Frequently Asked Questions

Standard instrumental and singing tuition is normally 30 minutes in a small group of two or three pupils.

Where a pupil is taught individually, the lesson is normally 20 minutes.

Because tuition takes place in school and is usually shared in a small group, I can keep the fee considerably lower than my equivalent private tuition rate.

Mr C’s Music offers tuition in guitar, drums, keyboard, bass and singing.

I can also teach ukulele, although I do not usually prioritise it because many primary schools already include ukulele within their curriculum. Please also note that ukulele and guitar are different instruments and are taught differently.

Most tuition is delivered in small groups of two or three pupils.

Individual tuition may also be available, depending on the school, instrument, pupil numbers and timetable.

The aim is always to make sure each child receives useful, appropriate tuition at a level that suits them.

Yes. Lesson times, groupings and teaching arrangements may occasionally need to change because of school activities, trips, timetables or other practical reasons.

Reasonable notice will be given wherever possible.

Regular practice is strongly encouraged. Lessons provide tuition, guidance and encouragement, but musical progress depends greatly on what happens between lessons.

Short, regular practice is usually more useful than one long practice session occasionally.

I also run a BANDY® One-Minute Challenge scheme, where children can complete short focused practice challenges and earn prizes.

Tuition fees are set on a termly basis.

Parents can either pay in full by the published payment deadline or spread the cost using monthly Direct Debit through GoCardless.

Monthly Direct Debit payments are instalments towards the agreed tuition fees.

They are not payments for the lessons delivered in that individual calendar month.

If you choose monthly payments, the tuition fee is spread into regular instalments for budgeting convenience.

This means the amount collected in a particular month does not directly correspond to the number of lessons delivered during that month.

If a payment fails, you may be asked to make payment by another method.

Tuition may be suspended until the outstanding payment is received.

If you are experiencing financial difficulty, please contact me as early as possible so we can discuss it.

Please give at least one full calendar month’s written notice.

Cancelling your Direct Debit with your bank does not itself cancel tuition. Notice must be sent directly to Mr C’s Music.

Fees remain payable during the applicable notice period.

Occasional lessons missed because of pupil absence, including illness, holidays, school trips or other personal commitments, are normally non-refundable.

Where reasonably possible, an alternative lesson may be offered, although this cannot be guaranteed.

If a child is absent for a prolonged period because of illness or exceptional circumstances, please contact me. Depending on the circumstances, alternative arrangements, a credit or a refund may be considered.

Lessons cancelled by Mr C’s Music will normally be rearranged wherever reasonably possible.

I often use one of the planned blue weeks in the teaching calendar to make up a lesson where necessary.

If rearranging is not possible, a credit or refund may be provided where appropriate.

If lessons cannot take place because of a school closure, severe weather, industrial action or another circumstance outside the reasonable control of Mr C’s Music, every reasonable effort will be made to rearrange where practical.

Replacement lessons cannot always be guaranteed.

BANDY® is the primary school band programme by Mr C’s Music.

Children learn and perform real songs together as a band, normally combining current music with classic songs and small pieces of music history.

The emphasis is on learning how a band works: keeping in time, listening, learning individual parts, rehearsing together and preparing music for performance.

BANDY® rehearsals normally last one hour.

Where a school runs a Year 5 BANDY®, this is normally a lunchtime rehearsal and includes time for the children to eat their lunch.

Where a school runs a Year 6 BANDY®, this is normally an after-school rehearsal and includes the practical side of being in a band, such as setting up and packing instruments away properly.

Not every school runs both Year 5 and Year 6 bands, so exact arrangements can vary from school to school.

BANDY® pupils also receive a 20-minute instrumental or singing lesson, normally in a group of two.

This is where the children learn and improve their individual song and the parts they need to play or sing within it.

They can then bring that prepared part into the BANDY® rehearsal, where everybody learns how the separate parts fit together as a band.

No.

In normal Mr C’s Music instrumental lessons, children learn how to play their instrument properly and develop their individual technique and musicianship.

The BANDY® instrumental lesson concentrates much more specifically on learning and improving the child’s parts for the songs currently being rehearsed.

The one-hour BANDY® rehearsal then develops the ensemble side: timing, listening, song structure, teamwork, recovery, rehearsal skills and performance.

A – Attendance: regular attendance helps the whole band progress together.

B – Behaviour: pupils are expected to behave respectfully towards other musicians, staff, equipment and the school.

C – Commitment: pupils should make a reasonable effort to practise, learn their parts and contribute positively to rehearsals.

Performances and concerts are an important part of BANDY®. Pupils are therefore expected to make every reasonable effort to take part in scheduled performances. If a child genuinely cannot attend, please let me know as early as possible.

In a band, one child’s part affects everybody else.

If one musician is unsure of their part, the whole rehearsal can be affected, so children are encouraged to practise the small targets they are given between rehearsals.

No. BANDY® groups often include a mixture of children who have been having lessons for several terms or years and children who are completely new to playing in a band.

That is absolutely fine. Parts are chosen and adapted according to each child’s current ability, experience and how long they have been learning.

A simple part played confidently, accurately and in time is far more valuable than a difficult part that prevents the child from contributing successfully to the band.

BANDY® is a team activity, so pupils are expected to follow school rules and participate positively.

If attendance, behaviour or commitment becomes an ongoing problem, Mr C’s Music may contact parents to discuss whether the BANDY® place remains appropriate.

Where home practice is required, pupils should ideally have access to an appropriate instrument.

If you are unsure what your child needs, please contact me before buying anything.

Instrument hire may be available depending on the instrument and current stock.

Visit the Instrument Hire page for more information.

Reasonable care should be taken of any instrument or equipment loaned by Mr C’s Music or the school.

Parents may be asked to contribute towards repair or replacement costs where damage has resulted from misuse or negligence.

Pupils are expected to behave respectfully and follow their school’s behaviour rules during lessons, rehearsals and while being collected from class.

Persistent disruptive, unsafe or inappropriate behaviour may result in tuition being suspended or ended.

Please make sure Mr C’s Music is informed of any relevant medical conditions, allergies or additional needs that may affect your child’s participation.

Photographs and videos are not an automatic requirement of lessons or BANDY®, although they may occasionally be taken for appropriate teaching, assessment or celebration purposes.

I will follow the photo and video permissions you provided when your child was signed up, including the permissions completed through the current Google application form.

Images are only used where the appropriate parental permission has been given, and consent can be withdrawn in writing.

Important information is normally sent by email.

Please make sure your contact details remain up to date.

Mr C’s Music is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Teaching is carried out in line with each school’s safeguarding procedures and any concerns are handled in accordance with school policies and current statutory guidance.