Parents/carers and pupils are subject to the terms and conditions as laid down by the Richmond Music Trust (RMT) as detailed below, and agree to abide by these terms and conditions. The Trustees of RMT reserve the right to alter the terms and conditions if necessary.
Lessons/Ensembles
- RMT will deliver 30 sessions over the year, usually 10 lessons per term, either in-person or via virtual delivery. The number of lessons per term may vary due to term and holiday dates.
- RMT reserves the right to change teaching personnel, venue, lesson times and pupil groupings where necessary and to notify parents of changes where possible.
- RMT teachers reserve the right to group pupils according to their ability. When groupings change and it becomes necessary to transfer a pupil from group to individual or vice versa, the appropriate increase in tuition fees (or refund) will be processed as soon as possible by RMT.
- In most cases it will be necessary for parents/carers to make their own arrangements for obtaining an instrument for their child to practise on. It will also be necessary to purchase music. Our page on buying/hiring an instrument contains further information.
Fees
- Payment for lessons and/or membership of ensembles is required termly in advance. The invoice must be settled within 14 days to ensure tuition/membership.
- Pupils are automatically re-enrolled and invoiced for the same activities every term unless appropriate notice has been given (see Withdrawal below).
- Where payment is not made in advance, we reserve the right to discontinue service until full payment has been received. Continued non-payment of fees will result in your place being withdrawn.
- Fees will not be refundable for any absence or short term illness. In cases of long term health problems, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss. A medical certificate may be required.
- Fees are reviewed annually.
- If you are experiencing any financial difficulty then please contact RMT to discuss alternative payment arrangements. All information will be dealt in the strictest confidence. Further information about support with fees can be found here.
Missed lessons, credits and refunds
- RMT does not offer trial lessons.
- RMT does not offer credits or refunds for lessons missed by pupils, for any reason. This includes school drips, school cancellations and closures.
- If a school cancels a lesson, RMT will endeavor to make up the lesson, provided that a minimum of two weeks notice has been received.
- If an RMT teacher is absent for any reason, every effort will be made to make up the lesson, or in a small number of cases a suitable cover teacher will be organised if possible/appropriate. Where this is not possible, RMT may offer a credit or refund for the lesson. Credits and refunds will normally be considered at the end of the year when it is clear how many lessons have been completed.
- In the event of an emergency or closure of a school (full or partial) or the Saturday Centre due to an event outside RMT’s control (e.g. force majeure, a pandemic, flooding, heavy snow or industrial action), no credit or reduction in fees will be due.
Withdrawal / Notice
- Lessons and/or membership of ensembles automatically continue term on term and year on year until appropriate notice of withdrawal is received.
- RMT requires notice in writing to admin@richmondmusictrust.org.uk half a term before you would like tuition to stop. We reserve the right to charge half a term’s fees in lieu of notice if this requirement is not met.
- If a pupil withdraws part way through a term, the term’s charges remain payable in full.
Behaviour
- Pupils are expected to behave in a responsible and courteous manner, to attend lessons regularly and to practise between lessons.
- Poor attendance, failure to practise, disruptive or anti-social behaviour by either the pupil or their parent/carer, may result in tuition being withdrawn. Any paid or outstanding fees would be retained or remain payable. No credits will be given in such circumstances.
Medical & Special Educational Needs & Disabilities
- RMT wants to support all students to fulfil their musical potential and enjoy their music-making.
- Parents/carers must inform SMT of any additional needs either via the tuition application form or in writing via email to admin@richmondmusictrust.org.uk.
- Parents/carers must also inform us of relevant changes to the student’s medical conditions or educational needs.
Liability
- RMT does not accept liability for loss or damage to pupil’s instruments or personal possessions. Parents/Carers are strongly encouraged to arrange appropriate insurance for these items.
Instrument Hire
- RMT hires out instruments for use in RMT instrumental lessons and/or ensembles. All instruments hired remain at all times the property of RMT.
- Hire fees will be invoiced on a termly basis. The hirer will continue to be invoiced, and liable to pay hire fees until the instrument is returned to our registered office or an agreed alternative location (ie the pupil’s school). In the unlikely event of failure to return an instrument, appropriate action will be taken to recover the item of property.
- Consumables: All reeds, oils, grease, strings and other consumables are the responsibility of the hirer.
- Liability: Any person hiring an instrument from RMT must accept full responsibility for the safekeeping of the instrument and in the event of loss, theft or damage make restitution to RMT. You are strongly advised to provide your own insurance for any instrument you hire from RMT.
- Damage/loss: We accept that some minor wear and tear is inevitable. In cases of serious damage, theft or loss, a payment up to the full cost of the instrument towards repairs/ replacement will be required.
- Repairs: Please do not attempt to repair instruments yourself. Please contact RMT first. We will not reimburse parents for any private repairs that have been undertaken without prior expressed permission to do so.