FAQs Index General FAQs Tuition FAQs Registration/Enrollment FAQs FAQs About Music & Dance Programs

General FAQs

Q:  At what age can one start music and dance lessons at Hochstein?

A:  Each division of Hochstein’s Music & Dance Department has developed minimum age recommendations based primarily on a child’s physical development and ability to attend. For a complete listing of age and grade requirements, see Programs at a Glance.

Q:  How do I register for classes and lessons at Hochstein?

A:  The Dean of Students, Assistant Deans of Students and our front office staff are available to answer any questions you may have, or to help you with registering your child or yourself for music or dance classes. We offer a choice of Walk-In Registration days and scheduled appointments. Please see Registration.

Q:  Where is Hochstein located?

A:  From the East, take Exit 14 from I-490W, "Broad St/Plymouth Ave". Follow signs for "Plymouth Ave" by turning right on Spring Street. Continue 400 ft. to light. Turn left on Plymouth Ave. and cross Main Street. Hochstein is on your right. From the West, take Exit 13 from I-490E, "Inner Loop to Downtown/Plymouth Ave". As ramp exit splits, take right fork. Turn right on Plymouth Ave. Hochstein is one block south on your left.

Q:  Where is the Downtown United Presbyterian Church located?

A:  A number of Hochstein’s programs meet at the nearby Downtown United Presbyterian Church which is located on North Fitzhugh Street just beyond the intersection of Church and Fitzhugh.

Q:  Where can one park near Hochstein?

A:  Please see Parking Near Hochstein.

Tuition FAQs

Q:  When are my tuition payments due?

A:  Students receive a set of payment vouchers at the completion of registration, and payments are due at the beginning of each nine-week quarter. (Payment due dates are noted in our academic calendar which can be found in our annual catalog as well as in our Academic Calendar. Tuition payments charged automatically to VISA or MasterCard, or other special payment options, may be arranged with the Business Office. Please call 585-454-4596, ext. 17 for more information, or e-mail the Business Office at music@hochstein.org.

Q:  Is tuition assistance available? If so, how do I qualify?

A:  Tuition assistance is available to those who qualify based on household income. Those applying for tuition assistance must submit verification of household income and a completed tuition assistance form prior to the registration appointment. Guidelines for tuition assistance and application forms are available by calling Hochstein at (585) 454-4596.

Q:  Does Hochstein send tuition payment reminders?

A:  For accounts that are unpaid, courtesy reminders are sent during the fourth week and six week of each quarter. However, to avoid late fees, families are encouraged to use the dated payment vouchers they receive during registration.

Q:  What forms of payment will Hochstein accept?

A:  Hochstein accepts checks, money orders or VISA/MasterCard ONLY. The School does not accept cash.

Q:  When is the Business Office open?

A:  For your convenience, the Business Office is open Mondays-Thursdays from 9am-8pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 9am-5pm. Please note that these hours are subject to change during the summer session, school breaks and holidays.

Registration/Enrollment FAQs

Q:  Why do I have to make a registration appointment?

A:  New students taking individual music lessons are introduced to Hochstein through an orientation appointment with a member of our Deans’ Office. This is done so that we can explore your goals and expectations while you learn more about the philosophy and programs of the School. Based on this meeting, we can match each student with an appropriate instructor. Returning students taking individual lessons are provided with self registration information and forms, or can register by telephone appointment. Students enrolling in group lessons, classes, dance and/or ensembles can do so by mail, phone or fax.

Q:  Do we receive report cards?

A:  All students receive progress reports in February and June which are distributed to students by their instructors.

Q:  Are there performance opportunities?

A:  All students are encouraged to take advantage of Hochstein’s many performance opportunities which range from our in-house recitals and concerts to community performances at Eastview Mall, Barnes & Noble, the Lilac Festival and a variety of museums, senior centers and nursing homes.

Q:  Does Hochstein award degrees?

A:  While Hochstein is not a degree-granting institution, it is one of only 13 Community Schools of the Arts, nationwide, to be accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. For the serious student, Hochstein offers an Honors Certificate Program. Entrance to this program is gained by audition, and those completing the requirements are well prepared to continue their music education at any of the country’s finest conservatories.

Q:  What happens if I cancel or miss a lesson?

A:  You are responsible for the cost of any missed or cancelled lessons. Though not required to, in some cases, your instructor may agree to schedule a make-up lesson.

Q:  What happens if my teacher or the School cancels my lesson?

A:  You have the choice of scheduling a make-up lesson or receiving full credit for the lessons canceled.

Q:  What is the policy regarding withdrawals and refunds?

A:  In order to withdraw from a class or discontinue lessons, the student must notify a member of the Dean's Office. In all cases of student withdrawal, registration fees are non-refundable, and tuition fees are calculated based on proximity of withdrawal to the first lesson. For more information please call (585) 454-4596 or see Refunds and Withdrawals. Hochstein reserves the right to cancel any class due to insufficient enrollment. If this is the case, a full refund, including registration fee, is made.

