Terms & Conditions – Standard - {school_name}

Band rehearsals

Typically take place before or after school for 30-60 minutes. Rehearsals are where all children come together to play as a full band.

Tuition

Refers to the 30-minute music lesson/tutorials where small groups or individual children learn how to play their specific instrument and learn to read music. If enrolled in group tutorials, band rehearsals are included at no extra charge. If enrolled in private tutorials or band only this full band rehearsal incurs an additional cost each term. 

• Group Tutorials ($220 per term - includes lessons and full band rehearsal) - average 5 students per group, generally occur on the same day as band rehearsal, timetabled in conjunction with classroom teachers and school executive. Group Tutorials are the recommended tuition type for students starting an instrument.

OR

• Private Tutorials ($500 per term - covers tuition only, students must also pay ‘Band Only’ fee below) – private tuition is not available at all TSA schools and is often limited in availability. These individual tutorials are more expensive and more demanding than our traditional group tutorials. Please contact TSA to discuss before enrolling in private tuition.

• Band Only ($110 per term) - available to students enrolled in private tuition (through TSA or externally with a qualified tutor.)

Fees

Band and lessons are provided on a term basis, with a term typically consisting of 9 -11 lessons or performance opportunities. Fees are payable at the commencement of each term and include all tutorials/band rehearsals and performances for the term. If a public holiday, pupil-free day or other ‘whole school’ activity occurs and less than 9 lessons/performances are achieved in that term, an alternative lesson/performance opportunity will be provided. Due to timetabling restrictions & varying term lengths, this extra lesson/performance may not always take place in the same term.

Payment

If you have not chosen to set up a direct debit, an invoice will be emailed to you at the beginning of each term and is payable within 14 days. Payment options include credit card, EFT and Direct Debit. You may incur late fees or your child may be excluded from rehearsals and lessons if fees are unpaid. NOTE – TSA is registered for NSW Government’s ‘Creative Kids’ program. If you are eligible for this voucher, details on how to use it towards your school band fees can be found on the TSA website.

Student Absences

Tuition is a commitment for a full term. Due to the nature of group lessons, individual student absences cannot be made up. As such, no refund is provided for student absences from group lessons.

Withdrawal

Minimum commitment for tuition is one term. Notice of withdrawal must be given to the TSA office prior to the new term commencing or that term’s tuition fees will be charged. No refund is given for mid-term withdrawal (we will give consideration for hardship).

Practice

It is expected that students will spend regular time at home practising their instrument. At least 3x20min practices per week required.

Correspondence

Enrolment, fees and general enquiries should be directed to the TSA main office. The most effective means of contact is by calling or emailing the TSA office directly. Your child’s school office will not be responsible for handling TSA business. Notes sent to school often take days or weeks to arrive at TSA so please contact TSA directly. 

Instrument

Buying or hiring an instrument is an extra cost and is not included in tuition fees. It will also become obvious that some instruments cost more than others. If price is an obstacle we encourage you to contact us for advice and avoid buying a cheap version of an expensive instrument as this can end up costing you more in repairs and depreciation. See the Instrument Purchase Agreement for further tips.

Accessories

Students will be provided a method book as part of the enrolment fee for band and lessons (Accent on Achievement). A music stand is recommended for home practice ($27). Clarinet and saxophone players will need a steady supply of reeds (box of 10: clarinet $43, sax $60). A box of reeds will usually last around 12 months once students learn how to look after them.

Resource & Facility Hire Levy

Running a school band requires resources such as sheet music, music stands at school, percussion equipment, amplifiers, etc. This is covered by TSA’s resource levy ($10 per term). Some schools may also charge a facility hire fee for music lessons to be held at the school. The combined resource levy and facility hire fee for {school_name} is ${facility_resource_levy} per term, 

Enrolment Fee

The $30 enrolment fee is a one off compulsory fee that covers the Method Book and all enrolment administration for your child to join the school band. The enrolment fee will be included in the term 1 invoice which will be sent out early term 1.

Photography & Video

TSA occasionally uses photographs and video recordings of students on its website, in brochures, newsletters and other promotional material. No personal details or surnames will be used and photos are used in accordance with TSA’s Child-Safe polices. If you do not wish TSA to display photographs of your child please notify TSA in writing or via email – enrolments@teachingservices.com.au.