How do I go about booking my first lesson?
You can contact us by email, or by calling our booking line. Once you have decided on a particular time, we will require a securing deposit of £20, which is accepted by cash or by cheque only. Your payment can be sent to the school address or by visiting in person. Once we have received your deposit, we will then confirm your booking and send you a receipt of payment along with a welcome letter and an outline of our terms and conditions, which will need to be signed and returned to the school. If you have decided on a particular appointment time but cannot arrange immediate payment to secure, we are happy to reserve a time slot pending a securing deposit for a maximum period of 48 hours. This is to allow time for you to visit in person or to send your payment through the post. Should a securing deposit not be received within this period, the slot will then be made available to other potential students.
What if I do not own an instrument?
To get the most out of your lessons it is essential that you either own, or at the very least have access to a suitable instrument in order for you to maintain an effective practice regime. However, we do understand that some are reluctant to invest in or are unable to secure the use of an instrument initially. For this purpose only we occasionally have a selection of instruments available for a limited rental period in order to get you started. Please enquire for availability.
Can I pay for a lesson each time I have one?
Due to the large number of pupils being taught at the school we cannot offer a pay as you go system. Instead, our teaching faculty and students observe a system where lessons are booked and paid for in blocks of four. Crucially, this also allows us to guarantee a regular time and teaching slot for each student.
What happens if I need to cancel a lesson?
Not a problem. We always do our best to help, so provided that a minimum of 5 days notice is received, we will defer your booked lesson. If a cancellation is made outside of our minimum notice period, then the lesson will be considered forfeit unless a cancellation has been made due to extenuating circumstances whereby your tutor may consider a deferral at their discretion. If you cannot attend at the given time, please ring us OR send an email. We may be able to offer you an alternative appointment for that week.
What happens if I have paid for my lessons, but am unable or choose not to continue?
Unfortunately, refunds are not given on lessons that have been paid for. However, should you need to cancel your lessons, and have provided us with the minimum 5 days notice, your tutor will be happy to arrange to defer any lessons for the future. If you should have chosen not to continue with your lessons, at your tutor's discretion you may be permitted to arrange for another person to use any lessons credits that remain.
Can I purchase lessons as a gift?
Yes, you can purchase gift vouchers for either four or eight lessons. All vouchers are produced 'in-house' and can be tailored to incorporate any personal messages that you desire. Gift Vouchers are valid for 6 months after the date of purchase and cannot be exchanged for cash. We can only accept payment for gift vouchers by cash or cheque.
Can parents sit in on their child's lessons?
Parents are more than welcome to sit in on their child's lessons although it is found that older children tend to progress quicker if their parents are not in attendance. However, children under the age of 10 years are preferred to be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is invited to be present throughout the lesson.
Can I have a lesson with a friend / member of my family?
Yes, provided that after an initial assessment both students are of a similar musical standard. We also prefer both students to be of a similar age and share musical tastes. Please note that for two people per 30 minute lesson, the fee is £20.
Can I enter for graded exams?
Preparations for formal graded examinations by a number of approved exam boards are offered should a student wish to take an exam. Details are available upon request from your teacher.
Can I play whatever music I want to?
Absolutely! You tell us about the styles of music, artists or bands that have fuelled your passion and we will tailor the lessons to incorporate this.
Do you have parking facilities?
Not as such, but there is an easily accessible 24-hour pay & display car park just two minutes walk from us located in Spices Yard. Please note: there is no FREE period at this car park, so please be aware that you will need to pay for a ticket even if your lesson is during the evening. Alternatively there are a number of individual pay & display bays along South End, which providing that your lesson is after 5pm and you are parked in a bay, are free of charge.
Are your tutors Criminal Records Bureau checked?
For the peace of mind of ALL our students, it is standard procedure for South End Music School that all of our teachers have been cleared through the 'Disclosure' Criminal Records Bureau data protection register, a system that is used by all schools, colleges and other organisations.