Frequently Asked Questions

About Private Lessons

TUITION: School Year 2023/24 and Summer 2024 – Effective 9/3/23

30 minutes: $52.00 per lesson
45 minutes: $74.50 per lesson
60 minutes: $95.75 per lesson

Each student will need to have access to an instrument for regular home practice between their weekly lessons. Instruments can be rented from local instrument dealers for as low as $20 per month.

Here are some of our recommended instrument partners:

Steinert & Sons (piano/keyboard)
Bridges & Bows (bowed strings)
David French Music (winds and brass)
Johnson String Instrument (guitar and ukulele)
Boston Drum Center (percussion)
The Harp Connection

All of Groton Hill Music’s in-person programs will follow appropriate COVID-19 safety protocols. Learn more

Need-based scholarships are available for all of our programs. Scholarship applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Please complete the scholarship application form before enrolling, and then wait for our award confirmation, which will include instructions on how to enroll. All information provided to us is strictly confidential.

We offer a flex-schedule for private lessons to accommodate summer plans. Students may sign up for 3-9 lessons on the weeks of their choice.

In addition to attending our free ‘open house’ events in the fall and winter, you can contact us to arrange a tour of our facility. Call (978) 486-9524.

About Regional Youth Ensembles

Sinfonia Concert Orchestra (strings) – $995

Sinfonia Concert Orchestra (winds) – $400

Groton Hill Wind Ensemble – $875

Groton Hill Wind Ensemble plus Sinfonia Winds – $1125

Camerata Strings – $695

Chamber Strings – $545

Tuition for full-year ensembles can be paid in two installments. Need-based scholarships are available for all of our programs. Scholarship applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Please complete the scholarship application form before enrolling, and then wait for our award confirmation, which will include instructions on how to enroll. All information provided to us is strictly confidential.

All ensembles are by audition and placement is by playing level and age. We are holding in-person auditions on Saturday, Sept. 9th with results early the following week. If you can’t make it that day, or prefer to know your placement sooner, you are welcome to submit a video audition. Students will be notified of their audition results within two weeks of submitting the video.

Advanced winds, brass and percussion students who are members of the Groton Hill Wind Ensemble are encouraged to audition for the Sinfonia Concert Orchestra as well. If selected for both ensembles, the total tuition would be $1125 ($875 for the wind ensemble and only $250 to add the orchestra). Students would rehearse with the orchestra on Saturdays from 11am to 12pm, and the wind ensemble from 12:30pm to 2:30pm, with a 30-minute lunch break in between.

Once you have auditioned and been accepted into one of the ensembles of the Youth Orchestra or Wind Ensemble, you do not need to audition again if you plan to stay in your current ensemble.

Registration and payment of the tuition is required every year a student is a member of the ensemble.

For the Sinfonia Concert Orchestra and Groton Hill Wind Ensemble, rehearsals are extended to two hours (GHWE) and two and half hours (Sinfonia). This rehearsal time will include sectionals as well as the amazing opportunity to work with visiting guest artists who will be performing on our premier concert series. Guest artists during the 2022-2023 season included members of the Handel and Haydn Society and A Far Cry, as well as Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser and cellist Natalie Haas.

Rehearsals are held weekly on Saturdays at Groton Hill. Sinfonia Concert Orchestra meets from 9:30am-12pm, Camerata Strings meet from 9:30am-11am, and Chamber Strings meet from 11:30am-12:30pm. Groton Hill Wind Ensemble meets from 12:30-2:30pm.

During the 2023-2024 season, there are no rehearsals on 11/25, 12/23, 12/30, 2/24 and 4/20.

We do not offer makeup classes when rehearsals have to be canceled due to snow days or other emergencies. In the event of Director illness, we will do our best to provide a substitute conductor for the rehearsal.

The youth ensembles concerts for the 2023-2024 school year will be held in the Concert Hall at Groton Hill on:

Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 at 4pm – Groton Hill Wind Ensemble
Sunday, February 4th, 2024 at 2pm – Chamber Strings, Camerata Strings and Sinfonia Concert Orchestra
Sunday, May 19th, 2024 at 2pm – Chamber Strings, Camerata Strings, Sinfonia Concert Orchestra and the Groton Hill Wind Ensemble

Additionally, there will be a string orchestra concert on Saturday, November 11th, 2023 at 11am in Meadow Hall including Sinfonia Strings and Camerata Strings.

