TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR PRIVATE & GROUP LESSONS POLICY, AS OF TERM 2, 2022
The following Terms and Conditions apply to all lesson agreements made between Beat Factor Music Academy, its students and the parents / carers of “the student” and includes references to Beat Factor Music Academy. (BFMA).
1. TERM DATES
1a. Teaching weeks at BFMA roughly adhere to the Victorian
Educational School Terms. However, there are occasional differences and our dates are sent out well in advance.
1b. At all times it is the responsibility of the student and caregivers to be aware of the first and last dates of the Term and year at BFMA.
2. COMMUNICATIONS
2a. All correspondence is sent out to the student/caregivers by email. If this causes a problem, please let us know via email at: info@beatfactormusic.com or bfmusic15@gmail.com
2b. It is the responsibility of the student/caregivers to make BFMA aware of any changes to their contact details. BFMA will not be held responsible for any missed communications, late / overdue payments, missed lessons, etc. if this is due to incorrect contact information.
3. TIMETABLING OF LESSONS
Individual lessons are $35 per half hour, unless other arrangements have been made and will be paid for in advance or during the 4 week installments or 8 week Term at the start of each term or within 7 days of date of invoice.
GROUP LESSONS
Group lessons will be available (2 to 3 per group) for $45-$55 per half hour. No refund of fees will be paid for students withdrawing from the Program during the Term once the first lesson of the term has been held.
Students will attend lessons each week during the day and time allocated to them by mutual consent. Lessons will be scheduled at a regular day each week and will run for the entire Term. If for some reasons the teacher is unable to keep the schedule day. A catch up lesson will be scheduled at a mutual time.
3a. The student/caregivers will be informed of the lesson day, time and the date of their first lesson before their lesson commences, either by phone, text or by email. BFMA will aim to confirm all the lesson details by email, but does not guarantee that this will be the case if it deems sufficient confirmation has been provided by other means.
3b. Site-based lessons – if the agreed lesson times or days need to be changed, the student/caregivers will be contacted as far in advance as possible and alternative arrangements will be made to continue the lessons at times and days that suit the student and BFMA.
4. ABSENCES
4a. Individual lessons –
4.a.i. If a student is unable to attend a lesson please let BFMA know at the earliest time possible, either by email info@beatfactormusic.com or text at 0411 028 077
4.a.ii. Where less than 24-hours’ notice is given for missing a lesson, no catch-up lesson or credit will be given. This lesson is considered forfeited.
4.a.iii. Where at least 24-hours’ notice of the intended absence is given, this is deemed an “explained absence.”
4.a.iv. In relation to “explained absence”You and the teacher will arrange a replacement/catch-up lesson for up to two lessons per month with you at a mutually agreeable time. This often happens in the form of an extra 30minutes on your next lesson or an extra 15minutes on top of your next two lessons or if this isn’t possible with the lesson schedule, they will choose a day or two during the first week of the term break to provide this lesson.
4.a.v. The teacher at BFMA will go above and beyond to help work these replacement/catch up lesson timings out with you, however If you decide that you would prefer to not have this, this lesson is considered forfeited.
Please note the onus is on the caregiver/parent to jointly work with their teacher to find a mutually beneficial time.
4.a.vi. It is only by managerial discretion that customer credit is placed on a pupils account to the value of a missed lesson. Customer credit is not transferable for money but will be used at the earliest convenience – usually the next month’s fees.
4c. Teacher Absences –
4.c.i. If the student’s teacher is unavailable to teach, BFMA will attempt to arrange a catch up lesson with them.
4.c.iii. A teacher’s absence is not counted as one of the two explained absences per month but as an additional replacement/catch up lesson owed.
4d. Unavoidable cancellations –
4.d.i. If BFMA cancels any lessons due to events out of its control, customer credit may be given at the discretion of BFMA management.
