Lesson Policies
Clear policies help students remain committed to their music education and help Darley Music provide stable, reliable work for our teachers.
Our lesson policies have been developed with two important groups in mind: our students and our teachers.
Consistent attendance helps students remain committed to their music education and make meaningful progress. Clear policies also allow Darley Music to provide our teachers with stable, reliable work and help us attract and retain high-quality, experienced teaching staff.
Darley Music is committed to providing students with a well-rounded music education covering practical skills, technique, theory, creativity and performance. Our teachers are provided with the lesson materials required to deliver the Darley Music program, and all teachers hold a current Working with Children Check.
Student Cancellations & Absences
If a student does not attend a scheduled lesson without providing notice, the lesson will not be refunded, credited or made up.
Our teachers reserve this time specifically for the student, and at short notice we are generally unable to offer that lesson time to another student.
If a student is unable to attend due to illness and Darley Music is provided with at least 24 hours' notice, a make-up lesson will be provided where applicable.
For students participating in our Primary School Programs, if a lesson is missed because of a school excursion, camp or other school activity, the lesson will be rescheduled or a make-up lesson provided during the term where possible.
Teacher Cancellations
If a Darley Music teacher is unable to provide a scheduled lesson, we will provide either a make-up lesson or a credit, depending on the teacher's availability during the school term.
For Primary School Programs, the school will be notified if a teacher is unwell and unable to attend.
Where a make-up lesson cannot be provided, the applicable credit will be deducted from the following term's invoice.
School Cancellations
Occasionally, music lessons may be interrupted by activities organised by the school.
Where this occurs, Darley Music will endeavour to reschedule the affected lesson or provide a make-up lesson. Where this is not possible, a credit may be applied to the following term.
School interruptions may include swimming programs, athletics days, incursions, excursions, camps and industrial action.
Withdrawing from Lessons
When a student enrols with Darley Music, their place in the program is reserved and will ordinarily be held for the following term.
If you do not wish to continue lessons in the following term, please notify Darley Music at least seven days before the end of the current school term.
This notice allows us sufficient time to offer the place to another student and helps us provide our teachers with consistent and reliable work.
Payment of Tuition Fees
Lesson fees are payable in advance.
Fees are generally invoiced by school term (usually approximately 10 weeks). Invoices for the following term are normally issued two weeks before the end of the current term and are due by the final day of that term, with appropriate adjustments around the summer holiday period.
Students may be unable to commence or continue lessons where tuition fees remain unpaid.
Tuition fees are non-refundable. Where an approved credit remains on an account following cancellation, lessons may continue until that credit has been used.
By enrolling with Darley Music, you agree that costs reasonably incurred in recovering overdue accounts through a collection agency may be payable by you.
Late Payments
Where tuition fees remain unpaid for seven or more days after the due date, a $5 late fee may be applied.
Lessons may continue while payment is being followed up unless Darley Music has been notified that the student wishes to discontinue lessons.
Please allow sufficient processing time when paying by bank deposit or other electronic payment methods. If required, you may email proof of payment to admin@darleymusic.au.
Lessons missed as a result of late or non-payment are not eligible for a make-up lesson or credit.
Books, Accessories & Lesson Materials
Darley Music provides students with lesson materials appropriate to their program, which may include songs, chord charts, exercises and other educational resources.
Where additional method books or specialist materials would benefit a student's learning, these may need to be purchased separately. We will let parents or students know when additional materials are recommended or required.
Our program aims to give students a well-rounded musical education incorporating appropriate and engaging repertoire, technical development, music theory, creativity and performance skills.
Agreement
By enrolling with Darley Music, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to these Lesson Policies.