1. Lesson Format and Location
Primary Location: Lessons are conducted at our teaching studio in New Cross, London SE14. Students are expected to attend lessons at this location unless alternative arrangements have been agreed.
Home Visits: We offer home visits only in exceptional circumstances, particularly for students with accessibility issues that make travel to our studio impossible. Home visit availability is subject to location within reasonable travel distance and advance arrangement. Additional travel charges may apply.
Online Lessons: Online lessons may be offered as an alternative format, subject to technical requirements and mutual agreement.
2. Lesson Fees and Payment
Fees are set in accordance with the Independent Society of Musicians Median 2025 hourly rate for Inner London. Our fees can be found here.
Payment Schedule: Lesson fees are payable in advance as agreed. Payment is due by the lesson or should take place immediately after.
Missed Lessons: No refund or credit will be given for lessons missed by the student without 24 hours’ notice. In cases of illness or emergency, we may offer a makeup lesson subject to availability.
Fee Increases: Lesson fees may be increased annually with one month’s written notice.
3. Lesson Scheduling and Cancellations
Our 2025-2026 term dates are as follows:
Autumn term: Monday 1 September to Friday 19 December 2025 (half-term holiday: 27-31 October 2025)
Spring term: Monday 5 January to Friday 27 March 2026 (half-term holiday: 16-20 February 2026)
Summer term: Monday 13 April to Friday 20 July 2026 (half-term holiday: 25-29 May 2026)
No lessons are scheduled during school and bank holidays unless specifically arranged.
Regular Schedule: Lessons are scheduled at regular weekly times during school terms. We follow the standard London school term dates unless otherwise agreed.
Student Cancellations: Students must provide at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule a lesson. Late cancellations may result in the lesson fee being charged.
Teacher Cancellations: If we need to cancel a lesson, we will provide as much notice as possible and offer a suitable alternative time or credit towards future lessons.
4. Health and Safety
Illness Policy: Students should not attend lessons if they are unwell, particularly with contagious conditions.
Instrument Safety: Students and parents are responsible for the proper use and care of any instruments or equipment during lessons.
Home Visit Safety: For home visits, we require a safe environment with adequate space, lighting, and a suitable instrument. Parents/guardians of students under 18 must be present during home visit lessons.
5. Student Expectations and Behaviour
Practice Requirements: Regular practice between lessons is essential for progress. Practice expectations will be discussed and may vary by age and level.
Behaviour Standards: We expect respectful behaviour during lessons. Persistent disruptive behaviour may result in termination of lessons.
Parental Involvement: For students under 16, parent/guardian support and involvement in practice routines is encouraged.
6. Data Protection and Privacy
Personal Information: We collect and store personal information necessary for teaching services in accordance with UK GDPR regulations. Information will not be shared with third parties without consent.
Photography/Recording: Any photography or recording during lessons requires explicit consent and will be used only for agreed purposes (e.g., progress documentation).
7. Termination of Lessons
Notice Period: Either party may terminate the weekly or fortnightly lesson arrangement with one month’s written notice.
Immediate Termination: We reserve the right to terminate lessons immediately in cases of non-payment, inappropriate behaviour, or breach of these terms.
Final Payment: All outstanding fees must be settled before the final lesson.
8. Insurance and Liability
Public Liability: We maintain appropriate public liability insurance for our teaching activities.
Student Property: We are not responsible for loss or damage to student property.
Home Visits: Our insurance covers home visit teaching, but we cannot accept liability for damage to student property or premises during home visits.
9. Communication
Contact Methods: Primary communication will be via email or phone as agreed. Important notices may be sent by both methods.
Response Times: We aim to respond to enquiries within 24 hours during term time.
Emergency Contact: Parents/guardians must provide current emergency contact information and notify us of any changes.
10. General Terms
Contract Variation: These terms may only be varied by written agreement between both parties.
Governing Law: These terms are governed by English law and subject to the jurisdiction of English courts.
Severability: If any part of these terms is found to be unenforceable, the remainder shall continue in effect.
Entire Agreement: These terms constitute the entire agreement between the parties regarding piano lessons.
Contact Information:
Piano Lessons New Cross
pianolessonsnewcross@gmail.com
Last updated: 31 August 2025
By booking lessons, students (or parents/guardians of students under 18) acknowledge they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.