4e. Ongoing absences –
4.e.i. If a student will be absent for more than three weeks due to medical reasons, a credit may be given, at the discretion of BFMA management.
Extended absence:
The teacher must be notified, in writing, of an extended absence (e.g. overseas holiday) so arrangements can be made with a minimum of four weeks notice. This can be done by emailing info@beatfactormusic.com
5. DURATION OF THE LESSON AGREEMENT – ONGOING
5a. The lesson agreement between BFMA and the student is a rolling agreement that continues into each new month/instalment or new Term.
5b. The students are emailed their invoices at the start of each month/Term in respect of the upcoming month’s/Term lessons, until a cancellation notice is received, as discussed below.
6. CANCELLING THE LESSON AGREEMENT
6a. Discontinuing lessons:
A minimum of four (4) weeks’ notice must be given in writing if you intend on discontinuing lessons. This notification should be given to the Teacher and emailed to info@beatfactormusic.com
If students/parents do not provide 4 weeks’ notice, then the parents will incur a cancellation fee equivalent to 4 weeks’ worth of lessons.
6b. Verbal notice given to the teacher will not be acted upon and is not considered sufficient unless confirmed in writing to BFMA by the student.
6c. If the student is unable to give four weeks’ notice, they will be charged a late notice fee equivalent to two weeks of lessons (or if only one week’s notice is given, a late notice fee equivalent to the cost of one week’s lessons will be charged).
6d. Exceptions on medical grounds may be made to this as decided by BFMA management.
6e. No refund or credit will be given for any cancellations part way through a fixed length programme.
6f. If BFMA has to cancel a lesson agreement it will endeavour to give two weeks’ notice to the student. Any lessons remaining after the lessons’ end date will be credited to the student’s account if payment has already been made.
6g. If, in exceptional circumstances, BFMA has to cancel the student’s lesson due to damage of BFMA property or harassment of BFMA staff by the student, this may be done with no notice and no credit or refund for any outstanding lessons.
7. BILLING & PAYMENT:
Beat Factor Music will issue invoices at the start of every month or term.
The invoice will detail all scheduled lessons for that period as well as showing any outstanding balances, if any.
All invoices are to be paid in full within 7- 14 days after invoice has been generated and distributed.
Where an invoice is not paid, a reminder note will be sent to the family, requesting that the invoice be paid immediately.
If, after receiving the reminder note, the invoice is still not paid by the requested date, then lessons for that student will be suspended immediately and Beat Factor Music may pass the outstanding balance onto a debt collection service.
It is assumed that once a lesson has been conducted within the billing period, no refund of fees will be paid for students withdrawing from the program.
7a. BFMA prefers online / Internet banking payments.
7b. CHEQUE payments can be given directly to Rod Pilois.
7c. CASH payments may be made in person.
7d. RECEIPTS will be issued to students or upon requests.
8. TUITION FEES AND ACCOUNTING
8a. The student is billed in one of two ways. 1. billed for each month/Term in full at the start of the month and the preceding term. 2. Billed on a fixed length programme.
8b. Full payment must be received before the new term starts, unless an agreed instalment plan has been put in place.
8c. If the student commences lessons part way through a month, the remainder of that month will be billed in full and payment must be received within one week of the invoice being issued.
9. PENALTIES
9b. BFMA does reserve the right to temporarily and fully suspend student from lessons with unpaid term fees during term time. A temporary suspension means that BFMA will keep the lesson time slot available for the student in the hopes that payment will be made. A full suspension means that BFMA has the right to fill the students lesson time slot with another student from the waitlist.
9c. Debt Collection details.
9.c.i. Payments more than 30 days in arrear may be handed over to Credit Consultants Group.
9.c.ii. BFMA will attempt numerous contacts prior to resorting to this unfortunate measure.
9.c.iii. All costs incurred for sending an account for debt collection are added to the student’s outstanding balance.
What equipment will be required for lessons and use at home?
If you do not already have an instrument, you may choose to buy, hire from us or borrow from a family or friend.