Concert Dress for each ensemble is as follows:
Camerata Strings/Chamber Strings – Long-sleeve black dress shirt and pants, or long black dress, skirt or slacks; long or 3/4 length sleeves, black shoes and socks/hosiery
Sinfonia Concert Orchestra – Long-sleeve black dress shirt and pants, or full-length black dress, skirt or slacks; long or 3/4 length sleeves, black shoes and socks/hosiery, tie optional (bow tie or regular tie, black only)
Groton Hill Wind Ensemble – Long-sleeve black dress shirt and pants, or full-length black dress, skirt or slacks; long or 3/4 length sleeves, black shoes and socks/hosiery, tie optional (bow tie or regular tie, black only)

Membership in Regional Youth Ensembles program is open to all students in Grades K-12 by video or live audition. Chamber Strings (beginner) and Camerata (intermediate) are string ensembles, and Sinfonia (advanced) is full orchestra, open to strings, winds, brass, and percussion students. The Groton Hill Wind Ensemble is open to advanced students in grades 9-12. Students are strongly urged to take private lessons, but there is no requirement to take lessons at Groton Hill Music.

Members are required to participate in their school’s orchestra or band program if one is offered. Groton Hill’s large ensembles are considered extra-curricular, and are not intended to replace a school ensemble for any student. If there are extraordinary circumstances preventing a student from participating in school band or orchestra, the family should contact our Class & Ensemble Manager.

Need-based scholarships are available for all of our programs. Scholarship applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Please complete the scholarship application form before enrolling, and then wait for our award confirmation, which will include instructions on how to enroll. All information provided to us is strictly confidential.

Woodwind, brass, and string students must own or have access to an instrument. Percussion instruments will be provided by Groton Hill for rehearsals and concerts; students must provide their own sticks and mallets.

Regular home practice is required, as the music will be challenging and rehearsals will focus on ensemble playing and interpretation of the written material. Students are strongly urged to work on difficult passages of their ensemble music with their private lesson teacher.

Unexcused absences are not allowed from rehearsals, dress rehearsals, or concerts. Students are allowed one (1) excused absence for each of the two concert cycles. Examples of commitments and circumstances which can be eligible as excused absences: district/regional/state music festivals and competitions, school concerts and dress rehearsals in which the student is performing, family emergencies, prolonged illness, observance of major religious holidays. Members of each ensemble are required to attend all dress rehearsals and concerts unless excused by the Director. At the discretion of the Director, students who miss a dress rehearsal may not be allowed to perform in the concert.

The Groton Hill Youth Orchestra (formerly Nashoba Youth Orchestra at Indian Hill Music) was founded through the Parish Center for the Arts in Westford, Mass. as The Nashoba Youth Orchestra in 2004 by a dedicated group of professional musicians, music educators, performers, and parents sharing a common vision for a high-quality youth orchestra located in the Nashoba Valley, which would serve the needs of motivated musicians throughout the region. After ten successful years as an independent youth orchestra, in 2014, the orchestra became a part of Indian Hill Music, which became Groton Hill Music in 2022. The wind ensemble program was added in 2018.

About Youth Chorus

$325 for Canto, $425 for Prelude, $525 for Lyrica, and $625 for Harmonia for the 2023-2024 school year. Tuition must be paid at registration. Students joining later into the program will receive pro-rated tuition amounts.

Our choral program is open to all children and youth ages 4-12 without audition. Music and activities for each chorus level are chosen to be developmentally appropriate for each age group. New members can join at the beginning of each concert cycle.

Need-based scholarships are available for all of our programs. Scholarship applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Please complete the scholarship application form before enrolling, and then wait for our award confirmation, which will include instructions on how to enroll. All information provided to us is strictly confidential.

