Studio Policy.

The following lists the policies by which we offer private lessons in our studio. Please read them carefully and contact us if you have any questions.

OUR RESPONSIBILITY

To give you or your child a comprehensive music education students will be exposed to a whole range of music, technology, styles and creative endeavours.

All lessons are created to suit the individual goals, desires and loves of each student. We encourage our students to be curious and creative. We show students how music is constructed and how they can make up their own. We help students learn music that they want to learn. We develop their reading and technique. Students will learn a large amount of repertoire and enjoy a wholistic education that suits their level and goals for the future.

WAITING LIST

Waiting list Procedure:

1. Notification of Available Slot:

   • When a lesson slot becomes available, all students on the waiting list will be promptly notified via email.

2. Application Window:

   • Students interested in the available slot can apply within a 48-hour window from the time of receiving the email notification.

3. Fair Selection Process:

   • The student highest on the waiting list, who applies within the specified time period, will be awarded the lesson slot.

STUDENT/PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Students are responsible for arriving at lessons on-time, with correct books and having completed their practice. Students should practice to achieve goals, not to fill time and it is expected that all instructions are followed week-to-week. Late arrival times will not be made up as we often have other students or commitments immediately around lesson times.

Students need to practice on a decent instrument. If playing an acoustic piano, please ensure it’s less than 50 years old and is regularly tuned. If using a digital piano, please ensure it has a solid wooden stand (not a cross brace), at least one pedal, adjustable padded bench and a fully weighted action. Let us know if you need help choosing an instrument.

STUDIO CALENDAR

Lessons are fixed weekly to the school term time according to the Harrow council school term dates. Lessons are only conducted on weekdays. Lessons will not be conducted on School Holidays or Bank Holidays, unless via special arrangement on a case-by-case basis.

PAYMENT

Our fees cover not only the actual lesson time spent with the student, but time preparing for each student as well and our ongoing costs.

Our fees are charged monthly (for 12 months of the year), the fee covers a student’s lessons in our studio. Students will setup card payments upon registration. All tuition payments are non refundable. Bank transfers are accepted from students who joined prior to 2024.

Payments later than 7 days will incur a late fee of 10%.

MISSED LESSONS

Missed lessons due to forgetfulness, illness or holidays are not refundable. Exceptions will be considered on a discretionary basis for pro-longed sicknesses. We offer flexibility with the following alternatives to cancelling your lesson:

1. Cancel your lesson on the student portal for a make-up credit: By canceling your lesson on the student portal, you will receive a make-up credit, valid for 14 days (from cancelation), inclusive of weekends, school holidays and bank holidays. This credit can be redeemed through the student portal to book an alternative day/time within our teaching hours on weekdays, subject to the availability of lesson slots.

2. Take the lesson online via Zoom: If you are unable to attend in person, you can opt for an online lesson conducted via Zoom. This ensures you don’t miss out on your learning experience.

If a teacher is sick or otherwise unable to attend a lesson a make-up lesson credit will be assigned to your account on the student portal, you will receive a make-up credit, valid for 14 days (from cancelation), inclusive of weekends, school holidays, and bank holidays. This credit can be redeemed through the student portal to book an alternative day/time within our teaching hours on weekdays, subject to the availability of lesson slots.

PERFORMANCES

Please be aware that due to our teachers other commitments, we don’t offer any formal recital opportunities at the moment. Students should seek these out in their school or local community context.

EXAMS

Students wishing to sit practical music exams will need to have been learning with us for at least one year before we will enter them for an exam. We need this time to ensure they are ready, that exams are the right thing for the student and to cover areas missing in a student’s prior education.

Students looking to take exams should be aware that it takes a huge amount of effort, determination and stamina and significantly reduces the time available to other more creative pursuits. Extra lessons may be required and students will need to sit 1 - 2 mock exams before they are examined.

Students are entered for exams only when they are fully prepared. This is to avoid the situation where a student has to pulled out of an exam due to lack of preparation which is not a pleasant experience for anyone involved. If proceeding, students may choose to sit ABRSM or RSL exams.

TERMINATING LESSONS

If you wish to finish lessons, please provide notice by email. Students will continue to receive lessons until the end of the monthly cycle when the termination will take effect. Refunds will not be issued.

CONTACTING TEACHERS

Parents and adult students are welcome to email us to arrange a call to discuss any matters associated with their education (you will be provided with a teachers number when you sign up). Please avoiding calling or texting after 8pm. You may also email anytime.