A Summary of key Conditions. These will be included in the contract provided to all parties prior to the commencement of lessons.
Lesson Arrangements
Lessons take place at the agreed location. Dates and times are arranged in advance and confirmed in writing between the teacher and the pupil (or parent/carer). Dates will be given out at the start of each term.
Fees and Payment
Lesson fees must be paid on or before the day of the lesson. Lessons are £25 for half an hour or £50 for an hour, unless sibling discounts are applied for and approved. I am also happy to invoice for each month’s worth of lessons at the start of each month.
Missed or Cancelled Lessons
Lessons missed by the pupil are chargeable unless at least 48 hours’ written notice is given, or the teacher agrees otherwise in exceptional circumstances.
If the teacher cancels a lesson, a replacement lesson or a refund will be offered.
Exams, Performances and Competitions
Students will only be entered for exams, performances, or competitions with the agreement of the teacher and the pupil (and parent/carer where appropriate).
Ending Tuition
Tuition may be ended at any time by mutual agreement in writing.
The teacher may end lessons immediately if fees are not paid on time.
Either party may end tuition in writing at any time, but lessons scheduled within 48 hours of notice must still be paid for.
Conduct
If tuition cannot continue due to unreasonable behaviour by the pupil or those connected to them, any outstanding lesson fees will not be refunded.
Communication
Written communication may be via email, paper, or text message (texts must be acknowledged). Formal notices or changes must be made in writing by email or paper.
Changes to Terms
Any changes to the agreement must be confirmed in writing and agreed by both parties. Any one-off exceptions do not set a precedent for future lessons.
Legal Matters
This agreement is governed by the law of the location where lessons take place, and any disputes will be handled by courts in that area.
Child Safeguarding Conditions
Your child’s safety and wellbeing are my highest priority. I hold an enhanced DBS certificate and am first aid trained, but clear boundaries and guidelines are essential to protect both students and myself.
Supervision: Children should never be left alone in my care. Whether lessons take place in my studio or at your home, a responsible adult must remain on the premises at all times. For older students, this may be relaxed with mutual agreement and additional safeguards, such as audio-only lesson recordings, which will be securely stored and deleted on a mutually agreed date.
Lesson Environment: Lessons will always take place in a downstairs room, with doors left open, and never in a child’s bedroom. Distractions should be minimized; parents are asked to manage siblings or pets to ensure the lesson remains focused and safe.
Boundaries and Physical Contact: On rare occasions, light physical guidance (e.g., adjusting hand or finger position) may be necessary. This will always be kept to a minimum and permission requested first. Children are asked to respect personal boundaries and remain hands-off with the teacher.
Transportation: I will never transport a child alone to or from lessons, events, or music venues.
Behaviour: Lessons may be terminated early if behaviour is unsafe, disruptive, or inappropriate.
Preparation: Please ensure children have used the toilet, eaten, and had a drink before the lesson. Food is not allowed in my studio; only a small water bottle is permitted. Young children must be able to use the toilet independently, as I cannot assist. Lesson times cannot be extended for breaks or interruptions.
Online/Remote Lessons (if applicable): For virtual lessons, lessons must be conducted in a shared family space, not in a bedroom. A parent or guardian should be present in the room. Cameras and microphones should remain active at all times, and no recording of lessons should be done without explicit agreement.
Professional Conduct: I maintain professional boundaries at all times, including verbal interactions, teaching methods, and physical space. All interactions will remain respectful, age-appropriate, and in line with best safeguarding practices.
Emergencies: I have first aid training and will respond appropriately in the event of an accident or medical need. Parents will be informed immediately.
These guidelines are in place to create a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment for all students, ensuring they can enjoy music while developing confidence, creativity, and independence.