Additional Contract Information 

PLEASE READ BEFORE COMPLETING THE SIGN UP PAGE 

The arrangements for paying for instrumental tuition are set out here. Please read carefully, and then complete the  sign up page if you wish your child to receive instrumental lessons in school. If you have been in receipt of a bursary or would like to apply for one, please request a form from myself.

• The teacher will aim to provide at least 10 lessons each term. The exact number will depend on the availability of the teacher and on the length of an individual term.

• The number of lessons planned for a particular half term will be stated on the term’s invoice.

• It is important that you agree beforehand with the teacher any lessons which might be missed, otherwise these will be charged for. This includes absence through illness, medical appointments, etc.

• In the event of a lock down due to Covid-19, lessons will be continued using an online platform to minimise disruption.

• Any lessons not held because of the unavailability of the teacher will be rearranged to another date. Should this not be possible, credit will be issued for the following term.

• The lesson fee structure will remain as shown for the whole of the current academic year.

• An invoice for the appropriate half-termly fees will be sent by email, at the beginning of the half-term, to the named person indicated in this contract. Fees need to be paid within 14 days of the invoice date. Any queries should be made immediately to the teacher. If the appropriate amount is not paid and no contact made, lessons will cease in the 3rd week.

• It is inevitable that some pupils may decide after a period that they do not wish to continue receiving instrumental tuition. Where a decision is made to discontinue lessons, four weeks' written notice must be given (either by the parent/carer or by the teacher). During this notice period, lessons must still be paid for.

• Instruments should be in school on the day of the lesson, then taken home the same day. Practice can be recorded in the homework book and on the My Music Staff portal.

• Good communication between the home and the teacher is the key to your child making progress on their instrument. I will up date homework books and the My Music Staff portal during the lesson. Parents and students can use their log in to check.

GDPR statement

As an instrumental teacher accredited by the Derby and Derbyshire Music Partnership I process personal data relating to students and those interested in the services I provide. 

I have received GDPR training and I am committed to complying with my legal obligations in respect of data protection and privacy. I only collect the data I need to be able to provide you with the services you have asked me to deliver or tell you about. This can include your name, contact address, email addresses, telephone numbers and your child’s date of birth. I will collect information about you when you enter into a contract with me and enquire about my services. I will only keep personal data for as long as is necessary to provide my services, or for as long as I need to keep the information for lawful business purposes, or to comply with a statutory or other legal requirement. All information collected about you will be stored securely on a computer with an encrypted password.

Derby & Derbyshire Music Partnership have legitimate reasons to access student names, instrument/voice, date of birth and attainment level to comply with statutory funding obligations to the Department of Education and Arts Council England. As such, the privacy policy on derbyshiremusichub.org.uk applies. I may also need to share your personal information with other third parties including legal or other advisors, regulatory authorities, courts and government agencies. 

The Starter Programme This scheme is for those pupils who have not learned an instrument before. It provides a subsidy for each lesson for the first 6 weeks of tuition. Thereafter, the cost of the lesson reverts to the normal fee.

Borrowing an instrument It is sometimes (but not always) possible for a pupil to borrow an instrument through the Music Partnership, particularly for the first year of learning. After this period, it is assumed that the pupil will have a good idea as to whether they enjoy learning the instrument, and should therefore consider buying one of their own. Parents may be responsible for any repairs to the instrument which arise as the result of wilful damage or persistent lack of care. Repairs should not be undertaken without permission from the instrumental teacher.

Buying an instrument for your child The Music Partnership wishes to encourage pupils to buy their own instruments wherever possible, particularly where they have had the loan of one for two terms. Advice will be given by the teacher, and a number of options are available. In particular, parents may wish to take advantage of the law which allows for the purchase of musical instruments without paying VAT. Forms are available from the Partnership office in Matlock or can be downloaded from the website:  www.derbyshiremusichub.org.

Problems and Questions If you have any questions about tuition fees, purchase of instruments, length of lessons, suitability of instrument, etc., please contact me and I will be pleased to discuss these matters with you.

Encouragement to practise Regular practice is essential if a pupil is to make progress. Parents can support their child in this, for example, by:

• showing interest in what they are learning

• encouraging regular daily practice (at least ten minutes on five days each week)

• providing a suitable space for the practice to be done

• checking that the instrument and music are taken to school on the day of the lesson

• providing extra encouragement when progress is slower because of particular problems

Music Centre Opportunities I may, when appropriate, suggest that your child might like to join the local Music Centre where opportunities are available to play with others of a similar standard in bands and orchestras. Experience shows that young players gain an enormous amount from these activities, and that their progress is enhanced considerably.

Music Partnership Contact Should you wish to contact the Partnership offices, the details are as follows:

e-mail: music.partnership@derbyshire.gov.uk

website: www.derbyshiremusichub.org