Oklahoma Conservatory of Music 2026-2027 Information: Enrollment Process for New Students, Calendar, Tuition, Programs, Policies
For any communication regarding either educationally or financially related aspects, contact:
OCM Executive Director, Dr. Angelika Machnik-Jones
angelika@ocmschool.com www.ocmschool.com 405-698-0320
ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Student enrollment occurs before the start of each semester, although students may enroll at any time of the year. Be advised that enrollment after the start of the semester may limit available lesson times. If enrolled after the beginning of the semester, private lesson tuition will be adjusted accordingly. Enrollment for group classes happens before the start of each semester.
STEPS FOR STUDENT ENROLLMENT
- Familiarize yourself with all OCM policies.
- Fill out the online inquiry form at www.ocmschool.com/inquiries.
- The director will contact you via email within two business days. Beginning students will be placed with a teacher based on student/teacher availability and/or parent preference. Students with previous experience will be scheduled for a 15-minute lesson with an OCM teacher. If you are interested in a specific teacher, note that some teachers require an “audition” trial lesson for acceptance into their studio.
- Once accepted into a studio, complete the online registration form at www.ocmschool.com/registration
- Read and sign the OCM policies form and submit the student fee and tuition payment. Note: Lessons will begin once all the above-mentioned are completed.
PRE-COLLEGE STUDENTS PRIVATE LESSONS RECOMMENDED LENGTH
Specific lesson length should be discussed between teacher and parent. Lesson length can be adjusted at any moment during the semester. If that happens, semester tuition will be adjusted accordingly.
| Lesson length | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 15-minute lessons | recommended for very early-age students not ready for 30-minute focus |
| 30-minute lessons | recommended for early beginner and late beginner students |
| 45-minute lessons | recommended for early intermediate through late intermediate students or older beginning students |
| 60-minute lessons | recommended for advanced students or serious intermediate students |
| 90-minute lessons | recommended for serious, advanced students preparing for competitions and college auditions |
ADULT STUDENTS’ PRIVATE LESSONS RECOMMENDED LENGTH
Adult students can choose between 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes. The lesson length will depend on the student’s interest level, available time commitment, and skill level. Students can discuss an appropriate lesson length with their teacher.
GROUP CLASSES, WORKSHOPS AND FESTIVALS
Group classes and other events are offered to supplement the student’s musical experience. These are highly encouraged and are always advantageous to student success. To enroll for any group class, speak with OCM Director.
2026-2027 OCM CALENDAR
FALL SEMESTER (08/31/2026 – 12/19/2026)
| Week | Dates and notes |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Mon.08/31 – Sat. 09/05 |
| Week 2 | Mon. 09/07 – Sat. 09/12 |
| Week 3 | Tues. 09/14 – Sat. 09/19 |
| Week 4 | Mon. 09/21 – Sat. 09/26 |
| Week 5 | Mon. 09/28 – Sat. 10/03 |
| Week 6 | 10/05 – 10/10 - Fall break, lessons optional |
| Week 7 | Mon. 10/12 – Sat. 10/17 |
| Week 8 | Mon. 10/19 – Sat. 10/24 |
| Week 9 | Mon. 10/26 – Sat. 10/31 |
| Week 10 | Mon. 11/02 – Sat. 11/07 |
| Week 11 | Mon. 11.09 – Sat. 11/14 |
| Week 12 | Mon. 11/16 – Sat. 11/21 |
| Week 13 | 11/23 – 11/25 Thanksgiving Break, lessons optional |
| Week 14 | Mon. 11/30 – Sat. 12/05 |
