Private Instruction Program

The Lawrenceville School Music Department offers individual instruction on a variety of instruments. Private music lessons are offered as an extracurricular activity. Fees are billed by the Comptroller’s Office.

Instruction
We have instructors for the following instruments: piano, organ, harp, violin, viola, cello, double bass, bass guitar, guitar, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba, saxophone, percussion, voice, composition (by selection), and conducting (by interview and audition).

Schedule
Lessons are scheduled during the academic day and each lesson meets once a week for 45 minutes. We encourage students to begin lessons in the fall term; however, special arrangements can be made to begin lessons in the winter or spring term. Students are required to take eight (8) lessons per term, except for circumstances when only six or seven lessons can be scheduled.

Fee and Billing
The cost averages $400 per term for eight (8) weekly lessons (occasionally the term only allows for 6 or 7 lessons). There may be additional charges for music purchases, instrument rental or instrument repair fees. Parents are billed directly by the Comptroller’s Office. All music related charges appear as a separate line item on your Student Billing Tuition Statement. An initial charge for the term will be billed at the end of each term. Adjustments for excused absences or additional lessons will be reflected on the subsequent statement. Any questions regarding these charges should be directed to Colette Burns in the Performing Arts Department.

Cancellation/Late Withdrawal
For the current term: If the student wishes to discontinue lessons, the student or parent must notify the instructor AND Music Office as soon as possible. If cancellation occurs after the third scheduled lesson, you will be charged for the full term. If you cancel before the third lesson, you will only be charged for the first two (or three) lessons.

Subsequent term: When you register for lessons in the fall or winter term, you are automatically enrolled for the academic year. If the student wishes to discontinue lessons in the following term, the student or parent must notify the instructor AND the Music Department at the end of the current term.
Full fee for the term will be charged if:

Attendance
Students are expected to attend every scheduled lesson. A Private Instruction Lesson Schedule will be provided at the first lesson. Attendance for music lessons is considered an “academic obligation”. If the student knows in advance of any school-related activities or medical/dental appointments, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the teacher in advance to cancel and reschedule the lesson.

Parents are charged for unexcused absences. If a student has three (3) unexcused absences, the Music Department may drop the student from the program.

To Enroll
The student needs to complete the Registration section and the parent must sign the Permission section of the Registration And Permission for Private Instruction Program form before lessons can be scheduled. The deadline for registration is two weeks before the first day of each term. Once registered, the student is automatically enrolled in the program for the academic year.

Contact
Students must always contact the instructor for rescheduling and cancellations. Instructors will provide contact information at the first meeting. If you have questions regarding charges or have concerns about music instructions, please contact:

Colette Burns
Private Instruction Program Coordinator
(609) 896-0779
cburns@lawrenceville.org

Kevin D. Smith
Director of Instrumental Studies
kdsmith@lawrenceville.org

Robert E. Palmer
Director of Music
rpalmer@lawrenceville.org

John Petrucelli
Director of Jazz
(609) 620-6095
jpetrucelli@lawrenceville.org