1. Fees & Payment Terms

• Lessons are delivered over 38 teaching weeks each academic year. Tuition is calculated as: Lesson Fee × 38 Lessons ÷ 12 equal monthly payments, collected automatically via AutoPay on the 1st of each month.

• This means you pay the exact same amount every month. Some months may include 5 lessons, others 2 or 3, and August includes none, but the annual tuition balances out across the academic year.
• There are no lessons in August, however monthly payments continue because annual tuition is divided into 12 equal monthly payments.

• Music theory is included at no extra cost, and Emi Piano Studio covers all card processing fees.
• Late payments over 10 days overdue will incur a 10% late fee. Repeated late payments may result in the loss of the student's lesson slot.
• Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable (except between siblings).
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2. Cancellations and Make-up Policy

Cancellation Policy:

• ​Missed lessons are not rescheduled, refunded, or credited missed lessons.

• With a full timetable and waiting list, a consistent schedule helps protect every student's progress.
• To cancel a lesson, simply use the Student Portal (Calendar tab). There's no need to message us.‍
• Optional Teacher Support is available for missed lessons: 1:1 students: may upload a video of assigned pieces via Practice Space for teacher feedback. Beginners: Parents may message us for a short teacher video demo.

• Repeated cancellations indicate the slot is no longer suitable and the slot will be offered to the waiting lit.

Illness Policy:

• For genuine illness, cancellations made 24+ hours in advance via the Student Portal receive a lesson credit (maximum 3 per academic year, valid for 30 days). Credits may be used to book any available lesson (subject to availability).

Teacher cancellations: ‍

• Any lessons cancelled by the studio will always be covered by a substitute teacher, rescheduled, credited, or refunded.
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3. Studio Calendar

• Lessons take place during our published term dates (38 weeks), helping families plan ahead and maximise attendance. Consistent attendance supports steady progress and lasting results.
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4. Lesson Expectations

‍Punctuality & Arrival

• Please arrive on time with all books, materials (in an A4 folder or bag) and bottled water. Arrive no more than 5 minutes early as there's no waiting room. Lessons finish promptly for the next student, so late arrivals cannot be extended.

• Please drop off and collect your child quietly, and do not park in front of neighbouring driveways, even when briefly dropping off or collecting students.
• Parents/guardians do not attend lessons. Siblings with back-to-back lessons may wait in the studio.

Books & Materials‍

• Piano books must be brought to every lesson. Repeatedly forgotten books may need to be replaced at the family's expense.

‍Conduct & Care

• Shoes must be removed on arrival. Hands should be clean, nails kept short, and false nails are not permitted for optimum playing.
• Bottled water is allowed; food and other drinks are not. Bathroom, snack, water etc. should be taken care of outside of lesson time.
• Any damage to instruments, equipment or furniture not covered by insurance may be charged to the responsible party.

• Tuition may be withdrawn for persistent disruptive and disrespectful behaviour, poor attendance, repeated cancellations, late payments, lack of practice, misuse of studio equipment, or failure to follow studio policies. Tuition fees are non-refundable.
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5. Practice expectations & attendance

• To make real progress, students are expected to attend lessons regularly, practise consistently between lessons, and prepare assigned work for each lesson.
• Daily practice is encouraged for progress to be seen, and a parent must be available to guide practice at home.
• ‍Minimum practice:
  • Beginners–Early Levels: 30 minutes, 4 times per week
  • Grades 3–8: 1 hour daily
• Frequent absences, repeated requests to reschedule, or insufficient practice may result in discontinuation of lessons.
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6. Instrument Requirement

• A suitable piano is required after the first lesson so students can begin practising immediately.
• Beginners may start with a weighted 88-key digital piano (recommended) or, if budget is a concern, a 61-key touch-sensitive keyboard as a short-term option. As students progress, we recommend upgrading to a weighted 88-key digital piano or an acoustic upright piano.
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7. Pausing and Terminating Lessons

Pausing Lessons:

• Lesson slots cannot be held during temporary absences or extended breaks. To retain your lesson slot, tuition fees must continue as normal. Otherwise, the space may be offered to a student on the waiting list.

Notice Period:

• Please provide 30 days' written notice to stop lessons. Lessons and fees continue as normal during the notice period, and refunds are not available for unused lessons. This allows lessons to conclude positively and ensures a smooth transition for everyone.
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8. Parent Communication

• The studio communicates primarily via email, SMS, phone, WhatsApp (07712-220 513), and studio newsletters. Families are responsible for reading studio communications, announcements, invoices, and timetable updates.
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9. Recitals & Performances

• Student Recitals are an important part of our programme and provide a special opportunity to build confidence, stage presence, and performance skills. While formal with etiquette to learn, the event is relaxed and fun.
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10. Liability

• While we strive to provide a high-quality learning experience, Emi Piano Studio is not liable for:Student progress, examination results, or musical achievements, which depend on individual effort, attendance, and regular practice.
• Any personal injury, loss, or damage, except where caused by our negligence or where liability cannot be excluded by law.