Pianist, Accompanist and Piano Teacher


Terms and FAQ's


  • Terms of Tuition

    The following outlines the terms for tution for those taking regular weekly lessons with a scheulded weekly slot. The Terms of Tution are the same standard as those regulated by the ISM of which I am an approved teacher.

    1. Lessons

    The Teacher will give tuition during school terms (term dates will be as specified by the Teacher in accordance with Condition 3). The Teacher will give the lessons at the regular time and location agreed in advance of commencing lessons and the Teacher will reserve this time slot for the Pupil.

    2. Payment of Fees

    The Pupil (or the Pupil’s parent or carer) will pay the fees via one of 2 methods

    In 12 equal monthly payments via standing order or direct debit.

    On a half term basis; for each half term in full on or before the first lesson of each half term.

    3. Lesson Timetable

    Before the first lesson of each term, the Teacher will give the Pupil (or the Pupil’s parent or carer) written confirmation of (i) the dates and times of all lessons during that term (ii) the start date for the following term’s Lessons. Lessons will take place on public holidays only by prior agreement between the Teacher and the Pupil (or the Pupil’s parent or carer).

    4. Missed Lessons

    The Teacher will charge for any scheduled lessons which the Pupil does not attend, unless the Teacher chooses not to do so because of exceptional circumstances. If the Teacher cancels a scheduled lesson, the Pupil (or the Pupil’s parent or carer) may choose between (i) receiving a replacement lesson; or (ii) receiving a refund of the lesson fee.

    5. Examinations, competitions and public performances

    The Pupil will not be entered for any examination, competition or public performance without the prior consent of both the Teacher, which will not be unreasonabley with-held, and the Pupil (and the Pupil’s parent or carer, where appropriate).

    6. Termination of Tution

    (a) This Agreement may be ended by mutual consent at any time by both signatories to it signing and dating a written statement to that effect.

    (b) Where fees are not paid on time, the Teacher reserves the right, entirely at the Teacher’s discretion, to terminate this Agreement with immediate effect by giving written notice of termination to the Pupil or Pupil’s parent or carer. This right to terminate is without prejudice to any other rights the Teacher may have.

    (c) Either signatory to this Agreement may terminate the Agreement by giving notice in writing to the other signatory at least one month before the end of a term for the termination to take effect at the end of that term. Such termination will take effect at the end of a term only and not at any other time. If the Teacher gives notice to terminate tuition at the end of a term in accordance with this Condition 6(c) the Teacher will continue to provide lessons until the end of that term.

    (d) Where notice is given correctly under Condition 6(a) or 6(c) a final adjusted charge will be calculated and, in the case of underpayment, should be paid within 28 days, and, in the case of overpayment will be refunded within 28 days.

    7. Failure to Give Notice

    Unless terminated under Condition 6 above, this Agreement shall continue from term to term. If the Pupil (or the Pupil’s parent or carer) fails to give full notice to terminate this Agreement in accordance with Condition 6(c) above and the signatories have not agreed to terminate the Agreement in accordance with Condition 6(a) above, the following charges will be made in lieu of notice:

    (a) Where the notice given is less than that required under Condition 6(c), but is one month or more before the start of the next term: 50% of the fees for the next term;

    (b) Where the notice given is less than one month before the start of the next term: 100% of the fees for the next term.

    If the Pupil stops attending lessons during a term, the Pupil (or the Pupil’s parent or carer) is not entitled to a refund of any fees paid for that term. The Pupil is entitled to attend any lessons paid for.

    If the Teacher stops lessons without giving the correct notice specified in Condition 6(c) above the Teacher shall refund any fees already paid for any lessons not given.

    8. Conduct

    If the Teacher, in his or her reasonable opinion, feels unable to continue tuition on account of unreasonable conduct by the Pupil or anyone connected with the Pupil, the fees for any outstanding lessons will not be refundable.

    9. Location of Lessons

    If the Teacher and the Pupil cannot meet in person at any physical location in the Agreement for reasons beyond the control of the parties, tuition will be given to the Pupil via an online platform agreed by the parties.

    10. Additional Lessons

    The Teacher and Pupil or Pupil’s Parent/Guardian may agree at any time to schedule additional lessons, which shall be paid at a rate agreed in writing by the Teacher and the Pupil/Pupil's Guardian/Parent.

    11. Pupil’s teaching environment and equipment (online lessons)

    (a) The Pupil or Pupil’s Parent or Guardian shall be responsible for a suitable location for online tuition

    (b) The Pupil or Pupil’s Parent/Guardian shall be responsible for provision of technology suitable for the online tuition and shall ensure that any applications or other technology specified by the Teacher for the tuition is installed and tested before online lessons commence. The Teacher is not responsible for the loan or supply of any equipment or materials, unless agreed in writing in advance.

