Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get music lessons for my child?

You can apply to go on our waiting list for tuition by completing the online application form. We will process your application and notify you as soon as we have a place for your child. Alternatively you can call us on 01480 373500 and complete the registration over the phone.( Please note at busy times you may be directed to our voicemail)

Can I still have a taster session for my child before committing to a year of lesson’s ?

Yes, we try and organise taster lessons on demand in school for any child wishing to have a trial lesson.

You can email us with your contact details and name, and your child’s name, school, year and the instrument they would like to learn to or leave the details on our voicemail and we will contact you as soon as we have organised your child’s lesson.

When will my child start lessons?

Instrumental teaching usually begins week commencing 14 September for children continuing from last year; the teacher will have posted a timetable in the school stating when they will be in teaching.

If you have registered to go on the waiting list for tuition this year you will have confirmation direct from the Cambridgeshire Music Support Team as soon as the teacher confirms an available lesson slot. This will usually be within the first two weeks of teaching for those who registered before September. Please be aware that for all tuition we guarantee 30 sessions in the year and your child will not be disadvantaged by a short delay in starting.

How much practice should my child do at home?

There is no fixed answer of course to this question. The most important aspects are that there is interest from parents and carers in the child's learning, including listening to practice. It is usually more beneficial to pupils at the early stage to do a little practice regularly rather than a lot once a week! Your teacher should encourage your child to practice parts of pieces carefully rather than just play through the work set in order to develop their skills. As children become more experienced they will need to and hopefully want to play for longer in their practice sessions. Taking part in bands and ensembles is another way for children to develop their playing and understanding skills on top of their lesson and usually leads to a faster rate of progression.

I have been sent a direct debit form but with no notification of the cost - what do I do?

There are two ways you can elect to pay for tuition a) Monthly by direct debit
b) One payment for the year’s tuition
If you elect to pay monthly then we need to set you up as a County Council Direct Debit Customer. Returning the form does not mean we will start taking money form your account it simply means when we invoice you, you will be invoiced with a monthly payment plan telling you how much you pay for the whole year and when the payments will be collected. If you have not returned a direct debit form you will be invoiced in due course for the full amount with 30 days to pay.

I believe my child received less than 30 music lessons last year, will I receive a refund?

We have just completed our register audit; everyone who received less than 30 lessons due to staff absence and have already paid their invoice in full will be notified by the end of September. If you are not continuing lessons you will receive a cheque for the refundable amount. If you are continuing you will receive an invoice for this year’s tuition with a separate line showing the refundable amount as a credit.