Everything You Need to Know

Helping things
run smoothly

Thank you for choosing Emi Piano Studio!

We believe music learning is most successful when there’s a strong partnership between teacher, student, and parent. By working together and following our studio policies to set you and your child up for success, we create a fun and productive environment where every student can thrive and enjoy their musical journey.

Please read the policy below carefully and confirm your agreement when booking a trial or signing up.

Studio Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: November 1, 2024

Welcome to Emi Piano Studio. By using our website, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully. If you do not agree, please do not use our site or services.

Onboarding: New Joiners
  • New Students: Book a Trial Lesson for £17.50 (discounted) as: 1:1 lesson (30 minutes) or Group Piano (60 minutes), subject to availability. Parents are welcome to sit in during the trial lesson.
  • After the Trial – If you decide to continue:
    1. We’ll agree on a fixed weekly slot (you’ll get access to the Student Portal).
    2. Pay your first invoice via bank transfer.
    3. Set up a monthly Standing Order for 1st of each month – we’ll email you the details.
  • Lesson Structure options:

    - Group Piano (Beginners) (Ages 5-16): 60 minutes
    - Piano 1:1 (Children aged 5-17, Grades 1 above): 30, 45, or 60 minutes
    - Piano 1:1 (Adults, all levels: 30, 45, or 60 minutes
    - Violin (All levels): 30, 45, or 60 minutes
    - Singing: 30 minutes
Lessons - What to expect:

Punctuality and materials:

  • Please arrive on time with all necessary materials in an A4 folder/bag, and bring a bottled water. Please arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before your lesson to avoid disrupting the previous one, as there’s no waiting room.
  • Group Piano students must bring their own headsets for hygiene reasons.
  • SMS and/or email reminders are sent 2 hours before lessons.
  • To maximise your lesson time and the next student’s, please avoid discussing progress in person. Feel free to contact me via email or WhatsApp 07712-220513.
  • Texting: I monitor my phone for emergencies but may not see or reply to texts during lessons. Rest assured, I do read them. I don’t take calls while teaching.

Parent Drop-off and Pick-up:

  • Please drop off and collect your child quietly. If possible, park further down the road and walk them to the door, as this helps reduce disruptions, and ensures we respect the neighbours.
  • Avoid parking in front of my neighbours' driveways to prevent inconvenience.
  • Parents are kindly asked to wait in your vehicle, run errands, or visit nearby cafes to help students maintain a focused environment to concentrate and excel.
  • Please ensure timely pick-up. If you're running late, we'll keep your child safe inside until you arrive. However, late pick-ups do disrupt the flow of our next lessons, as we need to supervise, interrupt and pause lessons, and open the door etc.
  • Siblings with back-to-back lessons may wait in the lounge.

Footwear and Hygiene:

  • Students must remove shoes upon entering to protect the piano pedals.
  • Please wash hands before leaving home or upon arrival. Nails must be kept short and clean (no false nails) for optimal performance.
  • A bottled water is allowed, but no food or drinks near the pianos to prevent spills and damage.

Late Arrival Policy:

  • Late students will receive only the remaining booked time, unless no subsequent lessons are scheduled, in which case the lesson may be extended. If a lesson runs over, we will try to make up the time next week.

Damage policy:

  • Any damage to the pianos or other furniture not covered by insurance must be paid for by the responsible party.

Conduct:

  • Tuition may be withdrawn for disruptive behaviour, hitting or banging on the piano(s), poor attendance, repeated late payments or reschedules, or failure to practice. Any outstanding lesson fees will not be refunded.
Cancellations and Make-up Policy:
  • We do not offer make-up lessons due to a full schedule and long waitlist.
  • Missed lessons and no-shows are non-refundable, as each slot is reserved for you or your child and was chosen over other applicants.

1:1 STUDENTS ONLY: Exceptional Cases: Self-Service cancellation

  • Only in exceptional circumstances, such as emergencies or illness, may you cancel and reschedule, with at least 24 hours' notice.
  • No need to message me – the system will notify me of the changes.
  • Log into the Student Portal (Self Service) to cancel your original slot.
    • Less than 24 hours before the lesson: The lesson will be treated as missed, and no make-up credit will be issued.
    • With 24 hours' notice: You’ll receive a make-up credit. Search for available make-up slots (very limited availability) in the calendar and book using the credit. If no suitable make-up slot is available, the lesson will be lost.
  • Credit must be used within 30 days or it will expire.

Group Lessons
Group lessons can’t usually be rescheduled due to a full schedule and waitlist. Occasionally, if another student cancels, a space may appear in the “Find and Book” tab of the Student Portal calendar. If you genuienly can't make your lesson, please cancel your original lesson first to receive one credit, which you can then use to book into another group. Please use this option sparingly to avoid disrupting your child’s learning and the group’s progress.

If a teacher needs to cancel:

  • If I or the teachers must cancel, the lesson will be covered by a substitute or rescheduled. If neither is possible, you will receive a credit or refund.
Termination of Lessons:
  • A minimum of one month’s written notice is required to cancel or modify lessons.
  • Please note, there are no refunds for unused lessons within the notice period. We recommend providing notice in advance to ensure a smooth transition.

