FAQs
How do I pay?
Lessons are charged via invoice, emailed directly to you once you have filled in the form at the start of each term. You can pay termly or half termly.
My child doesn’t have their own instrument, do I have to buy one?
We offer to hire instruments out if you do not have one. Email chris@truemusic.uk for further details.
My child missed their lesson, do I still have to pay?
Unfortunately, if your child is absent from school, that lesson will count as spent and will not be refunded. If your child is injured and is physically unable to attend lessons for several weeks, (e.g. broken armed guitarist) the fees will need to be covered until the nearest half term and then lesson fees will freeze until the child can resume lessons. We would still encourage students to come to lessons however, as there are many musicianship skills that can be developed without the ability to play your instrument! Full terms are on our tuition agreement.
Will my child be missing lots of their school lessons for these instrumental lessons?
We work closely with the school teachers to try and make sure your child doesn’t miss an essential lesson. Where possible, a rotating timetable may be put in place to ensure your child does not miss the same lesson for an entire year. We encourage pupils to be proactive in catching up on anything they missed when in their music lesson.
Can I book lunchtime lessons only?
Unfortunately no, we don’t offer preferential slots to students. The only occasion we would do this is during exam season for SATs, GCSE or ALevel pupils.
How can I help, as the parent/guardian?
The best thing you can do is actively support and encourage practice at home. Get involved and ask them to show you what they’ve learned each week. Also, try to timetable practice time at home. 20 mins here and there before dinner, etc.
Some students need a little extra help being organised. You can help by ensuring your child has their music and instrument packed on their lesson day, remind them of their lesson time in the morning before school, or write it in their homework diary to prompt them. We have found that when the family show an active interest in their music making, pupils make markedly better progress than those students who are left to it. Plus its more fun for them and for you!
Can I contact the teacher at any point?
Absolutely! Contact your teacher via email, (chris@truemusic.uk or emma@truemusic.uk).
Why has my child not done an exam yet?
We do not pressurise students into taking exams, we are more focussed about their enjoyment and musical attainment. Every student learns at a different pace, and True Music tailors lessons to the needs and abilities of each student. We take students from Grade 1 - diploma level, and yet we also have had students for years who choose not to take exams.
Regardless of whether a student wants to take exams or not, we try to guide students through exam pieces and to that standard, but taking an exam is not a pre-requisite for continuing with lessons. Student led learning is how we like to operate, prioritising positive musical experiences.
Normally we encourage students to at least do one grade to see how they felt, but again we must stress, we are here to learn, improve and enjoy making music together, and every student is different.
My child wants to stop lessons.
That is absolutely fine, and we of course support whatever is best for the student. We require a minimum half terms written notice directly to the teacher to cease lessons, (not to the school). Please refer to our tuition agreement for full terms and conditions.
These lessons sound great but I can’t afford it. Is there anything you can do?
Yes! If your child still wants lessons and it’s just a financial obstacle, there are lots of things we can look into. Group tuition is cheaper than 1:1, and there are also many grants, charities and trusts that you may be able to access for further support.
If your child is eligible pupil premium, you can speak to the school about using that fund to either subsidise or pay in full for the lessons. The pupil premium fund goes directly to the school, so you would need to talk to your child’s class teacher or head of music at school to see if they can help. Many schools have engaged in this and it means the pupil can be signed up and learn with no fuss at all.
Alternatively, below is a list of organisations that may be able to help with financial aid.