The Youth Choruses meet weekly on Tuesdays from October through May. Canto Chorus meets from 5:15 to 5:45pm, Prelude Chorus meets from 4:30-5:10pm, Lyrica Chorus from 5:20-6:20pm and Harmonia Chorus from 6:30-7:45pm. We do not offer makeup classes when rehearsals have to be cancelled due to snow days or other emergencies. In the event of Director illness, we will do our best to provide a substitute conductor for the rehearsal.

Because children can be easily distracted we request that parents wait outside the rehearsal hall. We have a comfortable waiting area in our Main Lobby with free Wi-Fi for your convenience (when COVID-related restrictions are not in effect). Parents may request permission from the Director to observe a rehearsal at any time.

Some home practice may be required by the Director.

Unexcused absences are not allowed from rehearsals, dress rehearsals, or concerts. Students are allowed one (1) excused absence for each of the three concert semesters. Examples of commitments and circumstances which can be eligible as excused absences: school concerts and dress rehearsals in which the student is performing, family emergencies, prolonged illness, observance of major religious holidays. Members of each ensemble are required to attend all dress rehearsals and concerts unless excused by the Director. At the discretion of the Director, students who miss a dress rehearsal may not be allowed to perform in the concert.

Dress rehearsals are the final run-through rehearsal before a performance. It is not necessary to come in concert dress. Attendance at dress rehearsals is required for all students. Group rehearsal times will overlap on dress rehearsal days in order to prepare combined repertory. The schedule for dress rehearsal days will be sent to parents at least two weeks prior to rehearsal.

This school term, the Youth Choruses concerts will be held on Tuesdays at 6pm, with all three choruses performing in the same concert.

Members are expected to participate in their school’s choral program if one is offered. The Groton Hill Music Youth Choruses are considered extra-curricular, and are not intended to replace a school’s choral program for any student.

About Broadway Spotlight

The tuition for a single week is $375. There is a discount If you register your child for both weeks, and the total tuition is $645. Please contact the Class & Ensemble Manager before registering your child so that the discount can be properly applied to your invoice.

Need-based scholarships are available for all of our programs. Scholarship applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Please complete the scholarship application form before enrolling, and then wait for our award confirmation, which will include instructions on how to enroll. All information provided to us is strictly confidential.

All students of all skill levels in theater, music, and dance, are welcome to enroll in Broadway Spotlight. The first day will be spent “getting to know you” to help instructors customize the program to each individual’s strengths and talents in singing and acting and to place them in one or more specially selected ensemble songs or scenes.

Broadway Spotlight will focus on the students learning musical theater and contemporary pop songs and scenes chosen for each student’s particular skills and goals. Individual and group lessons will be held throughout the day to ensure personal attention and good preparation for performance. The students will be presented in a live spotlight performance at the end of each week.

We have 5 days to create and learn the music and prepare for the live, revue performance. You can expect to have some additional homework assignments like learning notes and memorizing lyrics of the songs.

Daily attendance is essential and for the entire class time from 9:00 to 4:00. We ask you to avoid scheduling other activities and appointments during the week your child is enrolled in the program. Putting on a show is a team effort and every student is essential to the whole. Thank you in advance for committing to the full schedule.

You may be asked to provide some costume elements and props. On a daily basis students should have a pencil and tablet to take notes. You should also provide a water bottle, lunch, and morning and afternoon snacks for your child each day of the program.

Yes. The performance will be presented in Blackman Hall on Friday at 7:00 pm each week, and family and friends are invited to attend.

About Summer Music Explorers

Beginners of all levels are welcome to participate in the program, from students with no music training at all to those who have taken music classes or lessons.

The morning begins with Music & Movement which may include singing, body movement, and instrument playing, plus theory games and songs, learning rhythm patterns, exploration of different musical styles, and listening activities. Singing activities will include unison songs, rounds, partner songs, and 2-3 part harmony. Students will learn about the instrument families and how they work and sound.

The instruments offered are piano, violin, percussion, and ukulele. Instrument classes are available to Full Day and PM Half Day students. Later in the week all instrument classes are combined into a ensemble which will play at the showcase concerts on the last day of each week.

