Terms and Conditions - Lessons

Before completing the application form, please read the following terms and conditions and retain for reference.

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 the Direct debit mandate being set up. If tuition cannot be arranged, pupil details will be retained on a waiting list for 6 months.

1.2 For those receiving 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 the parents as soon as possible to seek agreement.

1.3 If you require MfBB to supply an instrument, there is a termly £15 charge ( which is non-refundable)

2. Payment

2.1 The first invoice will be issued upon confirmation of lessons by the teacher; you will be asked to set up the Direct Debit before lessons commence.

2.2 Payment for lessons is required in advance, and will be taken in monthly instalments as shown on the application form

2.3 A failed DD will be chased up by the admin team. Repeated failures will attract a £1 admin charge each time, as they take a considerable amount of time to sort. Any genuine hardship case should be referred to the instrumental teacher who will consult with the Directors.

2.4 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.

2.5 Sheet music, accessories, instrument 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 the parent / carer unless funding is agreed by an approved agency and funds are received by Bedford Music Co-operative.

4. Attendance, refunds and cancellation

4.1 The Co-operative provides 34 lessons per academic year. The number of lessons will vary per term according to the number of teaching sessions available. If the total number of lessons falls below the due number to be provided because of teacher absence, a credit or refund will be given. (to be calculated at the end of the Summer Term)

4.2 Credits or refunds cannot be given for lessons missed 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, etc. 7 days written notice is required. If a lesson is missed because of these circumstances and cannot be made up, a credit note or refund will be issued. Please note that where absence from lessons is due to school related events, e.g. teacher training day, it is the parent / carer responsibility to ensure notice is given to the teacher

4.3 In the case of group lessons, if a single pupil is absent for whatever reason, we regret no refund can be made. If a whole group is unable to attend a lesson, the teacher requires 7 days written notice as detailed above

4.4 If your child is withdrawn, excluded or suspended from school and lessons cannot be provided in school, the Co-operative office and the teacher must be informed immediately to discuss provision of future lessons. Otherwise any missed lessons will be forfeited.

4.5 If you wish to cancel lessons you must give 5 weeks notice. Otherwise the next Direct Debit payment will be taken as a cancellation fee. Unless we receive notice to cancel, lessons will carry on into subsequent academic years.

4.6 All information regarding payment, requests for refunds etc, must be sent to the office on office@bedsmusic.coop. All information regarding school closure, pupil absence/ illness etc must be emailed to the teacher..

5. Liability

5.1 Bedford Music Co-operative does not accept responsibility for loss or damage to any personal possessions or personal injury, however caused.

6. Terms and Conditions

6.1 Bedford Music Co-operative reserves the right to alter the above Terms and Conditions with half a term’s notice. Any decision made by Bedford Music Co-operative concerning these Terms and Conditions shall be final.