| Week 15 | Mon. 12/07 – Sat. 12/12 |
| Week 16 | Mon. 12/14 – Sat. 12/19 |
SPRING SEMESTER (01/04/2027 – 05/29/2027)
| Week | Dates and notes |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Mon. 01/04 – Sat. 01/09 |
| Week 2 | Mon. 01/11 – Sat. 01/16 |
| Week 3 | Tues. 01/18 – Sat. 01/23 |
| Week 4 | Mon. 01/25 – Sat. 01/30 |
| Week 5 | Mon. 02/01 – Sat. 02/06 |
| Week 6 | Mon. 02/08 – Sat. 02/13 |
| Week 7 | Mon. 02/15 – Sat. 02/20 |
| Week 8 | Mon. 02/22 – Sat. 02/27 |
| Week 9 | Mon. 03/01 – Sat. 03/06 |
| Week 10 | Mon. 03/08 – Sat. 03/13 |
| Week 11 | 03/15 – 03/20 Spring Break, lessons optional |
| Week 12 | 03/22 – 03/25 Easter Break, lessons optional |
| Week 13 | Mon. 03/29 – Sat. 04/03 |
| Week 14 | Mon. 04/05 – Sat. 04/10 |
| Week 15 | Mon. 04/12 – Sat. 04/17 |
| Week 16 | Mon. 04/19 – Sat. 04/24 |
| Week 17 | Mon. 04/26 – Sat. 05/01 |
| Week 18 | Mon. 05/03 – Sat. 05/08 |
| Week 19 | Mon. 05/10 – Sat. 05/15 |
| Week 20 | Mon. 05/17 – Sat. 05/22 |
| Week 21 | Mon. 05/24 – Sat. 05/29 |
HOLIDAYS 2026-2027
| Holiday | Dates and lesson status |
|---|---|
| Labor Day | 09/07 lessons optional |
| Fall Break | 10/05 – 10/10 lessons optional |
| Thanksgiving Break | 11/26 – 11/28 no lessons |
| Christmas/New Year’s Break | 12/21 – 01/02 |
| Martin Luther King Day | 01/18 lessons optional |
| Spring Break | 03/15 – 03/20 lessons optional |
| Easter Week | 03/22 -03/25 lessons optional |
| Good Friday, Holy Saturday | 03/26 – 03/27 no lessons |
OCM EVENT DATES 2026 -2027
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| OCM FUNDRAISING GALA | OCTOBER 24th |
| NCHO and All State Preparatory Workshops | TBD |
| Fall Student Recitals | 11/30 – 12/19 |
| OCM Cello Fest, Violin/Viola Fest, Piano Fest | TBD |
| Spring Student Recitals | 05/01 – 05/29 |
TUITION AND FEES
YEARLY STUDENT FEE
A yearly student fee of $40 will be charged to students’ accounts at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year, or at the time of student enrollment. For families with two enrolled students, yearly student fee is $30 per student. For families with three or more enrolled students, yearly student fee is $20 per student.
PRIVATE LESSONS TUITION
Students and families are required to commit to a full semester of lessons and payments (Fall semester – 12 tuition lessons, Spring semester – 16 tuition lessons). If discontinuing lessons prior to the completion of a semester, families are still responsible for the full tuition amount. Students can have more lessons in a semester than the number of tuition lessons. 12 lessons for Fall semester and 16 lessons for Spring semester are a minimum and mandatory amount for each student. If more lessons are taken than the required number of tuition lessons, the fees for these additional single lessons will be due at the end of the semester. Students will not be able to begin lessons in the next semester until all previous semester’s or summer lessons are paid. If incurring any financial trouble, speak with the OCM Executive Director to discuss a possible solution.
Tuition payments can be provided by three methods:
- Cash or check payments (checks made out to Oklahoma Conservatory of Music or OCM)
- Bank transfer (1% processing fee added to each payment)
- Credit card (5% processing fee added to each payment)
Blue cash and checks box is located next to room 9 in the undercroft area. All cash needs to be placed in an envelope provided on top of the blue box and labeled with student name, date and amount. Bank transfers and credit card payments can be set up in the OCM online platform – MyMusicStaff. A 1% or 5% fee will be automatically added to these payments.
