The following lists the policies by which I offer private lessons in my home studio. Please read them carefully and let me know if you have any questions.
To give you or your child the most comprehensive music education available. 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. I encourage my students to be curious and creative. We help students learn music that they want to learn and adapt arrangements to suit each individual students ability. 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.
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 I 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), three pedals, adjustable padded bench and a fully weighted action. Let me know if you need help choosing an instrument.
Lessons are conducted during school term time according to the Victorian School Calendar. Lessons are only conducted on weekdays. Lessons will not be conducted on School Holidays, Public Holidays or Long Weekends, unless via special arrangement on a case-by-case basis. Weekly students will receive 36/37 lessons each school year and this is what is included in the Term tuition fee (see below).
Lessons can be via FaceTime or Zoom and face to face.
LESSONS DURING LOCKDOWNS will be done via FaceTime or Zoom online. No credits if you do not participate.
Tuition covers not only the actual lesson time spent with the student, but time preparing for each student as well and my ongoing business costs, including:
Tuition is spread equally over the course of a year and charged each term in advance, starting February 3rd. This term payment guarantees the student's place in my studio and covers the costs of lessons and enrolment. The term payment amount is divided evenly between the 4 terms. This means that whether there are 8 or 11 lessons in that term, the tuition fee is exactly the same.Weekly students are allocated 36/37 lessons per year. Fees must be paid for in full by the FIRST lesson of each Term, if you are unable to meet this, please contact me to arrange a suitable payment plan. Students will setup an automatic debit each month with Credit Card through my Music Studio software or direct deposit/cash.. All tuition payments are non refundable. Contact me for lessons costs.
Missed lessons due to forgetfulness, illness or holidays are not refundable. Exceptions will be made for prolonged sicknesses and extenuating circumstances on an individual basis. If I'm sick or otherwise unable to attend a lesson, and this drops the students lesson number for the year below their minimum threshold, I will endeavour to make them up or credit your account.
There are no credits or catch-up lessons given for students who choose to be absent due to illness, injury, school camps, holidays, sports or school events etc. Any classes cancelled by myself will be credited to your next account or made up if time permits. Exceptions will be made for prolonged sicknesses and extenuating circumstances on an individual basis.
A student has booked a time and is committed to pay for that time whether they attend the lesson or not. However if enough notice is given, I will offer another time, only if it is available. If that isn’t suitable then the lesson will be forfeited.If you are unable to attend a lesson,please let me know as soon as possible.
Performances
I will provide and End of Year concert for all students, planned around the 3rd Sunday in December.(TBC)
Students wishing to sit practical music exams will need to have been learning with me for at least one year before I will enter them for an exam. I 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. 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 AMEB, ANZCA and I'll help make the decision as to which exam board is best for the student.
If you wish to finish lessons, please provide notice by email. Students will continue to receive the lessons they've paid for until the end of the monthly cycle when the termination will take effect. Refunds will not be issued.
Parents and adult students are welcome to call me during daytime hours to discuss any matters associated with their education (you will be provided with my number when you sign up). You may also email anytime.
From time to time I use photos and short videos of my students on these sites which I also post on my Facebook Page. If you do not want your child's image(s) to be used, please let me know by email or in person. In general, students love to see their pictures and videos on my website or teaching page. They find it motivating and exciting to think that others want to know what they are learning. Students are identified only by first name. The commencement of lessons is deemed acceptance of these terms.
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