Practice expectations and progression:
  • Students must come prepared with practiced pieces, and completed theory homework. Consistent practice avoids last-minute cramming, making lessons more enjoyable and effective.
  • Lack of practice and frequent absences will disrupt progress and may lead to termination, as we prioritise committed students.
  • Parental support for regular, consistent and focused practice in a positive environment is essential.
Payment Terms

Stress-Free Payment Plan

  • Our methods are different and so is our pricing! Just a Flat Monthly rate, is easier on your budget and schedule!
  • Payments must be made via Standing Order on the 1st of each month. Set it up once, and you're all set! No reminders, fluctuations, or surprise bills.
  • This simple, predictable, flat-rate payment plan helps simplify budgeting for you.
  • Your tuition fee is spread evenly over 12 months, calculated as lesson fee × 40 ÷ 12. This means you pay the same amount each month, regardless of how many lessons fall in that month - some months may have 5 lessons, others only 2, or none (like August).
  • Your subscription includes a comprehensive all-inclusive program, covering 40 lessons per year, skill development, lesson preparation, materials, admin fees and additional services like consultations, event organisation, and ongoing resources we continuously provide behind the scenes. We understand the importance of supporting you beyond the music lessons themselves.

Payment Terms:

  • The first payment can be made in advance via bank transfer before the trial or first lesson. If starting mid-month, fees will be adjusted pro-rata.
  • After that, a Standing Order for the 1st of each month must be set up.
  • Invoices are available on your Student Portal. Receipts will be emailed.

Late Payment Fees:

  • Payments over 15 days late incur 15% interest, and a new invoice will be issued.

Additional Costs:

  • Books (for 1:1 lessons), materials, any exam fees are not included in the lesson fees. I will email links for any required books.
  • Occasionally, I may lend books from my lending library (accessible via the Student Portal).
  • Group piano books will be supplied during lessons. Invoices for these will be sent for payment via bank transfer.
Studio Calendar
  • Our private studio runs for 40 weeks, following school term time: 39 scheduled lessons during term time, plus 1 'Flex' lesson typically offered during the Easter break.
  • For Monday bank holidays, students may attend as scheduled or reschedule the lesson.
2025/2026 Studio Schedule (40 weeks)

AUTUMN TERM:
September 1, 2025 – October 25, 2025  [8 lessons]  

Half Term Holiday: October 27, 2025 - November 1, 2025

November 3, 2025 - December 20, 2025  [7 lessons]

Christmas break: December 22, 2025 - January 3, 2026

SPRING TERM:
January 5, 2026 – February 14, 2026 [6 lessons]
   
Half Term Holiday: February 16, 2025 - February 21, 2025

February 23, 2026 – March 28, 2026  [5 lessons]
Easter break: March 30, 2026 - April 11, 2026 [1 lesson - Flex]

SUMMER TERM:
April 13, 2026 - May 23, 2026  [5 lessons]

Half Term Holiday: May 25, 2026 - May 30, 2026

June 1, 2026 - July 18, 2026  [7 lessons]
   
Summer Holiday: July 20, 2026- August 30, 2026

Visit the full 2025/2026 Studio Calendar

Music Exams

Students may choose to take ABRSM Grades 1-8 exams, with two format options:

  • Performance Grades (online): Record and submit 4 pieces for grading.
  • Practical Grades (in-person): Perform 3 pieces and be tested on scales, sight-reading, and aural skills by a live examiner
  • Visit the ABRSM website for more info.
IMPORTANT: Music exam preparation requires significant focused effort and may temporarily limit time for other creative activities. While many families underestimate both the challenges and rewards involved, this journey can be incredibly enriching.
Student Recitals and Music Festivals:
  • All students are encouraged to participate in our much loved studio's annual recitals:
    • Summer Recital: June 7, 2025, 4:30-6:00pm
    • Winter Recital: November 8, 2025, 4:30-6:00pm
  • This is a unique and truly wonderful opportunity, as not all local teachers offer this experience. While formal with etiquette to learn, the event is relaxed and fun!
  • Ticket prices help cover venue and material costs: Adults (general admission): £11.50, Children and senior citizens (concessions): £6.50, Children under 5: Free.
  • All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to the venue and recital expenses.
  • Students are encouraged to perform at every opportunity, including school assemblies and local music festivals, at their own discretion.
Legal and Policy Information:

Media Policy:

  • With parental permission, photos, videos, and recordings of students may be used for promotional purposes. Please indicate your approval on the registration form.

Safeguarding and certifications:

Cooling-off period:

  • Students can cancel their agreement within 14 days of registration under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 for a full refund. Notify Emi Piano Studio (EPS) within this period, and the refund will be processed within 5 days.
  • If lessons are provided during this period, charges for those lessons will apply.

Changes to terms and conditions:

  • EPS reserves the right to change these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice.

Privacy and Data Protection:

  • By using the Site, you consent to the collection, use, and storage of your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We take reasonable measures to protect your information but cannot guarantee its absolute security.

Intellectual Property:

  • All content on this Site, including text, images, logos, and videos, is owned by or licensed to the Studio. You may not reproduce, distribute, or use any of this content without prior written permission.

Limitation of Liability:

  • The Studio is not responsible for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection with the use of our Site or services. In no event will our liability exceed the amount you have paid for the services.

Amendments to Terms:

  • We may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page, and the effective date will be updated accordingly. It is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically.

Governing Law:

  • These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from these Terms will be resolved in the courts located in Bromley.
Contact Information
  • If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us at:
  • Emi Piano Studio
    emiliah@gmail.com
    +44(0)7712-220513
    Ashley Gardens, BR6 9NH