Instrumental Music Service - Frequently asked questions

MUSIC TUITION FEES
Parental frequently asked questions

• How is the fee set?
• What happens if lessons are cancelled?
• What is a deferment?
• How will refunds be dealt with?
• What happens if a pupil ceases lessons part-way through a term?
• How are lessons recorded for the purposes of validating deferments?
• Does it matter that each term is for a different amount of weeks?
• If tuition changes from individual to group or vice versa, how will that affect the charges?
• Can we have a schedule of when payment is due?
• What are the payment options?

How is the fee set?

The fixed contribution is based on an assumed minimum of 28 lessons from the 40 week academic year. An annual inflationary increase based on the retail price index excluding mortgages (RPIX) is applied.

In November 2010 the Council set a further increase of 2.5% in addition to the budgeted inflationary increase for years 2011 and 2012.

What happens if lessons are cancelled?

Music Instructor absence – The Music Service agrees to provide a Music Instructor for a minimum 28 lessons over the academic year. Should we fall short of this then fees paid will be deferred to the following term. In most cases music instructors will be available to teach on more than 28 occasions.

Pupil absence - If the pupil does not attend the lesson (due to absence, exams, holidays, school trips, etc.) then the instructor may be able to reschedule the lesson. However, this cannot be guaranteed. For long term pupil absence (e.g. due to illness or injury) a deferment may be agreed at the discretion of the Head of Instrumental Music Service.

Adverse weather – If the Music Instructor is not available to teach in the school due to adverse weather conditions (e.g. snow) cancelled lessons will be taken into account for deferment purposes.

What is a deferment?

A deferment is given instead of a refund when the Instrumental Music Service has not provided the agreed minimum tuition already paid for. Tuition will be provided free of charge for the following term.

How will refunds be dealt with?

In some cases a refund will be issued (e.g. when a pupil is leaving school and therefore cannot benefit from a deferment). Refunds can only be made in full i.e. partial refunds cannot be made. Refunds will be made via the same method as payment was originally received.

What happens if a pupil ceases lessons part-way through a term?

No refund will be made.

How are lessons recorded for the purposes of validating deferments?

A Registration Form (MIF31) is completed by the Instructor at each lesson. At the end of each term, these are processed centrally to track lessons received by each child and the reasons for any missed lessons.

Does it matter that each term is for a different amount of weeks?

No. The cost per term is only a contribution towards the cost of providing music tuition.

If tuition changes from individual to group or vice versa, how will that affect the charges?

The Music Instructor will inform the parent/contributor, explaining why the change is needed. Any change in charges will be implemented from the start of the next term.

Can we have a schedule of when payment is due?

You will receive an email (or letter) payment request reminding you when each advanced payment is due.

What are the payment options?

Prepayment is required for all tuition, at the start of each term. Four equal instalments are made each academic year. Please note that all tuition fees require to be paid at the start of the term – tuition will not begin until payment is received.

Online – by debit or credit* card. This is the preferred method.
https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/payments/MusicTuition.aspx

When you receive a payment request by email there will be a link which will take you to the payments page with the payment details automatically pre-populated. Payment requests in letter form will provide details for you to enter manually on the payments page.

Telephone – If you do not have access to email/internet, you may phone the Music Tuition Finance Team on 01224 664647 to pay over the phone. You will need to have a valid debit or credit card* to hand.

*Credit cards are charged an extra 2% to cover costs.

Cheque - If you do not have a debit or credit card, you can send a cheque (payable to 'Aberdeenshire Council') to Music Tuition Finance Team, Aberdeenshire Council, Woodhill House, Westburn Road, Aberdeen, AB16 5GB. Ensure that you write your child's name, class and school, as well as the transaction number on the back of the cheque.

Other payment methods - If you wish to pay by some other method, please contact the Music Tuition Finance Team on 01224 664647 to discuss this.