Parent Resources/FAQs

Can I register online? 

Online registration is available for group classes and ensembles. Registration for private lessons is only open over the phone or in-person at the McIntosh Goodrich location. Please start an online inquiry to receive more information about private lessons.

What if I need to miss a lesson or class session?

The Conservatory has a no make-up policy for lessons and classes missed by the student. 

Can I have a trial lesson before committing to lessons?

While we do not offer single trial lessons, the Conservatory offers 6-week New Student packages as trial periods for private lesson students.

Can I sign up for another 6-week New Student package?

Students may register for one 6-week package per instrument.

When can I start lessons?

We accept registrations on a rolling basis during the year. Students can start lessons as soon as a week from their registration date.

What is the cost of the lessons? 

Lessons start at $41 for 30 minutes and may vary depending on the instrument or instructor. Lessons at the McIntosh|Goodrich location include $1 per lesson for our Historical Preservation fee. Students should expect to pay around $1400 for a year of 30-minute private lessons. 

When is my tuition payment due? When will I receive the bill?  

Payment for private lessons, classes, and ensembles is due on the first meeting date of the school year.  

How much are the registration fees? 

The annual registration fee is $45 and is due once per year per family on the first day of lessons. This amount is prorated to $40 for new enrollments during the Spring term and $25 for new enrollments during the Summer term.  

Will the registration fee be refunded if I am on the waitlist for a class and don't get in? 

The registration fee can be refunded if you cannot enroll in an activity. 

Why was I charged a late fee?  

Late fees of $15 will automatically accrue once a month on overdue amounts. 

Do you offer scholarships? 

Through the generous financial support of our donors, the Conservatory annually awards merit scholarships to new and current students. These merit scholarships reward accomplishment and effort and encourage students to further their musical skills. Scholarship auditions are held once per year during the Spring, and awards go toward the following academic year. Information about Scholarship auditions will be communicated to Conservatory students and families by their instructor during the Fall. 

Do you offer tuition assistance?  

Through the generous financial support of our donors, full and partial need-based tuition assistance is available to individuals and families requiring financial support in pursuit of their music education. Applications for tuition assistance are due by April 1st each year and should be submitted online via the Conservatory website. All students or families who wish to receive tuition assistance must apply yearly, whether or not they received awards during previous academic years. The Conservatory will communicate award amounts to students during the Summer term. 

Do you offer payment plans? 

Payment plans are available by contacting Student Services. Automated payments are charged on the first day of each month the student is enrolled. If a non-automated payment plan is deemed necessary, the first charge will include a $15 payment plan installment fee. 

Do you offer discounts? 

Students already enrolled in private lessons at WCM will receive $75 off class and ensemble registrations.

The second and third family members to enroll in private lessons receive a 5% discount on their tuition.  

Additional family members beyond the third private lesson enrollment receive a 10% discount on their tuition.  

Seniors over the age of 62 receive a 10% discount on their tuition. 

What should I expect at my first lesson? 

Your instructor will meet you at the first lesson to discuss goals, expectations, and answer any questions you may have. We recommend bringing your instrument (if applicable), a pencil, and books or sheet music of music you have been working on to demonstrate your current level of playing.  

What should I bring to my lessons? 

Students should bring their instrument, any related equipment (cork grease, reeds, rosin, shoulder rests, etc.), pencils, metronomes, sheet music, and any other equipment that instructors have communicated is necessary. 

Do I need any experience to take lessons? 

You do not need to have any musical experience to start lessons. 

How long will it take me to get good at my instrument? 

Everyone learns at their own pace, and that is ok! Regular practice on your own will help you solidify the concepts taught in your lessons so that you can continue moving forward in your lessons. 

Can I practice on my own at the Conservatory? 

During our open hours, Conservatory students have free access to practice rooms at the McIntosh|Goodrich location. Practice rooms are available through Student Services on a drop-in, first-come, first-serve basis. Practice rooms are available to rent for $15 an hour for non-Conservatory students. 

How old does my child need to be to play an instrument? 

We recommend that students under four years begin with our Early Childhood music programs. The recommended age to start other instruments are as follows: 

• Piano: 4+ 
• Violin, viola, or cello: 4+ 
• Guitar: 6+ 
• Percussion: 6+ 
• Woodwinds/Brass: 8+ 
• Voice: 12+ 

Can adults take lessons? 

The Conservatory offers lessons to students of all ages. There is always time to start learning!

Do you offer lessons in other languages? 

Yes—submit an inquiry to Student Services to learn more! 

How long are the lessons?  

We offer lessons of 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes in length at a regular time each week.   

Can I take multiple lessons per week? 

Students who wish to take multiple weekly lessons may do so based on instructor availability.  

Can I take lessons every other week/once per month? 

Students under eighteen must take weekly lessons throughout the school year. The availability of irregular lesson schedules for adult students is limited, and students should discuss any needed changes to their lesson schedules with their private lesson instructors. 

If I am placed on the waitlist, how long will I have to wait?  

Private lesson availability depends on multiple factors such as location, time, student age, and day of the week. Student Services reviews the waitlist regularly to reach out to students when openings are available. Flexibility in your preferred locations and times will increase the chances of being moved off the waitlist and into an instructor’s studio.  

What performance opportunities are available at the Conservatory? 

The Conservatory provides numerous performance opportunities throughout the year: 

• Studio recitals 
• Ensemble and group class recitals and performances 
• Music Hours in the McIntosh Goodrich Mansion’s Helen Bader Recital Hall  
• Online Music Hours 

Students are encouraged to talk to their instructors to learn more about performance opportunities.  

Conservatory students may also use the Helen Bader Recital Hall to present solo recitals or performances. Requests for this space should be sent to info@wcmusic.org and submitted at least a month in advance. 

