Fall Calendar 2025
June and July
Fall registration invitations sent to returning students late July or August 1st. Returning students must register by August 15th to secure a place. Prep office closed.
AUGUST
Aug 15 – Fall registration deadline. Late fee charged after this date.
Aug 15 – Deadline for financial aid applications.
Aug 25 – Rice University first day of classes; students return.
Preparatory fall semester may begin for private lesson students.
SEPTEMBER
Sept 1 – Labor Day Holiday. Prep office closed.
Sept 20 (Sat) - Prep Recital, 12:30pm. Duncan Recital Hall.
OCTOBER
Oct 9 - Prep Piano Masterclass with Jon Kimura-Parker in Stude, 7-9:30pm.
Oct 13-14 – Rice Midterm Recess. Office & building open.
Oct 18 (Sat) – Prep Recital – 12:30pm. Duncan Recital Hall.
NOVEMBER
Mid-Nov - Spring registration invitations sent to returning students.
Returning students must register by Dec. 5th.
Nov 22 (Sat) - Prep Recital -12:30pm, Duncan Recital Hall.
Nov 27 & 28 – Thanksgiving Holidays. Office and building closed.
DECEMBER
Dec 5 – Rice University students last day of classes.
Dec 5 – Spring registration deadline. Late fee charged after.
Dec 6 (Sat) – Prep Recital, 12:30pm, Duncan Recital Hall.
Dec 24–Jan 2nd – Rice Winter Break. Office & building closed.
Spring Calendar 2026
JANUARY
Jan 12 – Rice University first day of classes; students return.
Jan 19 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Office closed. Building open.
Jan 24 (Sat) - Prep Recital 12:30pm. Duncan Recital Hall.
FEBRUARY
Feb 12 (Thu) - Piano Masterclass, 7–9:30 pm. Stude Concert Hall.
Feb 12 & 13 – Rice Spring Recess. Office & building open.
Feb 28 (Sat) - Prep Recital 1:30pm, Duncan Recital Hall
MARCH
Mar 16-20 – Rice University spring break. Office & building open.
Mar 28 (Sat) - Prep Recital 12:30pm, Duncan Recital Hall.
APRIL
Mid- April – Summer registration invitations sent to returning students. Summer registration due May 1st.
April 25 – Rice University students last day of classes.
MAY
May 1- Summer registration deadline. Late fee charged after.
May 1 (Fri) - Honors Recital – 7:00pm. Duncan Recital Hall
May 2 (Sat) - Prep Recital 12:30pm, Duncan Recital Hall
May 8 & 9 – Rice University 113th Commencement
*The Shepherd School of Music building remains open unless otherwise noted. Prep Office closing and staff holidays are also noted. Please check with individual teachers regarding times and confirmation for lessons or coaching sessions.