Private Lesson Studio Policies for 2024 and Beyond
The following lists the policies by which I offer lessons from 2024 onwards. Please read them carefully and let me know if you have any questions.
My Responsibilities
My goal is to provide you or your child with a well-rounded and personalised music education. Students will explore a diverse array of music, technology, styles, and creative activities. Each lesson is thoughtfully tailored to align with the unique goals, passions, and interests of every student.
I encourage my students to be curious and creative, guiding them through the structure of music and empowering them to compose their own. I support their desire to learn the music they love while also helping them build strong reading skills and technique.
Students will explore a wide range of repertoire while enjoying a holistic education tailored to their current level and future goals.Â
Student/Parent Responsibilities
Students are expected to be on time for lessons, have the necessary materials, and complete their practice. Practice should be goal-oriented, not just time-filling, and it's important that all instructions are followed consistently from week to week.
Late arrivals cannot be accommodated, as I often have other students or commitments scheduled immediately before or after lesson times.
Students need to practice on a decent instrument.
Studio Calendar
Lessons take place during the school term in accordance with the New South Wales school calendar.
Lessons are conducted on weekdays Monday-Thursday. Lessons will not be conducted during school holidays, public holidays or long weekends, unless via a separate agreement on a case-by-case basis.
Weekly students receive 40 lessons each school year and this is what is included in the monthly tuition fee (see below). Fortnightly students receive 20 lessons.Â
payments
Tuition includes not only the time spent with each student but also the preparation and ongoing business expenses, such as:
Travel costs for lessons.
Customised lesson plans tailored to each student's learning journey.
My training and experience.
Purchasing and printing of books and sheet music.
Tuition is evenly distributed throughout the year and billed monthly in advance, starting on January 1st. This payment secures the student's spot in my studio and covers the costs of lessons and enrolment.
The monthly payment is evenly divided across 12 months from January to December. This ensures a consistent tuition fee, regardless of whether there are 2 or 5 lessons in a given month.
Weekly students receive 40 lessons per year, while fortnightly students receive 20 lessons per year. For example, if hourly lessons are $100 each, a weekly student would be charged $100 x 40 lessons = $4000, spread over 12 months, resulting in a monthly payment of $333.30 ($333 when rounded off). All amounts are in AUD.
Students will be enrolled in an automatic monthly debit system using Stripe payment software.
All tuition payments are non-refundable.
Missed Lessons
Missed lessons due to forgetfulness, illness, or holidays are non-refundable. Exceptions may be considered for prolonged illnesses or exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
Since I also run second businesses, there may be occasions when I am unable to provide a lesson.
If I am sick or otherwise unable to attend a lesson, and it results in the student receiving fewer lessons than the minimum threshold for the year, I will either withhold the missed lesson fees or make arrangements to reschedule the missed lessons (usually made up during the school holidays and weekends). Lessons missed without affecting the student's total number of lessons for the year will not be refunded, as they have not been paid for.
Performances
Please note that, due to my other business commitments and the fact that I cater only to private tuition, I am not currently offering formal recital opportunities. Students are encouraged to seek out such opportunities within their school or local community.
Terminating Lessons
If you wish to discontinue lessons, please notify me by email, text or a phone call. Students will continue to receive the lessons they've paid for until the end of the current monthly cycle, at which point the termination will take effect. Refunds will not be issued.
Exams
Please note that I do not offer exam preparation as part of my teaching approach. I believe that exams can place unnecessary pressure on both students and myself, and I am committed to making learning enjoyable and paced appropriately for each individual student. If students are interested in pursuing exams, I can recommend other teachers who specialise in this area.
Contacting Me
Parents and adult students are welcome to call me during daytime hours to discuss any educational matters (my contact number will be provided upon registration). Please avoid calling or texting after 6 p.m. You are also welcome to email me at any time.
Media Release
Occasionally, I use photos and short videos of my students on my website and for marketing material. If you prefer that you or your child’s image(s) not be used, please inform me by email or in person.
Generally, students enjoy seeing their pictures and videos online and find it motivating to share their learning experiences. When featured, students are identified only by their first name.
Starting lessons with me constitutes an acceptance of these terms.