FALL SEMESTER (12 LESSONS)
Tuition payments provided by check or cash
| Lesson length | Rate and semester total | Installment plan |
|---|---|---|
| 15-minute lessons | $25 per lesson x 12 = $300/semester | $300/3 = $100 paid in 3 installments |
| 30-minute lessons | $40 per lesson x 12 = $480/semester | $480/3 = $160 paid in 3 installments |
| 45-minute lessons | $53 per lesson x 12 = $636/semester | $636/3 = $212 paid in 3 installments |
| 60-minute lessons | $68 per lesson x 12 = $816/semester | $816/3 = $272 paid in 3 installments |
| 90-minute lessons | $85 per lesson x 12 = $1020/semester | $1020/3 = $340 paid in 3 installments |
Tuition breakdown with added 1% with bank transfer payment
| Lesson length | Rate and semester total | Installment plan |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | $25.25 x 12 = $303/semester | $303/3 = $101 paid in 3 installments |
| 30 minutes | $40.40 x 12 = $484.80/semester | $484.80/3 = $161.60 paid in 3 install. |
| 45 minutes | $53.53 x 12 = $642.36/semester | $642.36/3 = $214.12 paid in 3 install. |
| 60 minutes | $68.68 x 12 = $824.16/semester | $824.16/3 = $274.72 paid in 3 installments |
| 90 minutes | $85.85 x 12 = $1030.20/semester | $1030.20/3 = $343.40 paid in 3 installments |
Tuition breakdown with added 5% with credit card payment
| Lesson length | Rate and semester total | Installment plan |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | $26.25 x 12 = $315/semester | $315/3 = $105 paid in 3 install. |
| 30 minutes | $42 x 12 = $504/semester | $504/3 = $168 paid in 3 install. |
| 45 minutes | $55.65 x 12 = $667.80/semester | $667.80/3 = $222.60 paid in 3 install. |
| 60 minutes | $71.40 x 12 = $856.80/semester | $856.80/3 = $285.60 paid in 3 install. |
| 90 minutes | $89.25 x 12 = $1071/semester | $1071/3 = $357 paid in 3 install. |
Fall 2026 tuition due dates
| Payment option | Due date or dates |
|---|---|
| Fall 2026 tuition paid by semester due | 09/01/2026 |
| Fall 2026 tuition paid in installments due | 1st installment 09/01/2026; 2nd installment 10/01/2026; 3rd installment 11/01/2026 |
SPRING SEMESTER (16 LESSONS)
Tuition payments provided by check or cash
| Lesson length | Rate and semester total | Installment plan |
|---|---|---|
| 15-minute lessons | $25 per lesson x 16 = $400/semester | $400/4 = $100 paid in 4 installments |
| 30-minute lessons | $40 per lesson x 16 = $640/semester | $640 /4 = $160 paid in 4 installments |
| 45-minute lessons | $53 per lesson x 16 = $848/semester | $848/4 = $212 paid in 4 installments |
| 60-minute lessons | $68 per lesson x 16 = $1088/semester | $1088/4 = $272 paid in 4 installments |
| 90-minute lessons | $85 per lesson x 16 = $1360/semester | $1360/4 = $340 paid in 4 installments |
Tuition breakdown with added 1% with bank transfer payment
| Lesson length | Rate and semester total | Installment plan |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | $25.25 x 16 = $404/semester | $404/4 = $101 paid in 4 installments |
| 30 minutes | $40.40 x 16 = $646.40/semester | $646.40/4 = $161.60 paid in 4 install. |
| 45 minutes | $53.53 x 16 = $856.48/semester | $856.48/4 = $214.12 paid in 4 install. |
| 60 minutes | $68.68 x 16 = $1098.88/semester | $1098.88/4 = $274.72 paid in 4 installments |
| 90 minutes | $85.85 x 16 = $1373.60/semester | $1373.60/4 = $343.40 paid in 4 installments |
Tuition breakdown with added 5% with credit card payment
| Lesson length | Rate and semester total | Installment plan |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | $26.25 x 16 = $420/semester | $420/4 = $105 paid in 4 install. |
| 30 minutes | $42 x 16 = $672/semester | $672/4 = $168 paid in 4 install. |
| 45 minutes | $55.65 x 16 = $890.40/semester | $890.40/4 = $222.60 paid in 3 install. |
| 60 minutes | $71.40 x 16 = $1142.40/semester | $1142.40/4 = $285.60 paid in 4 install. |
| 90 minutes | $89.25 x 16 = $1428/semester | $1428/4 = $357 paid in 4 install. |
Spring 2027 tuition due dates
| Payment option | Due date or dates |
|---|---|
| Spring 2027 tuition paid by semester due | 01/04/2027 |
| Spring 2027 tuition paid in installments due | 1st installment 01/04/2027; 2nd installment 02/01/2027; 3rd installment 03/01/2027; 4th installment 04/01/2027 |
GROUP CLASS TUITION
Group classes will be offered each semester. These include Solfege (Pre-Solfege, Solfege I, Solfege II), Piano Ensemble, Preparatory Strings Ensemble, Young Musicians Chamber Orchestra.
| Program | Fall semester tuition | Spring semester tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Solfege, Solfege I, Solfege II | (12 classes) - $180 | (17 classes) - $230 |
| Preparatory Strings Ensemble, Piano Ensemble | (14 classes) - $180 | (18 classes) - $230 |
| Young Musicians Chamber Orchestra | (14 classes)- $200 | (18 classes) - $250 |
Discount for students attending both Solfege and Ensemble – Fall semester $160 for each class, Spring semester $210 for each class. Speak with Director, if group class semester tuition needs to be divided into monthly installments.
PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT PROGRAMS
PRIVATE LESSONS
The private lessons program is the cornerstone of music education at OCM. All pre-college students at OCM are required to attend weekly private lessons with their assigned private lessons teacher. Each teacher’s teaching studio provides its own unique atmosphere and learning experience. Students of all teaching studios are required to perform in all studio recitals and concerts. Students are also highly encouraged to participate in group classes, workshops and other events organized by OCM.
SOLFEGE CLASSES
PRE-SOLFEGE (ages 4 to 6)
Mondays 5:00pm-5:45pm
- 2026 Fall Semester – 13 classes: 09/14, 09/21, 09/28, 10/05, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/02, 11/09, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30, 12/14 (Christmas Celebration Party)
- 2027 Spring Semester – 17 classes: 01/04, 01/11, 01/25, 02/01, 02/08, 02/15, 02/22, 03/01, 03/08, 03/15, 03/22, 04/05, 04/12, 04/19, 04/26, 05/03, 05/10 (Spring Celebration Composition Creations class)
- Concepts to master - singing on pitch; accurately repeating rhythms; singing C major scale with accurate pitch in both solfege and letter names; understanding basic rhythmic note values, being able to clap/tap rhythm based on these note values.
- Register any time before the start of first class. Limited registration permitted within first month of beginning of class. To register, contact OCM Director and Solfege Classes teacher – Dr. Angelika Machnik-Jones.
SOLFEGE I (ages 6 to 10)
Saturdays, 11:30am-12:15pm
- 2026 Fall Semester – 12 classes: 09/05, 09/12, 09/19, 09/26, 10/03, 10/10, 10/17, 10/31, 11/07, 11/14, 11/21, 12/12 (Christmas Celebration class)
- 2027 Spring Semester – 17 classes: 01/09, 01/16, 01/23, 01/30, 02/06, 02/13, 02/20, 02/27, 03/06, 03/13, 03/20, 04/03, 04/10, 04/17, 04/24, 05/01, 05/08 (Spring Celebration Composition Creations class)
- Concepts to master - complete mastery of all notes on staff in both treble and bass clef; sight-singing melodies with accurate pitch in both C major and a minor; understanding time signatures, key signatures, minor scales, dotted rhythms, syncopations; singing scales and arpeggios up to three sharps and three flats; aurally recognizing and signing intervals, four main types of chords; simple melodic and rhythmic dictations; preparation for potential OMTA Theory Exams
- Register any time before the start of first class. Limited registration permitted within first month of beginning of class. To register, contact OCM Director and Solfege Classes teacher – Dr. Angelika Machnik-Jones.
SOLFEGE II (ages 9 to 13)
Saturdays, 12:30pm-1:15pm
- 2026 Fall Semester – 12 classes: 09/05, 09/12, 09/19, 09/26, 10/03, 10/10, 10/17, 10/31, 11/07, 11/14, 11/21, 12/12 (Christmas Celebration class)
- 2027 Spring Semester – 17 classes: 01/09, 01/16, 01/23, 01/30, 02/06, 02/13, 02/20, 02/27, 03/06, 03/13, 03/20, 04/03, 04/10, 04/17, 04/24, 05/01, 05/08 (Spring Celebration Composition Creations class)
- Concepts to master - singing all major and minor scales and arpeggios; sight-singing more complicated melodies; memory melodic dictations; recognizing chords in inversions; understanding and recognizing cadences and other harmonic progressions; complete mastery of singing intervals, which culminate in singing atonal melodies; preparation for potential ABRSM Aural Exams, RCM Theory Exams, OMTA Theory Exams
- Register any time before the start of first class. Limited registration permitted within first month of beginning of class. To register, contact OCM Director and Solfege Classes teacher– Dr. Angelika Machnik-Jones.