All students will require a plastic folder for keep notes and sheet music.
Students are required to maintain a Music Practice Diary throughout the year.
GUITAR/BASS
Students may wish to learn classical or contemporary guitar or bass. Any type of guitar will be fine to learn on, whether it be steel string, classical or electric. If you are considering purchasing however, we recommend starting off with a nylon/classical guitar. Intermediate students can choose steel string or electric guitar.
If you are wishing to learn bass guitar, you will need a short scale electric instrument for smaller bodies, amplifier and cable. All guitar students should also have their own accessories such as guitar bag or case, spare strings and tuner.
Guitar packs range in price but you can visit a reputable music store,
such as The Music Shop, 2/281 Foleys Rd, Deer Park, (03) 9363 5999 or GH Music at 100 Mt. Alexander Road, Flemington, (03) 9372 6664 and discuss your options with the sales staff.
DRUMS
Students will need:
• 1x pair of sticks (5A is a good starting point or 7A for lighter sticks)
• 1x stick bag, rubber practice pad & Metronome & Plastic folder to store drum work
• Contact The Music Shop, 2/281 Foleys Rd, Deer Park, (03) 9363 5999 or Drumtek for equipment or drum kits – 529 – 535 High Street,
Northcote, VIC, 3070, (03) 9482 5550
Expectations of Beat Factor Music Academy:
1. Fully qualified Teachers and professional performers that hold valid Working With Children (WWC) checks.
2. Teachers will provide their students and parents with regular feedback on their progress and guidance via Music Practice Diaries and personal contact when necessary.
3. Beat Factor Music will provide the opportunity for students to participate in ensembles, concerts and performances when their skills reach a certain level.
4. Students may have the opportunity to enroll in external music examinations. The teacher will clearly outline expectations and requirements of both the student and parents in regard to the examination process.
5. In the event of teacher illness, lessons will be made up at the end of the Term or conducted at a convenient time for both teacher and students.
6. Teachers at Beat Factor Music are regular professional performers. Should any of their performances coincide with the school term, lessons will be made up or a replacement teacher will fill in.
Students will be required to:
1. Practice regularly – a minimum of five days a week. For beginners 10-15 minutes each time. (regular short sessions are more effective than less frequent longer sessions).
Your child’s instructor will advise students on appropriate times for more experienced students. For Intermediates (30-40 minutes at day)
2. Label instruments and books and take care of their equipment.
3. Be punctual for lessons and rehearsals.
4. Show respect towards your teacher, peers and music instruments in the rooms.
Parents will be required to:
(For younger age students, parents need to be actively involved in their instrument learning)
1. Assist children in checking the time of their lesson before the start of the school day and inform the teacher of absences within given timeframe.
2. Assist children in remembering to take, and collect their instrument and books on the days of their lesson.
3. Actively monitor the child’s practice by – firstly making sure there is time in the week for it to happen and secondly, signing the diary to confirm that it has been done and for how long.
4. Raise any concerns about child’s lessons as soon as possible with the music teacher.
5. Term fees should be paid four weeks prior to the beginning of each Term.
6. Minimum of four weeks notice (prior to the end of Term) to the Musicteacher is required if a child is withdrawing from the program. Invoices are
provided at the start of every month.
No refund of fees will be made if a child decides to withdraw from lessons during the month. Requests for lesson changes a minimum
of four weeks notice (prior to end of Term) to the Music Teacher.
Factor Private Music Lessons
Cost: First lesson ($45 -45 minutes)- To assess student level and needs, prepare a 4-8 week learning program/plan.
We encourage new students to book for a 45 minute lesson, so I can get to know what their skills and abilities are, so I can plan and tailor for future lessons, if you wish to continue. I encourage only a 30 minute lesson for our younger students. Intermediate and advanced students should consider either 45 or 60 minute lessons to get full benefits of teachers expertise and time for Q & A.
