Play By Heart Music Studio Policy

Studio Calendar

Lessons are delivered during school term in Victoria, Australia. Teaching is not carried out on public holidays or during school holidays.

Lesson Frequency

I recommend weekly lessons for the best results, and you can choose a lesson of 30, 45, or 60 minutes duration. Fortnightly or occasional lessons are offered only at 45 and 60 minutes duration.

Fees and Payment

Lessons fees are based on your preferred lesson duration: 30 minutes ($40.00), 45 minutes ($60.00), 60 minutes ($80.00).

Fees for weekly and fortnightly lessons are to be paid in full before the first lesson of each term. Payment is processed using automated billing which you can view through your portal on My Music Staff.

For less frequent lessons a batch of four lessons may be purchased, and must be used within six months.

Refunds

All tuition payments are non-refundable.

Equipment

It is expected that you will have daily access to a piano, or a digital piano with a weighted action. I am happy to recommend suppliers and models of pianos if you are looking to acquire an instrument.

Acquisition of books and other materials are the responsibility of the student (or their parent/guardian). Links for online purchase will be provided when these are needed. 

All lessons are given by video conference using Rock Out Loud Live. To get the best out of this platform, I strongly recommend the following:

  • If you’re using a tablet (eg, iPad) download the Rock Out Loud Live app.
  • If you’re using a laptop computer you must use the Google Chrome browser.
  • If you can use headphones this enhances the quality of the audio connection. I recommend a good set of open-backed headphones.

Notes and Recordings from Lessons

Discussions in your lesson will be distilled into notes to support your practice between lessons, and emailed to you at the end of your lesson. Annotated scores may also be emailed to you.

Punctuality

To assist with punctuality you are strongly advised to have Rock Out Loud Live open at least 5 minutes prior to your lesson time. If your device is processing updates this early log in enables any updates to process without intruding on your lesson.

Missed lessons

It is the responsibility of the student (or parent) to advise of an expected absence where this is known in advance. In this case the following will apply:

  • The student will provide video of a practice session covering all work assigned at the previous lesson, filmed by their parent or guardian, prior to the regular lesson time. I will use the regular lesson time to give feedback, and provide video or written resources to help the student prepare for the following regular lesson.
  • A rescheduled lesson may be possible if a mutually convenient time is available.

Fees for lessons cancelled less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled time are non-refundable.

Where a lesson is cancelled due to an emergency, please let me know and a lesson will be scheduled for a future date without penalty.

When I am unable to teach due to illness or unforeseen circumstances I will provide a credit for the missed lesson.

Media Release

From time to time I use photos and short videos of my students on my studio social media pages (Facebook, YouTube). If you do not want you or your child's image(s) to be used, please let me know by email or in person. In general, students love to see their pictures and videos on my website or teaching page. They find it motivating and exciting to think that others want to know what they are learning. Students are identified only by first name. The commencement of lessons is deemed acceptance of these terms.

Exams

Students wishing to sit practical exams will need to have been learning with me for at least one year before I am prepared to recommend entry for an exam with AMEB, ANZCA, or another body. This enables me to engage with the student to know if exams are the right pathway for their aims, to establish their readiness, and to address any gaps in prior knowledge. Additional lessons may be required. Students will be expected to sit at least one mock exam prior to enrolment. I reserve the right to withdraw a student from an exam if preparation is not sufficient.

Contacting Me

Parents and adult students are welcome to contact me during regular business hours to discuss any matters relating to their music education (Monday-Friday, 9.00am-6.00pm). I will provide you with my phone number for this purpose at the commencement of lessons. Please avoid calling or texting outside business hours. You may email me at any time.

Terminating Lessons

If you wish to finish lessons, please provide notice by email. Students will continue to receive the lessons for which payment has been made. Refunds will not be issued.

Child Safety

My studio is based in Victoria, Australia. Child safety is very important, and my studio complies with the Victorian Child Safe Standards. I hold a current Working With Children Check and National Police Check. These are available for reference by parents at any time.

Lessons with children 12 years of age and below must be conducted in the presence of a parent or guardian. On occasions where this is not possible the Missed Lessons policy (above) will apply.

Lessons with children aged 13-18 must be conducted with the parent or guardian present in the home/venue of the lesson. I expect to speak with the parent or guardian briefly at the beginning and/or end of the lesson.

Where a child discloses information about abuse or harm this is subject to mandatory reporting requirements in Victoria. Such conduct will be reported directly to the police, and the parent or guardian advised of the report.

For further information, please refer to: https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safety/being-a-child-safe-organisation/