LARGE ENSEMBLES
PREPARATORY STRINGS ENSEMBLE
Saturdays, 1:30pm-2:30pm
- Participation is available only to OCM students taking private lessons with an OCM teacher
- Students will focus on reinforcing basic skills like posture, bow hold, tone, intonation and rhythm through fun and engaging activities. They will be introduced to new skills like breathing, playing together in an ensemble, following a conductor and listening. Students will have the opportunity to grow in confidence, be challenged and motivated by other students and teachers, and develop leadership skills.
- Register any time before the start of first class. To register, contact OCM Director – Dr. Angelika Machnik-Jones.
2026 Fall Semester schedule
- Rehearsals: 09/05, 09/12, 09/19, 09/26, 10/03, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/07, 11/14, 11/21, 12/05, 12/12
- Concerts:
- SMALL AND LARGE ENSEMBLES WINTER CONCERT, Saturday, December 12th at 2:30pm
2027 Spring Semester schedule
- Rehearsals: 01/09, 01/16, 01/23, 01/30, 02/06, 02/13, 02/20, 02/27, 03/06, 03/13, 03/20, 04/03, 04/10, 04/17, 04/24, 05/01, 05/08, 05/15.
- Concerts:
- SMALL AND LARGE ENSEMBLES SPRING CONCERT, Saturday, May 15th at 2:30pm
YOUNG MUSICIANS’ CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Saturdays, 1:30pm-3:00pm
- Participation is available only to OCM students taking private lessons with an OCM teacher
- To qualify for this orchestra, students need to show: excellent intonation and rhythmic skills, adequate sight-reading skills, solid bow arm movement, possess clear articulations of legato and staccato in both slow and fast tempos, vibrato and shifting skills highly desired
- This flagship orchestra focuses on ideals of excellence in performance, responsibility, accountability, leadership
- Students are required to practice, prepare and show a serious attitude towards the ensemble
- Orchestra may be selected for In-The-Community concerts. All rehearsals concerts will take place on Saturdays.
- Register any time before the start of first class. To register, contact OCM Director – Dr. Angelika Machnik-Jones.
2026 Fall Semester schedule
- Rehearsals: 09/05, 09/12, 09/19, 09/26, 10/03, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/07, 11/14, 11/21, 12/05, 12/12
- Concerts:
- OCM FUNDRAISING GALA, Saturday, October 24th at 7pm
- SMALL AND LARGE ENSEMLES WINTER CONCERT, Saturday, December 12th at 2:30pm
2027 Spring Semester schedule
- Rehearsals: 01/09, 01/16, 01/23, 01/30, 02/06, 02/13, 02/20, 02/27, 03/06, 03/13, 03/20, 04/03, 04/10, 04/17, 04/24, 05/01, 05/08, 05/15
- Concerts:
- CELEBRATION OF SPRING FESTIVAL, Saturday, April 10th at 2:30pm; showcasing student and faculty solo performances, chamber music ensembles and Young Musicians Chamber Orchestra
- SMALL AND LARGE ENSEMBLES SPRING CONCERT, Saturday, May 15th at 2:30pm
2026-2027 Soloist Competition
- The 2027 Soloist Competition will take place on December 5th, 2026.
- Students may compete with any music containing an accompaniment part
- All performances must be played from memory with piano accompaniment
- Two winners of the 2027 Soloist Competition will perform as soloists with the Young Musicians Chamber Orchestra on April 10th and May 15th
PIANO ENSEMBLE
Saturday, 1:30pm-2:30pm
- Participation is available only to OCM students taking private lessons with an OCM teacher
- Participating students need at least two years of private lessons studies
- Pianists perform together in an ensemble, while learning ensemble skills, listening, effective communication, leadership and cooperation skills
2026 Fall Semester schedule
- Rehearsals: 09/05, 09/12, 09/19, 09/26, 10/03, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/07, 11/14, 11/21, 12/05, 12/12.
- Concerts:
- SMALL AND LARGE ENSEMBLES WINTER CONCERT, Saturday, December 12th at 2:30pm
2027 Spring Semester schedule
- Rehearsals: 01/09, 01/16, 01/23, 01/30, 02/06, 02/13, 02/20, 02/27, 03/06, 03/13, 03/20, 04/03, 04/10, 04/17, 04/24, 05/01, 05/08, 05/15.