There are lots to cover and to take in for any young student or mature age student. Therefore, from all my years of teaching, it is wise to not rush the very first lesson and take the time to absorb and take in all the information and the necessary skills that you would be required to work on from your first lesson and over the coming weeks and for the duration of the course.
Basic package 1:($140 /4 Weeks)
(1 x 30 min lessons-weekly for 4 weeks)
Basic package 2:($280 /8 Weeks)
(1 x 30 min lessons-weekly for 8 weeks
1. ON GOING PRIVATE LESSON:
• One Lesson of 30 Minutes – Costs from $35– $30
• One Lesson of 45 Minutes – Costs from $45-$50
• One Lesson of 60 Minutes – Costs from $60-$70
Casual or one off lessons – 30 Minutes- $40-$45
The details of your fess structure will be further advised during the First Lesson.
More than one student in Private Lesson attracts more discounts.
Please enquire at the time of your first lesson.
2. COMMUNITY DRUM GROUP LESSON (60 -75 minutes)
Group Lesson requires minimum of 3 students or the cost will be shared by other students.
• $15-$20 per person under the Age of 18
• $20-$25 per person over the Age of 18
3. WORKSHOPS – Comprehensive Half day or Full Day Training in Drum-kit, Djembe, Congas, Surdo, Rhythm Coaching, Guitar, Bass and all SPECIAL PROGRAMS mentioned in Our Course
Please contact your teacher for fees, times and course contents.
BF Music Rules and Regulations
10. PHOTOGRAPHY & FILMING
10a. BFMA may use film or still photographs of students for appropriate promotional purposes.
10b. You (or your parents if you are under 18 years of age) must inform BFMA in writing at any time if you will not allow the use of such images.
11. CHANGES TO THE TERMS & CONDITIONS
11a. The Terms and Conditions described above are agreed to upon enrolment and may be changed at any point by BFMA without providing notice to the pupil. A copy of the Terms and Conditions will always be available on the website and may be emailed to the student/caregivers on request.
CONTACT DETAILS
For all general enquiries: info@beatfactormusic.com
For all absence notifications: email, text or call 0411 028 077
To find us on Instagram: @bfmusicacademy
To find us on facebook: Facebook.com/beatfactormusic
Enrollment Policy:
All lessons MUST be pre-paid. Either on a casual rate basis or on our discounted Term payments.
Automatically each student is enrolled for Music Lessons and obligated to BF music Terms & Conditions once student or students commence their first lesson in the Term.
Our Payment options
• Electronic Funds Transfer
• Cash/chequrPayments
• Flexible payment arrangements available.
Community Drum Group Lessons
There are no refunds or make up lessons for missing Group Lessons or Workshops held at Saltwater community Centre or Point Cook community Centre. The teacher has to pay a community room hire fee, regardless if whether 3 or 10 students show up for the lesson. Two weeks notice is required to cancel a community room booking without charge to the teacher.
Certain exceptions can be considered and a lesson credit will be applied to the student account in the following Term.
Late Arrivals – Private & Group Lessons
Students arriving late will not have their lesson time extended unless there is ability and a valid reason for doing so. This backs up the entire schedule and presents scheduling problems for everyone concerned. Certain exceptions considered.
Cancellations and No-Shows– Private & Group Lessons
Any cancellation or missed lesson without 24 hours’ notice is considered a no show.
Failure to show up for lessons creates a loss of income for the teacher who has set aside time for the student in good faith. This means that if you do not show up for a lesson, for any reason, there are no refunds, make up lessons, or credits if you do not follow up with the teacher.
If the teacher fails to show up for a lesson or cancels for any reason, a makeup lesson will be scheduled during the same calendar month.
Make-up Lessons– Private & Group Lessons
Make-up lessons are offered in the same term as the missed lesson. Students should schedule a makeup lesson within two weeks at the teacher’s convenience. Please note that cancelling on the day of your lesson does not qualify for a make-up lesson.
