Terms and Conditions for Students

As a small business, the Institute operates on limited margins. In order for the business to survive and grow, students are required to accept and comply with these terms and conditions. In these regulations, reference to students includes parents or guardians of students under 18 years of age.

Payment for new students

Fees for a student’s initial assessment lesson must be paid at the first lesson. The balance for the rest of the term must be paid at lesson number two or the first of two optional installments made. We actively encourage students booking a term of lessons in advance to post us a cheque so we are fully confident in reserving their place with the designated tutor for the decided time.

Payment for returning students

Fees for the term must be paid at the first lesson or commencement of each term or course of lessons. In the event of non-compliance, the Institute reserves the right to impose a surcharge (10%) and withdraw any discounts where applicable, or to suspend lessons. Family discount is only applicable if the bill is settled in the 1^st week of term at the 1^st scheduled lesson and payment is made for full term. Students paying after the first week will not receive discount.

Payment by installments

Payment by installments is available. Exact details will be clearly marked on your bill. There is an administration charge of £2 per installment. If an installment is not paid on the due date, ICM reserves the right to impose a 10% surcharge for outstanding amounts and the installment facility will be withdrawn for future terms. Family discount does not apply if paying by installments.

Refunds

No refunds are given.

Terms…

The Institute operates for four terms per year, Sept-Dec, Jan- Apr, Apr-June and a new Summer term in August. These terms are of varying length. The Institute remains open on some Public and Bank Holidays e.g. Halloween – please see Notice Board for current arrangements.

Missing lessons

§          By enrolling, a student reserves a place with a tutor for an entire term or course of lessons and the Tutor’s booked time must be paid for. Payments must be made for all lessons whether taken or missed by the student. Unfortunately this includes cases of illness; as tutors turning up for work require payment.

§          Because of increased number of students, we will no longer be able to reschedule lessons. This option leaves us with extra administration that is difficult to maintain with a large number of students.

§          If you miss a lesson by not showing up – the lesson will be forfeit.

§          No refunds can be given for missed lessons.

§          If a student is late for a lesson, they may not get a full half hour’s tuition as another student may be booked straight after that lesson.

§          As a courtesy to the teacher, we strongly encourage that the office be notified if a student is to be absent.

If we miss a lesson...

Occasionally, a lesson may be cancelled by the Institute but, in such circumstances, the Institute shall rearrange the lesson or credit the student’s account with the appropriate fee. We reserve the right to occasionally supply a substitute teacher in cases of teacher illness or absence; a sub teacher will always be fully qualified with substantial teaching experience. Please note that, due to the nature of individual tuition, lessons may not always begin on time. If this is the case, tutors will make up the time either at the end of a lesson or on another occasion.

If you quit…

Four weeks notice to discontinue lessons and/or withdraw from the Institute must be given in writing, payment is required for these 4 weeks, whether the student attends or not. If a student withdraws during a term or course of lessons without 4 weeks written notice, fees cannot be refunded. (Written notice of withdrawal cannot be served during periods of Institute closure, as the student’s place for the ensuing term is reserved in advance with the Tutor prior to closure). The Institute reserves the right to discontinue the enrolment of any student who misses three consecutive lessons, who has a pattern of absences or who is often late for lessons. In consultation with the Tutor, the Institute may also discontinue lessons if progress is deemed to be unsatisfactory.

If you cannot bring a Guitar or bass to your lesson …

We will try to supply you with a replacement instrument for the duration of the lesson at a charge of £2.

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Institute of Contemporary Music © 2008