- Concerts:
- SMALL AND LARGE ENSEMBLES SPRING CONCERT, Saturday, May 15th at 2:30pm
CHAMBER MUSIC ENSEMBLES
Speak with OCM Director, if interested in participating in a chamber music ensemble. Interested students will be placed in piano trios (violin, cello, piano) and string quartets, with potential of being featured in In-The-Community concerts and other events.
ADULT STUDENT PROGRAMS
PRIVATE LESSONS
Adult students are highly encouraged to enroll in tuition lessons. In individual circumstances, adult students may opt for single lessons, if unable to commit to a consistent weekly schedule. Adult students are not required, but rather highly encouraged to participate in adult student recitals and other events.
OCM ADULT CHAMBER MUSIC ENSEMBLES
Adult students receive an opportunity to participate in a chamber music ensemble. Students will be placed with other adult students of similar playing skill. Speak with OCM Director, if interested in joining a chamber music ensemble.
GENERAL POLICIES
OCM aims to provide a safe space for students of all ages, backgrounds, and communities. The school aims to create a place for excellent music education supported by pedagogues of the highest artistic and educational caliber. The policies below help maintain an optimum education structure and provide respect and support to other students and OCM faculty.
MISSED LESSON POLICY/PUNCTUALITY POLICY
OCM requires a 24-hour notice to the private teacher for any missed private lessons. Parent/student will be charged for the lesson if sufficient notice is not given. We understand that emergencies occur, and some events are out of the student’s/parents' control. It is up to the private lessons teacher's discretion to decide if the lesson can be made up without being classified as a make-up lesson, if the lesson falls under a make-up lesson category, or if the lesson has been forfeited and no make-up is allowed. No make-up lesson is allowed if a student does not show up to the lesson without notifying the teacher or if the teacher is notified shortly before the start of the lesson.
Each student is allowed two make-up lessons per semester. Lesson make-up days are allotted during every semester. Any additional amount is up to the discretion of the teacher. Note that with our teachers’ teaching and performing schedules, allowing a large number of make-up lessons can burden their busy lives, but they will try to be as flexible as they can, given that respect is given to their time. Notify the teacher if the student is sick. We don’t want germs spreading around other students and the teachers. If the teacher cancels a lesson, they will reschedule to the next convenient time. That lesson will not be counted towards the missed lessons limit.
Punctuality is required and just as crucial in student education as consistent attendance. The teacher will not end a lesson later because a student did not begin their lesson on time. Students must be ready for their lesson 5 minutes before the start time. Unpack the instrument and prepare the music and anything else needed during those 5 minutes before the start of the lesson so that time is well-spent during the lesson. Enter your teacher’s room at the exact assigned time. Ensure the teacher does not have to look for the student around the school because the student is not ready and waiting outside the teaching room.
LESSON DISCONTINUATION PROCEDURES
Lesson discontinuation is advised to take place at the end of a semester. If discontinuing lessons during a semester, students are still responsible for the full semester tuition. Group class tuition is also a semester commitment and will not be refunded. To discontinue lessons, notify both teacher and OCM Director via email. Unless written notification is provided, students will be automatically enrolled into the next semester.
LATE PAYMENTS
Students cannot continue lessons into the new semester until the prior semester’s balance is paid in full. Students with a balance of more than four lessons will be placed on lesson suspension and cannot continue until the balance is paid in full. A collection agency services will be engaged for any heavily outstanding balances. Speak with the OCM Director about possible solutions to avoid suspension and collection.
TUITION ASSISTANCE
Limited tuition assistance for 2026-2027 will be available to students in need. The tuition assistance for year 2026-2027 will focus the following programs:
- Chamber music ensembles
- Solfege classes
- Preparatory String Ensemble
- Piano Ensemble
- Young Musicians Chamber Orchestra
Tuition assistance will be dependent on available funds within OCM, parent/guardian financial need, student merit.
Students, who receive financial assistance will be expected to not miss any classes/rehearsals, always be prepared for each class/rehearsal, punctual and fully committed to learning and hard work.
Parents/guardians of students, who receive financial assistance may be asked to volunteer during certain OCM events.
STUDENT DISMISSAL POLICY
OCM reserves the right to dismiss any student at any point during the semester. Any positive private lesson balance will be refunded upon dismissal.