Make-up lessons must be taken in the same session of lessons paid or accounted for in which that the lesson was cancelled.
External Performance of Content
Without the written consent of a Beat Factor Music staff, students or anyone else is not permitted to perform or display any of the lessons taught in class in a public platform, online media inclusive (YouTube, Facebook etc.). Any breaches of these terms and condition will be dealt with serious actions.
Teaching and Sharing Beat Factor Music content
Without the consent of Beat Factor Music, any sharing of the Beat Factor Music lessons and teaching to a third party is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.Any unpermitted recording or taping of Beat Factor Music classes is PROHIBITED. Any breaches of these terms and condition will be dealt with serious actions.
Any concerns on any of the above terms and conditions, please contact your teacher to discuss. We will more than willing to clear up any issues.
April 2022. Beat Factor Music Academy
COVID -19 CONDITIONS
Beat Factor Music have implemented extra health precautions and changes.
Re-Opening COVID-19 Condition of Entry below:
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· The Mandatory Vaccination Directions of the Chief Health Officer came into effect on 15 October 2021, all students over 16 years of age, parents, and teachers are mandated to be COVID-19 Double Vaccinated to enter business premises or have a Victorian Government recognised medical exemption. · Students & parents will be required to Check In using the ‘Victorian Gov QR check-in Service’ and show their Digital Vaccine Certificate on arrival. · Find out how to get your COVID-19 digital certificate with the easy-to-use guide on this link: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/get-your-covid-19-digital-certificate · Students over 16 years of age who either don’t have a smart phone or need help to check-in and prove their vaccination status, can do so by presenting a hardcopy of their vaccination certificate. · Non vaccinated students can still continue with ZOOM online lessons, or phone your teacher for more details. · Masks for students over 12 years of age are still mandatory indoors at Beat Factor Music Studio, unless you have a medical exemption. For a complete guide, including the current roadmap, please visit this link: |
We ask all students and parents to follow these new & important COVID-19 procedures before entering the Music Studio.
Re-Opening COVID-19 Condition of Entry below:
- There are TWO chairsin the foyer, we ask that ONLY students sit in the waiting area, all parents, other family members or friends, please wait in your car or outside the building (this is to reduce the number of people in our foyer/waiting area).
- We will endeavor to have a 30 minute gap between each student, to prevent a build up of traffic in and out of the studio.
- Hand wipes and sanitisers are provided in the foyer and in the studio. Students must sanitize hands before the lessons.
- We encourage students to bring their own guitars, picks, tuners, drum-sticks and music folder to the classes to minimize sharing of equipment.
Other important procedures that we require you to follow are:
- If you or any member of your household are sick with cold/flu or respiratory symptoms you MUST NOT come to the studio for music lessons.
- If you or any member of your household has attended an exposure site you must not attend the studio and the instructions that you are given from the Department of Health must be followed. Please inform also inform us ASAP.
- When deemed necessary due to COVID19 community outbreaks we may take extra precautions if need be to ensure teachers and students are safe.
- If you or your child or any person that you have had close contact with does receive a positive test result for COVID-19 you must inform us immediately. Please do not come into the studio and get tested ASAP.
- If you feel any cold and flu symptoms please inform us and get tested ASAP, if you return a positive result, inform us ASAP so we can take the necessary measures if need be to notify any other members that were here at the same time.
- Our studio has always tried to implement and focus on good hygiene and we encourage our students to use appropriate hygiene measures such as clean instruments, washing hands, sanitising, bringing their own instruments, music books, drum sticks. The equipment used in the studio will be wiped down before and after each lesson. This will continue to be important and must be adhered by us all.
Please do not hesitate to contact your teacher if you have any questions or concerns regarding the above information.
We look forward in having the students back for face to face classes, in what has been a very disruptive last 18 months.
Thank you for your understanding!
Rod Pilois
Beat Factor Music Manager