one week or more prior to the workshop start date. Workshops can fill up quickly and early registration helps us anticipate instructional needs. Registrations are processed in the order received, and students may be waitlisted due to enrollment limits. Workshops which have not met minimum enrollment two days prior to the event will be cancelled. 

Students must be registered through the CSMA office or website in order to participate in any workshop. Full payment is due prior to the workshop. The student’s place in a workshop is not confirmed or guaranteed until full payment has been received.

Students may register in person, by phone, by mail, or on this website. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card.

CSMA members receive a 25% discount on all class and ensemble tuition fees. Veterans and students age 62 and older receive a 20% discount. These discounts do not apply to private instruction.

Learn more about membership >>

Students withdrawing from a workshop prior to 3 days before its meeting are entitled to a 90% cash refund or credit for tuition paid. Once the workshop begins, no cash refunds will be given.

Withdrawal between 3 days and the start of the workshop entitles the student to a credit of 50% of the tuition paid, usable for one year.

No credits will be given after the workshop has started.

Membership fees are non-refundable.

For CSMA to honor the above policies, students must notify the office directly when withdrawing from a workshop. Failure to attend or to complete a class does not constitute official withdrawal.

CSMA reserves the right to cancel any workshop due to insufficient enrollment. Should CSMA cancel a workshop, for this reason, the office will notify all registered students. Students are then entitled to a full refund. Occasionally, a workshop may be canceled due to inclement weather, instructor illness, or other reasons. In those cases, every reasonable effort will be made to schedule a makeup workshop. If rescheduling is not possible, CSMA will offer a pro-rated credit or refund.

All ongoing private instruction students must be CSMA members, with the exception of those receiving scholarships. New students may purchase up to four lessons before becoming members.

Tuition for private lessons is charged at a per–lesson rate. Payment is made to CSMA in exchange for lesson coupons that are sent by e-mail to the instructor and student. Lesson coupons must be purchased in advance by phone, in person, or online. CSMA accepts cash, checks, or credit cards. 

Unused coupons for lessons are refundable within 2 months of purchase.

After their initial four lessons, students must give at least 2 weeks notice before terminating ongoing lessons, or give their instructor 2 lesson coupons. Failure to attend a lesson does not constitute official withdrawal.

Private instructors at CSMA may set their own policies concerning student absences and the scheduling of makeup lessons. Some teachers charge for missed lessons, and others may excuse a certain number of absences per year. Instructors also vary in their ability to schedule make up lessons. Please ask your teacher for clarification of their policies when you begin lessons or resume them after a break.

• We strongly encourage students to enroll in camps early.  Programs can fill up quickly and early registration helps us anticipate instructional needs. Registrations are processed in the order received, and students may be waitlisted due to enrollment limits. Camps which have not met minimum enrollment two weeks prior to the first meeting will be cancelled. For certain camps, enrollments may be accepted after the first meeting on a space-available basis and subject to CSMA camp staff approval.
• Students must be registered through the CSMA office in order to participate in any camp. Full payment of tuition is due prior to the first day of camp. The student’s place in a camp is not confirmed or guaranteed until full payment has been received.
• Students may register in person, by phone, by mail, or on this website. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit/debit card.
• CSMA members receive a 25% discount on all camp tuition fees.
• Learn more about our camps! >>

80% refunds will be given for camp cancellations up to 22 days prior to the camp.

50% CSMA credit will be given for camp cancellations between 11-21 days prior to the camp.

There will be no credit or refund given to camp cancellations within 10 days of the camp.

100% refunds will be given for camps that are canceled due to low enrollment. Cancellation notification will be given to families within 2 weeks of the start of the camp.

• Children who show signs of illness within 24 hours of camp will not be accepted for that day. Children must be symptom-free for at least 24 hours before returning to camp. (Illnesses include, but are not limited to: fever, runny nose, cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, rash, bathroom issues, vomiting, conjunctivitis, jaundice, aches/chills, evidence of lice or other parasitic infestation, or Covid-related symptoms.)
• When a child becomes ill or injured at camp, the guardian will be notified promptly for immediate pick up. An incident form will be given to the guardian.
• Camp staff is not able to administer medicines during camp, with the exception of epinephrine auto injectors, asthma rescue inhalers, and nebulizers (with a note from the child’s doctor, as well as correct medical information to be included on camp forms).
• No credit or refund will be given to a child who leaves camp due to sickness.
• A prorated refund will be considered for the remaining camp period if a camper becomes injured at camp and has a doctor’s note verifying the camper is medically unable to participate in camp activities. (Injuries include, but are not limited to: broken bones, serious sprains, concussions, serious cuts/lacerations, burns, joint dislocations, severe allergic reactions, severe asthma, serious eye/back injuries, serious mental health concerns, injuries needing frequent physical or occupational therapy, or severe infections.)
• 90% credit will be given to campers who submit a doctor’s note verifying sickness (listed above) prior to camp that renders them unable to participate in the camp.

• Staff will use a behavior log to record any behavioral disturbances that will be shared with the parent/guardian.
• If the staff determines that a child cannot benefit from the program, or presents a danger to themselves or others, guardians will be asked to pick up their child.
• Any camper who is violent will be asked to leave the camp. The Camp Director will decide if and when the camper may return to the camp, based on the child’s behavior.
• There will be no credit or refund for campers who have been asked to leave due to behavioral issues.