FAQs About Music & Dance Programs

Q:  Does Hochstein provide individual music lessons?

A:  Individual instruction is offered in all orchestral instruments, voice, piano, harp, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, electric bass, percussion, and Suzuki flute, violin, viola, and cello. For more details see Individual Instruction .

Q:  Does Hochstein provide music lessons in a group setting?

A:  Group piano for ages 4-6, group voice for ages 12-14, and group guitar for adults (ages 14 and older) are available.

Q:  Does Hochstein have music programs for young children?

A:  Childhood is the perfect time to begin exploring the arts, and programs for children start was early as 6 months, with parent. Early classes in music and creative movement enhance children's natural creative impulses, helping them to develop the skills they need to concentrate, communicate, coordinate, cooperate and express themselves fully. Hochstein's sequential Orff Schulwerk program provides a fun, activity-oriented, and nurturing environment in which children explore, listen, move, imitate, sing, imagine, and create using the rich musical heritage of many cultures in rhyme, song, stories and games. For more information, see Early Start Lessons, Suzuki Programs, and Foundations in Music.

Q:  Does Hochstein have a Suzuki Program?

A:  This "learning by listening" method for stringed instruments, developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, involves the parent in lessons and in practice at home. A private 30-minute lesson is supplemented each week by a one-hour group session with other students at the same level. Parents considering the Suzuki program are welcome to observe group classes. The Suzuki flute program uses the Suzuki method, adapted for flute by Toshio Takahashi. For more information, see Suzuki Strings and Suzuki Flute.

Q:  Does Hochstein have guitar lessons for children?

A:  Hochstein's unique program takes children from first notes to solo and ensemble performances. Musicianship skills including singing and note reading, as well as guitar technique, are built through a child-friendly repertoire. 30-minute lessons are supplemented by a one-hour group class. See Early Start Lessons, Guitar.

Q:  Are there opportunities for performing in a large ensemble at Hochstein?

A:  Our Large Ensembles Program include two full orchestras (strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion) the Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Philharmonia, and two string orchestras, Sinfonia and String Ensemble, which meet weekly throughout the school year. In addition, we offer two short-term wind ensembles, the 6-week Junior Wind Symphony and 5-week Youth Wind Symphony. For details, see Orchestras.

Q:  Are there opportunities for performing in a small ensemble at Hochstein?

A:  Our Small Ensembles Program offers a wide variety of options, levels and repertoire for the vocalist and instrumentalist. In addition to chamber trios, quartets and quintets, there are opportunities to participate in clarinet, flute and trombone choirs, and jazz, string, guitar, brass and percussion ensembles. Chorale singing opportunities are available for all ages. For details, see Chamber Ensembles or Vocal Ensembles.

Q:  Does Hochstein's music curriculum include music theory, music history, or composition?

A:  A knowledge of music theory is an essential tool for musicians and gives both performers and listeners valuable insights into a composer's creative thoughts and technical methods. Students may take advantage of a curriculum-sharing partnership between Hochstein and the Eastman School's Community Education Division. For more details, see Music Theory, Music History and Private Composition Lessons.

Q:  Are there opportunities for studying jazz at Hochstein?

A:  The Jazz Studies curriculum is designed to provide performance experience, standard performance practice, and exposure to repertoire through small ensemble settings, classroom instruction, and private lessons. Jazz ensembles, classes in jazz improvisation, and master classes are offered. For more details, see Jazz Studies.

Q:  Does Hochstein have any music therapy programs?

A:  Established more than 25 years ago and now serving more than 400 students annually, Hochstein's innovative Music Therapy Department continues to enrich the lives of those with emotional, physical, learning and developmental challenges, using the appeal and rhythms of music as therapeutic tool. For more details, see Music Therapy.

Q:  Does Hochstein have dance instruction for children?

A:  Hochstein offers a full range of sequential, guided instruction focusing on the joy, and enjoyment, of the art of dance. With an emphasis on nurturing the whole dancer, our professional faculty works with each student to develop confidence and creativity as well as technical and performance skills. For more details, see Dance for Children.

Q:  Does Hochstein have dance instruction for teens and adults?

A:  A program designed for teens and adult students at all levels, who have an interest in dance and movement, as well as an interest in increasing conditioning, flexibility and muscular strength. Regardless of age or style of dance pursued, the benefits of dance training include improving posture, gracefulness and overall body awareness. For more details, see Dance for Teens & Adults.

Q:  Does Hochstein have any summer music programs?

A:  Camp Hochstein offers a full range of lessons and classes throughout our six-week summer session. We also offer a wide variety of Summer Camp opportunities, including our half-day and full-day Arts In Action Summer Program for ages 4-9, Arts In Action for ‘Tweens for ages 10-12, Musical Theatre Workshop for teens and adults, Guitar Camp, Rochester Flute Association/Hochstein Flute Camp, String Jam: Alternative Styles for Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble Camp, Percussion Camp, and many more! For more details, see Camp Hochstein.