Stopping lessons Expand Lessons continue throughout your child’s school career, our teachers often work with children through primary, secondary and sixth form. Lessons do not stop automatically at the end of the school year or if your child moves school e.g. to secondary school. If you wish to stop your child’s lessons please let the Music Service teacher and Durham Music Service know in writing (letter or email). Notice of termination of tuition/hire must be received at the Music Service before the invoice for the following term is issued. You will receive an invoice in September, December and April so you must let us know by the last day of the month before (i.e. August, November, March) or the fees for the following term will be payable. If you discontinue lessons/hire part way through a term you will still be required to pay the remaining payments on your issued invoice.
Payments Expand If your child begins lessons in the first half of a term and can have at least 8 lessons we will send you an invoice for that term’s lessons. If your child begins lessons in the second half of a term and cannot receive 8 lessons we will not charge you for that term. You will normally receive an invoice for lessons in September, December and April. The invoice is for the current term’s lessons and the invoice will be sent by post. The full list of payment options available to you can be found on the reverse of your invoice. If you would like to pay by Direct Debit please contact us and we can arrange to send you a Direct Debit mandate form, or you can visit our Reports and Policies page and complete the form here. We guarantee your child will be offered at least 24 lessons in a full school year (3 terms – September to July) and we aim to provide 30 lessons. Please note that if your child is unable to attend a lesson for any reason outside the control of Durham Music Service (e.g. school trip, illness, exams, forgotten instrument) this will count towards the guaranteed 24 lessons.
How lessons work Expand We offer a wide variety of lessons throughout most schools across County Durham and Darlington including: Brass Lessons Woodwind Lessons String Lessons Percussion Vocal We recommend you contact your child's school to enquire what type of lessons they can offer. Lessons usually take place within the school day and pupils will need to leave subject lessons to attend. Teachers do try to timetable on a rotating basis so that pupils are not missing the same subject each week. The ability to play an instrument or to sing will stay with your child for the rest of their lives. Playing and singing will not only increase their understanding and enjoyment of music it can also: Help social skills Build teamwork Increase self-confidence Give opportunities to perform Be a fulfilling hobby that can open up new opportunities Give children a head start in music lessons, from Primary school to GCSE, AS and A Level Playing an instrument or singing does require commitment. Pupils need to bring their instrument or equipment to every lesson and will need to play or sing regularly at home. They will need support and encouragement and there may be times when they will find it difficult. Remember that they will not be able to play tunes straight away and that the early stages may not sound wonderful. Please see below registration form and guidance for parents booklet. Registration_form.pdf Guidance_booklet_for_parents..pdf