Everything You Need to Know

Helping things
run smoothly

Thank you for choosing Emi Piano Studio!

Music learning is most successful when teacher, student, and (where relevant) parents work together as a team. Our studio policies are designed to keep lessons smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable, so every student can make steady progress and get the very best from their musical journey. Ultimately, they’re in place for your benefit.

Please read them carefully and confirm your agreement when booking a trial or signing up.

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’d like to continue, we’ll confirm a weekly slot and give you access to the Student Portal. Your first invoice is payable by bank transfer; after that, a simple monthly standing order (on the 1st) keeps payments easy. We’ll send you all the details.
  • Lesson Structure options:

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

Punctuality and materials:

  • Please arrive on time with all materials in an A4 folder/bag, plus bottled water. Arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before your lesson, as there’s no waiting room.
  • Lesson reminders are sent 2 hours before.
  • Progress should be discussed via email or WhatsApp (07712-220513), not in person, to maximise lesson time.
  • Texting & Calls: Text messages are monitored for emergencies, but I may not reply during lessons. Calls cannot be taken while teaching.

Parent Drop-off and Pick-up:

  • Please drop off and collect your child quietly and on time. If possible, park further down the road to minimise disruptions and respect neighbours.
  • Avoid parking in front of my neighbours' driveways.
  • Parents are kindly asked to wait in their vehicle, run errands, or visit nearby cafes, as no parents are allowed inside during lessons. This help students focus and excel.
  • Siblings with back-to-back lessons may wait in the lounge.

Footwear and Hygiene:

  • Shoes must be removed upon entering to protect piano pedals.
  • Hands should be washed before leaving home or upon arrival. Nails must be kept short and clean (no false nails) for optimal playing.
  • Bottled water is permitted, but no food or drinks near the pianos.

Late Arrival Policy:

  • Late students will only receive the remaining time of their booked slot. Lessons finish promptly as other students are scheduled immediately after.

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), failure to practice, poor attendance, repeated late payments or excessive reschedules. Outstanding fees will not be refunded.
Cancellations and Make-up Policy:

Make Up Policy

  • We are unable to offer make-up lessons due to a full schedule and long waitlist. Your lesson time is reserved exclusively for you at a fixed weekly slot. Please ensure you are available to attend all lessons throughout the term.
  • If you genuinely must cancel, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice so that your space may be offered to another student from the waitlist for that specific lesson.
  • 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: 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. Maximum of 3 credits per academic year (or 1 per term).

Group Lessons

  • Group lessons cannot 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 genuinely can't make your lesson due to an emergency or illness, please first check the “Find and Book” tab in the Student Portal (self-service) to see if any spaces are available. Cancel your original lesson first to receive one credit, then use it to book an open group slot. I'll be notified automatically, so no need to message me. 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.
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.
  • 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
IMPORTANT: Music exams requires significant focused effort and regular practice. While many families underestimate both the challenges and commitment involved, this journey can be incredibly rewarding and enriching.
Payment Terms

Stress-Free Payment Plan

  • Tuition fees must be paid by Standing Order on the 1st of each month. Set it up once, and you're all set - no reminders, no fluctuations, no surprise bills! This simple, predictable, flat-rate payment plan helps simplify budgeting for you.
  • Your tuition fee is split evenly over 12 months (£ Lesson fee × 40 ÷ 12). This means you pay the same amount each month, whether a month has 5 lessons, 2 lessons, or none at all (like August).
  • Important: There are no lessons in August, but you will still be invoiced, as the total annual cost is spread evenly across 12 months.
  • 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, lending library, 24/7 student portal, 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 and receipts are emailed on the 1st of each month. Copies are always available in your Student Portal for easy access.

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.
  • Group piano books will be supplied during lessons. Invoices for these will be sent for payment via bank transfer.
  • Occasionally, I may lend books from my lending library (accessible via the Student Portal).
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.
Studio Calendar
  • Our studio runs for 40 weeks, following school term time: 38 scheduled lessons during term time, plus 2 'Flex' lesson typically offered during the October half term and Easter break. This consistency guarantees steady progress and lasting results.
  • Lessons will run as normal on Monday bank holidays unless you notify us of absence.
2025/2026 Studio Schedule (40 weeks)

AUTUMN TERM:
September 1, 2025 – October 18, 2025  (7 lessons)
20 October – October 25 (1 lesson - Flex)
November 3, 2025 - December 20, 2025  (7 lessons)

SPRING TERM:
January 5, 2026 – February 14, 2026 [(6 lessons)   
February 23, 2026 – March 28, 2026  (5 lessons)
Easter break: March 30, 2026 - April 11, 2026

SUMMER TERM:
April 13, 2026 - May 23, 2026  (5 lessons)
June 1, 2026 - July 18, 2026  (7 lessons)
July 20, 2026 - July 25, 2026 (1 lesson - flex)

Visit the full 2025/2026 Studio Calendar

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, 3:00pm (Session 1) and 4:30pm (Session 2)
  • 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