How to Get Started
Getting a Registration Form
Instrumental Lessons
Voice Lessons
Classes
Ensembles
Billing
Registration
A registration form is available 
here, by calling the Community Music School at 585.274.1400, or at our office, Suite 310 at 10 Gibbs Street. Forms should be returned to the office or mailed to Community Music School: 26 Gibbs Street, Rochester, New York, 14604.
Instrumental Lessons
Complete the registration form, including the section “Private or Buddy Lesson New Registration.” Indicate the instrument you wish to study. If you have a preference, you may request a specific teacher or simply indicate instructor (the teachers with extensive experience) or intern (new teachers or grad students at Eastman School of Music). Lesson length may be 30, 45, or 60 minutes, and may be adjusted based on time available. Please indicate as many available times as possible. Your signature is needed at both the bottom of page 1 and on the photo release on page 2. When the form is returned to the ECMS office, Howard Potter, Dean of Community and Continuing Education, will contact an appropriate teacher, who will call you to arrange a lesson time. Forms are accepted throughout the school year.
Voice Lessons
Because each voice is a unique instrument, the voice faculty prefers to hear each new student before lessons begin. Students should complete the registration form as for instrumental lessons, indicating voice as the instrument. You will be contacted for a specific 5-minute placement audition time a few weeks before the audition date. If your registration is received between audition dates, and if a teacher has an opening, he or she may contact you directly and audition you privately. Voice auditions are scheduled for Saturdays, May 24, 2008, September 6, 2008 and January 17, 2009, 10 a.m.–noon. Please note that private voice lessons are not available to children until their voices have matured, usually around the age of 14. Younger students may audition, but may be asked to wait for lessons and to audition again.
Classes
Students wishing to attend a class should complete the registration form. Classes desired should be listed under Ensemble/ Course Registration Information. Registration for all classes is open through September. After October 1, registration is limited to short term classes (8-10 weeks) or classes offered only during Spring semester. Exceptions may be made with the approval of the teacher.
Ensembles
Complete the registration form as for a class and return it to the Community Music School Office. If an audition is needed, please call the ECMS office at 585.274.1400 or contact the directly for an audition time. If no audition or approval is needed, you will be registered for the ensemble immediately.
Billing
After the office receives a registration form and confirmation from the teacher, if applicable, students are registered as requested. Bills are then printed by the University of Rochester about the 15th of the month, and are due on the 10th of the following month. You are welcome to make partial payments; however, any balance remaining unpaid after the 10th will be assessed a 1% carrying charge (late fee) per month.