This FAQ page answers commonly asked questions in regards to Hoff-Barthelson Music School and its services. If your question isn’t answered by this page, please contact us via this form here.

New to the School and interested in enrolling? Learn more here.

How do I choose a private lesson instructor for my child?

Hoff-Barthelson’s Dean, Associate Dean or Registrar meets individually with each new student and their caregiver(s) prior to enrollment and places the student with the Faculty Member whose teaching style is ideally matched to the student’s needs.

How many private lessons are there each year?

The School has two 16-week semesters and a flexible summer session. Students can enroll in lessons at any time through the year; tuition is prorated accordingly.

What is the registration process for returning students?

Re-registration invitations were e-mailed to current students on May 1, 2024, for the 2024-25 school year. Registrations received by May 23, 2024, received priority handling.

What is the registration process for new students?

Registration processes vary according to division (Early Childhood, K-12, Adult, Summer). Learn more here.

Whom do I contact if I have questions or need support with the registration process?

The fastest way to reach us is by sending an e-mail to registration@hbms.org. Please include your phone number and the best time(s) to reach you and we will be in touch as soon as possible. Alternatively, you may call the School at 914-723-1169 and leave a voicemail.

Whom do I contact if I have questions or need support with selecting a class, ensemble, club, or private instructor?

Our Deans and Registration Staff will be delighted to assist you! The fastest way to reach us is by sending an e-mail to registration@hbms.org. Please include your phone number and the best time(s) to reach you and we will be in touch as soon as possible. Alternatively, you may call the School at 914-723-1169 and leave a voicemail.

When is my tuition due? Does Hoff-Barthelson offer payment plans?

A modest tuition deposit is due at registration to begin the scheduling process. Once a student’s schedule is confirmed, you will receive an invoice for the balance of tuition. You may elect to pay for the entire year, by semester, or via our payment plan (four installments per semester; eight per year and a 1.5% interest fee charged once per invoice.).

Students registering after the beginning of the school year in September must pay for the entire year, the first semester, or enroll in the payment plan upon receipt of their tuition invoice.

Can I drop off registration information and/or payments?

Yes. If you prefer to pay by check, please bring or mail your payment to HBMS, 25 School Lane, Scarsdale, NY 10583. Please do not send cash.

What is Hoff-Barthelson’s Comprehensive Program?

Our renowned Comprehensive Programs for K-12 and Adult students pair private lessons with musicianship classes, ensemble offerings, frequent performance opportunities, progress reporting, and professional accompaniment, to provide a fully rounded education that accelerates learning and development.

To learn more about the value offered by our Comprehensive Programs, visit our our  K-12 Comprehensive Program or Adult Comprehensive Program pages.

Can I Register for Classes or Ensembles if I don’t take Private Lessons?

Yes! Students not taking private lessons at Hoff-Barthelson are invited to enroll in classes and ensembles on an a la carte basis.

Where can I find a list of classes and ensembles offered by the School?

Use the links below to view or download up-to-date listings of our 2024-25 class and ensemble offerings which includes class descriptions, meeting days and times.

Does the Music School offer financial aid?

Yes. View our Financial Aid Guidelines and download an application form here.

What does the music and materials fee cover?

Music and materials fees cover the cost of all music and materials needed for classes, lessons and ensembles. These materials are accessible to our teachers to provide to you/your children when they are needed enabling continuity in instruction and saving you the time and trouble of shopping. The fee also covers software licenses for students in our Musicianship Lab, Music Technology, and Composition classes.

Does the School offer merit-based scholarships?

Merit scholarships are offered for Festival Orchestra Program only in bass, oboe, bassoon, horn and trumpet.

Are tuition discounts available?

For Current HBMS Students

  • Moving from Group Classes to Private Lesson $200
  • Moving from Group Classes to a Private Lessons package (lesson + class or ensemble) $300

New Student Discounts – Student must be new to private instruction at HBMS in 2024-25.

  • 30-minute comprehensive package except Suzuki – $150
  • 45-minute comprehensive package except Suzuki – $175
  • 60-minute comprehensive package except Suzuki – $200
  • Suzuki package of any kind – $200

Can I keep the same lesson time next year? Is there priority registration for continuing students?

We make every effort to honor students’ requests for specific lesson times, and returning students who register by May 23, 2024, receive priority consideration. Given the many variables involved in scheduling, we cannot guarantee lesson times in advance. The best way to secure a lesson time that works best for your schedule is to register early, before faculty members’ schedules are filled.

What is Dalcroze Eurhythmics?

Swiss musician, educator and composer Émile Jaques Dalcroze developed Dalcroze Eurhythmics – also known as the Dalcroze Method – an approach to learning and teaching music through natural body movement. Underlying his methodology was the belief that at the core of the musical experience is rhythm, which is embodied in movement and gesture.

The approach encourages learning through active participation in a relaxed setting, utilizing singing, movement and improvisation. Children develop inner hearing, rhythmic sensitivity and familiarity with elementary note-reading.