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 studio.

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• Tuition may be withdrawn for disruptive behaviour, hitting or banging on the piano(s), failure to practice, poor attendance, repeated late payments or excessive cancellations or reschedules. Outstanding fees will not be refunded.

Pausing Lessons

• We do not pause or “hold” lesson slots. Due to a long waitlist of students ready to commit, all allocated slots must be used on an ongoing basis. If you choose to take a break from lessons, your slot will be released to the waitlist. You’re welcome to rejoin the waitlist, but we cannot guarantee that your original day or time will be available again.
• If you wish to retain your slot during a break, payments must continue.

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 predictable, flat-rate payment plan makes budgeting easier for you.

• Your tuition fee is split evenly over 12 months (£ Lesson fee × 38 ÷ 12). This means you pay the same amount each month, whether a month has 5 lessons, 2 lessons, or none at all (like August). Note: Students who joined before January 2026 remain on the 40-lesson-per-year cycle.

• ‍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 38 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 automatically emailed on the 1st of each month for your records (FYI only). 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.
• We reserve the right to offer your lesson space to another student in cases of persistent late payment.

‍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).

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.