Terms & conditions

These terms & conditions apply to all students learning with Greenwich Music School (GMS). Some sections apply specifically to students learning at a host school (e.g. a primary school during the school day) and are clearly indicated.

1. Term structure and commitment 

Term Length

  • GMS venues: Lessons are organised on an annual basis, with 38 lessons per academic year for one to one students, divided into terms of 11–14 lessons.
    • For group students, at least ten lessons will be provided each term, with additional sessions scheduled when possible. (Full details are outlined in the Missed Lessons Policy.)
  • Host schools: 30 lessons are delivered per academic year, typically scheduled as 10 lessons per term.

Enrolment and giving notice to end lessons

  • Enrolment is on a term-long basis. A term is normally 11–13 weeks long, and we have three terms per year (Autumn, Spring, and Summer).
  • All students (one-to-one & group lessons): To stop lessons or change time/day for the next term, notice must be given before the end of the half-term break of the current term.
    • For example, to stop lessons at the end of the Autumn term in December, notice must be given before the end of the October half-term break.
  • For fixed-length courses (e.g. Voyagers, Music Studio): Enrolment runs for a set duration and does not continue automatically.
  • Notice must be given through the lesson platform. We cannot accept notice verbally, by email, or by any other method.
  • After the notice deadline, payment for the following notice period will be due in full.
  • This notice period helps maintain a stable learning environment and allows for necessary schedule adjustments.

Lesson timetabling and scheduling

  • Host schools: For students learning at a host school, the school is responsible for timetabling lessons and communicating lesson schedules to students and parents. Parents should check directly with the school for any changes or queries regarding lesson timings.
  • GMS venues: Lessons are scheduled at the same time each week or fortnight. To make the most of your lesson time, please arrive promptly and ensure your instrument and materials are ready at the start of the lesson.

Changes in lesson day/time or teacher (GMS venues only)

For one-to-one lessons at GMS venues, if you wish to request a change in lesson day, time, or teacher, please contact GMS directly. Requests usually take 5-6 weeks will be accommodated based on availability, though changes are not guaranteed.

Student practice and home instrument access

Lessons and courses will require students to practice on the days between lessons and for the learner to have an instrument at home. Students should set aside regular times throughout the week to complete practice as guided by their teacher.


2. Missed lessons policy

Group lessons

  • If you miss a lesson, we will help you catch up during the next lesson.
  • A minimum of ten lessons will be provided each term, with the curriculum planned accordingly. Normally 11-14 sessions will be scheduled, so if GMS misses a lesson then the curriculum will be covered in the remaining weeks; no make-up or refund is provided. If less than 10 sessions are provided then they will be made up or refunded. 

One-to-one lessons - if you miss a lesson

Your lesson time is reserved exclusively for you each week. If you miss a lesson, unfortunately we are unable to provide a make-up or refund since we cannot use that time with another student.

One-to-one lessons - if the teacher misses a lesson

If your teacher is unavailable, GMS will arrange one of the following options:

  1. Make-up week: Reschedule the lesson to the designated make-up week at the end of term.
  2. Alternative teacher: Arrange for a substitute teacher to deliver the lesson.
  3. Reschedule: Offer an alternative day or time if convenient. Once confirmed, this rescheduled lesson is fixed and cannot be further changed unless initiated by the teacher.
  4. Credit: If none of the above options is possible, GMS will provide a refund as a credit, normally at the end of term.

Student absences due to school events (host schools only)

  • • If lessons are affected by school events (such as exams or trips), and the school gives at least 30 days’ notice, GMS will attempt to reschedule within the same term. If rescheduling isn’t possible, the lesson may be credited at the sole discretion of GMS.
  • If fewer than 30 days’ notice is given, credit may not be issued for the missed lesson.

3. Payment terms

Direct parent billing

  • Fees for lessons at both GMS venues and host schools are paid in monthly instalments, spread evenly over the academic year (September–July).
  • Payments are due on the 1st of each month, one month in advance, for example fees for March are due by 1st February. 
  • Lesson fees increase every year, to help cover teacher wages, room costs and other expenses.

Additional costs

  • The cost of books, sheet music, instrument hire, and exam fees is not included in lesson fees and must be covered separately by students or parents.
  • GMS may provide recommendations for required materials, but it is the responsibility of the student/parent to purchase them in a timely manner.

Service level agreements (schools paying directly)

  • Schools are invoiced termly in advance for all booked lessons.
  • Invoices are due within 30 days unless otherwise agreed in writing.

4. Student and parent responsibilities

Child drop-off and collection

Parents must ensure children are collected promptly at the end of their lesson. GMS teachers are not responsible for supervising students outside lesson times, including when lessons occur outside normal school hours.

Contact information

GMS is not a regulated childcare provider and cannot provide care such as first aid. If you plan to leave your child during their lesson, please make sure the teacher has your current contact details and that you remain nearby and contactable by phone.

Lessons outside GMS

Students agree not to arrange private lessons outside GMS with any GMS teacher within six months of their last lesson at GMS.

Parent observation

  • Parents and carers are welcome to observe one-to-one lessons.
  • Observation of group lessons can be arranged upon request.

5. Health and safety

First aid

GMS does not have a registered first-aider on site. Parents/carers must remain contactable during lessons. 

Hygiene

For shared instruments (e.g., piano, percussion), please ensure hands are cleaned before use. If you or your child are ill and contagious, please refrain from attending lessons. 

Safeguarding

To read our full safeguarding policy, please see greenwichmusicschool.org.uk/policies.