fpmusic TERMS AND CONDITIONS 2024 25
The terms set out below form an Agreement which is effective from agreeing the date of the first music lesson until the end of the term for which at least half a term’s notice has been given.
Partnership and commitment from pupil, parents and teacher
Pupil, parents and teacher all need to be committed to actively working together as set out in the diagram below.
Lessons and invoicing
In addition to at least 9 individual 30 minute lessons per term at Glenesk School, East Horsley, fees also include regular Saturday concerts for parents and group workshops for all pupils, lots of games to aid musical understanding as well as a subscription to Supersonics Plus - an app which has a vast repertoire of pieces with backing tracks and interactive content, all available for pupils to access at home. In addition to term-time sessions, there is also the option of scheduling lessons during school holidays, to take place at my house in Guildford, by individual arrangement. It is expected that pupils will attend workshops and concerts as these are a valuable part of the learning process – reinforcing musical concepts through team games and celebrating sharing music with family and friends.
Fees for a typical 10 week term start at £342 and are invoiced and payable a term in advance, with an option to pay in instalments. Depending on the school calendar, there will be slight variation in the number of sessions per term. I provide tutor books/ teaching materials which will be added to the invoice. It is wise to allow £40 to £50 per year for method books and repertoire. If an invoice remains unpaid 14 days after the due date, I retain the right to cease tuition, without the need to re-schedule missed lessons. There is a small increase in fees each September and you will be given half a term’s notice of any other change in lesson charges.
Missed lessons/ workshops
Any lesson/ workshop that I have to cancel will be made up or credit given. No credit or catch-up lessons will be provided for pupils who miss lessons for any reason. However, to help accommodate an occasional unavoidable change in pupils’ weekend schedules, you can choose to be part of a WhatsApp Swap group in order to arrange occasional lesson swaps.
Communications
Please feel free to contact me as needed, particularly if you need to miss a lesson. Please email me on fpmusicsurrey@gmail.com at any time or call me on 07846 908960. It is always better to make contact than allow anything to become an issue. I will aim to respond within 48 hours, but please understand that as I have additional teaching and family commitments this is not always possible.
Notice to stop lessons
Please note the expectation is that piano lessons continue from term to term. If a pupil wishes to stop lessons a minimum of half a term’s notice must be received in writing before the relevant holiday, (Glenesk School dates), or those fees are payable in lieu. In extreme circumstances, such as a pupil’s frequent poor attendance, inappropriate behaviour or insufficient time devoted to practice, I reserve the right to discontinue lessons without notice or refund of fees.
If there are any concerns, please chat with me rather than just handing in notice – it is natural for interest to wax and wane, sometimes as musical challenges present themselves or life is busy, but often, just a small change can be enough to reassure or re-ignite a child’s interest! For example, letting me know a song they would like to be able to play – I can arrange a personalised version suitable for their playing level and that can give a huge boost.
Photography/ videoing policy
Please note that photos and videos of pupils are used as an integral part of my piano teaching to enable pupils see themselves and check posture, listen to how they make their sound etc. With parental permission, photos/ videos may be used for concerts, marketing of fpmusic / continual professional development. Please note that no names will be used without explicit permission. It is imperative that you make it clear if you do not wish your child to be photographed or videoed.
Touch policy
As a member of EPTA UK (European Piano Teachers Association), I follow their published guidelines regarding use of touch in piano teaching. Particularly with younger children, contact with fingers, thumbs, wrists, hands, elbows and arms may be used to help develop good piano playing technique. Correct posture will be demonstrated visually and described verbally whenever possible, though contact with the shoulders and spine may also sometimes be helpful. Permission will be asked first, then physical contact will be kept to a minimum and I will be responsive to the pupil’s reaction, stopping if there is any awkwardness. Parents are of course welcome to sit in on piano lessons at any time.
fpmusic ~ building firm foundations for music for life
~ developing deep musicianship skills
~ inspiring confidence
~ nurturing the aspiring pianist
Email me to find out more