Terms & Conditions (Music Studies)

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF PRIVATE MUSIC TUITION

We promise that:

1. We will provide regular lessons with a professional tutor, possessing a full enhanced DBS certificate and relevant qualifications. 
2. Lessons will be booked a term in advance and clearly noted in writing and you will be invoiced at the start of each term, to allow flexible scheduling where needed. If receiving ‘ad hoc’ lessons, these are to be paid for 24 hours before the lesson. 
3. If the tutor needs to cancel a lesson, you will be offered an alternative time/online lesson or credited the cost of the lesson in the next invoice.
4. We will keep you updated about the progress of the student and when to reasonably expect exam entries or completion of other set targets.
5. Lessons will generally coincide with the academic year. We can offer additional ‘top-up’ lessons outside this time by request.

You promise that:

1. Invoices will be paid promptly within 7 days of receipt. Failure to pay may result in cessation of lessons until the invoice is settled. Those in receipt of ‘ad hoc’ lessons should make payment 24h before scheduled lessons.
2. Except in cases of true emergency, you will give us a minimum of 24 hours’ notice for cancelled lessons. Only then can we offer you an alternative time. Should you wish to cease music lessons – you will give one months’ notice in writing at the end of that term. Please note, fees are non-refundable.
3. You will support your child with their regular routine of practice for the length of time advised by the tutor.
4. You understand that the choice of when to make exam entries, for which grade, and with which exam board, is the decision of the tutor in conjunction with the student. We will maintain a dialogue with you throughout the process, but the decision must, ultimately, be made by the tutor.
5. You will provide suitable books and instruments for the student as advised by the tutor. We will sometimes provide additional resources to be printed at home.

Additional notes:

Please complete the online registration form on the website prior to commencing lessons. Confirmation of lesson day/time and fee per lesson will be provided. Once allocated a lesson day/time, this will remain the same for the duration of the term. Ad hoc and additional top-up/online lessons can be booked by getting in contact. 

Support with fees:

Students who receive pupil premium or SSP at primary or secondary school may be able to use this funding towards music lessons.  Please discuss directly with the headteacher.  Alternatively, Hereford Music Fund offers a music bursary to help with lesson fees.  Further information can be found at

https://www.encore-enterprises.com/hmfbursaryapplicationshowtoapply

ONLINE MUSIC LESSONS

This Addendum is hereby and herewith incorporated into the Agreement for Private Music Tuition.

1. Location of lessons - The Teacher shall give lessons to the Pupil in accordance with the Agreement. If the Teacher and the Pupil cannot meet in person at any physical location in the Agreement for reasons beyond the control of the parties, tuition will be given to the Pupil via an online platform as agreed by the parties for a period to be agreed by the parties during which the terms of this Addendum will apply. If the location given in the Agreement is ‘Online’ all lessons shall be given online in accordance with the terms of the Agreement and this Addendum.
2. Timetable and duration of lessons - The lesson timetable and lesson duration shall be as specified in the Agreement. The Teacher and Pupil or Pupil’s Parent/Guardian may agree to vary the timetable and duration of lessons subject to written confirmation by each party to any agreed changes.
3. Additional lessons - The Teacher and Pupil or Pupil’s Parent/Guardian may agree at any time to schedule additional online lessons, which shall be paid at a rate agreed by the Teacher and the Pupil/Pupil's Guardian/Parent.

Pupil’s teaching environment and equipment

1. The Pupil or Pupil’s Parent or Guardian shall be responsible for a suitable location for online tuition.
2. The Pupil or Pupil’s Parent/Guardian shall be responsible for provision of technology suitable for the online tuition and shall ensure that any applications or other technology specified by the Teacher for the tuition is installed and tested before online lessons commence. The Teacher is not responsible for the loan or supply of any equipment or materials, unless agreed in writing in advance.
3. The Teacher is not liable for any delays or disruptions caused by technical difficulties of whatever nature at the Pupil’s home or their location for the lessons. The teacher shall not be required to make up any time lost through such incidents.
4. The Teacher is not liable for any damage, technical faults or failures of equipment and software belonging to the Pupil or Pupil’s Parent or Guardian.

Safeguarding

1. The parties agree that safeguarding is of paramount importance and agree that they shall observe best practice and professional guidance (such as advice to teachers from the ISM) in safeguarding and child protection at all times.
2. The Pupil or Pupil’s Parent or Guardian agrees to follow any safeguarding requirements specified by the Teacher. This includes the Parent or Guardian being present in the ‘background’ during online lessons. This can be in the same room or in the neighbouring room with the door open. This also applies to face-to-face lessons.
3. The Pupil, if aged 18 or under, will not contact the Teacher directly by any means for whatever reason: all communications relating to the lessons shall be made between the Pupil’s Parent or Guardian and the Teacher preferably by email except in an emergency such as unavoidable cancellation of a lesson at the last minute, where telephone use is acceptable.
4. Inappropriate behaviour or use of inappropriate or unlawful materials during the lessons by the Pupil may result in the Teacher terminating the lesson immediately and the teacher reserves the right to terminate the agreement with immediate effect, in which case the Teacher shall not be required to refund any fees previously paid.