This page explains how tuition works after the first lesson has taken place. This includes how payment and invoicing works, how I manage cancellations, and holidays. There's no commitment after the first lesson until you choose to continue.
If anything isn't clear, please feel free to get in touch.
After the first lesson
The first lesson is a chance for us to meet and see if lessons are a good fit. I'll get an idea of your learning style, assess your standard if you've already started learning your instrument, and get started with the lesson proper. This lesson is invoiced separately, which will be emailed on the day of the lesson.
If you want to continue, I invoice in advance for four lessons at a time. When these lessons have been taken, the next block invoice will be sent out. Each invoice will list the dates from the previous block for your records - these are the lessons you have already paid for.
My current lesson prices for new students are listed on the lesson prices page.
Lesson location
In-person lessons are from my home at 10 Southholme Close, London, SE19 2QU. There is free parking on the road if you're coming by car.
Online lessons use the video conferencing built into the student portal on this website. You can join lessons by logging into the portal or through the app.
Students can switch between in-person or online lessons when needed. There is no difference in price.
The portal is by invitation only for my students. It lists lesson records, invoices, homework, and a booking system for changing, cancelling, or booking additional lessons.
Homework and feedback
Violin students need to bring their own violin. Online students need their own instrument for lessons. Piano students will use the upright piano at my teaching studio. Where possible, students should bring their own music.
I can set homework in a notepad, in the margins of the book you're learning, or through the student portal. Let me know what you'd prefer.
Students and parents are welcome to message me between lessons if they're having trouble with homework or have another question. Feel free to message, or send voice/video messages.
Peak and off-peak times
Peak and off-peak times apply during school term. Peak times are weekdays after 3.30pm and any time on Saturdays.
I teach students weekly at peak times. Unfortunately, I can't offer these times to students who can't commit to regular lessons.
Holidays
Lessons don't continue as normal during the school holidays. Instead, I will open particular days when I am available for students to book.
When a student is invited to the portal, they have to set their holiday preferences. If you have requested to have lessons during the holidays when possible, I will email you when my holiday dates are available on the portal.
Payment and lesson length
Invoices are emailed with my bank details included. You can also see the invoice in the portal. Payment is made separately by bank transfer.
I invoice each block according to your usual lesson length:
- If a lesson is shorter than the default, the difference is added as credit and deducted from your next block.
- If a lesson is longer than the default, the extra cost is added to your next block invoice.
Cancellations and rearrangements
I need 24 hours' notice before a cancellation. If enough notice is provided, the student is not charged and it will not affect your regular weekly slot.
If you cancel the lesson with less than 24 hours' notice using the portal, the lesson will be charged. However, you can rearrange the lesson if a convenient time is available over the next 7 days. If you do rearrange a short notice cancellation, this slot can still be booked by other students - it will only be locked an hour before the lesson starts.
If you cancel during the lesson, or don't notify me at all, the lesson is charged and can't be rearranged. This is because I'm not able to offer the slot to anyone else.
If you tell me about a cancellation outside of the portal, I may charge for short-notice cancellations at my discretion. I try to avoid looking at my phone during lessons, and may miss your message.
Ending lessons
There is no additional notice period if you want to end lessons.
When the current block is complete, the tuition agreement will end. Lessons remaining in this block are not refunded and are completed as usual.