Can I change to another instructor? 

Students must submit a request to Student Services if they would like to change instructors. 

How do I withdraw from my lessons or classes? 

Withdrawal requests must be submitted via email to Student Services by the student or family with two weeks' notice. The Conservatory will refund the student for any lessons remaining beyond the following two weeks, minus fees. 

Students must submit a request to Student Services if they choose to withdraw from a group class. 

• Should the student request a withdrawal before the first class session, 100% of the tuition will be refundable. 
• After the first session of the class, 75% of the tuition will be refundable.  
• After the second session, 50% of the tuition will be refundable.  
• After the third session, 25% of the tuition will be refundable.  
• After the fourth session, 0% of the tuition will be refundable. 
• Please note that the registration fee is nonrefundable. 

I’ve been locked out of my account. How do I get back in? 

Please select “Forgot Username” or “Forgot Password” at the bottom of the login screen to receive a reset email. If you do not receive an email after doing so, please call 414-276-5760 extension #1 or email info@wcmusic.org for assistance. 

Can my child enroll in a class above their age group? 

For the best experience for all students, we ask that children enroll for their appropriate age group.  

Can I bring my child’s siblings to their class? 

Siblings can sit in on classes if enrolled in their own Early Childhood class. 

Do I need to be present during my child’s class? 

A care provider must accompany children in all Early Childhood classes through Toddlers level. For Preschool classes, a care provider is required to attend the first few sessions only. 

Do you offer sample classes? 

We occasionally offer sample classes for our Early Childhood music programs. To find upcoming opportunities, check the Events page on our website and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

Where can I get an instrument? Do I have to buy an instrument? 

Instruments are available to rent from local music stores. WCM students receive a discounted rate on instrument rentals from Music & Arts. 

Students of any age and level of experience may apply to receive an instrument free of cost via the Instrument Aid application form on the Conservatory's website. When an instrument becomes available, the Conservatory will offer it to a student on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please note that the Conservatory is not responsible for repairs or additional equipment, including cases, after placing the instrument with a student. 

Do you sell or rent instruments?  

The Conservatory does not sell or rent instruments. 

Do you repair instruments? 

The Conservatory does not repair instruments. 

Can I donate a used instrument? 

The Conservatory accepts donations of certain used instruments. To donate an instrument, you can bring it to our Downtown location or Music & Arts and fill out a donation form. Click here to see a list of instruments we can accept.

Can I donate a piano? 

For piano donation inquiries, please contact us using this form.

Can I donate sheet music? 

We are not accepting sheet music donations at this time. 

Can I donate compact discs, cassettes, 8-tracks, or records?

We are not accepting these items at this time.

How is my customer data stored? 

The Conservatory may record the following information about students, including but not limited to their full name; adult family member's full name; contact information; instrument played; school attended; grade level; age and birth date; and any other information determined to be related to a student’s participation in a music institution.   

Will photos or videos be taken of my child in their class? 

The Conservatory may use images or photographs of students in marketing and other promotional materials (both printed and electronic media). Enrollment at the Conservatory, and the policies listed in our Student & Family Handbook, entitles the Conservatory to use images of students and family members for promotional materials without additional written consent.  To opt out of Press Image Consent, please log in to your WCM ActiveNet account and update your preferences. 

Where can I park? 

Audubon Court: 

Parking is available on the drive around the building. Two accessible parking spots are available to the right of the Conservatory entrance. 

McIntosh Goodrich Mansion: 

To access the parking lot behind the McIntosh|Goodrich Mansion, pass the circle drive in front of the building and turn into the driveway. Please enter the building by following the pathway on the left side. Accessible parking is available behind the building via the ground floor entrance. 

Parking at this location is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Additional parking is available on the street and at McKinley Marina. 

The front circle drive is a fire lane and is available for pick-up, drop-off, and emergencies only. 

Wilson Center: 

Parking is available directly in front of the building. 

Can I work at the Conservatory? 

Employment opportunities at the Conservatory can be found on our Employment @ WCM page.

Can I volunteer at the Conservatory? 

Please contact us here or email info@wcmusic.org to inquire about volunteer opportunities. 

Can I rent Conservatory space for my event or performance? 

Looking for a unique venue in downtown Milwaukee? The McIntosh Goodrich Mansion is available for everything from board meetings to bridal and baby showers, as well as birthday celebrations for all ages. Contact us to learn more about hosting your private event in this historic setting.

Can I rent a parking space? 

The Conservatory does not rent parking spaces. 

Can I hire Conservatory faculty to perform at my event? 

Please reach out to info@wcmusic.org for inquiries regarding community performances. 

My relative studied at the Conservatory. Do you have records of their time here? 

Maybe! Please reach out to info@wcmusic.org with the information you are looking for. 

Do you offer tours of the McIntosh Goodrich Mansion? 

We are a landmark on the annual Doors Open Milwaukee list and will be open to public tours during this time. All tours outside of this date are self-guided and may be taken only during WCM working hours. 

Do you offer programs in schools and organizations? 

Yes, and we are always looking for new opportunities for community partnerships and performances! Please contact info@wcmusic.org or submit a contact form here.

Are you open on holidays? 

The Conservatory is closed on the following holidays: 

• Martin Luther King Day  
• Memorial Day  
• Independence Day  
• Labor Day  

The Conservatory also takes extended breaks for the Thanksgiving holiday and Winter holidays. These dates are subject to change from year to year, and the Conservatory will notify all enrolled students and families of closures via email. 

Is the Conservatory accessible? 

Accessible parking is available at all three Conservatory locations. The McIntosh|Goodrich location offers accessible entry from the parking lot and elevator access to all floors. 

My question isn’t covered here. Who can I talk to?  

Please contact Student Services at 414-276-5760, or email info@wcmusic.org.