FAQ | FAME Center

FAQs

How do I register for Private Lessons and a Trial Lesson?

The first step to enrolling in private lessons is to take a discounted trial lesson! Please click here to complete our new student inquiry form and we will contact you as soon as possible to schedule your trial lesson!

How do I register for Group Classes?

To enroll in a class, click here! Then click on a course group to the left, or click A to Z Index to see all of our courses at once.

Do you offer trial lessons?
Yes! We offer trial lessons in piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, violin, viola, cello, drums, and visual art. Our studio offers private lessons Monday through Friday afternoon and evening. Our Saturday classes are offered from 9-3pm.

What is the cost of private lessons?
Private Lesson Prices* for the 2022/2023 Academic Year are:

30-minute lessons: $43.75 per lesson
45-minute lessons: $59.25 per lesson
60-minute lessons: $74.50 per lesson

How old does my child need to be to take private lessons?
FAME Center offers private lessons for students of all ages, ability and means. We suggest beginning your child’s private lesson journey at the minimum age of 3.5.

Is there a registration fee?

Yes, a non-refundable one time fee of $40 per family is required at the time of registration for all private lessons. FAME Center's annual registration fee covers the administrative cost of processing student enrollments, recital fees, piano tuning and building maintenance. There are no registration fees for trial lessons or group classes.

What forms of payment do you accept?
FAME Center accepts cash, check and all major credit cards.

When are payments due?

FAME Center offers 12 week Fall and Winter sessions and 10 week Spring and Summer sessions. Our annual registration fees are due in full at the time of registration. Tuition is due prior to the start of the program.The payments are due two weeks prior to the start of the session. We offer payment plans as well!(please see below for more info) If you are joining mid session, we will prorate your invoice. For more detailed information on our billing schedule please click here.

Do you offer payment plans? Can I set up auto payments for my payment plan?

Yes! We offer payment plans! Tuition is due prior to the start of the program. Payment plans are available and must be set up at the time of registration. Payment is due before the beginning of each session and the second payment can be made halfway through the session. If you would like to keep a card on file and be billed automatically, let us know!

What happens if I fail to pay?
If you have not made a payment before the first lesson, then your lesson reservation will be dropped. If you are struggling to pay your invoice, we offer financial aid and payment plans. We request the payment plans to be set up at the time of registration. Please reach out to us for more information.

Thanks to the generosity of FAME Center partners, the financial-aid program ensures that children whose families demonstrate financial need can participate in our transformative arts programs. Financial aid supports student participation in private lessons, group classes, camp and art therapy. Students who receive financial aid must show commitment through attendance and achievement to remain eligible for continued financial aid.

How do I apply for financial aid?
You may fill out our online financial aid application at any time during the registration process. If you are unable to provide a tax return, please inquire with our Student Services Manager at info@famecenter.org.

How often do I need to submit my financial aid documents?

Families must resubmit their financial aid documents annually. Due to limited resources, submitting your documents does not guarantee your child will receive financial aid. Many factors are taken into consideration.
For questions or more information regarding financial aid, please email info@famecenter.org or call 312-469-0667

What would prevent a student from receiving financial aid?

A student may not receive financial aid if their income exceeds the threshold to qualify or all of FAME Center's financial aid has been distributed for the fiscal year.

What are the expectations for students receiving financial aid?

Students are expected to be present and on time for all private lessons. There are no excused absences for private lessons.

Students may be dismissed from private lessons and financial aid rescinded if three or more missed lessons are recorded; consistent tardiness or failure to pay tuition balance.

Financial aid students are expected to volunteer for a minimum of 1 hour per session.

I'm a teacher. How do I submit a Financial Aid Recommendation for my student?

Fill out and submit the Financial Aid Recommendation form here.

How do I apply for an instrument donation?

We believe that the quality of instruments and materials used in studying music and the arts has a significant effect on a student's learning and desire to engage in their lessons and classes! We also know that these items can be a substantial financial investment, and that can be burdensome for some students. Submit THIS form to let us know that you or your student are in need of supplies for one of our classes, or to let us know that you would like to receive a donated instrument as one becomes available!

Withdrawals/Refunds: Private lessons
Current students may withdraw from Music Lessons at the conclusion of a billing period. Students who wish to withdraw must submit a notice of withdrawal in writing to the administrative office prior to the end of the billing period.

Attendance is expected at all scheduled lessons. We are unable to provide refunds, credits, or make-ups for any lessons missed by students. If your teacher cancels a lesson, they will work with you to reschedule the lesson.

Withdrawals/Refunds: Group Classes
Student cancellations up to 7 days prior to the start of class will receive a full refund or credit, minus a $20 withdrawal fee. No refunds are available after this time.

Refund requests must be made in writing and submitted to admin@famecenter.org.

Withdrawals/Refunds: Camps

No refunds will be given for withdrawal for Spring Break Camp.

Withdrawals from Summer Camp must be requested by submitting a request via email to camp@famecenter.org by May 19, 2023. If the camper withdraws prior to May 19, 2023, any tuition paid will be refunded, aside from a $50 administrative fee.
If a camper withdraws after May 19, 2023, the family is responsible for the full tuition. No refunds will be granted.
FAME Center Camp tuition cannot be prorated or refunded for camp absences.

Cancellations: Group classes, Early Childhood classes, and Summer Camps/workshops
If a class is canceled by FAME Center due to lack of enrollment, FAME Center will offer a full refund or credit to the student in the manner in which tuition was paid. (Cash payments will be refunded by check.)

What is FAME Center’s attendance policy?

Private Lessons

In the event of any student absence, please notify your instructor more than 24 hours in advance. FAME Center does not offer make-up lessons or reimbursement for missed lessons that occur for any reason. This policy is in respect to our faculty, who reserve a specific time for each student. This time cannot be given away to someone else, thus s/he does not have the opportunity to make up for the lost income. Lessons which are canceled by the instructor for any reason will be made up at a mutually convenient time, or a credit will be given for the missed lesson two weeks after the conclusion of the Quarter. Makeups are arranged between the student and the instructor. In the event that a make-up lesson is needed, the make-up lesson may take place in-studio or via Zoom. Parents and teachers can decide together which option will work best for both parties. The office does not schedule make-up lessons for instructor or student cancellations.

Group Classes

FAME Center does not offer reimbursement for missed classes that occur for any reason.

Where is FAME Center located?

FAME Center is located at:

1319 S State St.

Chicago, IL 60605

Is there parking?

FAME Center does not have access to the parking lot adjacent to our building. Parking is strictly enforced and vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense. Free and metered street parking is available.

How do I access the building?

Ring the doorbell and press “2” for FAME Center. FAME Center staff will buzz you into the building.

Trouble with the doorbell?

Call 312-469-0667.

What is FAME Center’s EIN?

FAME Center’s EIN is: 83-2170757

Where can I rent an instrument?

Please take a look at the local Student Resources page to find businesses that rent and repair instruments, sell music books and accessories, and more.