    (c) The Teacher is not liable for any delays or disruptions caused by technical difficulties of whatever nature at the Pupil’s home or their location for the lessons. The teacher shall not be required to make up any time lost through such incidents

    (d) The Teacher is not liable for any damage, technical faults or failures of equipment and software belonging to the Pupil or Pupil’s Parent or Guardian

    12. Safeguarding (online lessons)

    a) The parties agree that safeguarding in the online environment is of paramount importance and agree that they shall observe best practice and professional guidance (such as advice to teachers from the ISM) in safeguarding and child protection at all times.

    b) The Pupil or Pupil’s Parent or Guardian agrees to follow any safeguarding requirements specified by the Teacher

    c) The Pupil, if aged 18 or under, will not contact the Teacher directly by any means for whatever reason: all communications relating to the lessons shall be made between the Pupil’s Parent or Guardian.

    d) Inappropriate behaviour or use of inappropriate or unlawful materials during the lessons by the Pupil may result in the Teacher terminating the lesson immediately and the teacher reserves the right to terminate the agreement with immediate effect, in which case the Teacher shall not be required to refund any fees previously paid.

    13. Changees

    If the Teacher chooses to waive any right or remedy under these Terms or otherwise (for example, if the Teacher chooses to waive fees for any lessons which the Pupil does not attend) this shall not mean that he must do so in future or that he waives any other rights or remedies

  • Tuition FAQ's
    Can anybody learn to play the piano?

    Yes, absolutely! I teach pupils of all ages and abilities from absolute beginners to advanced post-grade 8 pupils.

    Do I need a piano at home?

    Yes, otherwise you will not be able to make any meaningful progress.

    Will you travel to my house to teach?

    I do not currently offer this service.

    Are you CRB cleared?

    Yes and I also teach within local schools.

    How do you set your fees?

    Fees are calculated based on a pupil receiving 36 lessons per year and take into account the lesson, lesson preparation time, resources, professional development, piano maintenance and tuning , and other business overheads.

    How do I pay for lessons?

    Lessons are either paid for on a direct debit scheme or are invoiced in half-term blocks and I accept payment by cash, credit / debit card, cheque or bank transfer.

    Which is exam board do you use?

    I use multiple exam boards for different purposes, ABRSM, Trinity, RSL and MTB.

    Do you have insurance?

    Yes, as a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians I have cover liability and 3rd party damage cover up to £10million.

  • Accompaniment
    Can you provide accompaniment to any standard?

    Yes, Grade 1 to even the most difficult accompaniments like Rachmaninoff's cello sonata.

    I don't know the date of my exam, what should I do?

    Contact me as soon as you know you will need an accompanist and we will arrange a provisional booking. Confirm with me when the exam entry has been submitted and let me know of the "preferred week" on the application. (Your teacher will know this). Notify as soon as the exam date is available, this is usually at least 3 weeks prior to the exam.

    How do I pay?

    I will require a 25% non-returnable deposit at the time of booking, the balance will be due on the day of the performance. Payment is accepted via cash, cheque or bank-transfer.

    Will you accompany for festival classes?

    Yes.

  • Performance
    What type of piano is required?

    For public recitals, arts society recitals and concertos the instrument must be a grand piano of acceptable quality.

    For private functions any well-maintained and regularly tuned instrument will be acceptable. N. B. some works are not always possible on upright and electric pianos but I would discuss that with you at the time of the booking.

    Do you take requests on the day?

    It depends what it is! If I know it then yes, but "la campanella" requires a lot of preparation!

    I have a favourite piece I would like to hear, can you play it?

    With enough notice I can learn anything, however if you are looking for a work of extreme virtuosity at a wedding or function then this will be reflected in the fee.

    All of the performances on your website are classical, do you play other styles?

    Yes, I enjoy Jazz and also play my own arrangements of popular music. If I recorded them though it would be likely that I would need to pay for the rights to perform and record them as they are under copyright. Hence all videos on the website are of music where the composer has been deceased for over 70 years.

    What's the deal with copyright?

    Music becomes public domain 70 years after a composer's death. Until then fees are usually due to obtain the rights to perform or record the music. Some venues take care of that for us but sometimes we have to notify the Performing Rights Society ourselves and this must be done prior to the performance.

    Will you allow your performances to be recorded?

    Only if I am notified at the time of the booking and given full details of the purpose of the recording and how it will be shared.

    Can you record the performance for me?

    I can, I have good quality Rode NT5 microphones with NT45-O capsules that are excellent to capture a quality recording. Let me know early on in our conversations if this is something that you would like.


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