FAQ Elementary Strings
 
When and how often does the class meet?
Please look at your school flier or on the registration system for the dates and times at each school is different. The ensembles are  only meeting once a week but Sycamore Canyon programs still meet twice a week.

Who are the instructors?
We have wonderful instructors who teach at one or more schools. When you register, their name is listed as the instructor and their school flier will also have their name listed. Barring any emergency, these will be the instructors for the entire school year.

Who can register for strings?
Elementary Strings in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. Elementary Strings students may choose from violin, viola, or cello.

How do I register?
To view and register for all CRPD classes, please visit here or the link above. Use the keyword function to look up your school name or the four digit code found on the class fliers. The name will show you all classes offered on that campus including afterschool and during school music programs. The code will only show you the specific music class. Registration is open during the Fall and Winter sessions. Fall session runs through January and Spring runs through May. Students must register for each semester and must be enrolled in order to attend the class. If they are not registered, they will not be able to attend.

My student has special needs. Are they eligible to participate or how can I find out more about inclusion services?
The Conejo Recreation and Park District Recreational Therapy Inclusion Program can be utilized by children with special needs and/or challenging behaviors. To find out more, please check the box during the online registration process, on the registration form, or email inclusion@crpd.org. If a student is a patron of the Tri Counties Regional Center, they must send their invoice to their service corrdinator to process payment.

How long does the session run?
The Fall session runs from September- January. The Spring Session runs end of January- May.

Are there performances?
Depending on the school and instructor, there may be an afterschool or evening performance. Your insturctor will let you know after enrollment and participation in the class has begun.

Do I have to buy an instrument?
If you own one already, you are welcome to use it. You may rent one from the companies listed below or borrow one from another family. We only ask that all instruments come in good condition and fits your child properly. All students are responsible for bringing, storing, and returning home with their instrument for each class day. Most schools do not have any available space for storage so this guarantees their instruments will be safe and also home for them to practice.
 
Do you need assistance in renting an instrument?
A limited amount of instrurments may be available to assist families in need. Please reach out to us so that we can connect you with the Conejo Schools Foundation who has graciously partnered with the program after a successful instrument donation drive.
 
How much practice time is required?
Participants are encouraged to practice at least one day a week to help gain confidence, body movement training and patterns, and to help identify areas that they may need assistance on.
 
What do we need to bring to class?
Supplemental material will be provided by the instructor at no extra charge. Parents are responsible for providing an instrument, the method book specified by the instructor, a shoulder rest (Kuhn or similar design) for violin/viola students, and extra strings (1 A-string and 1 D-string) for violin/viola students. A folding music stand to keep at home for practice is recommended but not required. Some schools may be able to provide instruments. Parents interested in this option should contact their Strings instructor for more information. Resources for method book purchase and instrument rental/purchase are listed below.
 
Nick Rail Music                                       
Agoura Hills
www.nickrailmusic.com
818 991-3750  
 
Dave Janssen’s School of Music
1109-B E Los Angeles Ave
Simi Valley, CA 93065
www.musicarts.com/rentals
805-520-7858
 
Cyndi Hall’s Music Studio    (By appointment only)            
www.cyndihallsmusicstudio.com
 (661) 212-8531
 (661) 755-9418 
 
How much is each semester?
Each semester is $230.

What are my options to pay?
Payments may be paid in full, a small deposit can be made with three monthly payments scheduled through the registration screen (stored credit card required for this option), or financial aid is available. If you are requesting financial aide, please do so ASAP so that we can register your child to be able to start classes on time. If your child is a Tri Counties Regional Center patron, they must send their invoice to their service coordinator to process payment.

Payment Plans with Automatic Credit Card Charges:
If making payments helps with your home finances, you can go directly to the registration page and choose the automatic credit card payment option. You will be required to pay the initial $57.50 with a credit card and the remainder will be charged $57.50 on October 15, November 15, and December 15.

Financial Aid
It is our goal to make the Elementary Music Program available to all interested students regardless of financial need. The CRPD Financial Aid Fund is limited and to aid to as many students as possible, we ask that parents/guardians try to make some payment. To request Financial Assistance, we have created an online form which you must complete and submit. Your instructor may print and have these forms available if you do not have access to a computer or printer in both English and Spanish. This form is the registration form for Students Requesting Financial Aid, DO NOT COMPLETE THE TRADITIONAL REGISTRATION- ONLY SUBMIT THIS FORM. If you are making a partial payment, you will need to do so by calling the Hillcrest Center for the Arts at 805-381-2747 or logging into your CRPD registration account after you have received confirmation of your approval.

CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR THE ONLINE FINANCIAL AID AND REGISTRATION FORM:
 
Financial Assistance Form (English)
​​​​​​​Solicitud de asistencia financiera en línea (Espanol)

What is the refund policy Refund Policy?
The Conejo Recreation and Park District Refund Policy is as follows:
 
ACTIVITY REFUND POLICY
Transfers and Refunds cannot be done online or on the school campus. Refunds are returned to the customer in the same manner that the original registration was paid. For example, if you paid via credit card then the refund will be credited directly to your card; if you paid cash, your refund will be returned as a check by mail within 2-4 weeks of request. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GRANTED AFTER THE SECOND CLASS DATE.  This policy applies to all District-sponsored activities and special instruction classes. 

CANCELLATIONS BY THE PARTICIPANT:          
1. A full refund will be granted if the District is notified at least two business days (Monday-Friday) prior to the start of the program activity.  If you cancel within two business days of the class starting, you will be charged for the first class.
2. A refund will be granted on a pro-rata basis if the District is notified prior to the date of the second meeting of the activity. 
3 REFUNDS WILL NOT BE GRANTED AFTER THE SECOND MEETING.
4. Refunds for medical reasons will be granted on a pro-rata basis subject to written certification of such reasons by a physician.
CANCELLATIONS BY THE DISTRICT:
1.  A full refund will be made in the event an activity is cancelled by the District prior to the starting date.
2.  A partial refund will be made on a pro-rata basis if the activity is cancelled prior to the conclusion of the program.​​​​​​​