TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Welcome to The Andrew Walker School of Music!
These Terms & Conditions are designed to ensure the smooth, professional, and safe operation of The Andrew Walker School of Music while protecting the interests of students, parents/guardians, and teaching professionals.
By booking lessons with The Andrew Walker School of Music, parents/guardians and students agree to abide by the following terms.
General Commitment
The Andrew Walker School of Music is committed to providing high-quality, professional music tuition, maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment, supporting student progress and wellbeing, and protecting the time, professionalism, and livelihoods of those delivering tuition through the school.
Lesson Booking & Payment
Lessons are booked on an ongoing basis and invoiced directly by the individual lesson provider. Payment for lessons must be made in full by the stated invoice due date. Tuition may be suspended or terminated if payments are repeatedly late or unpaid. Payment secures your lesson slot and provider availability.
Lesson Scheduling & Term Dates
The Andrew Walker School of Music generally operates in line with the City of Edinburgh Council school term calendar, with regular lessons typically taking place during standard academic term time. This structure helps provide consistency for students and families throughout the school year. Lessons during school holiday periods, including summer holidays, may be offered at the discretion of the individual lesson provider depending on availability, scheduling preferences, and student demand. Any holiday or summer lesson arrangements will be communicated directly by the lesson provider. Families are encouraged to discuss availability in advance where continued tuition outside standard term dates is desired.
Cancellation Policy
A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required for any lesson cancellation or rescheduling. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged in full. This policy protects lesson providers’ income and recognises that lesson slots cannot usually be refilled at short notice. Exceptions may be considered in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of The Andrew Walker School of Music. Missed lessons without notice are non-refundable.
Termination of Tuition
A minimum of one month’s written notice is required to discontinue regular tuition. Notice should be provided directly to the individual lesson provider and Andrew. Fees remain payable during the notice period unless otherwise agreed.
For students intending to discontinue lessons at the end of an academic year or not return following summer holidays, at least one month’s written notice must be provided prior to the beginning of the new teaching term. This allows sufficient time for timetable planning and the allocation of lesson spaces for the upcoming academic year. Failure to provide appropriate notice may result in charges for the notice period, as reserved lesson spaces are held in good faith and late notice can impact availability for other students.
Lesson Attendance
Students are expected to attend lessons punctually, participate respectfully, follow guidance, practise regularly where possible, treat all instruments, resources, and teaching materials with care, and maintain polite and appropriate behaviour. The school reserves the right to terminate lessons where behaviour consistently disrupts teaching or compromises safety.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
Parents/guardians must ensure prompt arrival and collection, remain on-site or in the immediate vicinity during lessons for younger students, stay with their child until the lesson provider begins the lesson, return at least 5 minutes before lesson end for feedback and homework updates, inform the lesson provider of illness, absence, or relevant concerns, maintain respectful communication, and raise concerns privately and professionally. Those delivering lessons cannot supervise children outside scheduled lesson times.
Holidays, Absences & Refunds
No refunds are provided for missed lessons due to holidays, social events, or personal scheduling conflicts. Catch-up lessons may be offered where availability allows but are not guaranteed. Short-term illness cancellations remain subject to the cancellation policy unless exceptional circumstances apply. Extended lesson provider absences will be accommodated through rescheduling, online lessons, or refunds where appropriate.
Exams & Educational Opportunities
Entry for graded music examinations such as ABRSM or Trinity is arranged between the lesson provider and student/parent. Exam fees are charged separately. Participation in exams is optional unless otherwise agreed as part of a structured programme.
Online Lessons
Where online tuition is offered, students must attend from a suitable environment, behaviour expectations remain the same as in-person lessons, parents should supervise younger children where needed, and technical issues outside provider control may require rearrangement where possible.
Health, Safety & Safeguarding
All students and families must adhere to the school’s Health & Safety Policy, Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy, lesson supervision procedures, and professional conduct standards. Failure to follow safeguarding or behavioural expectations may result in termination of tuition.
Photography & Promotional Material
Written consent is required before using student images or recordings for promotional purposes. Consent may be withdrawn at any time. Educational recordings may occasionally be used to support learning.
Liability
Personal belongings remain the responsibility of the student/parent. The Andrew Walker School of Music accepts no liability for loss or damage to personal items. All students must follow safety guidance during lessons.
Code of Conduct
All students and families are expected to treat those delivering tuition with respect, behave appropriately, avoid disruptive, abusive, or inappropriate conduct, and support a positive learning environment.
Policy Updates
The Andrew Walker School of Music reserves the right to update these Terms & Conditions, policies, or procedures where necessary to reflect operational, legal, or safeguarding requirements. The most current versions will always be available on the official website, and continued participation in lessons constitutes acceptance of any updated terms.
The Andrew Walker School of Music aims to provide a professional, inspiring, and nurturing musical education experience where students can build confidence, creativity, and lifelong musical skills. We greatly appreciate the support, cooperation, and understanding of our students and families in helping us maintain a positive, respectful, and well-organised learning environment for everyone.