The schedule will remain the same for the three sessions of Summer Music Explorers, but music selections, games, and other activities will be different each week so there will be a new experience for each session in which they participate.

Yes! There is a 10% discount for each additional FULL DAY week in which you enroll your child. To take advantage of the discount, contact the Class & Ensemble Manager before you register so the discount can be properly applied to your invoice.

Home practice is not required, but students who feel inspired to practice are certainly encouraged to do so.

Yes. We cannot offer makeup classes or refunds for missed days.

The last day of each program week there will be a showcase concert at 3:00 pm in Blackman Hall which is open to family and friends to attend.

Need-based scholarships are available for all of our programs. Scholarship applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Please complete the scholarship application form before enrolling, and then wait for our award confirmation, which will include instructions on how to enroll. All information provided to us is strictly confidential.

About Summer Music Summit

The Core track is $475 per week, and the Intensive track is $575 for a single week. A discount is available if you register for both weeks of the program. The total tuition is $825 for Core, and $1045 for Intensive. If you plan to enroll your child in both weeks, please contact the Class & Ensemble Manager before you register so that the discount may be properly applied to your account.

CORE TRACK: Students should have good playing and reading skills with two years of private lessons or equivalent experience. For students who are new to Groton Hill Music, the program manager will schedule a placement meeting at a mutually convenient time. Students do not need to prepare any particular repertory for the placement meeting, but should choose one or two pieces of contrasting style that demonstrate their current playing level. This meeting is also an opportunity for us to answer your questions about the program, and to provide guidance for appropriate elective class selection.

INTENSIVE TRACK: Students should have 4+ years of private lessons and a playing level equivalent to the Eastern Junior District standards. Students must have very strong reading skills and be able to keep up with an intense daily rehearsal schedule for this version of the Summit program. Students who do not study at Groton Hill Music may be asked to come in for a placement audition, or provide a video audition.

CORE TRACK is for students looking for a fun and collaborative experience with a more casual vibe. Core Track provides plenty of opportunities to increase playing abilities, to try out new things, and to inspire a new passion for music. INTENSIVE TRACK is for high-level musicians who want to play great chamber music and stretch their leadership abilities. Intensive Track students concentrate on classical chamber ensembles, theory and musicianship, and also will hold principal chairs in the Summer Music Summit full orchestra, string orchestra, and wind ensemble.

Students should arrive between 8:45 and 9:00 am. Check-out time is 4:00-4:15 pm for Core Track students and 5:00-5:15 pm for Advanced Track students. Please note an adult must come in to the building to check students out at the end of each day of the program. Teenagers who drive themselves to school are an exception to this rule.

Before Care ($5/day) is provided for students who arrive between 8:00 and 8:45 am, and After Care ($10/day) is available for students who will be picked up after 4:15 to 6:00 pm. Complete the Online form and submit with payment on or before the first day of the program to sign up.

For core classes (except piano and percussion) students should bring their own instruments every day of the program. There is some secure storage space if a student occasionally needs to leave their instrument at school overnight. For all Beginner Classes instruments will be provided by the school. Students who own an instrument are welcome to bring it each day to class.

Yes. Students are welcome to play multiple instruments. This should be indicated on the registration form. If there is a particular elective the student would like to use their second instrument for, this information should be shared with the Class & Ensemble Manager for proper processing and scheduling.

Home practice is not required, but it is encouraged if students are inspired. Home practice does support faster progress.

Daily attendance is strongly recommended. We cannot offer makeup classes or refunds for missed days. If a student is going to miss all or part of a day this information should be shared with the program interns at least 24 hours in advance. If a student needs to leave before 4:00 for Core Track or 5:00 for Advanced Track for any reason an adult must come into the building to check them out.

The students should wear comfortable, casual clothing. T-shirts and shorts are okay. Footwear must be worn in the building at all times. Spending time outside for lunch and breaks is encouraged, so please bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, if needed.

Please provide a lunch and an afternoon snack for your child and a refillable water bottle. Please note this is a nut-free program. Students will have access to a refrigerator and microwave.

