Lessons - What to expect:

Punctuality and materials:‍

• Please arrive on time with all necessary materials in an A4 folder/bag, and bring a bottled water.
• Please arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before your lesson to avoid disrupting the previous one, as there’s no waiting room.
• Group Piano students must bring their own headsets for hygiene reasons.
• SMS reminders are sent 2 hours before lessons.
• To maximise your lesson time and the next student’s, please avoid discussing progress in person. Feel free to contact me via email or WhatsApp 07712-220513.

Footwear and Hygiene:

• Students must remove shoes upon entering to protect the piano pedals.
• Please wash hands before leaving home or upon arrival.
• Nails must be kept short and clean (no false nails) for optimal performance.
• A bottled water is allowed, but no food or drinks near the pianos to prevent spills and damage.

Parent Drop-off and Pick-up:

• Please drop off and collect your child quietly. If possible, park further down the road and walk them to the door, as this helps reduce disruptions, and ensures we respect the neighbours.
• Avoid parking in front of my neighbours' driveways to prevent inconvenience.
• Parents are kindly asked to wait in your vehicle, run errands, or visit nearby cafes to help maintain a focused environment for students to concentrate and excel.
• Please ensure timely pick-up. If you're running late, we'll keep your child safe inside until you arrive. However, late pick-ups do disrupt the flow of our next lessons, as we need to pause to wait, open the door, and supervise. Thank you for understanding and helping things run smoothly!
• Siblings with back-to-back lessons may wait in the lounge.
• Group Piano: To reduce disruptions, please wait in your car until your child enters the property before driving away.

Late Arrival Policy:

• Late students will receive only the remaining booked time, unless no subsequent lessons are scheduled, in which case the lesson may be extended.
• If a lesson runs over, we will try to make up the time next week.

Illness Policy:

• Students who are ill should not attend lessons. Cancel your lesson on the Student Portal. If less than 24 hours' notice is given, rescheduling is at my discretion, based on availability.
• For cancellations with more than 24 hours' notice, follow the steps above to reschedule.

Damage policy:

• Any damage to the piano or other furniture not covered by insurance must be paid for by the responsible party.

Conduct:

• Tuition may be withdrawn for disruptive behaviour, hitting or banging on the piano(s), poor attendance, repeated late payments, or failure to practice. Any outstanding lesson fees will not be refunded.

Practice expectations and progression:

• Students must come prepared with practiced pieces and completed theory homework.
• Learning and instrument requires regular practice!
• Lack of practice and frequent absences will disrupt progress and may lead to termination, as we prioritise committed students.

• Of course, the more practice time invested the faster the progress. Parental support for consistent, focused practice in a positive environment is essential.
• Consistent practice avoids last-minute cramming, making lessons more enjoyable and effective. We’re often asked by those who regularly miss lessons or rarely practice if they can "start Grade 1", and expect a Distinction. The reality is, exam success requires a more rigorous practice routine, consistent effort and stamina, often with extra lessons needed before the exam.

Payment Terms

‍Monthly Subscription Membership Fees: Stress-Free Payment Plan

• Payments must be made via Standing Order on the 1st of each month. Set up once, and you're all set!

• The total annual fee is divided by 12, so you pay the same amount each month, regardless of the number of lessons - some months may have 5 lessons, others only 2, or none (e.g., August).
• This simple, predictable, flat-rate payment plan helps simplify budgeting for you.
• Your subscription includes a comprehensive all-inclusive program, covering 44 lessons per year, skill development, lesson preparation, materials, admin fees and additional services like consultations, event organisation, and ongoing resources we continuously provide behind the scenes. We understand the importance of supporting you beyond the music lessons themselves.

Payment Terms:

• The first payment can be made in advance via bank transfer before the trial or first lesson. If starting mid-month, fees will be adjusted pro-rata.
• After that, a Standing Order for the 1st of each month must be set up.
• Invoices are available on your Student Portal (members only). Receipts will be emailed.

Additional Costs:

• Books (for 1:1 lessons), materials, any exam fees are not included in the lesson fees. I will provide links for any required books. Used piano books can often be found at lower prices on eBay.
• Occasionally, I may lend books from my library.
• Group piano books will be supplied during lessons. Invoices for these will be sent for payment via bank transfer.

Studio Calendar

• To ensure consistency and faster progress than typical school music lessons, our private studio runs for 44 weeks: 39 term-time lessons plus 5 'Flex' lessons during school holidays.
• Flex Lessons can be used at your discretion (e.g., half-term, summer). You may bundle them into 1-hour sessions if preferred.
• For Monday bank holidays, students may proceed as scheduled, reschedule, or request a pro-rata refund.
• Overall, our sophisticated system tracks lessons to ensure you receive all 44 sessions.
• 2024/2025 Timetable:
  
  2 September – 26 October [8 lessons]  
  Half Term (1 week)
  4 November – 21 December [7 lessons]
  Christmas break
  6 January – 15 February [6 lessons]    
  Half Term (1 week)
  24 February – 5 April [6 lessons]
  ‍Easter break
  22 April – 24 May 5  [5 lessons]
  Half Term (1 week) [1 lesson - flex]
  ‍12 June – 19 July [7 lessons]    
  Summer Holiday [4 lessons - Flex]

Music Exams

• Students may choose to take ABRSM Grades 1-8 exams, with two format options:
  • • Performance Grades (online): Record and submit 4 pieces for grading.
    • Practical Grades (in-person): Perform 3 pieces and be tested on scales, sight-reading, and aural skills by a live examiner

     See: ABRSM Exam Dates and Fees.

IMPORTANT: Music exam preparation requires significant focused effort and may temporarily limit time for other creative activities. While many families underestimate both the challenges and rewards involved, this journey can be incredibly enriching.

Student Recitals and Music Festivals:

• All students are encouraged to participate in our much loved studio's annual recitals:
  • Summer Recital: June 7, 2025, 4:30-5:45pm
  • Winter Recital: November 8, 2025, 4:30-5:45pm

• This is a unique and truly wonderful opportunity, as not all local teachers offer this experience. While formal with etiquette to learn, the event is relaxed and fun!

• Ticket prices help cover venue and material costs:
  • Adults (general admission): £11.50
  • Children and senior citizens (concession): £6.50
  • Children under 5: Free
• All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to the venue and recital expenses.
• Students may also participate in local music festivals at their discretion - more info here.