Some examples for student dismissal include:
- Continuous late payment of tuition and/or heavy outstanding balances
- Student or parent behavioral misconduct
- Consistent non-preparation for lessons or tardiness. OCM may reassign the student to a different studio or, in severe instances, dismiss the student entirely
- Substantial amount of missed lessons
- Consistent non-participation in student recitals/concerts (for pre-college students)
PRACTICE/PREPARATION POLICY
Pre-college students are expected to practice daily. Meaningful practice is crucial to successful development. Classical music requires a highly specialized and rigorous education. The skills needed to master any level of quality music making take years to acquire. A strong work ethic, perseverance, and persistence are necessary to be successful in this field. Talent is important for a high level of performance, but without a strong work ethic, no amount of talent will propel a student to excellence.
Parents of young students should be prepared to help their children in their daily practice. The private teacher will help navigate the daily practice between the child and the adult. This practice journey will not be traveled without hardships. But, in time, the child will grow to appreciate their gift of music making and enjoy being surrounded by like-minded peers while learning and performing together.
As the child grows older and more skilled, parents can slowly step away from an active role in daily practice. Students will have learned the structure and necessity for practice and preparation. At that point, parents just need to make sure their children are putting in quality time and effort in their daily practice.
OCM provides students with Practice Logbooks, which help with motivation and accountability. For parents with very young children, ask the OCM Director or private teacher for specific board game ideas and tricks, which help with motivation and the formation of daily practice habits.
Ultimately, students need to be prepared for every lesson. The teacher will assign clear homework, and homework is expected to be completed or at least every effort taken to complete it (if a particular concept is proving difficult for the student). A teacher finds misery in repeatedly working on the same thing with a student because of insufficient practice (or mindless practice). If the student is trying hard and doing their best, no matter their skill, the teacher will help and work hard towards the best outcomes for the student. CONSISTENT PRACTICE IS KEY TO SUCCESS.
LESSON/ CLASS DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP POLICY
Young children must always have an adult present with them. Older students can be dropped off before their assigned lesson/class times, but they need to be picked up promptly after their classes/lessons end. We don’t want students wandering aimlessly around the facility. Students who must wait for a parent/guardian can do so in explicitly assigned spaces. (Talk to the private teacher or OCM Director to find out where those spaces are.) Students who can drive must be responsible and arrive at their lessons/classes early enough to be ready for their lesson/class.
CONCERT/PERFORMANCE PARTICIPATION POLICY
Every student should be prepared to perform in a recital or concert at least once every semester. OCM provides many performance opportunities. Extra recitals are organized throughout the year for students ready to present themselves in public. Music performance is crucial in student development. Students learn with each performance how to overcome their nerves and grow to be more comfortable on stage. OCM teachers will help with specific performance anxiety issues, but the best way to overcome them is to perform on stage as much as possible. Performance participation is mandatory for every pre-college student at OCM.
CONCERT/PERFORMANCE ATTIRE POLICY
Recital attire/concert attire is “Sunday Best” or “Business Professional.” Students are expected to wear dress clothes and shoes. Boys should wear a collared shirt with dress slacks (suit and tie optional). Girls may wear either slacks or a skirt with a dress shirt or an appropriate dress. All students are expected to dress modestly. Revealing garments of any kind are not permitted for performance. Neither are flip-flops, sneakers, jeans, or t-shirts. If unsure, speak with a private lesson teacher. Ultimately, the attire exemplifies the performer’s seriousness towards their craft and respect for the audience.
CONCERT ETIQUETTE
During a recital/concert performance, students should be seated near the front of the concert hall/space. While the performance is taking place, students are expected to sit quietly and listen attentively to each performance. Once the student’s performance has ended on stage, the student needs to bow, acknowledging the applause, then promptly leave the stage and remain seated until the end of the recital.
In respect and appreciation for all performers, students and their families must attend the entire recital. OCM will do its best to limit the length of each recital/concert to one hour.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY
Oklahoma Conservatory of Music reserves the right to use photos, recordings, and video clips of all OCM students promoting the arts. Images and videos may be used for publicity, advertising, or marketing purposes.
Parents may take photos and videos of student recitals and concerts so long as the recital/concert is not interrupted. No flash photography may be used during any OCM events.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
In case of severe weather (tornado threat, ice storm), all lessons and classes will be canceled. Students will be notified via mass email. Parents should also check in with teachers. Private lessons will be rescheduled to the next available time. Any other less severe weather-related issues can be discussed with a private teacher. Student and teacher safety always remains a priority, but we want to limit weather-related issues to a minimum.