Whitman College Community Music School

Thank you for your interest in Whitman’s Community Music School (CMS), established to build connections with the community by providing private music lessons on our beautiful campus. 

Your cooperation with the guidelines below is appreciated and will help to ensure the longevity of this program. We’re excited to work with you. 

1. Faculty will offer lessons in blocks of 12 lessons per academic semester (no summer sessions). Lessons consist of 30- or 60-minute weekly meetings or as arranged with the instructor during the semester.
2. All fees will be paid to Whitman College via the Business Office. Faculty may not be paid directly by students. Any refunds are subject to Whitman’s refund policy and will be processed through the Business Office.
3. Lesson fees for the 2023–2024 academic year are $445 per block of twelve 30-minute lessons for CMS-enrolled students.
4. Whitman students can take CMS lessons. They will not receive credit at Whitman and will not be eligible for scholarships for the lessons through the CMS.
5. CMS students must have their own instruments for practicing and provide their own sheet music. Faculty will not provide copies of music. Students may use Whitman instruments (limited to piano, harp, organ, and percussion) in the music building when available, only during lessons.
6. Lessons will be provided in faculty offices (all classroom use is prioritized for Whitman academic use) and CMS students shall practice at home and not in Whitman practice rooms.
7. Only officially approved Whitman College music faculty may provide private lessons in Whitman facilities, through the Community Music School or otherwise.
8. Faculty will arrange to let students into the building when lessons are provided at times the building is not open to the public. Card access and keys will not be provided.
9. Faculty will maintain emergency contact information on students and will be responsible for notifying students if the college is closed due to weather or other unusual events.