Getting Started
My usual teaching hours are 2 pm – 6.30 pm (weekdays only).
Once we’ve had a preliminary chat on the phone to see if I’m going to be the right teacher for you or your child, I will email you a personal information form to complete and the contract to sign.
The contract asks for your agreement to the terms and conditions of service (see below).
You will also be asked to sign to say you have read the privacy policy with regard to the paper records I hold about you, so please check through that on this website before you sign.
You will need to return the personal information form and signed contract to me (can be electronically) before tuition can start.
You have 14 days from signing the contract to cancel (statutory cooling off period) but it is possible to start lessons before that if you tick the box to say you will pay for any lessons I teach you/your child.
Once lessons start, I normally give you up to 4 weeks as a trial period, during which, if you decide not to continue, I will refund the lesson fees paid for any lessons you are not going to be taking.
Please note that, following the end of the trial period, you need to give written notice (can be in an email) of wanting to stop lessons and will need to pay for 4 weeks’ worth of lessons at that point (see terms and conditions below).
I will also send you an invoice for the trial period of lessons, as mutually agreed on the phone. I need to receive payment (e.g. by internet banking) in advance of your first lesson.
Then we’re all ready to start on your musical journey together!
Terms and Conditions of service
1. Fees and payment terms
Fees are payable in full prior to the first lesson of each month or 7th of the month, whichever is sooner. All late payments will attract a charge of £1 per week or part thereof.
Lesson fees are subject to annual review on 1st September. Where lesson fees are increased as a result of such a review, the teacher shall endeavour to give the Adult (who has signed the contract) at least one month’s notice of such increase.
2. Missed lessons will be charged at the usual rate. The teacher may in some circumstances agree to re-schedule the lesson. If the teacher is unavailable to give any scheduled lesson, the lesson will be carried forward to another date. If this is not possible, any fee already paid will be refunded.
3. Additional lessons.
Extra or postponed lessons may be scheduled during the normal working week (which does not include Bank Holidays) or some Saturdays by mutual agreement and at the standard lesson fee rate.
4. Termination of Agreement A decision to discontinue Lessons after the cooling off period may be taken by the Student or the Teacher, in which case written notice shall be given by the party seeking to terminate the agreement. The adult will be liable to pay a Notice Fee equivalent to 4 weeks of lessons, regardless of whether or not the Student attends lessons during the notice period.
5. Examination entries will only be made if the Adult, Student and Teacher are all in agreement. Any entry fees will be paid for by the Adult. See guidance note 2.
6. In the interests of the student’s well-being whilst in the Teacher’s care, the Teacher must be informed of any medical or other condition affecting the student. See guidance note 4.
Guidance Notes
1. Practice
It is important to note that whilst the Teacher will use her best endeavours to ensure the student makes satisfactory progress, this cannot be guaranteed.
In particular, careful regular practice as advised by the Teacher is a prerequisite of success on a musical instrument. Please read the practice guidance on the website, too.
The student’s progress will be impaired if there is insufficient time set aside for practice when they will not be disturbed (for example by other family members).
2. Equipment needed: There needs to be access at home to appropriate equipment: All students need a CD player or other device for playing digital music (MP3) files and instrumentalists need an appropriate instrument to practice on in between lessons and a suitable height chair.
Please ask about technical requirements if unsure. Instrumentalists other than pianists need an adjustable height music stand.
2. Exam entry.
A) The Teacher will take responsibility for entering the student for a music exam but the Adult takes responsibility for supplying the Teacher with accurate information to enable her to do so.
B) The Teacher will only enter the student for a music exam if the fees have been paid to the Teacher in full by the closing date for entries.
4. Health, safety and insurance. EPTA-UK members are insured personally in respect of legal liability that may arise following accidental injury to members of the public or accidental damage or loss of any property. The limit of indemnity is £10 million.
5. Photographs/videos Please do not make any video or audio recordings during lessons or concerts as almost all music played is copyright controlled and I do not have a PRS licence. Please do not take photographs of children (for example at a Student Concert) without the permission of their parents. This is to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998.