Terms and Conditions – updated June 2013 1. School Calendar Decibel Music School runs lessons to coincide with the NSW school terms, unless otherwise specified in an individual invoice. A school calendar showing exact dates is available from reception. There may be also lessons arranged during the school break by mutual agreement of the teacher and the student. Many students also take lessons during holidays to improve on technique, for exams or to participate in our rock, programs. 2. Invoices Invoices are posted or emailed to parents / students at the beginning of each term with tuition fees for the whole term charged in advance. Fees are payable by the due date specified on each invoice. Failure to pay an invoice by the due date will result in a late fee of $35 being charged unless a prior arrangement has been organised. 3. Lessons of any students with overdue invoices in excess of two weeks will be terminated until the full amount owing has been paid. 4.All invoices which remain overdue one month after the due date stated on the original invoice will automatically be referred to a debt collection agency who will then take action to recoup all monies owed. 5. Payment is accepted by cheque, credit card or electronic banking only. In the event of a cheque being dishonoured, the parent / student will be responsible for meeting any bank charges incurred. 6. Absentees Policy It would be appreciated if you let Decibel Music School know if you are going to be absent from lessons at the start of the term. Please send in writing an email at info @decibelmusicschool.com.au No refunds are available to students who take holidays or are absent for any reason within the school term once it has started. 7. Class Students In cases where the teacher feels that a child may be falling behind, a short catch up lesson may be arranged by the teacher, at a mutually convenient time, charged at the normal lesson rate. There is no refund or credit for lessons missed: Fees for that lesson are forfeited. 8. Private Students If you are absent from a private lesson: Fees for that lesson are forfeited. Only one credit per term (applied to the next terms invoice) will be given to students when a minimum of 24 hours notice of absence is received (unless under exceptional circumstances as determined by Decibel Music School). Lessons will not be made up. If lessons are cancelled due to the illness of a teacher, that lesson will be credited on the next invoice. Regular attendance at lessons is necessary for students overall progress. Frequent absences from lessons will impede progress and may result in a student's lesson time being forfeited. There is no refund or credit for lessons missed by a student regardless of how much notice is given. 9. Teacher Absent If the teacher is absent: Decibel Music School will, where possible, get a replacement teacher. If we are unable to arrange a replacement teacher then your teacher will reschedule the lesson at a convenient time. If you cannot make the rescheduled lesson, you will be eligible for a credit of the lesson cost. 10. Termination Four weeks written notice must be given for the cancellation of a student from tuition. No refunds are allowed. 11. Cancellation Decibel Music School may cancel lessons at any time before the pupil commences for any reason whatsoever. Decibel Music School shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from such cancellation. In the event of cancellation by Decibel Music School prior to the commencement of lessons, Decibel Music School will refund any fees already paid. 12. Parent/Guardian Attendance Parent attendance is welcomed at all times. Children up to the age of 6 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the lesson. Children between the ages of 7 and 10 would benefit from a parent being present but it is not compulsory. 13. Siblings To ensure that your child gets the full benefit from their lesson, we request that they are accompanied by only a parent or guardian. We do not have childcare facilities. 14. Student Conduct Decibel Music School expects students to have fun in lessons but also to conduct themselves in a sensible manner with due regard for the teacher and other students. Teachers reserve the right to discipline children in their care to a certain extent. However, if this proves ineffective, it is the parent’s responsibility to take control of the student and remove them from the lesson if necessary. The parent shall be responsible for the welfare and conduct of the student throughout the course and whilst the student is on the premises. If unacceptable behaviour continues, this will be investigated by Decibel Music School. Students and/or parents who are unable to rectify unacceptable behaviour will be excluded from lessons and if necessary, the premises. The standard of behaviour which is to be regarded as unacceptable in lessons or on the premises shall be determined by Decibel Music School. 15. Responsibility Decibel Music School will take all reasonable care to ensure pupils are safely supervised, but cannot be held responsible for any incidents that may occur in the parent’s absence. 16. Personal Property Decibel Music School does not accept liability for the loss of any personal property on the School’s premises or items being stolen. 17. Parents are welcome to talk direct with the music teacher or call at anytime to discuss their child’s progress. 18. Smoking & Alcoholic Drinks Smoking & consumption of alcoholic drinks are not permitted on Decibel Music School premises. 19. Equal Opportunities Decibel Music School offers equal opportunities and equal treatment of contractors and students regardless of their sex, colour, race or nationality. 20. Customer Feedback Decibel Music School is very proud of the service provided. However, if you do have a concern about a student’s music education at Decibel Music School please talk to your teacher in the first instance. If you are unable to resolve the problem with your teacher, please telephone Decibel Music School on (02) 8034 1534. If your issue is still not resolved please put it in writing The Director, PoBox 197, West Ryde 1685 21. Acceptance of terms and conditions All agreements relating to the teaching of courses by Decibel Music School to the student are subject to these terms and conditions to the exclusion of all other terms and conditions. No variations or addition to the terms shall be binding unless agreed in writing by Decibel Music School and the parent. The terms shall be deemed to have been accepted and agreed to by you upon payment or upon attending a course on 2 separate occasions, whichever is the earlier. It is the mission of Decibel Music School to provide musical tuition of the highest quality. It is also our goal to adhere to the highest professional standards in the running of the school and in our dealings with both parents and students. Your agreeing to abide by the aforementioned terms and conditions will enhance the professional image of the school and ensure a mutually beneficial association.