Terms & Conditions
1. Lessons
1.1
All applications for tuition must be completed and signed by the pupil’s parent/ carer. Lessons cannot be arranged without parental consent or receipt of payment for the first term of tuition. If tuition cannot be arranged, pupil details will be retained on a waiting list for 6 months.
1.2
For those receiving group lessons, the Co-operative reserves the right to change a pupil’s grouping without prior notice to the parent, providing the fee charged remains the same. In the event that a grouping change results in a price alteration, the Co-operative will notify parents as soon as possible to seek agreement.
2. Payment
2.1
The first invoice will be issued upon confirmation of the lessons by the teacher; this should be paid before the first lesson.
2.2
Payment for lessons is required termly in advance and is non-refundable. Payment options include:
- Full payment within 14 days of invoice date by cheque or by bank transfer (for bank transfer details please contact the office)
- Two equal instalments – first cheque dated 14 days from the invoice date; second cheque dated one month after the first instalment date.
- Full payment within 14 days of invoice date by cheque or by bank transfer (for bank transfer details please contact the office)
2.3
Payment or payment arrangements must be made within 14 days of the invoice date to ensure continuation of lessons. Failure to pay as agreed will automatically suspend any further tuition. Reinstatement will be at the discretion of the teacher and the Co-operative. Lessons missed due to suspension will be forfeited.
2.4
Sheet music, accessories, instrumental hire, courses, workshops, examination and accompanist fees are not included in the tuition fee.
3. Financial Assistance
3.1
Where financial assistance is provided by a third party organisation or external fund, this may be reviewed on a termly basis. Information will be shared with the relevant agency to facilitate funding. Liability for payment of lessons remains the responsibility of parents/carers unless funding is agreed by an approved agency and funds are received by the Milton Keynes Music Co-operative.
4. Attendance, refunds & cancellation
4.1
The Co-operative aims to provide 30 lessons per academic year. The number of lessons per term may vary according to the number of teaching sessions available. If the total number of lessons provided each term falls below the due number of lessons to be provided because of teacher absence, a credit or refund will be given.
4.2
Credits or refunds cannot be given for lessons missed without notice by the pupil for any reason (unless due to long-term illness or hospitalisation, in which case written notice will be required, and should be provided as soon as possible). In the case of pre-planned events, e.g. teacher-training days, school visits, exams, work experience, etc. 7 days written notice is required. Although no guarantees can be made, it may be possible for teachers to re-schedule lessons. If a lesson is missed because of these circumstances, and cannot be made up even though 7 days notice has been given, a credit note or refund will be issued.
4.3
In the case of group lessons, if a single pupil is absent from a lesson for whatever reason, we regret that no refund can be made. If a whole group is unable to attend a lesson, the Co-operative requires 7 days written notice as detailed above.
4.4
Lessons may be cancelled for the end of a term (i.e. December, March/April, or July). Written notice of cancellation must be received by the office before the end of the previous half-term (October, February or May), otherwise a 4-week cancellation fee will be payable. Unless we receive written notice tuition will carry on into subsequent academic years.
4.5
All information regarding 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 should be sent to the Co-operative office and not to the school or individual teacher.
5. Liability
5.1
The Co-operative does not accept liability for loss or damage to any personal possessions or personal injury, however caused.
6. Terms and Conditions
6.1
The Co-operative reserves the right to alter the above Terms and Conditions with half a term’s notice. Any decision made by the Co-operative concerning these Terms and Conditions shall be final.