Music lessons Bedford
Terms and conditions
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are invoiced at the time of enrolment for the coming month's lessons. The amount varies depending on how many lessons are in the month. Typically there are four lessons at £22.50 each (£90).
Fees are collected on the 1st of each calendar month. Our term dates run in parallel with the state school terms published by the local County Council for the DeRosa location.
Missed Lessons and Absence
If a pupil is absent, lessons missed will not be refunded. If you cannot make a lesson, we will offer a virtual lesson via Zoom. In certain circumstances we may be able to offer an alternative time if space is available, but this is not guaranteed. A tutor will record a summary of what would have been taught and send it to you.
If our teacher is absent, we will arrange for an alternative teacher, offer a make-up lesson at a future date, or offer a refund.
Notice Period
If you want to leave the Academy, we will be sorry to see you go. We require one month’s notice, equivalent to four weekly lessons. Simply advise us via email, text, phone or in person. You can leave immediately, but only the balance after the four lessons have been deducted would be refundable.
First Aid On-Site
Health, safety and first aid are responsibilities we take seriously. Please bring to our attention anything that may give you cause for concern. Please note we may not always have a qualified first aider on site.
Safeguarding
All teachers are DBS checked and work within a safeguarding policy. Every care is taken to ensure the health and safety of your child whilst on our premises. DeRosa Music is responsible for your child only during a DeRosa Music lesson.
We are unable to provide supervision before or after lessons. Students remain in the care of accompanying adults before and after lessons. Parents and carers are requested to arrive a few minutes before the lesson starts and finishes to ensure a smooth and safe transition. Please do not leave children unattended, as we do not offer childcare facilities. If you are unavoidably delayed, please contact the shop. Parents should not enter a student’s lesson without prior permission, as this can be disruptive and may cause safeguarding issues in group or band lessons.
Force Majeure
In the event of severe weather or other external factors beyond our control, we may need to close the school for the safety of pupils, teachers and staff. We will offer an alternative lesson during the holidays or lessons via Zoom. We may not be able to make this decision in advance of the day it occurs.
If you are unable to make an alternative lesson, we are unable to refund or credit the lesson. The same condition applies to circumstances we could not have foreseen and are beyond our control.
Music exams
Face-to-face exams
The examining bodies we use offer universally recognised qualifications. Exam boards have three examining periods each year, held in spring, summer and autumn. Dates vary year to year, with a window of around five weeks. We often act as an external venue for Rockschool and Trinity exams. ABRSM exams are usually held at a local venue; you can choose from the venues available during online booking.
Remote exams
Recorded exams can be sent to the relevant board to be marked. We will keep an eye on exam board updates about remote and virtual exam options.
RSL – Rock School
RSL was founded on an ethos of providing innovative, contemporary qualifications for music and the arts.
ABRSM – Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
ABRSM is the UK’s largest music education body, a major music publisher and a provider of music exams around the world. As a registered charity, it also supports music education initiatives.
LCM – London College of Music
Established in 1877, the London College of Music Examinations is the longest-established exam board for the creative arts in the UK and is part of the University of West London.
Trinity
Trinity College London promotes communicative and performance skills through assessment, content and training. Students book exams online once their teacher feels they are prepared. Please ask our staff for help if you are unsure of the process. Exam progression varies by student and is not guaranteed.
Exam booking deadlines
Please check the exam entry deadlines and ensure you enter successfully. Payment must be made within the published deadlines. We recommend checking the exam board’s own website for the latest details.
Orchestral instrument exams
These include flute, clarinet, saxophones, oboe and violin. Exams may require a piano accompanist, which you can organise yourself or ask us to help suggest. Higher grades (6, 7 and 8) can gain UCAS points, and students will need photo ID at the exam.
ABRSM music theory
For ABRSM, students need to pass the Grade 5 music theory exam before progressing to Grade 6, 7 or 8 practical exams.
Exam books and certificates
Exam boards may require original accompaniment sheets and selected pieces. Please take care of these materials, as replacement piano accompaniment sheets may not be available separately. Certificates are usually sent by post around three to four weeks after an exam period closes. Candidates who do not meet the minimum pass mark receive a mark sheet with examiner comments.