Yes. Showcase Concerts will be held on Friday, July 29, and Friday, August 5, in the afternoon and evening. Family and friends are welcome to attend. On the two finale concert Fridays, we will provide a complimentary pizza dinner for students who are performing in the evening programs.

Need-based scholarships are available for all of our programs. Scholarship applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Please complete the scholarship application form before enrolling, and then wait for our award confirmation, which will include instructions on how to enroll. All information provided to us is strictly confidential.

About Summer Jams

Students should have good basic playing skills with one year of private lessons or equivalent experience. Summer Jams faculty will evaluate new students on the first day of the program for placement in a band according to skill level and area of interest. Students should be prepared to play one or two familiar rock songs to demonstrate their ability.

If the instruments are appropriate to the music being learned and played, students can play multiple instruments in the program. This information should be shared with faculty on the first day or preferably before the program begins so instructors can plan accordingly. Please note that, with the exception of piano/keyboard and drums, students must provide their own instruments.

INTENSIVE TRACK: Students should have 4+ years of private lessons and a playing level equivalent to the Eastern Junior District standards. Students must have very strong reading skills and be able to keep up with an intense daily rehearsal schedule for this version of the Summit program. Students who do not study at Groton Hill Music may be asked to come in for a placement audition, or provide a video audition.

The students in Summer Jams will have ample time throughout the day to practice and play. Home practice is not required but song selections by the bands may require some homework to prepare.

Yes. It is important that band members can rely on each other from the first rehearsal through the final recordings. We cannot offer makeup classes or refunds for missed days.

Yes, a Friday afternoon showcase will be presented at 3:00 pm in Blackman Hall.

Need-based scholarships are available for all of our programs. Scholarship applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Please complete the scholarship application form before enrolling, and then wait for our award confirmation, which will include instructions on how to enroll. All information provided to us is strictly confidential.

About Summer Night Music

Each session of Summer Night Music is $245. A discount is available if you enroll in both the July and August sessions. The total tuition is $425. Before you register contact the Class & Ensemble Manager so that your discount is properly applied to your invoice.

Summer Night Music is open to intermediate and advanced level strings, woodwinds, piano, harp, and classical guitar. While chamber music experience is not required, participants should have strong technical, rhythmic, and reading skills. Students are grouped by instrumentation as well as experience and ability level.

All new registrants should be prepared to provide a video or audio recording that demonstrates their current playing level. This is NOT an audition! Your recording will be shared with the program coordinators to help in ensemble placement. Musicians who participated in Summer Night Music in previous years or those who are current Groton Hill Music students do not need to audition.

The faculty program coordinators will assign ensembles based on each person’s skill level on their instrument and their general musicianship. Everyone will be assigned to a single chamber group and will work exclusively with that group through the session.

Music will be sent to participants before the start date of each session of the program. Early registration is especially helpful to the faculty as it provides ample time to have placement auditions, form groups, and pick repertory in advance of the start date. Deadlines to register: for July session – June 10, 2022; for August session – July 8, 2022.

Of course we encourage home practice! Rehearsal time with your group is limited, so working out the difficult sections in your music in between rehearsal dates is appreciated by everyone.

Private lessons can be scheduled for those wishing to work through the technical and interpretive details of their assigned pieces anytime during the program weeks. Please contact the Music School office to discuss lesson placement and schedule. Lessons are not included in the Summer Night Music tuition amount and will be billed separately.

Because of the 4-week schedule it is essential that you are present for all rehearsals. For unavoidable conflicts, inform the program coordinator in advance so that arrangements can be made to cover your part.

In the 4th week of each session, a public performance will be presented by all the participating musicians on Thursday at 7:00 pm in Blackman Hall. The July session concert is on July 28, and the August session concert is on August 25.

Need-based scholarships are available for all of our programs. Scholarship applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Please complete the scholarship application form before enrolling, and then wait for our award confirmation, which will include instructions on how to enroll. All information provided to us is strictly confidential.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Private Lessons

About Regional Youth Ensembles

About Youth Chorus

About Broadway Spotlight

About Summer Music Explorers

About Summer Music Summit

About Summer Jams

About Summer Night Music

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