• Children must be signed in and out each day by a parent or designated adult.
• A late fee of $1/minute will be applied to families who are late in retrieving their camper.
• Late pick-up fee payments must be made within 24 hours of the tardy pick-up, after which the child may be removed from further participation in the program with no credits or refunds issued.  Payments must be made using the following link:  CSMA Late Child Retrieval Form.

The Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that is welcoming for all. 

We recognize that the arts uniquely empower the exploration and understanding of identity, and that artistic expression of diverse cultures and communities strengthens the vibrancy of our organization at every level. 

Our mission supports education, production, presentation, and enjoyment of the arts by diverse communities, groups, and individuals, inclusive of all regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, language, age, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, mental and physical ability, class, and religion. 

In conducting all CSMA business and programs, we will consistently work to develop and maintain: 

• an organization-wide understanding of the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion; 
• an organizational culture that supports, reflects, and promotes equitable and inclusive behaviors and practices; 
• recruitment and retention policies that foster diversity of our Board of Trustees, staff, faculty, and volunteers; 
• policies and procedures that ensure fair treatment, access, and opportunity at CSMA, and that prohibit acts of discrimination, bias, and harassment; 
• program offerings that include a plurality of cultures in content and artistic genres; 
• a welcoming environment and facility that offers a sense of belonging and respect for diverse identities and communities, and encourages participation by all in our programs.

Individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations by contacting CSMA’s office.

Need-based scholarships

To make CSMA as accessible as possible to everyone, we offer a limited number of scholarships to qualified students on the basis of financial need, awarded as tuition discounts. Scholarships may be used for all types of education programs at CSMA and are valid for one year from application. Click here or contact the office for details and application forms.

Senior and veteran discounts

Veterans and students age 62 and older receive a 20% discount on all class and ensemble tuition fees; these discounts cannot be used for private instruction. No application is needed; simply provide proof of age or veteran status.

Member discounts

CSMA members receive a 25% discount on all class and ensemble tuition fees. 

Learn more about membership >>

By registering yourself or your child for programs, you give CSMA permission to take photographs, recordings, or videos of you/your child as you/they participate in CSMA activities; and to use such images, recordings, and content for purposes related to CSMA’s mission, including marketing.

This permission is given without expectation of payment or other compensation at any time, and the released material shall be the property of the Community School of Music and Arts. This consent includes, but is not limited to: (a) Permission to photograph, film, interview, record, or make a video of you/your child; and (b) Permission to use, reuse, modify, or publish photographs, films, tapes, digital files, recordings, and any derivative works, in part or in whole, and in any format or media, including the internet, for purposes related to CSMA’s mission.

To opt out of the Photo, Video and Recording Release at any time, please contact the CSMA office.

To ensure your child’s safety, please pick them up promptly after their class, camp, or lesson. Children are under CSMA supervision only during the time of programs they are enrolled in. Neither teachers nor administrative staff is responsible for supervising children who are visiting or waiting on the premises outside of their instruction time.

CSMA is not responsible for personal belongings left unattended. You are responsible for your belongings at all times, and we advise keeping valuables with you if you move about the building. Belongings left unattended risk theft, and those unattended for more than 15 minutes may be removed to the nearest lost and found.

CSMA will determine and announce any weather-related closures, delays, or program cancellations.

Please check the following resources for weather-related updates:

1. CSMA website (this site)
2. Visit the CSMA Facebook page >>
3. HSC listserve posts

In addition, CSMA will attempt to contact students directly about weather-related cancellations and changes.

CSMA aligns its COVID-19 protocols and policies with current recommendations of the Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) and New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), as mandates and advisories continue to evolve.

Education programs and common use areas

CSMA encourages mask-wearing while indoors and around others, regardless of vaccination status. Masks continue to be a highly effective tool in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Students, instructors, and visitors may choose to wear a mask based on individual preference informed by level of personal risk and the identified level of community risk. CSMA continues to make free high-quality KN95 masks available, and create a respectful “mask positive” environment supporting anyone who chooses to wear a mask for any reason while at CSMA.

However, CSMA requires masks be worn properly over nose and mouth by:

• Anyone who is returning to CSMA during days 6-10 following isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, consistent with NYSDOH guidance.
• Anyone known to have been exposed to COVID-19 in any setting within the previous 10 days.
• Private instructors and students, by mutual consent, if either person expresses a strong preference for mask usage. CSMA staff will liaise such conversations as needed.

CSMA requires students, visitors, faculty and staff to get tested and quarantine at home if they develop any symptoms, as per current NYSDOH and TCHD guidance. Anyone who tests positive must follow all requirements described by NYSDOH and TCHD before returning to CSMA.

To ensure additional layers of protection, we ask everyone to continue practicing social distancing and safe hand hygiene, and urge full vaccination and boosting by all for whom it is medically appropriate. CSMA maintains its ventilation system upgrades including Merv-13 filters and UV disinfection units. 

Public gatherings and events 

In addition, CSMA may require mask usage, proof of vaccination, and/or COVID-19 testing for public gatherings and events, to be determined based on the size and nature of the event.

Updated: September 29, 2022