lessons policy

Q. If I run late, would my lesson be extended accordingly?
A. If there are back-to-back lessons or if the teacher has other assignments, extension will not be possible. Please always plan to arrive early.

Q. If I can’t make it to lessons, are there replacements/make-ups?
A. We allow up to 2 make-up credits per term, provided the notice is served before 5pm a day before the lesson day (PH or not). (The industry practice is 24hours advance notice, so we provide more leeway).
If the notice is served on the lesson day itself, a M.C is required. If the makeup is rescheduled again by the student for any reason, it will consume another make-up credit. All make-up credits should be utilized within the current (paid) term.
From 2026, the school will allow a third makeup request on a case-by-case basis and it will be scheduled according to the Teachers’ availability. To make this possible, the school will allocate Stand-in Teachers whenever appropriate for more effective management of resources. This is a common practice in the industry. All replacement requests are to be made to the school, not to the teachers.
As it is, however, the school will only proactively arrange for 2 makeups per term. Additional requests have to come from the parents/students within the current term, or they will be forfeited.

Q. Why are there limits to replacement lessons?
A. First, the school and our teachers have reserved specific hours and studio rooms for our students. This is a business cost. Second, learning music is similar to training in sports; consistency and frequency are key pillars to a successful learning journey, hence frequent breaks are not encouraged. Third, music schools that allow “multiple” replacements often translate that into much higher fees.

Q. But I’m really busy. Can you offer a flexible plan like “Yoga” classes?
A. Honestly, this is where the challenge is. Regardless of the reason of absence, students are allowed 2 (+1 subject to review) maximum replacements per term. We cannot operate like Group Classes where students could easily hop onto the next group class possibly run by a different teacher. Even for them, they often have “fixated” class slots per week, not that you can freely choose.
The alternative is for our school to offer a Flexi plan with a fee loading. If you’re keen on this option, reach out to us. This is possibly more fair to students who show up every week and shouldn’t be made to pay more.

Q. I’m going on a holiday, can I get a replacement class?
A. We are supportive of you taking breaks, but the school cannot react to last minute requests. If you’re going away for more than 2 weeks (with proof of travel), please submit your request at least a month in advance, and we’ll review your case. Ordinarily, the same policy for replacement lessons shall apply.

Q. With these replacements policies and limits, what are the benefits of learning in a school?
A. Our circle of private teacher friends have often share that young kids in particular, focus and learn better in an enclosed class setting. It is a fact that many kids are distracted in their homes, or are uncomfortable under watchful eyes, or take too many “toilet” breaks during lessons. Our school also provides opportunities for students to perform in recitals. In addition, we have a library of repertoire and reference books at discount within reach and also offer discounted services for exam recordings and submissions.

Q. Can I request for a temporary stop due to my child’s PSLE or other major exams?
A. Yes, the pause should be less than 3 months though. The school reserves the right to reallocate your child’s lesson time slot during this period. Please submit your request at least a month in advance.

Q. What’s the difference between make-ups and re-schedules?
A. A Re-schedule applies when you wish to move the lesson time within the lesson day itself or within the same weekend (for Sat/Sun lessons if the teacher is available) so you could attend to some personal events. There are no limits to re-schedulings but they are subjected to the Teachers’ schedules and the Studio Rooms availability.
In the case where you’re unable to be present on the allocated lesson day and requesting for a replacement, a makeup credit will be consumed.

Q. Must I install the SchoolTracs App? Why can’t you just WhatsApp me?
A. Truth be told, WhatsApp isn’t perfect either. Messages get buried and we have students/parents still missing out on reminders. The SchoolTracs is an automated system and it is more reliable in sending out reminders. Beyond this, students/parents also get an email reminder 24 hours before the lesson time, so there’re already 2 tools in place to get your notices. We encourage “co-ownership” to your music learning journey. Please check your lesson schedules proactively, and contact us if you have questions.

Q. When is fee payable?
A. School fees are payable before the start of each term, regardless if there are outstanding make-ups from the previous term. An admin fee of $15 is payable for any late fees submitted. If the fee remains unpaid 2 weeks into the new term (regardless which day the lesson falls on), an automatic withdrawal process will kick-in and the lesson will cease after 2 additional weeks.

Q. What’s the withdrawal process like?
A. Lessons will cease 4 consecutive weeks after you served the withdrawal notice in person. Any balance in deposit/fees will be returned on the last day of lesson. No make-up credits will be allowed during these 4 weeks’ notice period, unless the Teacher is unavailable. Note that the 4 weeks’ notice shall include school breaks or public holidays, if any. Deposits must be claimed within 3 months upon withdrawal or lesson pauses, unless otherwise approved by the school.

Remark:
The school exhibits more flexibilities in make-ups for students at level Grade 5 and above. Having said that, a minimum of 70% attendance is expected to keep pace with the higher learning progress. If the school feels that this flexibility is being abused or not sustainable, the school reserves the right not to replace the missed lessons.

The school’s decisions on make-up, extension and late fees are final.